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                                                                      EXHIBIT 15
 
FOR: IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Edward P. Norris
          Chief Financial Officer
          (203) 356-9000
 
     STAMFORD, Conn., March 3, 1995 -- American Maize-Products Company (ASE:AZE)
announced today that the proposal by Usaha Tegas sdn. bhd. to acquire the
American Maize Class B common stock owned by and for the benefit of William
Ziegler, III, Chairman of the Board of the Company, his sister Helen Z.
Steinkraus, and their respective families for $44 per share was extended until
March 10, 1995 from March 1st. If such proposal is accepted, Usaha Tegas would
propose a merger with American Maize at a purchase price of $40.25 per share for
all of American Maize's remaining Class A and Class B common stock. Usaha Tegas
has made no proposal to American Maize regarding an acquisition.
 
     Mr. Ziegler, Mrs. Steinkraus and their respective families' trusts own GIH
Corp. GIH Corp. owns approximately 13.4% of American Maize Class A Common Stock
and approximately 47.3% of American Maize Class B Common Stock. Control of GIH
Corp. is the subject of litigation pending between the Ziegler and Steinkraus
families.
 
     Pursuant to a merger agreement signed with American Maize, Eridania
Beghin-Say, S.A. commenced a tender offer on February 28, 1995 for all
outstanding shares of American Maize common stock at a price of $40 per share.
Following the successful completion of the tender offer, a subsidiary of
Eridania will merge with American Maize and holders of all remaining shares of
American Maize will receive $40 per share. The Board of Directors of the Company
has approved the tender offer and the merger.
 
     American Maize, based in Stamford, Connecticut, produces corn sweeteners
and a variety of specialty food and industrial starches at plants in Hammond,
Indiana, Decatur, Alabama and Dimmitt, Texas. The Company also produces cigars
and smokeless tobacco products at plants located in Jacksonville, Florida and
Wheeling, West Virginia.
 
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