AGM Statement

Associated British Foods PLC
10 December 2004

10 December 2004



Associated British Foods plc  - AGM Statement


At the Annual General Meeting today (10 December 2004) Mr Martin Adamson,
Chairman of Associated British Foods,  in addressing shareholders made the
following comments on current trading for the group since the close of the
financial year ended 18 September 2004:


'General economic conditions are more volatile than they have been for some
time.  Exchange rate fluctuations, rising interest rates and changes in
important input costs such as energy all affect the overall business
environment.  Many impact directly on the ABF group's operations and profits.
Apart from the economic conditions in which they operate, all our businesses
continue to face strong competition.


'In spite of these challenges your company remains soundly based for further
development.  It has great financial strength, many strong market positions and
good people.  These will enable the group to continue to build for the long term
and to invest where the right opportunities occur.


'Trading of our established businesses in the early part of the current year has
been satisfactorily ahead of the previous year.  With a positive contribution to
earnings expected from the acquisitions made around the turn of our financial
year, your company is set for further progress.'


For further information, please contact;


Associated British Foods
John Bason, Finance Director                  Tel:  [phone]
Geoff Lancaster, Head of External Affairs     Tel: [phone]



Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Jonathan Clare/Chris Barrie/Sara Batchelor    Tel: [phone]


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