Change of Name&Trading Update

Nichols(J.N.)(Vimto) PLC
10 May 2000

  
  Contacts:      John Nichols, Chairman
                 Nichols plc
                 Telephone:  [phone]
  
                 Alistair Mackinnon-Musson
                 Philip Dennis
                 Hudson Sandler
                 Telephone:     [phone]
  
  
  
                      J N NICHOLS (VIMTO) PLC
                     Change of Group Name and
                          Trading Update

J  N  Nichols  (Vimto) plc announces that from the  conclusion  of
today's  Annual General Meeting, it will be changing its  name  to
Nichols  plc  to reflect the change in the nature of  the  Group's
business.

The company famous for its VIMTO soft drinks was formed in 1908 by
John Noel Nichols.

Whilst maintaining its interests solely in soft drinks for much of
its  history, the past decade has seen considerable change. Today,
VIMTO  accounts  for  less  than  half  the  Group's  turnover  as
developments  into tea, coffee, chocolate and numerous  other  hot
beverages have been made. It also has significant presence in  the
vending   and  food  service  markets  in  addition  to  providing
manufacturing and co-packing facilities for many of today's  major
food  brands. Its interests in soft drinks on draught extend  into
pubs,  clubs, leisure and catering outlets throughout the  country
and  have  recently  been  strengthened with  the  acquisition  of
Balmoral, the hot beverage systems business. Nichols plc  has  six
operating  businesses,  and sells products  to  over  60  overseas
markets.

Commenting  on the change, John Nichols, Chairman and grandson  of
the founder, said:

 'The   developments  that  have  been  made  within   the   Group
 demonstrate  that  we are now far more than just  a  soft  drinks
 business and our new name, Nichols plc, reflects that.'

The  Chairman also made the following comments on current  trading
at today's Annual General Meeting:

 'The  Group's  Soft Drinks Division is benefiting  from  improved
 weather  and  the advertising campaign in the South East  region,
 where  market share is ahead. The new packaging designs are  also
 proving successful and sales are on target for the year so far.'
 
 'Nichols  Foods  is progressing as planned and  is  making  solid
 headway.'
 
 'The  new products in the Beverage Systems operation are  proving
 to  be  well  received and the first contracts for  the  hospital
 trolleys   have   been  signed.  Cabana  has  been   successfully
 integrated and costs have been reduced. Overall the operation  is
 ahead of last year and on target for this.'

 'We  are particularly pleased with the progress made at Stockpack
 which  had  a  difficult  year  last  year  and  is  now  trading
 profitably, having secured some new significant contracts and  is
 also benefiting from new management.'

All  resolutions at today's Annual General Meeting were passed  by
shareholders.

Note to Editors:

A photograph of the launch of the new name, Nichols plc, and signage is
available. Please contact Philippa Robeson at Hudson Sandler on 020 7710 8932.