Monterrey, Mexico
October 25,  2001

Executive Summary
-- Savia's results in the third quarter of 2001 reflect the effects of operational measures implemented within its structure and those of its subsidiaries.
-- Savia's net consolidated sales rose to U.S. $160 million in the third quarter of 2001, a 4% less
than that reported in 2000.
-- The operating expenses were reduced by 22% compared to the prior year. As a result of measures previously announced, loss from operations were reduced by U.S. $53 million and cash flow from operations was positive, clearly indicating a recovery trend.
-- Seminis improved its operating results for the fourth consecutive quarter. During the third quarter of 2001, Seminis increased its sales of seed by 24%, increasing its gross margin to 62% of sales, reducing its operating expenses by 21% and its working capital requirements. In addition, the company's cash flow showed recuperation reaching U.S. $15 million in comparison to a negative

Savia S.A. de C.V. (NYSE: VAI) (BMV: SAVIA) today announced its third quarter results for 2001.

CONSOLIDATED THIRD QUARTER RESULTS

For the purpose of reporting third quarter results for 2001 and the comparative results for the year 2000, the results of Seguros Comercial America and Empaques Ponderosa are reported as discontinued operations.

Net Consolidated Sales

Net consolidated sales from continuing operations reached U.S. $160 million in the third quarter of 2001, a reduction of 4% from the third quarter in 2000. Sales for the quarter by currency were: 41% were denominated in U.S. dollars, 20% in Euros, 19% in Mexican Pesos and the remaining 20% in Asian and other currencies.

Consolidated Operating Income

Consolidated income from continuing operations recovered U.S. $53 million during the quarter and reached an operating loss of U.S. $6 million compared to a loss of U.S. $59 million reported in 2000. This substantial reduction in operating loss was the result of a 31% decrease in the cost of sales and a reduction of 22% in operating expenses. The company's cash flow reported U.S. $1 million from a negative cash flow of U.S. $51 million in 2000, a clear indication of the recovery of the business.

Net Consolidated Income

Net consolidated income from operations continued to reverse its negative trend for the third consecutive quarter. The company reported a loss of U.S. $110 million compared with a loss of U.S. $178 million reported in the same period last year. The majority loss for the third quarter rose to U.S. $89 million, or a loss of 1.84 pesos per share (U.S. $0.77 per ADR).

THIRD QUARTER RESULTS FOR THE PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES

Seminis
Business Indicators
Millions of Dollars as of September 2001

Total sales for Seminis (Nasdaq: SMNS) grew 14 % in the third quarter of 2001 when compared to the same period last year. This important increase was obtained despite a slight reduction in demand for seeds in South America and the Middle East as a result of the economic situation in those regions. Sales in North America and Europe grew by 25%. Gross profit increased to 62% of sales in comparison to 23% in the same quarter in 2000. During the period Seminis reduced operational expenses by 21%. The reduction in costs and operating expenses are planned not-to affect the growth of the business in the medium and long term. Accounts receivable were reduced by 11% and inventories by 16%, improving the efficiency on working capital. Operating income reached U.S. $10 million and reversed the loss of U.S. $50 million incurred in 2000. As a result of these initiatives, the company had a positive cash flow of U.S. $15 million in comparison to a negative cash flow of U.S. $44 million in the same period last year. The cash flow generated during the quarter allowed the company to reduce its bank debt by U.S.$16 million and fulfill the financial commitments previously agreed upon.

Bionova

Results for Bionova (Amex: BVA) showed sales of U.S. $42 million for the third quarter of 2001. This represents an increase of 3% compared to the prior year. During the quarter gross income double to U.S. $4 million. Operating income registered a loss of U.S. $5 million in the third quarter of 2001, an improvement over the loss of U.S. $6 million reported in the third quarter of last year and a clear indication of the improvement lawsuit promoted by Grace Brothers Limited.

YEAR TO DATE RESULTS

Net Consolidated Sales

Net consolidated sales were U.S. $576 million, a decrease of 13% in comparison to the same period last year. This reduction was due primarily to Savia's discontinued operations, the effect of currency exchange rates and a slight reduction in sales. Sales for the period by currency were: 43% are denominated in U.S. dollars, 21% in Euros, 18% in Mexican Pesos and the remaining 18% in Asian and other currencies.

Consolidated Operating Income

Consolidated operating income accumulated to the end of the third quarter of 2001, which includes extraordinary charges of U.S. $73 million, reported a loss of U.S. $54 million, a 19% improvement over the results of 2000. This recovery was the result of a reduction in operating expenses of 17% and a reduction in costs of sales of 12%. Cash flow grew U.S. $10 million reaching a negative cash flow of U.S. $34 million during the period.

Net Consolidated Income

Net consolidated loss in this period was U.S. $201 million, a figure 31% less than the loss reported for the same period in 2000. The majority loss reached U.S. $182 million, a reduction of U.S. $30 million, or an improvement of 14%.

YEAR TO DATE RESULTS FOR PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES

Seminis

Sales for Seminis' continuing operations through the third quarter of 2001 reached U.S. $371 million, a reduction of 10% with respect to the same period last year. Operating expenses were reduced by 15% to the reported U.S. $186 million for the first nine months of 2001. Inventories were reduced by 16%, payables were reduced by 13% and days of sales outstanding were reduced from 130 in 2000 to 112 in 2001. Operating loss reached U.S. $15 million, a 36% improvement over the results obtained in 2000. Cash flow from operations for the period improved by 74% over 2000. During the period Seminis reduced its bank debt by U.S. $33 million.

Bionova

Sales for Bionova were U.S. $170 million, similar to those reported during the same period in 2000. The operating loss was U.S. $8 million in comparison with a loss of U.S. $19 million in the same period last year, that is, a reduction of 61% or U.S. $12 million.

Savia participates in industries that offer high growth potential in Mexico and internationally. Its main subsidiaries are: Seminis (Nasdaq: SMNS), a global leader in the development, production and commercialization of fruit and vegetable seeds; Bionova, focused on genomics- based traits development for plant agriculture; and, Omega, a real estate development company.

Company news release
N3913