Director Shareholding

Sainsbury(J) PLC
20 May 2004



J Sainsbury plc Directors' Interests


The following Directors have been awarded a conditional allocation of shares on
20 May 2004 under the Company's Performance Share Plan:


J M King                 184,762
R J Matthews             130,018


The maximum award set out above will only be released if the Company's total
shareholder return, measured against the comparator group, is at first position
in the group at the end of the three year performance period. There is no award
unless median performance is achieved. Awards are pro rated for performance
between median and first position.


The following Directors have received a grant of options on 20 May 2004 under
the Company's Executive Share Option Plan.


J M King                     491,355
R J Matthews                 345,768



Date of Grant: 20 May 2004
Period during which the option is exercisable: 20 May 2007 - 19 May 2014
Exercise price:  274.75 pence.


Contact: Lynda Ashton        Investor Relations Manager      020 7695 7162
                Pip Wood      Media Relations                020 7695 7295




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