Trading Statement

Cranswick PLC
30 March 2004


Cranswick plc - fourth quarter trading statement

The performance of the business in the fourth quarter of the financial year is
as anticipated by management. The results for the full year will be in line with
market expectations. The period has seen a continuation of the sales trends of
the third quarter with core food sales on a like-for-like basis showing strong
growth, especially fresh pork, sausage and continental products. In agribusiness
we continue to experience difficult trading conditions although total sales in
the quarter were ahead of the same quarter last year. Pet sales continue to show
exceptionally strong growth.

The Company is in the middle of a major capital expenditure programme to provide
the foundations for future organic growth. In the food activities, the new
retail packing facility at the pork processing plant was commissioned and
successfully integrated in the autumn. Work is underway on the new sausage
factory in Hull which will be commissioned in the new financial year. On the pet
side construction of the new pet food facility at Driffield is progressing well
and is due to be commissioned in the autumn and the third Tropical Marine
aquatic outlet at Bristol is nearing completion. These projects will add
capacity and improve operational efficiencies at the respective businesses and
will be financed out of the group's strong cashflow.

The group expects to make its preliminary announcement of its final results to
31 March 2004 on 18 May 2004.

Enquiries:

Martin Davey Chief Executive )
                               ) 01377 270649
John Lindop Finance Director )



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