Exhibit 99.1

                                [LOGO OF ONEIDA]
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                                  NEWS RELEASE
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                   SENIOR MANAGEMENT TRANSITION PLAN ANNOUNCED


ONEIDA, NY - April 6, 2006 - Oneida Ltd. (OTCBB: ONEIQ), today announced the
promotion of James E. Joseph to President of the Company, effective May 31,
2006, upon the completion of the year of service of Terry G. Westbrook in that
role. Mr. Joseph has been the Company's Executive Vice President for Worldwide
Sales and Marketing since April 2005. An Oneida manager for 18 years, Mr. Joseph
previously served as the general manager for both foodservice and international
operations.

Furthermore, Oneida's Board of Directors and Mr. Westbrook, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Oneida, have initiated a transition period that will result
in the appointment of his successor as Chief Executive Officer. It is
contemplated that the transition process will be completed by May 31, 2006, or
subject to a mutually agreed upon extension. Mr. Westbrook has been a member of
Oneida's Board of Directors since October 2004. In conjunction with the
company's restructuring efforts, he was asked to assume the operating position
in March 2005. These restructuring efforts are now being concluded through the
pre-negotiated plan of reorganization filed March 19, 2006. Mr. Westbrook will
continue as a member of the Board pending the confirmation of the Company's Plan
of Reorganization.

The Company has engaged Heidrick & Struggles to conduct a search for a CEO to
succeed Mr. Westbrook and expects that this process will conclude within the
next three months.

Christopher H. Smith, Chairman of Oneida's Board of Directors, stated, "We are
particularly fortunate to be able recognize the outstanding talents and
extensive contributions of Jim Joseph by promoting him to the Presidency of
Oneida. Our stakeholders wholeheartedly support this decision.

"Jim and our marketing, procurement, logistics and customer service teams have
greatly improved the outlook for Oneida in the past 18 months. There is yet much
to do and Jim has the ability and leadership to maintain and enhance Oneida's
dominant position in the tabletop sector."

Mr. Smith commented further, "Terry Westbrook's tenure as CEO of Oneida has been
a time of extraordinary change and progress. It was Terry's goal to return
Oneida to its leadership position in tabletop products by executing a new
strategic marketing plan to improve Oneida's brand relevance. Achievement of
this goal is within sight. He has rebuilt the senior management team and
overseen a turnaround in operating results while helping to design and implement
a program to bring the Company's leverage within manageable limits. We respect
his desire to return to independent Board membership and the management of his
many personal and business activities."








Mr. Westbrook commented, "I am very proud of my role in developing the plan to
return Oneida to a position of prominence in the tabletop industry. Our
consensual recapitalization process should ensure Oneida's leadership in
tabletop products long into the future. Following its emergence from chapter 11,
Oneida will have solid resources for growth strategies to drive increased
profits.

"Of equal importance is that we have put together the best management team in
our sector. Jim's promotion to the Presidency has our total support, and we have
the greatest confidence in Jim and his team. With the recapitalization of the
Company and Jim's hand on the helm, the future is bright, indeed."

About Oneida

Incorporated in 1880, Oneida Ltd. is one of the world's largest sourcing and
distribution companies for stainless steel and silverplated flatware for both
the consumer and foodservice industries. It is also the largest supplier of
dinnerware to the foodservice industry in North America. Additional information
about Oneida can be found at www.oneida.com.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking information and statements. These
statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections. These
expectations, estimates and projections are generally identifiable by statements
containing words such as "expects," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "plans"
or similar expressions. However, there are many risks and uncertainties, many of
which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ
materially from the forward-looking information and statements made in this
press release. For further information regarding risks and uncertainties
associated with Oneida's business, please refer to the "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk
Factors" sections of Oneida's SEC filings, including, but not limited to, its
annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

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Contact:
Richard Mahony
Gavin Anderson & Company
Tel: 212-515-1960