WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 28, 2005--Central Garden & Pet Company (Nasdaq:CENT) today announced the appointment of Mark Cavanaugh to the newly created position of President of Central Garden & Pet Aquatics and Jeff Sutherland to the position of President of Central Pet Distribution. Both positions report to Jim Heim, President of Pet Products Division.

"These are important appointments as Central Pet pursues its growth strategy," noted Jim Heim, President of Pet Products Division. "Mark has an impressive background as an entrepreneur and executive with Central Garden & Pet . Under Mark's leadership, the formation of this new organization will create fully integrated product development, sales and marketing and back office functions strengthening our position with existing and potential customers both domestically and internationally."

Central Garden & Pet Aquatics consists of the award winning All-Glass Aquarium and Oceanic Systems, producers of innovative aquarium designs and accessories; Kent Marine, a producer of high-end water conditioners and supplements and; Energy Savers Unlimited, a producer of sophisticated lighting systems and accessories. Operations will be based in Franklin, Wisconsin.

Mr. Cavanaugh has been with Central Garden & Pet for over 15 years in roles of increasing importance in both the Garden and Pet operations. Most recently, Mr. Cavanaugh was the President of Central Pet Distribution.

"We are delighted to promote Jeff Sutherland to President of Central Pet Distribution," added Mr. Heim. "Jeff's extensive background in sales and management make him particularly well-suited for this opportunity."

For three consecutive years Central Pet Distribution received the "Distributor of the Year" awarded by Pet Business Magazine. Central Pet operates the largest pet distribution operation in the country serving more than 3,000 accounts per week

Mr. Sutherland has been with Central Garden & Pet for over 12 years. Initially a sales representative, Mr. Sutherland has held positions of increasing responsibility including President of Island Aquarium and, most recently, Vice President -- Western Region for Pet Distribution.

Central Garden & Pet Company is a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products for the pet and lawn and garden supplies markets. Our pet products include pet bird and small animal food, aquarium products, flea, tick, mosquito and other pest control products, edible bones, cages, carriers, pet books, and other dog, cat, reptile and small animal products. These products are sold under a number of brand names, including Kaytee, Super Pet, All-Glass Aquarium, Oceanic, Kent Marine, Energy Savers Unlimited, Zodiac, Pre-Strike, Altosid, Nylabone, TFH, Four Paws and Interpet. Our lawn and garden products include grass seed, wild bird food, weed and insect control products, decorative outdoor patio products and ant control products. These products are sold under a number of brand names, including Pennington, Norcal Pottery, New England Pottery, GKI/Bethlehem Lighting, Lilly Miller, Matthews Four Seasons, AMDRO, Grant's, Sevin, Over'n Out and Cedar Works. For additional information on Central Garden & Pet , including access to the Company's SEC filings, please visit the Company's website at http://www.centralgardenandpet.com/.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained in this release which are not historical facts, including future earnings guidance, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by forward-looking statements. These risks are described in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Central undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise.

    CONTACT: Central Garden & Pet

             Paul Warburg, 925-948-3686

    SOURCE: Central Garden & Pet Company