DIRECTORS' REPORT
Dear Shareholders,
Your Directors are pleased to present the 27th Annual Report and the Audited Accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2023. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The summarized financial performance (Standalone and Consolidated) of the Company:
Particulars
|
Standalone
|
Consolidated
|
|
FY 2022-23
|
FY 2021-22
|
FY 2022-23
|
FY 2021-22
|
Total Income
|
10,047.64
|
1,02,952.17
|
40,567.49
|
1,48,936.55
|
Profit / (Loss) before Exceptional Items
|
(8,582.23)
|
(27,821.65)
|
(13,952.00)
|
(35,427.30)
|
Share of loss in Associate Company and Joint Venture
|
NA
|
NA
|
(276.25)
|
(2,200.75)
|
Add/ (Less): Exceptional Items
|
(46,188.17)
|
(26,865.72)
|
(18,665.72)
|
(7,409.20)
|
Profit / (Loss) Before Tax
|
(54,770.40)
|
(54,687.37)
|
(32,893.97)
|
(45,037.25)
|
Profit / (Loss) After Tax
|
(54,724.63)
|
(54,687.37)
|
(33,503.31)
|
(44,975.63)
|
Profit / (Loss) After Share of Associates and Minority Interest
|
NA
|
NA
|
(33,496.90)
|
(44,967.96)
|
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Future Consumer Limited ("FCL"/ "Company") is engaged in the business of sourcing, manufacturing, branding, marketing and distribution of Food and Processed Food Products & Health and personal care (HPC) products in urban and rural India. Over the years, FCL has been operating as a next-generation Food and HPC Company focusing on emerging categories and value- added space. Your Company has over the years successfully created a portfolio of differentiated products catering to a wide range of categories spanning across food, home care, personal care and beauty.
The closure of Future Retail stores at the start of the year had a serious impact on the business of your Company as they were our largest customer and their subsequent admission into the IBC process jeopardized our receivables of ' 378.19 Crore from them. Therefore, this year started with headwinds in terms of the non-availability of funds for growth and lower business and free cashflows which impacted on our ability to pay the borrowing dues on the bank loans.
We went back to the drawing board and put together a scaled- down business plan in line with the funds we had and could generate but still take us to breakeven level at the end of the year and designed the organization bottom up. The building blocks of the plan were about focusing on a few of our brands having market pull that we could take to the general trade market and focus on improving the distribution network of Aadhaar and Nilgiris and sustaining the food park business. All of this resulted in us needing to shut down some of our manufacturing units and curtail operations at other locations in line with the scaled-down business plan.
This Business Plan, and a Non-Core Business Monetization plan, were presented to the Lenders, who agreed to the proposal and allowed us "holding on" operations till March 23. Your Company
put together a small team, reached out to potential buyers directly, and engaged a few investment bankers to achieve the monetization plan. The response to the asset’s monetization plan has been very positive and evinced interest from multiple buyers. It is in different stages of completion to close the deals for the respective assets. But any project of this nature does take time, and your Company has asked for an extension from the banks on the timelines, and they have been kind enough to extend the monetization plan till May 23. The Lenders have supported our efforts and allowed your Company to run under 'holding on operations’.
We are putting all our endeavours into having a resolution for your Company this financial year with the lenders settling their dues from the monetization proceeds. Then we focus on growing the Company from a smaller base with our portfolio of brands, and we are confident that we can get back to achieving the Company’s vision.
The macro-environment during the year was challenging due to geopolitical tensions, decadal-high inflation hurting demand and consumer choices, monetary tightening, and rising interest rates, impacting the global economy and Indian retail consumption. Despite all these, the Company’s subsidiaries have shown resilience and have grown profitably, which augurs well for the next phase of growth for the Company.
During the year under review, your Company has recorded consolidated revenue from operations of ' 38,115.08 Lakhs as against revenue from operations of ' 1,46,878.86 Lakhs in the previous year. EBITDA loss of the Company reduced from ' 23,955.10 Lakhs in the previous year to a loss of ' 5,385.51 Lakhs during the year under review. The loss after tax attributable to the Company reduced from ' 44,975.63 Lakhs in FY22 to ' 33,503.31 Lakhs in FY23. Loss is primarily on account of expected credit loss on trade receivables and impairment
cost of ' 18,665.72 Lakhs recognised majorly on account of Impairment on 'Asset Held for Sale’.
Despite the challenging operating and financing situation, your Company demonstrated strong execution of its plans shared with the lenders. Once the dust settles, your Company plans to change gears by focusing on building a solid distribution network outside the general trade space and using the existing network to grow our Brands at the same time optimizing costs at the backend, driving synergies and judiciously allocating resources, conserving cash and improving liquidity thereby enhancing stakeholder value.
Material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the Company between end of financial year under review and date of this Report, forms part of this Report.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
Your Company continues to believe that the medium to long¬ term consumption opportunity in India remains intact and we have the platform to be able to leverage the opportunity.
Your Company plans to grow the business profitably and provide a sales channel for our Brands Portfolio. Your Company believes that there is an immense opportunity to grow our brands in the existing network. These channels allow the Company to build a controlled and distribution across our categories and brands.
Your Company will focus on improving the utilization of the Integrated Food Park Business, resulting in better cash flows for the Company.
Your Company will also focus on building a profitable general trade business at a low base with a limited set of our Brands that has a pull in the market with the efforts we have put in during the last many years.
During the current financial year 2023-24, the Company expects to resolve the debt situation with the Banks and grow the Company profitably with a combination of organically driven sales growth and operational efficiency. Brand-building efforts along with back-end productivity improvements related to workforce, third-party manufacturers and leveraging the network we created in the past will help achieve the profitable growth as defined in the business plan
UNCLAIMED SHARES
In terms of the provisions of Schedule V of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, as amended ("SEBI Listing Regulations"), details about unclaimed shares in suspense account as on 31st March, 2023 are as under:
Description
|
No. of
Shareholders
|
No. of Shares
|
Aggregate number of shareholders and outstanding shares in the suspense account as on 1st April, 2022
|
1
|
600
|
Aggregate number of shareholders who approached the Company for transfer from suspense account upto 31st March, 2023
|
|
|
Number of shareholders to whom shares were transferred from suspense account upto 31st March, 2023
|
|
|
Aggregate number of shareholders and outstanding shares in the suspense account as on 31st March, 2023
|
1
|
600
|
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
Your Directors do not propose to transfer any amount to reserves.
DIVIDEND
In view of losses incurred and with an objective to conserve the resources, your Directors have not recommended any dividend on equity shares for the financial year ended 31st March, 2023.
In accordance with the provisions of Regulation 43A of SEBI Listing Regulations, the Company has adopted a Dividend Distribution Policy which is made available on the website of the Company https://futureconsumer.in/investors.aspx#policies- code
SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT
During the year under review, as per the directions of Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal ("NCLT"), Mumbai Bench, a meeting of Equity shareholders of the Company was held on 20th April, 2022 and a meeting of Secured and Unsecured Creditors of the Company was held on 21st April, 2022 for seeking approval of Composite Scheme of Arrangement between the Company and other Transferor Companies with Future Enterprises Limited ("Transferee Company" or "FEL") and their respective Shareholders and Creditors inter-alia comprising of amalgamation of the Company along with other Transferor Companies with FEL ("Scheme"). Pursuant to the e-voting result of NCLT convened meeting the Scheme was approved by equity shareholders and unsecured creditors of the Company at their respective meetings. However, as per the e-voting result, the Scheme was not approved by Secured Creditors of the Company. As most of the secured creditors of various
companies involved in the Scheme voted against the Scheme as per the e-voting result of their respective meetings, the subject Scheme was not implemented.
The Scheme of Arrangement comprising of the merger of wholly-owned subsidiaries viz. Future Food and Products Limited and Future Food Processing Limited ("Transferor Companies") with the Company ("Scheme 1"), filed with the Hon’ble NCLT during the financial year 2021-22, is pending for final order to be passed by Hon’ble NCLT.
Further, the Scheme of Arrangement comprising of the merger of Integrated Food Park Limited ("Transferor Company" / "IFPL") with the Company ("Scheme 2"), was filed with the Hon’ble NCLT during the financial year 2021-22. Thereafter, an application for withdrawal of Scheme 2 was filed with Hon’ble NCLT Mumbai and Bengaluru Bench by the Company and IFPL respectively. The Hon’ble NCLT Bengaluru Bench has accepted the application filed by IFPL and passed an order on 4th January, 2023 approving withdrawal of Scheme 2. The Hon’ble NCLT, Mumbai has also accepted the application filed by the Company and approved withdrawal of Scheme 2 vide order dated 6th January, 2023.
During the financial year 2022-23, the Scheme of Amalgamation pursuant to Section 230 to 232 and other applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 for amalgamation between Bloom Foods and Beverages Private Limited ("BFBPL" or "Transferor Company No.1" ) and Nilgiris Franchise Limited ( "NFL" or "Transferor Company No.2") and Nilgiri’s Mechanised Bakery Private Limited ( "NMBPL" or "Transferor Company No.3") and Future Consumer Limited ('FCL' or 'Transferee Company') and their respective shareholders was also approved by the Board of respective companies. The Transferor and Transferee companies have filed the draft scheme with Hon’ble NCLT, Mumbai Bench, which is pending for approval.
INCREASE IN SHARE CAPITAL
There has been no change in the share capital of the Company during the year under review.
SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATE COMPANIES
As on 31st March, 2023, your Company had following Subsidiary and Joint Venture companies:
Sr.
No.
|
Name of the company
|
Category
|
1.
|
Aadhaar Wholesale Trading and Distribution Limited
|
Subsidiary
|
2.
|
Amar Chitra Katha Private Limited ("ACKPL")
|
Subsidiary
|
3.
|
Appu Nutritions Private Limited
|
Subsidiary of NDFPL
|
Sr.
No.
|
Name of the company
|
Category
|
4.
|
Aussee Oats India Limited
|
Subsidiary of FCL Tradevest
|
5.
|
Aussee Oats Milling (Private) Limited
|
Subsidiary
|
6.
|
Bloom Foods and Beverages Private Limited
|
Subsidiary
|
7.
|
Delect Spices and Herbs Private Limited
|
Subsidiary of FCL Tradevest
|
8
|
FCEL Overseas FZCO
|
Subsidiary
|
9.
|
FCL Tradevest Private Limited ("FCL Tradevest")
|
Subsidiary
|
10.
|
Future Food and Products Limited
|
Subsidiary of FCL Tradevest
|
11
|
Future Food Processing Limited
|
Subsidiary of FCL Tradevest
|
12.
|
Fonterra Future Dairy Private Limited
|
Joint Venture (Joint Venture has been terminated)
|
13.
|
Hain Future Natural Products Private Limited
|
Joint Venture
|
14.
|
IBH Books & Magazines Distributors Limted
|
Subsidiary of ACKPL
|
15.
|
Ideas Box Entertainment Limited
|
Subsidiary of ACKPL
|
16.
|
Integrated Food Park Limited
|
Subsidiary of FCL Tradevest
|
17.
|
Illusie Trading AG
(formerly known as Mibelle Future
Consumer Products A. G.)
|
Joint Venture (liquidated w.e.f 11.4.2022)
|
18.
|
MNS Foods Limited
|
Subsidiary of FCL Tradevest
|
19.
|
Nilgiris Franchise Limited
|
Subsidiary of NDFPL
|
20.
|
Nilgiri’s Mechanised Bakery Private Limited
|
Subsidiary of NDFPL
|
21.
|
Sublime Foods Limited ("Sublime")
|
Subsidiary of FCL Tradevest
|
22.
|
The Nilgiri Dairy Farm Private Limited ("NDFPL")
|
Subsidiary
|
23.
|
FCL Speciality Foods Private Limited
|
Subsidiary of Sublime
|
During year under review, ACKPL being a non core investment for the Company, the Board has approved to dispose-off the investment held by the Company in ACKPL. ACK Media Direct Limited, ceased to be subsidiary of Amar Chitra Katha Private Limited with effect from 1st October,2022.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, a statement containing salient features of financial statements of Subsidiaries and Joint Venture companies in Form AOC-1 is attached separately to this Annual Report.
The performance, financial position and contribution of each of the Subsidiaries and Joint Venture companies to the performance of the Company, is provided under Management Discussion and Analysis Report, which is presented separately and forms part of this Report.
The policy for determining material subsidiaries as approved by the Board of Directors of the Company is available on the website of the Company - https://futureconsumer.in/investors. aspx#policies-code
As on 31st March, 2023, FCL Tradevest Private Limited, Bloom Foods and Beverages Private Limited, Aadhaar Wholesale Trading and Distribution Limited and Future Food and Products Limited have been identified as material subsidiaries of the Company as per the thresholds laid down under the aforesaid policy.
In accordance to the provisions of Section 136(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Annual Report of the Company, containing therein standalone and the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the audited financial statements of each of the subsidiary companies have been placed on the website of the Company - www.futureconsumer. in .
The audited financial statements in respect of each subsidiary company shall also be kept open for inspection at the Registered Office of the Company during working hours for a period of 21 days before the date of ensuing Annual General Meeting. The aforesaid documents relating to subsidiary companies can be made available to any Member interested in obtaining the same upon a request in that regards made to the Company.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Pursuant to the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 ("IND AS") notified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Company has adopted the Indian Accounting Standards with effect from 1st April, 2016. Accordingly, the Standalone and Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, for the year ended 31st March, 2023 have been prepared in accordance with IND AS.
The audited Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with IND AS are provided in this Annual Report.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS GRANTED, GUARANTEE PROVIDED AND INVESTMENTS MADE PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 186 OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013
Details of loans granted, guarantees provided and investments made by the Company under the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013, are provided under Note No. 39 to Standalone Financial Statements of the Company, forming part of this Annual Report.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has formulated policy on materiality of related party transactions and dealing with related party transactions ("RPT Policy") in accordance to the provisions of Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI Listing Regulations. The RPT Policy is available on the website of the Company - https://futureconsumer.in/investors.aspx#policies-code.
All transactions with related parties are placed before the Audit Committee for review and are approved by the Independent Directors being members of the Audit Committee. Prior omnibus approval is obtained for transactions with related parties which are repetitive in nature.
All transactions entered into with related parties during the financial year under review were in the ordinary course of business and on an arm’s length basis. The disclosure in respect of material contracts or arrangements with related parties, as required under Section 134(3)(h) of the Companies Act, 2013 is made in Form AOC-2 which is annexed to this Report as Annexure I.
INTERNAL AUDIT AND INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS
The Company has an internal audit system commensurate with the size of the Company and the nature of its business. The Company has appointed M/s. S N & Co, Chartered Accountants as the Internal Auditors of the Company. The internal auditor prepares an annual audit plan based on risk assessment and conducts extensive reviews covering financial, operational and compliance controls. Improvements in processes are identified during reviews and communicated to the management on an ongoing basis. The Audit Committee of the Board monitors the performance of the internal auditors on a periodic basis through review of audit plans, audit findings and issue resolution through follow- ups. Each year, there are at least four meetings in which the Audit Committee reviews internal audit findings. Internal Audit function plays a key role in providing to both the management and to the Audit Committee, an objective view and re-assurance of the overall internal control systems and effectiveness of the risk management processes and the status of compliances with operating systems, internal policies
and regulatory requirements across the Company including its subsidiaries. The Internal Auditors assist in setting Industry benchmarks and help us drive implement best Industry practice within our organization.
The Company has an adequate system of internal financial controls. Internal Audit team conducts Internal Financial Review (IFC) testing on yearly basis as per Companies Act 2013, to ensure adequate and effective Internal Control over Financial Reporting is in place. The same is also being certified by our statutory auditors on a yearly basis.
The Company has adopted policies and procedures covering all financial and operating functions. These controls have been designed to provide a reasonable assurance over:
• Accuracy and completeness of the accounting records
• Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Effectiveness and efficiency of operations
• Prevention and detection of frauds and errors
• Safeguarding of assets from unauthorised use or losses.
Based on the assessment carried out by the Company, the internal financial controls were adequate and effective and no reportable material weakness or significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal financial controls were observed, during the financial year ended 31st March, 2023.
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Companies Act, 2013 and that of the Articles of Association, Mr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Executive Director is liable to retire from the Board ofthe Company by rotation at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting ("AGM") and being eligible, has offered himself for being re-appointed at the AGM.
The Board of Directors of the Company ("Board"), on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration/ Compensation Committee ("NRC Committee") had at their meeting held on 5th August, 2023, appointed Mr. Birendra Kumar Agrawal as an Additional Independent Director of the Company with effect from 5th August, 2023, for a term of five years, subject to approval of the shareholders of the Company. Further, the Board, on the recommendation of the NRC Committee, had at the said meeting also appointed Ms. Lynette Monteiro as an Additional Non-Executive and Non-Independent Director of the Company with effect from 5th August, 2023, to hold office upto the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company.
The Company has received declaration from Mr. Birendra Kumar Agrawal confirming that he meets the criteria of independence as provided under sub-section (6) of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
The Notice convening forthcoming AGM includes the proposal for appointment / re-appointment of the aforesaid Directors. A brief resume of the Director(s) seeking appointment / re¬ appointment at the forthcoming AGM and other details as required to be disclosed in terms of Regulation 36(3) of the SEBI Listing Regulations and Secretarial Standard on General Meetings ("SS-2") forms part of the Notice calling the AGM.
The Board, on the recommendation of the NRC Committee, had at their meeting held on 23rd April, 2022, appointed Mr. Amit Kumar Agrawal as an Additional Director of the Company with effect from 25th April, 2022. Further, the Board had at the said meeting, subject to approval of the Shareholders and such other consents and approvals that may be required, also approved appointment of Mr. Amit Kumar Agrawal as an Executive Director of the Company for a period of three years with effect from 25th April, 2022 and payment of remuneration to him as determined by the Board in accordance with the provisions of Companies Act, 2013 read with Schedule V and Rules framed thereunder. Subsequently, the approval of the Shareholders of the Company was obtained on 20th July, 2022, by way of postal ballot, for appointment of Mr. Amit Kumar Agrawal as a Director ofthe Company, whose term shall be liable to retire by rotation and also as an Executive Director of the Company, for a period of three years with effect from 25th April, 2022. Further, approval of the Shareholders of the Company was obtained on 11th November, 2022, by way of postal ballot, for payment of remuneration to Mr. Amit Kumar Agrawal during his term as an Executive Director of the Company.
The Board on the recommendation of the NRC Committee, had at their meeting held on 13th February, 2023, appointed Mr. Rajnikant Sabnavis as an Additional Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of the Company with effect from 13th February, 2023, to hold office upto the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company. The approval of the Shareholders of the Company was subsequently obtained on 10th May, 2023, by way of postal ballot, for appointment of Mr. Rajnikant Sabnavis as a Director of the Company (Non-Executive and Non-Independent), whose term shall be liable to retire by rotation.
As on 31st March, 2023, in terms of confirmation received from respective Director(s), none of the Directors are disqualified for appointment/re-appointment under Section 164 of the Companies Act, 2013. The Company has received individual declarations from following Independent Director(s) of the Company as on 31st March,2023, stating that they meet the criteria of independence as provided under sub-section (6) of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the SEBI Listing Regulations :
a) Mr. G. N. Bajpai
b) Ms. Neelam Chhiber
In terms of Regulation 25(8) of the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Independent Director(s) have confirmed that they are not
aware of any circumstance or situation which exists or may be anticipated that could impair or impact their ability to discharge their duties with an objective independent judgment and without any external influence. The Board is of the opinion that Independent Directors possess highest standards of integrity and requisite expertise and experience required to fulfil the duties as an Independent Director of the Company.
During the year under review, Ms. Ashni Biyani resigned as Managing Director of the Company with effect from 12th May, 2022 and ceased to be Key Managerial Personnel of the Company. Further, Mr. Jude Linhares resigned as an Executive Director of the Company with effect from 15th April, 2022.
During the year under review, Mr. Adhiraj Harish resigned as Independent Director of the Company with effect from 3rd May, 2022 due to significant increase in his professional commitments and Mr. Harminder Sahni resigned as Independent Director of the Company with effect from 14th September, 2022 due to his other professional and personal commitments. Further, Mr. Frederic De Mevius and Mr. Deepak Malik resigned as Directors of the Company with effect from 16th June, 2022 and 21st December, 2022 respectively.
Mr. Krishan Kant Rathi, Director of the Company was liable to retire by rotation at the 26th AGM of the Company held on 29th September, 2022. The Company had received an intimation from Mr. Krishan Kant Rathi that he was unwilling to be re-appointed at the 26th AGM by rotation due to his other personal / professional engagements. Accordingly, Mr. Krishan Kant Rathi was not re¬ appointed by rotation at the AGM and the vacancy caused due to his retirement was not filled-up in terms of the resolution passed by the Shareholders at the said AGM.
The Board wishes to place on record their appreciation for the contributions made by each Director during their tenure as member of the Board of Directors of the Company.
During the year under review, Mr. Amit Kumar Agrawal ceased to be Dy. Chief Financial Officer of the Company with effect from 25th April, 2022, consequent to his appointment as an Executive Director of the Company.
The Board, on recommendation made by NRC Committee and approval granted by Audit Committee, had appointed Mr. Rajendra Bajaj as the Chief Financial Officer and also designated him as Key Managerial Personnel of the Company with effect from 12th August, 2022. Accordingly, Mr. Rajendra Bajaj ceased to be Deputy Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
Further, the Board on recommendation made by NRC Committee, had appointed Mr. Samson Samuel as Chief Executive Officer of the Company with effect from 12th May, 2022 and also designated him as Key Managerial Personnel.
After the year under review following changes have taken place in Board composition:
i) Mr. G. N. Bajpai resigned from the position of an Independent Director and Non-executive Chairman from Board of Directors of the Company from the close of the business hours of 2nd June, 2023.
ii) Ms. Ashni Biyani resigned as a Non-Executive Director of the Company with effect from 5th June, 2023.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
During the financial year 2022-23, the Board of Directors met 8 (Eight) times on 23rd April, 2022 (two meetings held on 23rd April, 2022), 10th May, 2022, and adjourned meeting thereof held on 12th May, 2022, 27th May, 2022, 27th June, 2022, 12th August, 2022, 10th November, 2022 and 13th February, 2023.
The details of composition of the Board and the attendance of the Directors at the meetings is provided in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Annual Report.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
As on 31st March, 2023, the composition of Audit Committee has been as under:
a. Mr. G. N. Bajpai
b. Mr. Amit Kumar Agrawal
c. Ms. Neelam Chhiber
During the year under review, the Audit Committee met 5 (five) times on 27th May, 2022, 27th June, 2022, 12th August, 2022, 10th November, 2022 and 13th February, 2023.
Further details with respect to Audit Committee are disclosed in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Annual Report.
During the year under review, all the recommendations made by the Audit Committee were accepted by the Board.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE
As on 31st March, 2023, the composition of Corporate Social Responsibility Committee has been as under:
a. Ms. Ashni Biyani
b. Mr. Kishore Biyani
c. Ms. Neelam Chhiber
RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Pursuant to Section 134(3)(n) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 21 of SEBI Listing Regulations, Risk Management Committee is in place and as on 31st March, 2023, the composition of Risk Management Committee has been as under:
a. Ms. Neelam Chhiber
b. Ms. Ashni Biyani
c. Mr. Raiendra Baiai
The Company has formulated a Risk Management Policy to establish an effective and integrated framework for the risk management process.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF BOARD
The Board had carried out an annual evaluation of its own performance, committees and individual directors pursuant to the provisions of the Act and SEBI Listing Regulations for the financial year 2022-23. The evaluation process was carried out through a web based application in terms of a structured questionnaire in accordance to the Guidance Note on Board Evaluation issued by Securities and Exchange Board of India.
The evaluation of Individual Directors was done taking into consideration the contributions made by each Director as a member at the respective meetings, in pursuit of the purpose and goals, participation at the meetings, independent views and judgement, initiative, ownership of value building.
The performance of the Committees was evaluated by majority of the Board Members after seeking inputs from the Committee members on the basis of the criteria such as the composition of Committees, effectiveness of Committee meetings, information shared and participation of members. In respect of evaluation for performance of the Board, the parameters inter alia comprised of key areas such as Board composition, competency of Directors, diversity, frequency of Board and Committee meetings, information sharing and disclosures made to the Board and its Committees. The responses received on evaluation of the Board and its Committees and that of the individual Directors were shared with the Chairman.
The overall performance evaluation process for functioning of Board and its Committees was based on discussions amongst the Board Members, Committee Members and responses shared by each Member. The Board and the Nomination and Remuneration/Compensation Committee reviewed and discussed the performance of individual directors, the performance of the Board, its Committees. Performance evaluation of independent directors was done by majority of the Board Members, excluding the independent director being evaluated.
The Board found that there was considerable value and richness in the discussions and deliberations and has agreed for possible continuous improvisation and effectiveness in functioning of the Board and Committees.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
A report on Corporate Governance together with Secretarial Auditors’ Certificate as required under Regulation 34 of SEBI Listing Regulations forms part of this Annual Report.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT
The Management Discussion and Analysis Report as required under Regulation 34 of SEBI Listing Regulations is presented separately and forms part of this Annual Report.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report as required under Regulation 34 of the SEBI Listing Regulations is presented separately and forms part of this Annual Report.
VIGIL MECHANISM AND WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
The Company has established a Vigil Mechanism and Whistle Blower Policy to provide a framework for promoting responsible and secure whistle blowing and to provide a channel to the employee(s), Directors and other stakeholders to report to the management, concerns about unethical behavior, actual or suspected fraud or violation of the code of conduct or policy/ies of the Company. The details of said vigil mechanism is given in Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
In terms of requirements prescribed under Section 178 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Company has framed a Nomination and Remuneration Policy for appointment and remuneration of the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Senior Management (the "Policy").
The purpose of this Policy is to establish and govern the procedure as applicable inter alia in respect to the following:
a) To evaluate the performance of the members of the Board.
b) To ensure remuneration to Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Senior Management involves a balance between fixed and incentive pay reflecting short and long term performance objectives appropriate to the working of the Company and its goals.
c) To retain, motivate and promote talent and to ensure long term sustainability of talented managerial persons and create competitive advantage.
The Policy is available on the website of the Company - https:// futureconsumer.in/investors.aspx#policies-code
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Company has constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee ("CSR Committee") in accordance with Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. The Board of Directors of
the Company have, based on recommendations made by the CSR Committee, formulated and approved Corporate Social Responsibility Policy ("CSR Policy") for the Company. The salient features of CSR Policy inter-alia comprises of framing of guidelines to make Corporate Social Responsibility a key business process for sustainable development of the society to directly/indirectly undertake projects/ programmes which will enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of the communities in and around our operations and society and to generate goodwill and recognition among all stakeholders of the Company.
The CSR Policy framed by the Company is available on the website of the Company - https://futureconsumer.in/investors. aspx#policies-code
The disclosure as per Rule 9 of Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 is made in prescribed form which is annexed to this Report as Annexure II.
RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY AND INTERNAL ADEQUACY
Your Company has Enterprise Risk Management ("ERM") Policy in place. The aim of this policy is not only to eliminate risks but to also assist FCL personnel to manage the risks involved concerning the business and to achieve maximum opportunities and minimize adverse consequences.
It involves:
• Identifying and taking opportunities to improve performance as well as taking actions to avoid or reduce the chances of adverse consequences;
• A systematic process that can be used when making decisions to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of performance;
• Effective communication; and
• Accountability in decision making.
Risk Management Committee meetings are convened twice in a year wherein all the critical risks along with current mitigation plans identified during the period are presented to the Risk Management Committee. This ensures all the critical risks are covered and suitable mitigation plans are in place or needs to be implemented to overcome /avoid the risk to ensure controls are operating effectively. The Audit Committee has additional oversight in the areas of financial risk and controls.
In view of loss of business from Future Retail Limited Stores, the Board of Directors express their concern over the performance of the Company in the forthcoming years. To mitigate the same, the Company plans to identify and implement alternative options in modern and general trade category.
AUDITORS AND AUDITORS' REPORT
M/s. S R B C & CO LLP, Chartered Accountants, (Firm’s Registration No: 324982E/E300003) resigned as the Statutory Auditors of the Company with effect from 14th August, 2023.
Based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors had at their meeting held on 14th August, 2023, approved appointment of M/s. Borkar and Muzumdar, Chartered Accountants, registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India having Firm’s Registration No. 101569W, as Statutory Auditors with effect from 14th August, 2023, to fill the casual vacancy in the office of Statutory Auditors due to resignation of existing Statutory Auditors of the Company. M/s. Borkar and Muzumdar, Chartered Accountants, Statutory Auditors appointed by the Board shall hold office upto the date of the ensuing Annual General Meeting,
Further, based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Director have at their meeting held on 14th August, 2023, recommended the appointment of M/s. Borkar and Muzumdar, Chartered Accountants, as the Statutory Auditors of the Company for the approval of Members at the ensuing Annual General Meeting ("AGM"), for a period of five years, to hold office from the conclusion of the ensuing 27th AGM till the conclusion of the 32nd AGM of the Company.
M/s. Borkar and Muzumdar, Chartered Accountants, have granted their consent for being appointed as Statutory Auditors of the Company and have also confirmed their eligibility in terms of the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013. The Notice convening forthcoming AGM includes the proposal for appointment of Statutory Auditors of the Company for approval of the Shareholders.
The notes on financial statements referred to in the Auditors Report are self-explanatory and do not call for any further comments and explanations. The Auditors’ Report (on Standalone and Consolidated Financial Statements) for the financial year ended 31st March, 2023 have been qualified by the Statutory Auditors in respect of following:
i) Qualification on non-availability of results /audited financial statements of two joint venture companies
The Audit Committee and Board of Directors at their respective meetings while approving the said Financial Statements reviewed such qualification made by the Statutory Auditors. In accordance to the provisions of Section 134(3)(f) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 34(2) of SEBI Listing Regulations, a statement containing the details of qualification, explanation by the Board and impact of the qualifications is provided under Note No. 50 and Note No. 51 to Standalone and Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company respectively, forming part of this Annual Report.
No instances of fraud have been reported by the Statutory Auditors of the Company under Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013.
SECRETARIAL AUDITOR AND SECRETARIAL AUDIT REPORT
Your Company has undertaken Secretarial Audit for the financial year 2022-23 which, inter alia, includes audit of compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and the Rules made under the Act, SEBI Listing Regulations and applicable Regulations prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India and Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of the Company Secretaries of India.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Board of Directors had appointed M/s. Sanjay Dholakia & Associates, Practicing Company Secretary (Membership No. 2655 / CP No.1798) to conduct the Secretarial Audit of the Company for financial year 2022-23.
The Secretarial Audit Report is annexed to this Report as Annexure III. The observation/remark of the Secretarial Auditor in their report is self-explanatory and therefore, the Board does not have any further comments on the same. The Company would take necessary action to comply with the respective provisions of the regulations.
SECRETARIAL AUDIT OF MATERIAL UNLISTED INDIAN SUBSIDIARY
Pursuant to provisions of Regulation 24A of SEBI Listing Regulations, Secretarial Audit was undertaken for material subsidiaries of the Company viz. - Bloom Foods and Beverages Private Limited, Aadhaar Wholesale Trading and Distribution Limited, FCL Tradevest Private Limited and Future Food and Products Limited. The Secretarial Audit Report for aforesaid material unlisted subsidiaries is annexed to this Report as Annexure IV-A, IV-B, IV-C and IV-D and does not contain any qualification, reservation or adverse remark.
PUBLIC DEPOSITS
Your Company has not been accepting any deposits from the public and hence there are no unpaid / unclaimed deposits or any instance of default in repayment thereof.
ANNUAL RETURN
The Annual Return as on 31st March, 2023 in terms of provisions of Section 92(3) read with Section 134(3)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rules thereto, is available on website of the Company - https://futureconsumer.in/ investors.aspx#financials-id.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
Disclosure with respect to the remuneration of Directors and employees as required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are provided under Annexure V, which is annexed to this Report.
In terms of the provisions of first proviso to Section 136(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, the statement containing particulars of top ten employees and the employees drawing remuneration in excess of limits prescribed under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is excluded from the Annual Report being sent to the Members of the Company and will be available for inspection by the Members upto the date of forthcoming Annual General Meeting. If any Member is interested in obtaining a copy thereof or inspecting the same, such Member may write to the Company Secretary and the same shall be provided. The full Annual Report is being sent electronically to all those members who have registered their email addresses and is also available on the website of the Company and Stock Exchanges.
ANNUAL REPORT
In compliance with the circulars issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs ("MCA") viz. General Circular No. 10/2022 dated 28th December, 2022 read with General Circular No. 14/2020 dated 8th April, 2020, General Circular No. 17/2020 dated 13th April, 2020, General Circular No. 20/2020 dated 5th May, 2020, General Circular No. 02/2021 dated 13th January, 2021, General Circular No. 19/2021 dated 8th December, 2021 and General Circular No. 21/2021 dated 14th December, 2021 and Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD-2/P/CIR/2023/4 dated 5th January, 2023 issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India, Notice of the AGM along with the Annual Report 2022-23 is being sent only through electronic mode to those Members whose email addresses are registered with the Company/ Depositories. Members may note that the Notice and Annual Report 2022-23 will also be available on the Company’s website www.futureconsumer.in, website of the Stock Exchanges i.e. BSE Limited and The National Stock Exchange of India Limited at www.bseindia.com and www.nseindia.com respectively and on the website of NSDL https://www.evoting.nsdl.com
DISCLOSURE OF AGREEMENTS IN TERMS OF REGULATION 30A OF SEBI LISTING REGULATIONS
In terms of provisions of Regulation 30A(2) of SEBI Listing Regulations, the details of number of agreements that subsist as on the date of notification of Clause 5A to para A of Part A of Schedule III (i.e with effect from 15th July, 2023), their salient features are provided under Annexure VI which is annexed to this Report. The aforesaid details are also available on the website of the Company - https://futureconsumer.in/investors. aspx#announcements
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
Pursuant to the approval of the Shareholders, the Company has formulated following employee stock option schemes:
a) FVIL Employees Stock Option Plan-2011 ("FVIL ESOP- 2011")
b) Future Consumer Enterprise Limited - Employee Stock Option Plan 2014 ("FCEL ESOP - 2014")
The aforesaid Employee Stock Option Plans are in compliance with erstwhile SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014, as amended from time to time ("SEBI Employee Benefits Regulations") and there have been no material changes to these Plans during the financial year under review.
The details of options granted and exercised under FVIL ESOP- 2011 and FCEL ESOP-2014 and other disclosures as required under SEBI Employee Benefits Regulations, are available on the website of the Company https://futureconsumer.in/investors. aspx#statutory-documents and are also provided in Annexure VII, which is annexed to this Report.
MAINTENANCE OF COST RECORDS
Your Company is not required to maintain cost records as specified by the Central Government under sub-section (1) of Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 and accordingly such accounts and records have not been maintained by the Company.
PARTICULARS OF ENERGY CONSERVATION, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, EXPENDITURE ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO, ETC.
The Company in its regular course of business is vigilant to conserve the resources and continuously implements measures required to save energy.
The Company’s initiative towards Energy and Carbon Policy sets forth guidelines towards low carbon transformation through energy efficiency and sourcing energy from alternative and renewable sources. The Company’s Environment Social Management Systems ("ESMS") help them in identifying and assessing environmental risks, preventing and mitigating the environmental impact caused due to its operations and products. The Company monitors its environmental performance against key performance indicators and works towards increasing manufacturing efficiency, wastage reduction and enhancing capacity utilization.
The business activities of the Company are not specific to any technology requirements. In the course of operations, processes are formed and implemented to achieve operational efficiencies in the Company and also at its subsidiaries which assist in maintaining product quality and cost control.
In respect of the manufacturing units of the Company and its
subsidiaries, the brief particulars in respect of various steps
and initiatives taken regarding conservation of energy and
technology absorption are as under:
(A) Conservation of Energy
The energy utilization in each manufacturing unit is being monitored regularly in order to achieve effective conservation of energy. The significant energy conservation measures under taken during the year under review were as under:
(i) the steps taken or impact on conservation of energy:
a. Facilities at India Food Park are instrumental in saving energy, each facility took stretched target of 15% optimization in electrical energy. Each facility implemented TPM, lean manufacturing to optimize the energy and achieved more than set target.
b. The overall energy optimized at India Food Park production in FY21-22 was 0.60 GJ/Ton of production which has surpassed in FY 22-23 with GJ/ ton of production of 0.52
c. Continued monitoring of compressor shutdown and idling of freezer rooms resulted in savings of 280 kwh/ day at F&V facility.
d. Rationalization in capacity utilization of freezer and movement of man and materials in the freezer room restricted temperature increase.
e. Installing strip curtains in cold chain doors have arrested the sudden of loss of cool air due to door opening and closing
f. Effective utilization of steam from boiler by regular monitoring of briquette consumption to steam generation and water consumption to steam generation.
g. Auto power factor correction (APFC) resulted in savings of 800 kwh/month.
h. PNG is used as fuel for boiler operation and Oven operations by most of facilities at India Food Park.
i. Dedicated chimney has been installed for 125 and 250 KVA DG sets, which will help on effective stack monitoring and there by result less power diesel consumption.
j. 500KVA DG was used to run WTP plant which was over capacity hence shuffling of DG was done and smaller capacity of 125 KVA DG was out in WTP plant to ensure less emission and consumption of fuel.
k. Decline on per unit rate due to higher EB usage
l. CRS -condensate recovery system has been installed at F&V boiler and resulted in 10000 KL of water savings.
m. LPG is replaced by PNG at IFPL. All the units are using PNG as fuel for their utilities
(ii) the steps taken by the Company for utilizing alternate sources of energy:
India Food Park at Tumkur has installed 3MW solar power generating units by third party and the company has been continuously trying to shift the power usage from renewable energy such as solar panels and to this effect the share of solar power usage has increased from 30% in FY 21-22 to 42% in FY 22-23.
(iii) the capital investment on energy conservation equipments:
There was no capital investment on energy conservation equipment for FY 2022-23 across all the business verticals of the Company and its subsidiaries.
Conservation of Water
• Water mapping done with mass balance study.
• Water flow meters are installed from source to all the appropriate locations to monitor the water consumption.
• Digital flow meter is installed at KIADB, IFPL water inlet for monitor the actual receipt of inlet water.
• Reuse, Recycle, Reduce method used to optimize the water consumption.
• Rain water harvesting pond of 20L capacity has been activated that will help harvest rain water during season and also recharge ground water level. IFPL has plans to reuse this water in future by filtration in next 2-3 years.
• The Company’s water stewardship policy encourages water conservation efforts while monitoring, measuring and reporting progress against key performance indicators and complying with the local regulations.
• The average water consumption is sustained from previous year and is averaging at 1.7 KL/ ton .
(B) Technology absorption
Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) - a holistic approach to implement TPM at our units kicked off 2 years ago and also in the Centre of Plate ("COP") units. Classroom and on the job trainings were imparted at Tumkur, Indore, Nimrani, Hyderabad. The Training methodology covers all the employees, skilled labours & contract labour. Training modules on TPM basics, 5S, KAIZEN, Autonomous maintenance (JH), OEE monitoring and 8 pillar approach are done by the TPM co-ordinator and then the local team takes over the cascade training. TPM methodology is implemented across Company’s manufacturing facilities and initiated energy saving projects on energy. Resource
efficiency initiatives have been done at IFPL and COP manufacturing facilities.
At the India Food Park at Tumkur, LPG is replaced by PNG there by reducing GHG emissions. Various programs are under taken like environment monitoring, tree planation, providing storm water drains for new buildings, utilizing more amount of treated water for landscaping, gardening there by conserve raw water, implementation of TPM and lean manufacturing resulted in energy savings, small initiatives like switching of lights when not use, ACs, using public transport.
(C) Foreign exchange earnings and outgo
The details in respect of Foreign Exchange earnings/ outgo for the year under review, is provided below:
Foreign Exchange Earnings: Nil
Foreign Exchange Outgo:
Nature of transaction
|
Amount (' In Lakhs)
|
Sitting Fees
|
1.50
|
Legal & Professional Fees
|
11.05
|
Purchases
|
35.11
|
Total
|
42.10
|
GENERAL
1. The Company has neither issued any equity shares with differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise nor sweat equity shares and hence no disclosure is required to be made in respect of the same.
2. During the year under review, the Managing Director and Executive Director have not received any commission from the Company nor any remuneration in the form of salary/ perquisites from any of its subsidiary companies.
3. There are no significant / material orders passed by the regulators/courts/tribunals during the year under review which would otherwise impact the going concern status of your Company and its future operations.
4. The Company has complied with the provisions regarding the constitution of the Internal Complaints Committee ("ICC") in terms of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and Rules thereto. During the year under review, there were no reported instances of cases filed pursuant to Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
5. The Company has complied with Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and notified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
6. There is proceeding pending under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. An interlocutory application was filed by Mr. Vijaykumar V Iyer, Resolution Professional of Future Retail Limited ("RP") against the Company, before Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench ("NCLT"), under the provisions of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 ("Code") in the matter relating to Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process initiated by Bank of India (the "Financial Creditor" therein) against Future Retail Limited ("FRL" / "Debtor" therein). In the said interlocutory application filed, the RP has prayed to NCLT to declare payments made by FRL to the Company to the tune of ' 839.18 Crore, during the financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22 to be preferential in nature and has sought directions from NCLT for Company to refund the alleged preferential payments to FRL in accordance with Section 44 of the Code. The application is presently pending before NCLT.
7. The Company has not availed any fresh loan from the Banks or Financial Institutions during the financial year 2022-23 and therefore there is no disclosure relating to difference between amount of the valuation done at the time of one time settlement and the valuation done while taking loan from the Banks or Financial Institutions.
8. During the year under review, the Company has been unable to service its obligations towards payment of amount of principal and interest due towards unlisted Non¬ Convertible Debentures issued by the Company to CDC Emerging Markets Limited. The amount due was partly paid-off during the current fiscal and presently an principal amount of ' 158.82 Crore and accrued interest of ' 33.03 Crore is outstanding to be paid by the Company.
9. There were no events relating to non-exercising of voting rights since there were no shares purchased directly by employees under a scheme pursuant to Section 67(3) of the Companies Act,2013 read with Rule 16(4) of Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014.
a. in the preparation of the annual accounts for the financial year ended 31st March, 2023, the applicable accounting standards have been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures, if any;
b. the Directors have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at 31st March, 2023 and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period;
c. the Directors have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d. the Directors have prepared the annual accounts for the financial year ended 31st March, 2023, on a going concern basis;
e. the Directors have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating effectively;
f. the Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors would like to thank and place on record their appreciation for the support and co-operation provided to your Company by its Shareholders, Future Group entities and in particular, regulatory authorities and its bankers. Your Directors would also like to place on record their appreciation for the efforts put in by employees of the Company during the year under review.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Birendra Kumar Agrawal Chairman
Date: 14th August, 2023
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