Trading Statement

Portmeirion Group PLC
18 July 2001


PORTMEIRION GROUP PLC


TRADING STATEMENT


Portmeirion Group PLC announces that mainly as a result of significantly lower
sales than last year in the USA during the first 6 months of the current year,
total Group sales for the six months ended 30 June 2001 will be lower than the
corresponding period last year.  As a result, profit before tax for this
period will be significantly lower than the previous year.

The Company will be announcing its interim results for the 6 months ending
30th June 2001, on 16th August 2001.

Sales in the UK are level with last year, and on an improving trend with a
strong order book.  However, following major destocking by our largest retail
customers and a fall in consumer confidence in the USA, a recovery there is
not certain before the year-end.  With this in mind, the directors believe
that profit before tax for the full year ended 31 December 2001 is also likely
to fall below the level achieved in the year ended 31 December 2000.

Following a major review of our intended Visitor Centre project by independent
specialist consultants, the Board have decided to invest in its core business,
rather than developing the tourism sector.  The grant already secured to
increase manufacturing efficiency and reduce its environmental impact will
still apply, and help to further enhance Portmeirion's ceramic manufacturing
in Stoke-on-Trent.

The Company recently launched the revolutionary new table and giftware range,
The Starfire Collection.  The reception has been extremely positive, and
significant orders have already been secured for manufacture at the Company's
recently refurbished third site in Stoke-on-Trent.

The Board has every confidence that the development strategy for the business,
and the Company's strong financial position will enable Portmeirion Group to
overcome short-term difficulties.


Contact:        A.W. Ralley, Chairman
                B.W.J. Phillips, Group Finance Director



Tel:            [phone]