Trading Statement

Cranswick PLC
31 January 2005


Cranswick plc - third quarter trading statement

Trading in the third quarter to the end of December has been in line with
management's expectations.

Overall group sales increased by 8 per cent compared with the same period last
year. Sales of food products showed an increase of 17 per cent with fresh pork,
charcuterie and sandwiches showing particularly strong growth. Animal feed sales
were significantly down following the rationalization of milling capacity
undertaken earlier in the year. This rationalization together with the return to
more normal levels of raw material prices has been a key factor in returning
this part of the business to profitability. Total pet sales were stand-on
reflecting the capacity constraints we were operating under in the two old pet
food facilities.

Perkins Chilled Foods, which was acquired for £80.6m in January 2005, is
integrating well.

We have almost completed a major capital expenditure and factory rationalisation
programme that has involved the construction of four new facilities at a cost of
£20m and the closure of two sausage factories, two pet food facilities and one
feed mill and will provide extra capacity as well as bring improved operational
efficiencies. The closure costs and profits/losses on the disposal of surplus
properties will be treated as exceptional items as they arise.

Enquiries:
Martin Davey - chairman )
) 01377 270649 (to 1.00pm)
John Lindop - finance director)



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