AGM Statement

Cranswick PLC
25 July 2005


Cranswick plc ('Cranswick' or 'the Company') - first quarter trading statement


The following statement will be made by Martin Davey, the Company's Chairman, at
the Annual General Meeting later this morning:


'The results for last financial year were pleasing given the number of
challenges we faced:

   •Profit before taxation rose 12 per cent to £23.6m*
   •Earnings per share rose 15 per cent to 41.1 pence*
   •The dividend was raised 10 per cent to 14.5 pence per share
   •Underlying cash generation continued to be strong
   •Perkins Chilled Foods, acquired in January for £83.3m, is integrating
    well
   •The major capital expenditure programme over the last 2 years totalling
    in excess of £20m was completed

*before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items


The current financial year has started well with first quarter trading in line
with management's expectations.

Compared with the same quarter last year, total sales increased by 53 per cent
to £109m including £33m from Perkins. Food sales excluding Perkins showed an
increase of 7 per cent to £68m. Within this figure, sales of food products
increased by 13% with fresh pork, sandwiches and charcuterie showing
particularly strong growth, whilst animal feed sales were £2m down to £4m
reflecting the closure of Wellingore in the second quarter of last year. Sales
of gourmet bacon grew significantly from a low base. The pet business recorded a
modest sales increase of 1 per cent. Cashflow has been strong and borrowings
have fallen in line with expectations.

We have recently sold our livestock herd plus equipment for cash to a
well-established farming business in the North of England. Agreements have been
put in place for the continuing supply of feed by Cranswick Mill and for the
supply of pigs to the Cranswick Country Foods processing plant in East
Yorkshire. We have also completed the sale of one of our surplus freehold sites
and are making good progress in terms of planning applications on the other two
sites.'

Enquiries:

Cranswick plc
Martin Davey, Chairman                        01377 270649 (mobile [phone])
John Lindop, Finance Director               01377 270649 (mobile [phone])


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