DOLE SELLING DRIED FRUIT BUSINESS

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Dole Food Co. here is selling its dried fruit business to Sun Diamond Growers of California, a growers cooperative based in Pleasanton, Calif., for approximately $100 million.

is licensing its brand name to Sun Diamond Growers.

Sandra McBride, communications manager for Sun Diamond, said she did not think the transaction will affect retailers. "I can't think what effect there would be," she said. "We expect to use the Dole label well into the next century."

She said Sun Diamond Growers also intends to maintain good working relations with current Dole customers.

Dole spokesman Thomas J. Pernice said he agreed that the transactions should not have much effect.

"It shouldn't have any impact on customers," he said. "The operations Sun Diamond is buying are ongoing ones."

David H. Murdock, chairman and chief executive officer of Dole, said the sale is consistent with Dole's previously announced plans to review all aspects of the company, with the intent to sell or distribute certain assets.

According to scan data compiled by Nielsen North America, Schaumburg, Ill., Dole has major market shares in raisins, dried prunes and dates.

Dole Food is a major food production and distribution company.