Chairman's Statement

Cranswick PLC
24 July 2000

              CRANSWICK plc: AGM STATEMENT


Jim   Bloom,   Chairman  of  Cranswick  plc.   the   pet,
agribusiness  and  food group, will  make  the  following
statement to shareholders at today's (Monday) AGM:

'The  Board's  strategy for the development of  Cranswick
since 1988 has been to develop a broad business base with
interests  in  the  pet, agribusiness and  food  sectors.
Development  has  been  by  way  of  organic  growth  and
acquisitions.  We are determined to continue  Cranswick's
successful  development and the uninterrupted  growth  in
profits  which  has been a feature of the business  since
implementing the strategy.

The last financial year was particularly successful:

  Profit  before  taxation and goodwill  amortisation
  rose  32  per  cent to £9.3 million,  the  highest  yet
  achieved by the Company

  Adjusted earnings per share increased 14 per cent to
  a record 39 pence

  Interest cover was a healthy 13 times

  The dividend was raised 11 per cent to 15 pence per
  share

These   excellent  results  are  a  tribute  to  all   at
Cranswick.

The  current financial year has started well with profits
in the first quarter ahead of budget and last year.

  In the pet business there has been continued growth
  in the sales of pre-packed food products from Magnet and
  in the sales of fish at Tropical Marine

  Animal feed sales in the agribusiness activity  are
  ahead  of  last year following the acquisition  of  the
  Wellingmore Mill in March

  In food manufacturing sales of value added products
  are up.  At the end of June we acquired one half of the
  outstanding  minority  interest  in  Cranswick  Gourmet
  Sausage Company to take our ownership of this business up
  to 83 per cent

We are confident in maintaining the progress of Cranswick
and look forward to another successful year.'