Group Jean Caby Names Luc Van Gorp New President, Directeur General

LILLE, France, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Group Jean Caby, the leading producer of processed meats in France, today announced the appointment of Luc Van Gorp to the position of president, directeur general. Mr. Van Gorp, 40, replaces Robert Sharpe who had held the position on an interim basis. Mr. Sharpe will remain president, directeur general of Smithfield France SAS, holder of 100% of Group Jean Caby. Group Jean Caby is a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, Inc. .

"I am delighted to have Luc join our team," said Robert A. Sharpe II, president, international operations, Smithfield Foods. "His skill, experience and passion will enhance our effort to become the most innovative and respected company in French processed meats," continued Mr. Sharpe. "It is important that our customers, consumers and employees know that Group Jean Caby is focused on building a strong future," said Mr. Sharpe.

"Luc brings considerable experience in the food industry and, in particular, the processed meats segment," Mr. Sharpe observed. Mr. Van Gorp was most recently president of the Aoste Group and before that held important positions at Imperial Meat Products, Campbell's Soup, United Distillers and Tropicana Europe.

With net sales of approximately $430 million and production of nearly 90,000 tons, Group Jean Caby is the leading producer of processed meats products in France. The Group sells products under the brand "Jean Caby" in France and abroad and also manufactures a broad range of products under the marks of its customers.

Smithfield Foods has delivered a 26 percent average annual compounded rate of return to investors since 1975. With annualized sales of $11 billion, Smithfield is the leading processor and marketer of fresh pork and processed meats in the United States, as well as the largest producer of hogs. For more information, visit http://www.smithfieldfoods.com/.