Current Developments at Wessanen.

Business Editors

AMSTELVEEN, The Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2001

The Executive Board of Koninklijke Wessanen, the international food group, today announced that during the General Meeting of Shareholders of Koninklijke Wessanen nv this afternoon in Amsterdam the following announcements will be made:

-- First quarter results in line with full year outlook

-- Minimal impact of Foot and Mouth Disease in Europe on Wessanen's results so
far

-- Dairy divestitures in the final stage

-- Campari IPO planned June 2001

-- Outlook 2001 maintained

First quarter results in line with full year outlook

The Executive Board of Wessanen reports that the first quarter results are in line with expectations for the total year. Due to slowness in the economy in the USA the sales growth in our natural and specialty foods group is slightly behind expectation. The improvement in our cost structure to restore our margins, however, is according to plan. Distriborg continued with the good performance as planned. Organic sales growth is still expected to reach 5 to 10% for the year. The other continuing groups performed consistent with the outlook given earlier this year.

Minimal impact of Foot and Mouth Disease in Europe on Wessanen's results so far

The outbreak of foot and mouth disease in various European countries so far has only had a minimal effect on Wessanen. Sales of Leerdammer in the first quarter of this year were in line with the expected growth, despite a shutdown of the production due to a three-day interruption in milk collection.

At our convenience food activities an increase in meat prices is noticeable, but does not change our expectation of realizing our targets in this group. Increased sales of vegetarian and vegetable-based products will contribute positively.

Dairy divestitures in the final stage

The divestiture process of Leerdammer Company in Europe and Marigold Foods and Crowley Foods in the United States respectively, is in the final stage. We expect to be able to make further announcements in the near term.

The sale of the dairy activities is in line with Wessanen's strategy to further concentrate on healthy, natural food and specialties for the health and quality conscious consumer. The proceeds of the divestitures will enable Wessanen to further grow in the wellness market.

Campari IPO planned June 2001

Campari recently announced that the IPO is planned for June 2001. Wessanen will sell as a minimum 14% and maximum all 35% of its participation, depending on market conditions.

Outlook 2001 maintained

Based on the current development of our continuing operations, assuming a deconsolidation of the dairy operations as per July 1, 2001, and a minimum effect of foot and mouth disease on our operations, we expect a net profit increase from ordinary activities compared to 2000 of between 3% and 5% for the first half of the year.

We maintain our outlook for 2001 as announced during the presentation of the annual figures of 2000. We expect a growth in operating result from the current activities (excluding dairy activities) of at least 15% and earnings per share from ordinary activities before amortization of goodwill to be at least equal to 2000, taking into account our intention to buy back shares.

Koninklijke Wessanen nv is a Dutch-based multinational, which produces, distributes and markets natural and specialty foods. Wessanen generates annual sales of EUR 4 billion. Shares of Koninklijke Wessanen nv are quoted on the stock exchanges in Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and EBS Switzerland. Sponsored ADRs are traded in the United States.