Chairman's AGM Statement

MAN (ED & F) PLC
2 September 1999

                                       
              ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - CURRENT TRADING STATEMENT


At today's Annual General Meeting, Michael Stone, Chairman of E D & F Man
Group plc, commenting on the Group's current trading said:

'We continue to improve the quality and develop the mix of earnings within the
Group  through  the further development of our Financial Services  businesses,
which  are performing in line with our expectations.  Global market conditions
remain difficult in Agricultural Products.  As stated in the recent Report and
Accounts,  we are conducting a detailed review of certain of these  activities
which we expect to report on later in the year.

'We  will be announcing the Group's Interim Results for the six months  to  30
September 1999, on 4 November.'

For further information please contact:

Andrew Sutton       Finance Director                   0171 285 3000
Peter Clarke        Company Secretary                  0171 285 3000
Marc Popiolek       Gavin Anderson and Company         0171 457 2345