Mar 31, 2023
The Directors are pleased to present the 80th Annual Report of Tata Coffee Limited ("the Company") along with the Audited Financial Statements for the Financial Year ended March 31,2023.
The financial performance of the Company for the year ended March 31,2023, on a Standalone and Consolidated basis, is summarised below:
Particulars |
Standalone |
(Rs. in Crore) Consolidated |
||
2022-23 |
2021-22 |
2022-23 |
2021-22 |
|
Revenue from Operations |
1023 |
817 |
2850 |
2363 |
Other Income |
68 |
70 |
30 |
26 |
Total Income |
1091 |
887 |
2880 |
2389 |
Expenses |
||||
Operating Expenditure |
925 |
740 |
2521 |
1991 |
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses |
26 |
24 |
86 |
81 |
Total Expenses |
951 |
764 |
2607 |
2072 |
Profit before Exceptional Items and Taxes |
140 |
123 |
273 |
317 |
Add: Exceptional Items and Taxes |
147 |
(1) |
135 |
(6) |
Profit before Tax (PBT) |
287 |
122 |
408 |
311 |
Tax expense |
56 |
20 |
87 |
78 |
Profit for the year |
231 |
102 |
321 |
233 |
Attributable to: |
||||
Shareholders of the Company |
231 |
102 |
263 |
148 |
Non-Controlling Interests |
- |
- |
58 |
85 |
Surplus brought forward from Previous Year |
691 |
633 |
885 |
782 |
Amount available for appropriation |
922 |
735 |
1148 |
930 |
General Reserve II |
(14) |
(16) |
(14) |
(16) |
Dividend paid relating to Previous Year |
(37) |
(28) |
(37) |
(28) |
Balance carried forward |
871 |
691 |
1097 |
885 |
Your Company''s Total Income during the year under review was ?1091 crore as compared to ?887 crore in the Previous Year.
Consolidated Total Income during the year under review was ?2880 crore as compared to ?2389 crore in the Previous Year, registering an increase of ?491 crore over the previous year.
Standalone
Profit before Tax for the year 2022-23 was ?287 crore as against ?122 crore in the previous year. Profit after Tax for the year 2022-23 stood at ?231 crore as against ?102 crore in the previous year.
Consolidated
On a consolidated basis, Profit before Tax for the year 2022-23 was ?408 crore as against ?311 crore in the previous year. Profit after Tax (net of minority interest) for the year 2022-23 stood at ?263 crore as against ?148 crore in the previous year.
The Board of Directors have recommended a Dividend of ?3 per share (previous year ?2 per share) on face value of ?1 each for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2023. The total Dividend outgo amounts to ?56.03 crore (previous year ?37.35 Crore).
The Register of Members and Share Transfer Books of the Company will remain closed from May 16, 2023 to May 24, 2023 (both days inclusive) for ascertainment of shareholders eligible to receive dividend for the financial year ended March 31, 2023.
In terms of Regulation 43A of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("the Listing Regulations"), the Dividend Distribution Policy duly approved by the Board is available on the website of the Company and can be accessed at https://tatacoffee.com/sites/default/files/ collaterals/investors/Dividend Distribution Policy 0.pdf. The Board has recommended dividend based on the parameters laid down in the Dividend Distribution Policy and dividend will be paid out of the profits for the year.
The Board of Directors have decided to retain the entire amount of profit for Financial Year 2022-23 in the Statement of Profit & Loss as at March 31,2023.
The Paid-up Equity Share Capital of the Company as on March 31,2023 was ?18.67 crore comprising of 18,67,70,370 equity shares of ?1 each. During the year under review, your Company has neither issued any shares with differential voting rights nor has granted any stock options or sweat equity. The Company has paid Listing Fees for the Financial Year 2022-23, to each of the Stock Exchanges, where its equity shares are listed.
6. Material changes and commitment - if any, affecting financial position of the Company from the end of the Financial Year till the date of this Report
There has been no material change and commitment, affecting the financial performance of the Company which occurred between the end of the Financial Year of the Company to which the financial statements relate and the date of this Report.
The Board of Directors of the Company, at its meeting held on March 29, 2022, had approved a Composite Scheme of Arrangement amongst Tata Consumer Products Limited ("TCPL"), the Company and TCPL Beverages and Foods Limited ("TBFL"), and their respective shareholders and creditors, under Sections 230 to 232 and other applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules and/
or regulations made thereunder (''the Scheme''). TCPL is the Holding Company of the Company and TBFL is a wholly owned subsidiary of TCPL.
The Scheme inter alia provides for the following:
(a) as a first step, the demerger of the Plantation Business of the Company into TBFL and in consideration, the consequent issuance of equity shares by TCPL (as the holding company of TBFL) to all the shareholders of the Company (other than TCPL) in accordance with the Share Entitlement Ratio ("Demerger");
(b) as a second step, followed immediately by the amalgamation of the Company (comprising the Remaining Business of the Company with TCPL and in consideration, the consequent issuance of equity shares by TCPL to all the shareholders of the Company (other than TCPL) in accordance with the Share Exchange Ratio ("Amalgamation"); and
(c) various other matters consequential or otherwise integrally connected therewith.
On effectiveness of the Scheme, the shareholders of the Company (other than TCPL) as on the record date will receive:
⢠1 (one) equity share of TCPL for every 22 (twenty-two) equity shares of TCL, in consideration for the demerger (as per the approved share entitlement ratio); and
⢠14 (fourteen) equity shares of TCPL for every 55 (fifty-five) equity shares of TCL, in consideration for the merger (as per the approved share exchange ratio).
The Scheme has been approved by the requisite majority of the Shareholders of the Company on February 3, 2023, in terms of the requirements of Companies Act, 2013 and the Listing Regulations and as per the directive of the Hon''ble National Company Law Tribunal, Bengaluru bench ("NCLT"). Further, the NCLT had dispensed with holding of the creditors meeting, based on consents received from the creditors. The Scheme is now subject to approvals of NCLT benches at Kolkata and Bangalore, as well as other Regulatory authorities, as may be applicable. The Scheme as approved by the Board is available on the website of the Company at www.tatacoffee.com.
According to the estimates of the International Coffee Organization (ICO), World coffee production decreased by 1.4% to 168.5 million bags in coffee year 2021/22, hampered by the off-biennial production and negative meteorological conditions in several key origins. However, it is expected to bounce back by 1.7% to 171.3 million bags in 2022/23. Increased global fertilizer costs and adverse weather conditions are expected to partially offset the positive impact of biennial production from Brazil, explaining the relatively low rate of growth in coffee year 2022/23.
The impact of biennial production is anticipated to drive the outlook for Arabica, which is projected to increase by 4.6% to 98.6 million bags in coffee year 2022/23, following a 7.2% decrease the previous coffee year. Robusta production is estimated at 72.7 million bags, lower by 2% from that of last year.
Reflecting its cyclical output, Arabica''s share of the total coffee production is expected to increase to 57.5% from 55.9% in coffee year 2021/22. South America being the largest producer of Arabica coffee in the world, despite suffering from the largest drop in output for almost 20 years, which fell by 7.6% in coffee year 2021/22. The recovery in coffee year 2022/23, partly driven by biennial production, is expected to push the region''s output to 82.4 million bags, a rise of 6.2%.
World coffee consumption increased by 4.2% to 175.6 million bags in coffee year 2021/22. It is expected to increase to 178.5 million bags in coffee year 2022/23.
As a result, the world coffee market is expected to undergo another year of deficit, with a shortfall of 7.3 million bags in coffee year 2022/23.
The New York (ICE) May terminal, representing Arabica settled at 170.50 c/ lb on March 31, 2023 as compared to 226.40 c/ lb on March 31,2022.
As on March 31, 2023, the London Robusta May futures settled at 2206 USD / MT as compared to 2165 USD / MT on March 31,2022.
The total rainfall recorded for the calendar year 2022 is 71.64 inches which is very much close to 72.01 during the calendar year 2021.
During the season under review, the Company has recorded well distributed rainfall, but the post monsoon rainfall extended till December.
At the end of Financial Year 2022-23, the Company has harvested a Robusta crop of 4449 MT whereas in case of Arabica, a production of 1875 MT has been harvested. The coffee harvesting operations has been completed and Robusta gleaning operations is in progress.
The Company was able to complete 100% blossom irrigation with adequate rainfall ranging from 0.30 inches to 2.50 inches recorded across Coorg Estates and in Hassan Estates with available water sources
along with scattered rain. Post-harvest operations such as handling, white stem borer control is in progress.
During the Financial year 2022-23, the Company produced 4.988 million kgs against 4.725 million kgs in the previous year. The turnover during the year was ?74 crore as against ?64 crore last year. While the sale average improved over previous year, extended monsoon and incidence of Tea Mosquito Bug impacted production and higher wage and input cost impacted the turnover.
During the year, the South Indian Sale average improved by 4.54% and North India by 5.26% compared to the previous year. Pan India production was marginally higher by 1.16% but lower than pre-pandemic period. South India production was marginally lower compared to the previous season.
The Company has achieved a pepper production of 732 MT for the Financial Year 2022-23 against 713 MT harvested during 2021-22. At plantations, Pepper watering during summer months is a continuous process to protect the pepper vines from moisture stress.
Tata Coffee has two Curing units located at Kushalnagar and Mangalore, Karnataka. Kushalnagar Works is the processing hub for the entire produce of Coffee from the estates, while the Mangalore unit processes Arabica cherry and Monsoon Malabar coffee. Additionally, the Kushalnagar facility also houses the Pepper Processing Unit, and two roasting Units for Tata Coffee Grand and Tata Starbucks. The Unit is certified for ISO 9001:2015, SA-8000:2014, Rain Forest Alliance, Organic Coffee processing, and Cafe Practices.
The Pepper Processing Centre at Kushal Nagar certify certified by Export Inspection Agency (EIA), which enables the Company to process pepper, meeting all the required Global Standards. The Unit is also certified for Organic Pepper processing and is certified under FSSC 22000 5.1, and SA 8000:2014.
Coffee & Pepper Exports
During the Financial Year 2022-23, the green coffee sales exceeded 11,000 MT, out of which the exports stood at 8,223 MT of coffee as against 7,977 MT in the previous year. Your Company continued to focus on growth through premiumization, while improving volumes by building a wider market outreach and building relationships with the best-in-class roasters globally.
The total sales of pepper for the company stood at 662 MT in FY 2022-23 as against 845 MT in FY 2021-22. Your company was able to place certified pepper in the market, capitalizing on increased demand of sustainable produce in the market and with a steady increase in volumes.
On Instant Coffee, during FY 2022-23, your Company clocked sales of 8,413 MT from Indian operations and 4,949 MT from the Vietnam operations. The sales numbers were 8,495 MT and 4,865 MT respectively from India and Vietnam for FY 2021-22. Despite headwinds and inflationary pressures across inputs, the Company was able to maintain share with key customers, enter new markets, and grow overall sales.
Ama Plantation Trails has recorded an income of ''5.00 crore for the financial year 2022-23 with an EBIT of ''1.31 crore. The operations of ama Plantation Trails, the Company''s hospitality business, has recovered from the effects of the Covid Pandemic, and the bookings have reached the pre-pandemic levels. The Company''s association and partnership with Indian Hotels Company Limited, the strongest brand in India, has augmented well for the operations leveraging group synergies and immersive experiences for the guests.
During the Financial Year 2022-23, Instant Coffee Division performed well despite subdued demand in its Operating markets.
The challenges during the year were overcome by smart sourcing of green beans, focused productivity improvement and strategic cost management initiatives and developing customized products.
The new state of the art 5000 TPA Freeze-dried coffee plant in Vietnam has operated to its full capacity. The Vietnam unit is focusing on reducing Energy and water consumption substantially. During the Financial Year 2022-23, Liquid coffee concentrate manufacturing capability has been developed and available for commercialisation.
The manufacturing units at Theni and Toopran continue to perform at near 100% capacity utilization. The units have established cleaner fuel technologies in operations and new technologies have been adopted to reduce energy and water consumption, improve safety and enhance people productivity through training from reputed institutes.
The Company continues to enhance its market standing and competitive edge by enhanced product portfolio, customized solutions and new products.
C. Starbucks Roastery
A state-of-the-art roasting plant for Tata Starbucks and processes single origin coffees of India, Kenya and Sumatra,
as well as Cold Brew, Espresso, Blonde Espresso and Diwali Blend variants, catering to the exclusive requirements of TATA Starbucks outlets across India. Post Covid -19, the production is back to normal volumes and growing rapidly. The Unit is certified under FSSC 22000 5.1, SA-8000:2014, and compliance to Ethical Sourcing requirement of Starbucks. The Unit is being periodically expanded.
The Company manufactures ''Tata Coffee Grand'', a Filter coffee variant for sales in the domestic market, which is being distributed and marketed by the Holding company, Tata Consumer Products Limited. It produces a blend of Roasted & Ground coffee with Chicory. The production has been on an increasing trend. The Unit is FSSC 22000 5.1, and SA-8000:2014 certified.
E. Sonnets
Tata Coffee Limited offers limited-edition specialty coffee catering to the e-commerce segment. New launches this season include Monsoon Malabar and Roasted bean, in addition to the powdered coffee segment. These coffees are the best of the best, from the Estates of Tata Coffee, and provide a unique taste experience and bring out the best in handpicked Arabica beans and are a coffee connoisseurs delight. Sale of Sonnets is being facilitated to the consumers through our Holding Company, Tata Consumer Products Ltd.
TATA Coffee Limited, ICD Theni & Toopran Units were recognized for excellence in Occupational Health & Safety & Sustainability system by the OHSSAI Foundation Mumbai by receiving various awards.
During the year under review, the Company has received the following awards:
a. 4 Star Gold award under Environmental Category-ICD, Theni
b. 4 Star Silver award under OHS Category- ICD, Theni
c. 4 Star Gold award under OHS Category-ICD, Toopran
The leadership awards for both the units were achieved based on the commitment towards achieving the "Zero harm" and "Zero Emission" by the leadership team.
Further, the Company has received the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Awards in Indian category with Nullore standing first, Coovercolly estate second and Cannoncadoo third. All the top three awards were bagged by Company''s Estates, which reflects the quality and sustainability of the Coffees we produce in our Estates.
During the year, ?47 crore was incurred towards capital expenditure primarily on account of modernization, upgradation, re-planting, welfare and other programmes undertaken in various units of the Company.
During the year under review, the Company has invested in newer technologies and sustainability projects as under:
a) Building Industry 4.0 for Energy & Utilities Management Platform
b) Data Analytics for Water Optimization
c) Digital Manufacturing Solution for Roaster Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Improvement
Subsidiary Companies
I. Consolidated Coffee Inc. (CCI) and Eight O'' Clock Holdings Inc.
CCI is the Holding Company of Eight O'' Clock Holdings Inc. and, Eight O'' Clock Holdings Inc. is the Holding Company of Eight O'' Clock Coffee Company. The Consolidated Net Profit of CCI after taxes was ?117 crore (USD 14.892 Million) as compared to ?172 crore (USD 23.109 Million) for the previous year.
II. Eight O'' Clock Company (EOC)
Total Income of EOC during the Financial Year 2022-23 was ?1489 crore (USD 186 Million) compared to ?1295 crore (USD 175 Million) in the previous Financial Year. EOC bag and K-cup volumes were lower this year versus the previous year primarily due to competitive pricing and market conditions, as US consumers focus on value. This trend benefitted our private label business, which grew in both volumes, turnover and operating profit. Inflation has impacted the cost of goods. EOC was able to mitigate some of this impact by executing price increases across the majority of our portfolio. The focus going forward is to grow the base through an EOC brand refresh. EOC also intend to improve profitability with improved productivity out of its roasting facility and process improvements.
III. Tata Coffee Vietnam Company Limited (TCVCL)
The Total Income of TCVCL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Coffee Ltd., during the Financial Year 2022-23 was ?343 crore (USD 42.747 Million) compared to ?258 crore (USD 34.745 Million) in the previous Financial Year.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 (''the Act''), a statement containing the salient features of Financial Statements of the Company''s subsidiaries in Form AOC - 1 is annexed as Annexure - A.
Further, pursuant to the provisions of Section 136 of the Act, the standalone and consolidated financial statements of the Company and of its subsidiaries, are available on the Website of the Company at https://tatacoffee.com/investors/overview.
The Company does not have any Associate or Joint Venture Companies. Further, the Company''s policy on determining the material subsidiaries, as approved by the Board is uploaded on the Company''s website at https://tatacoffee.com/sites/default/files/collaterals/ investors/Policy for Determining Material for Disclosure.pdf.
Based on the framework of Internal Financial Controls and compliance systems established and maintained by the Company, the work performed by the Internal Auditors, Statutory Auditors and Secretarial Auditors, including the Audit of Internal Financial Controls over financial reporting by the Statutory Auditors and the reviews performed by Management and the relevant Board Committees, including the Audit Committee, the Board is of the opinion that the Company''s internal financial controls were adequate and effective during Financial Year 2022-23.
Accordingly, pursuant to Sections 134(5) of the Act, the Board of Directors, to the best of its knowledge and ability, confirm that:
i. in the preparation of the annual accounts for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2023, the applicable accounting standards have been followed and there are no material departures.
ii. they 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 at the end of the Financial Year and of the profit of the Company for that period.
iii. they have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities.
iv. they have prepared the Annual Accounts for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2023, on a going concern basis.
v. they have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and such internal financial controls are adequate and operating effectively.
vi. they have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Act and the Articles of Association, Mr. R Harish Bhat (DIN: 00478198), Non-Executive Director of the Company retires by rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and being eligible, has offered himself for re-appointment. The Board recommends his re-appointment.
All the Independent Directors of the Company have given their declarations to the Company under Section 149(7) of the Act that they meet the criteria of independence as provided under Section 149(6) of the Act read with Regulation 16(1) (b) of the Listing Regulations. There has been no change in the circumstances affecting their status as Independent Directors of the Company.
During the year under review, the Company did not have any pecuniary relationship or transactions with any of its Directors, other than payment of remuneration / Incentive to the Executive Directors and payment of sitting fees, commission to Non-executive Directors and reimbursement of expenses incurred by them for the purpose of attending meetings of the Board / Committees of the Company.
Key Managerial Personnel (KMP)
In terms of Section 203 of the Act, the following are the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company:
⢠Mr. Chacko Purackal Thomas, Managing Director & CEO
⢠Mr. K. Venkataramanan, Executive Director - Finance & CFO
⢠Mr. N. Anantha Murthy, Head - Legal & Company Secretary
Board and Committee Meetings
An Annual Calendar of Board and Committee Meetings planned during the year was circulated in advance to the Directors. The Board has constituted an Audit Committee comprising of Mr. S Venkatraman as Chairman and Ms. Sunalini Menon, Mr. Siraj Azmat Chaudhry and Dr. P. G. Chengappa as its Members. There have been no instances during the year where recommendations of the Audit Committee were not accepted by the Board.
The details of the composition of the Board and its Committees and the number of meetings held and attendance of Directors at such meetings are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of the Annual Report.
The Directors have devised proper systems and processes for complying with the requirements of applicable Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) has been mandated to oversee and develop competency requirements for the Board based on the industry requirements and business strategy of the Company. The NRC reviews and evaluates the profiles of potential candidates for appointment of Directors and meets them prior to making recommendations of their nomination to the Board. Specific requirements for the position, including expert knowledge expected, are communicated to the appointee.
On the recommendation of the NRC, the Board has adopted and framed a Remuneration Policy for the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and other employees pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations. The remuneration determined for Executive / Independent Directors is subject to the recommendation of the NRC and approval of the Board of Directors. The Non-Executive Directors are compensated by way of profit-sharing commission and the criteria being their attendance and contribution at the Board / Committee Meetings. The Executive Directors are not paid sitting fees; however, the Non-Executive Directors are entitled to sitting fees for attending the Board / Committee Meetings.
It is affirmed that the remuneration paid to Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and all other employees are in accordance with the Remuneration Policy of the Company. The Company''s Policy on Directors'' Appointment and Remuneration and other matters provided in Section 178(3) of the Act and Regulation 19 of the Listing Regulations have been disclosed in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of the Annual Report.
The Independent Directors attend a Familiarization / Orientation Program on being inducted into the Board.
Further, various other programmes are conducted for the benefit of Independent Directors to provide periodical updates on regulatory front, industry developments and any other significant matters of importance. The details of Familiarization Program are provided in the Corporate Governance Report and is also available on the Company''s Website. The Company issues a formal letter of appointment to the Independent Directors, outlining their role, function, duties and responsibilities, the format of which is available on the Company''s Website at https://www. tatacoffee.com/sites/default/files/collaterals/investors/ appointment letter independent director.pdf
Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations, the Board has carried out an Annual Evaluation of its own performance, performance of the Directors and the working of its Committees, based on the evaluation criteria defined by Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) for performance evaluation process of the Board, its Committees and Directors.
The performance of the Board was evaluated by the Board after seeking inputs from all the directors on the basis of criteria such as the Board composition and structure, effectiveness of board processes, information and functioning, etc.
The performance of the Committees was evaluated by the Board after seeking inputs from the Committee members on the basis of criteria such as the composition of committees, effectiveness of Committee meetings, etc.
The performance assessment of Non-Independent Directors, Board as a whole and the Chairman were evaluated at separate meetings of Independent Directors. The same was also discussed in the meetings of NRC and the Board. Performance evaluation of Independent Directors was done by the entire Board, excluding the Independent Director being evaluated.
The Company has adopted policies and procedures to ensure an effective internal control environment for efficient conduct of its operations, including financial reporting, statutory compliance and safeguarding its assets. The Company''s internal control systems are commensurate with the nature of its business, the size and complexity of its operations and internal financial controls concerning financial statements are adequate. The Internal auditors of the Company make continuous assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal controls and systems across the Company. The Audit Committee and the Management review the findings and the recommendations of the internal auditors and take corrective actions.
There was no instance of fraud during the year under review, which required the Statutory Auditors to report to the Audit Committee and / or to the Board as required under Section 143(12) of the Act and the rules made thereunder.
a) Transfer of unclaimed dividend to IEPF
As required under Section 124 of the Act, the Unclaimed Dividend amount aggregating to ?33,66,456.60 lying with the Company for a period of seven years were transferred during the Financial Year 2022-23, to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) established by the Central Government.
As required under Section 124 of the Act, 1,76,438 equity shares, in respect of which dividend has not been claimed by the members for seven consecutive years or more, have been transferred by the Company to the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPF) during the Financial Year 2022-23. Details of shares transferred to IEPF have been uploaded on the Website of IEPF as well as the Company.
All Related Party Transactions, that were entered into during the Financial Year under review, were on an arm''s length basis, and in the ordinary course of business and are in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations. There were no materially significant Related Party Transactions made by the Company during the year that required shareholders'' approval under Regulation 23 of the Listing Regulations.
All Related Party Transactions are placed before the Audit Committee for prior approval. Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained for the transactions which are repetitive in nature or when the need for these transactions cannot be foreseen in advance.
None of the transactions entered into with Related Parties fall under the scope of Section 188(1) of the Act. Details of transactions with Related Parties as required under Section 134(3)(h) of the Act read with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are given in Annexure - B in Form AOC - 2 and forms part of this Report.
The Company has adopted a Policy for dealing with Related Party Transactions. The Policy as approved by the Board is available at the web link:
https://www.tatacoffee.com/sites/default/files/collaterals/
investors/related-partv-transaction-policv-april2022.pdf.
Your Company is in compliance with all the applicable provisions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under Chapter IV of the Listing Regulations. A report on Corporate Governance as required under the Listing Regulations is provided in a separate section and forms part of the Annual Report. A Certificate from a Practicing Company Secretary regarding compliance with the conditions stipulated in the Listing Regulations forms part of the Corporate Governance Report.
Pursuant to Regulation 34 of the Listing Regulations, the Management Discussion and Analysis is presented in a separate section forming part of this Annual Report
As required under Regulation 34 of the Listing Regulations, the Business Responsibility & Sustainability Report is provided in a separate section and forms part of the Annual Report.
(i) Statutory Auditors
The Members of the Company at their Annual General Meeting held on June 14, 2021, had approved the appointment of M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 117366W/W-100018), as the statutory auditors of the Company for a period of five years commencing from the conclusion of the 78th AGM held on June 14, 2021 until the conclusion of 83rd AGM of the Company to be held in the year 2026.
Pursuant to the provisions of Companies Amendment Act, 2017, notified on May 7, 2018, ratification of appointment of Statutory Auditors at every AGM is no more a legal requirement. Accordingly, the Notice convening the ensuing AGM does not carry any resolution on ratification of appointment of Statutory Auditors.
(ii) Cost Auditors
In terms of the provisions of Section 148 of the Act read with the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014, as amended from time to time, the Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, had appointed M/s. S. Mahadevan & Co, (Firm Registration No. 000007) Cost Accountants, as Cost Auditor of the Company for conducting the Cost Audit for the Financial Year 2022-23, on a remuneration of ''3 Lakh, plus applicable taxes, reimbursement of travel and out-of-pocket expenses subject to a maximum of 10% of the audit fees, which was ratified by the Members at the 79th Annual General Meeting of the Company held on June 20, 2022.
The Company has maintained relevant accounts and cost records, as specified by the Central Government, which is subject to audit by the Cost Auditor. Upon completion of the audit, necessary returns will be filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, in this regard.
(iii) Secretarial Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Act and the rules made there under, the Company had appointed M/s. BMP & Co. LLP, Company Secretaries, to undertake the Secretarial Audit of the Company for the year ended March 31,2023. The Secretarial Audit Report issued in this regard is annexed as Annexure - C.
The Auditors'' Report and the Secretarial Audit Report for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2023, do not contain any qualification or reservation or adverse remarks.
The Company has constituted a Risk Management Committee which has been entrusted with the responsibility to assist the Board in (a) approving the Company''s Risk Management Framework and (b) Overseeing all the risks that the organization faces such as strategic, operational, financial, liquidity, security, regulatory, legal, reputational and other risks that have been identified and assessed to ensure that there is a sound Risk Management Policy in place to address such concerns / risks. The Risk Management process covers risk identification, assessment, analysis and mitigation. Incorporating sustainability in the process also helps to align potential exposures with the risk appetite and highlight risks associated with chosen strategies.
The Audit Committee has additional oversight in the area of financial risks and controls. Major risks identified by the business and functions are systematically addressed through mitigating actions on a continuing basis.
The Company has adopted a Risk Management Policy in accordance with the provisions of the Act and Regulation 21 of the Listing Regulations.
The details of Loans, Investments and Guarantees covered under the provisions of Section 186 of the Act are given in the Notes to the Financial Statements forming part of Annual Report.
During the year under review, your Company has neither accepted nor renewed any deposits from the public within the meaning of Section 73 of the Act and the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
The Company continues to focus on welfare and improving the quality of lives of its employees by providing educational assistance to their children, employee wellness sessions, periodic occupational health checks, merit scholarships to employee children, spiritual peace by yoga classes, creche and child care facilities, transport at subsidised rate to school going children, supply of provisions at cost and other home appliances on instalment basis through co-operative stores and providing housing loan interest subsidy & interest free loans for the employee family wellness.
The Company has participated in the UN Foundation for Women initiative on "Private Sector Action for Women''s Health and Empowerment Initiative" and has committed by 2025 to improve the health and well-being of 7,500 women across Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu compromising of women employees, women dependents of employees, and women in the surrounding tribal communities with an emphasis on reproductive health and family planning, menstrual hygiene, anaemia and nutrition, maternal health, and overall physical and mental health.
Apart from the existing welfare initiatives implemented, the following were the focus areas in the welfare initiatives during Financial Year 2022-23:
⢠UNF health project was initiated for women workers to diagnose cervical cancer and anaemia. 1228 numbers of women employees and dependants had undergone screening and iron supplements were issued to the Anaemic women.
⢠Two Blood donation camps were conducted for the employees and their family members.
⢠Awareness programme on TCOC/POSH was conducted by HR team in all the estates.
⢠Issued Long service award for all the employees with 25 years of service.
⢠All employees are vaccinated with double dose and few are completed with the Booster dose.
⢠HIV awareness and screening was initiated with the Co-ordination from District Hospital.
⢠The Mental Health Counselling service was continued from last year.
⢠Ayushman Bharath Health card was facilitated inside the Estate premises in coordination with the local Panchayaths.
⢠The Educational Allowance under the Welfare trusts has been revised and extended to the employees of Anamallais division.
⢠Mr. R. K. Krishnakumar Scholarship for both male and female category have been awarded to the students from Plantation division.
⢠The new Labour lines with 5 tenements each were constructed in 10 estates.
The Company has zero tolerance for sexual harassment at workplace and has adopted a Policy on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment at workplace in line with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH) and the rules made thereunder. The Policy aims to provide protection to employees at workplace and prevent and redress complaints of sexual harassment and for matters connected or incidental thereto, with the objective of providing a safe working environment, where employees feel secure. The Company has revisited the Internal Complaints Committee members and emphasised on the roles and responsibilities expected from the members. Training programmes were conducted around locations to strengthen the awareness among the Committee members.
The Company continuously invests in enhancing the awareness on the Policy across its workforce.
The Company also conducts a periodic (bi-annual) awareness plan across the organization on Ethics, TCOC, POSH & Whistle Blower policy involving workmen as facilitators.
During the Financial Year 2022-23, the Company received 6 complaints on sexual harassment and all the cases have been disposed of with appropriate actions.
The Company has adopted a Whistle Blower Policy to provide a formal mechanism to the Directors'' and employees to report their concerns about unethical behaviour, actual or suspected fraud or violation of the Company''s Code of Conduct or Ethics Policy. The Policy provides for adequate safeguards against victimization of employees, who avail of the mechanism and provides to employees'' direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. It is affirmed that no personnel of the Company have been denied access to the Audit Committee. The Whistle Blower Policy has been posted on the Website of the Company at https://tatacoffee.com/ sites/default/files/collaterals/investors/Whistle Blower Policy 24032022.pdf
The Company has a Policy on Corporate Social Responsibility and the same has been posted on the website of the Company at https://tatacoffee.com/sites/default/files/ collaterals/investors/csr-policv-and-actionplans-fv2022-23. pdf
The Annual Report on CSR activities in terms of the requirements of Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 is annexed as Annexure - D, which forms part of this Report.
As per the requirements of Section 92(3) of the Act and Rules framed thereunder, the extract of the Annual Return for FY 2022-23 is uploaded on the website of the Company and the same is available at https://www.tatacoffee.com/sites/ default/files/collaterals/investors/mgt/Annual Return FY2022 23.pdf
In terms of the first proviso to Section 136 of the Act, the Reports and Accounts are being sent to the shareholders excluding the information required under Rule 5(2) and (3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014. Any shareholder interested in obtaining the same may write to the Company Secretary at the Registered Office of the Company. The said information is available for inspection by the Members at the Registered Office of the Company on any working day of the Company upto the date of the 80th Annual General Meeting.
The statement containing information as required under the provisions of Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is given in Annexure - E and forms part of this Report.
The information on Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo stipulated under Section 134(3)(m) of the Act read with Rule 8(3) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules 2014 is annexed as Annexure - F and forms part of this Report.
There are no significant or material orders which were passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status and the Company''s Operations in future.
In commitment to keep in line with the Green Initiatives and going beyond it, electronic copy of the Notice of 80th Annual General Meeting of the Company including the Annual Report for FY 2022-23 are being sent to all Members whose e-mail addresses are registered with the Company / Depository Participant(s).
Your Directors take this opportunity to thank the Parent Company - Tata Consumer Products Limited, the employees, customers, vendors, investors of the Company and the communities in which the Company operates, for their unstinted co-operation and valuable support extended during the year.
Your Directors also thank the Government of India, Government of various States in India and government departments / agencies concerned for their co-operation.
Your Directors appreciate and value the contributions made by each and every member of the Tata Coffee family.
For and on behalf of the Board
Place: Bengaluru R. Harish Bhat
Date: April 18, 2023 Chairman
Mar 31, 2022
Your Directors are pleased to present the 79th Annual Report of Tata Coffee Limited ("the Company") along with the Audited Financial Statements for the financial year ended March 31, 2022.
The financial performance of the Company for the year ended March 31,2022, on a Standalone and Consolidated basis, is summarised below:
Particulars |
Standalone |
crore) Consolidated |
||
2021-22 |
2020-21 |
2021-22 |
2020-21 |
|
Revenue from Operations |
817 |
737 |
2363 |
2255 |
Other Income |
70 |
78 |
26 |
34 |
Total Income |
887 |
815 |
2389 |
2289 |
Expenses |
||||
Operating Expenditure |
740 |
672 |
1991 |
1919 |
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses |
24 |
24 |
81 |
83 |
Total Expenses |
764 |
696 |
2072 |
2002 |
Profit before Exceptional Items and Taxes |
123 |
119 |
317 |
287 |
Add: Exceptional Items and Taxes |
(1) |
- |
(6) |
(3) |
Profit before Tax (PBT) |
122 |
119 |
311 |
284 |
Tax expense |
20 |
18 |
78 |
72 |
Profit for the year |
102 |
101 |
233 |
212 |
Attributable to: |
||||
Shareholders of the Company |
102 |
101 |
148 |
134 |
Non-Controlling Interests |
- |
85 |
78 |
|
Surplus brought forward from Previous Year |
633 |
562 |
782 |
678 |
Amount available for appropriation |
735 |
663 |
930 |
812 |
General Reserve I |
- |
- |
- |
- |
General Reserve II |
(16) |
(8) |
(16) |
(8) |
Reversal of Dividend Distribution Tax / Deferred Tax |
- |
6 |
- |
6 |
Dividend paid relating to Previous Year |
(28) |
(28) |
(28) |
(28) |
Balance carried forward |
691 |
633 |
885 |
782 |
Your Company''s Total Income during the year under review was ?887 crore as compared to ''815 crore in the Previous Year.
Consolidated Total Income during the year under review was ''2389 crore as compared to ''2289 crore in the Previous Year, registering an increase of ''100 crore over the previous year.
Standalone
Profit before Tax for the year 2021-22 was ?122 crore as against ?119 crore in the previous year. Profit after Tax for the year 2021-22 stood at ?102 crore as against ?101 crore in the previous year.
Consolidated
On a consolidated basis, Profit before Tax for the year 2021-22 was ?311 crore as against ?284 crore in the previous year. Profit after Tax (net of minority interest) for the year 2021-22 stood at ?148 crore as against ?134 crore in the previous year.
The Board of Directors have recommended a Dividend of ?2.00 per share (previous year ?1.50 per share) on face value of ?1 each for the financial year ended March 31, 2022. The total dividend outgo amounts to ?37.35 crore (previous year ?28.02 crore).
The Register of Members and Share Transfer Books of the Company will remain closed from June 4, 2022 to June 13, 2022 (both days inclusive) for ascertainment of shareholders eligible to receive dividend for the financial year ended March 31, 2022.
In terms of Regulation 43A of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("the Listing Regulations"), the Dividend Distribution Policy duly approved by the Board is available on the website of the Company and can be accessed at https://tatacoffee.com/sites/default/ files/collaterals/investors/Dividend Distribution Policy 0. pdf. The Board has recommended dividend based on the parameters laid down in the Dividend Distribution Policy and dividend will be paid out of the profits for the year.
The Board of Directors have decided to retain the entire amount of profit for financial year 2021-22 in the Statement of Profit & Loss as at March 31,2022.
The Paid-up Equity Share Capital of the Company as on March 31,2022 was ?18.67 crore comprising of 18,67,70,370 equity shares of ?1 each. During the year under review, your Company has neither issued any shares with differential voting rights nor has granted any stock options or sweat equity. The Company has paid Listing Fees for the financial year 2022-23, to each of the Stock Exchanges, where its equity shares are listed.
6. Material changes and commitment - if any, affecting financial position of the Company from the end of the Financial Year till the date of this Report
There has been no material change and commitment, affecting the financial performance of the Company which occurred between the end of the Financial Year of the Company to which the financial statements relate and the date of this Report.
During the 2nd wave of the Pandemic, the country was faced with lot of difficulties due to higher infections. Your Company managed to navigate well through the difficult situation with support of its employees and the Management. There were no disruption to the Operations of the Company and its wholly owned Subsidiary, Tata Coffee Vietnam Company Limited, in Vietnam. However, the Board and the
Management continues to closely monitor the situation as it evolves and do it''s best to take all necessary measures, in the interests of all stakeholders of the Company.
8. Key Developments: Composite Scheme of Arrangement
The Board of Directors of the Company, at its meeting held on March 29, 2022, have approved a Composite Scheme of Arrangement amongst Tata Consumer Products Limited ("TCPL"), the Company and TCPL Beverages and Foods Limited ("TBFL"), and their respective shareholders and creditors, under Sections 230 to 232 and other applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules and/ or regulations made thereunder (''the Scheme'').
TCPL is the Holding Company of the Company and TBFL is a wholly owned subsidiary of TCPL.
The Scheme inter alia provides for the following:
(a) as a first step, the demerger of the Plantation Business of the Company into TBFL and in consideration, the consequent issuance of equity shares by TCPL (as the holding company of TBFL) to all the shareholders of the Company (other than TCPL) in accordance with the Share Entitlement Ratio ("Demerger");
(b) as a second step, followed immediately by the amalgamation of the Company (comprising the Remaining Business of the Company with TCPL and in consideration, the consequent issuance of equity shares by TCPL to all the shareholders of the Company (other than TCPL) in accordance with the Share Exchange Ratio ("Amalgamation"); and
(c) various other matters consequential or otherwise integrally connected therewith.
The Scheme is subject to receipt of the approval of the requisite majority of the public shareholders and creditors (if applicable) of the Companies, the Stock Exchanges, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, National Company Law Tribunals (benches at Kolkata and Bengaluru) and other regulatory authorities, as may be applicable.
On effectiveness of the Scheme, the shareholders of the Company (other than TCPL) as on the record date will receive an aggregate of 3 (three) equity shares of TCPL for every 10 (ten) equity shares held by them in the Company, through the issuance of:
⢠1 (one) equity share of TCPL for every 22 (twenty-two) equity shares of TCL, in consideration for the demerger (as per the approved share entitlement ratio); and
⢠14 (fourteen) equity shares of TCPL for every 55 (fifty-five) equity shares of TCL, in consideration for the merger (as per the approved share exchange ratio).
The proposed Scheme would be in the best interest of the Companies and their respective shareholders, employees, creditors and other stakeholders as the proposed restructuring pursuant to this Scheme is expected, inter alia, to result in the following benefits:
(a) Creating a dedicated plantation vertical with focused attention on the plantation business, which will enable increased efficiencies and generate synergies amongst the various plantation businesses wholly or partly owned by TCPL and better resource allocation, resulting in enhancement of shareholders'' value.
(b) The shareholders of TCL (other than TCPL) will be allotted shares of TCPL and therefore will be shareholders of a larger branded consumer products business with multiple growth avenues and at the same time, will continue to participate in the plantation business.
(c) The profile, operations, management risk and return associated with the Plantation Business is distinct from that of the Remaining Business and therefore the Scheme would lead to sharper focus on both the businesses.
Benefits of the Amalgamation:
(a) Integration of the Company''s and TCPL''s extraction business activities under a single entity through the amalgamation will result inter-alia in focused management attention, operational efficiencies, revenue and cost synergies including from commonality of customers, sales and supply chain opportunities through enhanced geographical reach with a wider variety of product offerings which will help in gaining market share, optimization of capital, operational (including promotion) expenditure, leveraging sales and distribution network and simplification of overlapping infrastructure.
(b) The amalgamation of the Company with TCPL would bring about synergy of operations and benefit of scale and additionally, the legal and regulatory compliances of both the listed entities will be unified and streamlined.
(c) The amalgamation will enable efficient consolidation of ownership interests in the international branded business owned by TCPL and the Company which will result in cost benefits, higher operating and other efficiencies.
The Company is in the process of obtaining necessary regulatory approvals including approval of its Shareholders, Creditors, Stock Exchanges and National Company Law Tribunal, as may be required in this regard.
According to the estimates of the International Coffee Organization (ICO), for the coffee year 2021-22, global production is at 167.17 million bags, registering a decrease of 2.1% as compared to 170.83 million bags during previous coffee year. Arabica Coffee production 93.97 million bags,
lower by 7% from that of last year and Robusta production at 73.20 million bags up by 5% from that of last coffee year.
In 2021-22, consumption is expected to exceed production by 3.1 million bags. Supply and demand trends may be affected by variations due to the downturn in the world economy, increased cost of inputs and production as well import and consumption due to the conflict in Ukraine.
The New York [Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)] May terminal, representing Arabica settled at 226.40 c/ lb on March 31, 2022 as compared to 123.50 c/ lb on March 31,2021.
As on March 31, 2022, the London Robusta May futures settled at 2165 USD / MT as compared to 1342 USD / MT on March 31,2021.
A. Plantations
Weather:
We have recorded a total rainfall of 72.01 inches during the current calendar year as against 60.74 inches for the same period last year.
During the season, we have recorded well distributed rainfall but the post monsoon rainfall extended till December impacting the crop.
During the financial year 2021-22, the Company has harvested a Robusta crop of 5506 MT against 6136 MT in the previous year. In case of Arabica, a production of 1209 MT has been harvested against 1716 MT in the previous season. The coffee harvesting operation has been completed and Robusta gleaning operation is in progress.
We were able to complete 100% blossom and during the course of backing irrigation we received good natural backing showers. Post-harvest operations such as handling, and white stem borer control are in progress.
Tea
During the financial year 2021-22, the Company produced 4.240 million kgs against 4.946 million kgs in the previous year. The turnover during the year was ?64 crore as against ?90 crore last year. While the pandemic, extended monsoon and incidence of Tea Mosquito Bug (TMB) impacted production, challenges of a sharp drop in tea prices from last year''s record levels and a higher wage and input cost impacted the turnover.
During the year, the South Indian Sale average declined by 21.35% and North India by 12.38% compared to
the previous year. Pan India production was higher by 4% but lower than pre-pandemic period. South India production was marginally lower by 1%.
Pepper
The Company has achieved a pepper production of 713 MT for the financial year 2021-22 against 790 MT harvested during financial year 2020-21. At plantations, Pepper watering during summer months is a continuous process to protect the vines from moisture stress.
Kushalnagar - Coffee Curing Works & Pepper Processing Unit
Kushalnagar Works, Coffee Curing Unit is an important cog in the wheels of Tata Coffee. The facility is a processing hub for Tata Coffee''s entire produce of Coffee, and also extends green coffee processing services to the coffee growers in South India, spread across various growing Regions. Additionally, it also houses the Pepper processing Unit, and two roasting Units for Tata Coffee Grand and Tata Starbucks. The Unit is certified for ISO 9001:2015, SA-8000:2014, Rain Forest Alliance (RSA), Organic Coffee processing, and Cafe Practices.
The Pepper Processing Center is certified by Export Inspection Agency (EIA), which enables the Company to process pepper, meeting all the required Global Standards. The Unit is also certified for Organic Pepper processing and is certified under FSSC 22000 5.1, and SA 8000:2014.
Coffee & Pepper Exports
During the financial year 2021-22, the green coffee sales exceeded 10,000 MT, out of which the exports stood at 7,977 MT of coffee as against 7,325 MT in the previous year. Your Company continued to focus on growth through premiumization, building a wider market outreach and building relationships with the best in class roasters globally.
The total sales of pepper for the company stood at 845 MT in FY 2021-22 as against 885 MT in FY 2020-21. Your company was able to place certified pepper in the market, capitalizing on increased demand of sustainable produce in the market and with a steady increase in volumes.
On Instant Coffee, in FY 2021-22, your company clocked sales of 8,495 MT from Indian operations and 4,865 MT from the Vietnam operation. The sales numbers were 7,446 MT and 4,536 MT respectively from India and Vietnam for FY 2020-21. Despite headwinds and inflationary pressures across inputs, we were able grow our sales across regions, enter new markets, and maintain share with key customers.
AMA Plantation Trails
The operations of Ama Plantation Trails, the hospitality business of the Company have recovered from the effects of Covid Pandemic and the bookings have reached the level of pre-pandemic levels. The Company''s association and partnership with Indian Hotels Company Limited have augmented well for the operations leveraging group synergies and immersive experiences for the guests.
B. Instant Coffee Operations
During financial year 2021-22, Instant Coffee Division performed well despite global headwinds induced by COVID-19 pandemic and accentuated in steep increase in Ocean freights, packing material costs and energy costs.
The challenges during the year were overcome by smart sourcing of green beans, focused productivity and cost enhancement measures and continuous focus on developing customized products.
The new state-of-the-art 5000 Tonnes per annum, Freeze-dried Coffee Plant in Vietnam has achieved 98% capacity utilization with enhanced yields and improvement in unit operational metrics. The manufacturing units at Theni and Toopran in India have performed well with a capacity utilization of 98% despite severe operating constraints. New technologies have been adopted to reduce energy and water consumption, improve safety and enhance people productivity through training.
The Company continues to enhance its market standing and competitive edge by enhanced product portfolio, customized solutions and new products. The year 2021-22 has witnessed continued diversification of our sales and market portfolio.
C. Starbucks Roastery
A state-of-the-art roasting plant for Tata Starbucks is also located at Kushalnagar and produces single origin coffees of India, Kenya and Sumatra, as well as Cold Brew, Espresso, Blonde Espresso and Diwali Blend variants, catering to the exclusive requirements of Tata Starbucks outlets across India. An additional roasting and automated packing line have been added, to cater to the growth plans of Tata Starbucks. The Unit is certified under FSSC 22000 5.1, SA-8000:2014, and compliance to Ethical Sourcing requirement of Starbucks.
D. Tata Coffee Grand
Tata Coffee Grand leverages the deep heritage of Tata in coffee and has a product that is an innovative offering in the Indian market within the instant coffee portfolio. Tata Coffee Grand is an intensely rich and aromatic coffee, a blend of the finest coffee powder & "flavor locked decoction crystals" which gives consumers a ''best in class'' taste experience in the instant coffee category. The portfolio also has Roast &
Ground (Filter coffee) variant with a widespread presence across all the southern states.
A new launch in the portfolio is Tata Coffee Quick Filter which was launched in October 2021. Quick Filter is a flavoured instant coffee chicory mix that delivers the taste of filter coffee, making it convenient for those who do not have the time or expertise to make filter coffee to easily experience the aromatic, flavorful taste of filter coffee.
''Sonnets by Tata Coffee'', a range of Reserve Single Origin Limited Edition Coffee produced from high quality Arabica coffee beans was launched in February 2021, which is distributed and marketed by the Holding Company viz., Tata Consumer Products Limited. The roasting, grinding and packaging of the Product is done out of Kushal Nagar Works. This range of roast and ground coffee provides a unique taste experience.
During the year under review, the Company has received the following awards:
1. ICD Theni won the Gold Award issued by the Society of Energy Engineers and Managers for Energy (SEEM) as a recognition for the efforts towards achieving sustainable energy performance at the unit
2. ICD Theni Unit won Greentech energy conservation Award for FY 2020-21 for sustainability initiatives & energy Management, from Greentech Foundation, New Delhi
3. Top Exporter in Karnataka (Silver) for FY 202021 recognised by Federation of Indian Export Organisations
4. Export Excellence Award (FY 2016-17 & FY 2017-18) by Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
5. Sustainable Agriculture Award from Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)
6. Best of the Best Coffee in the World - India''s Best Coffee - Ernesto Illy International Coffee award
7. Plantations and ICD Theni won the Gold Award, and ICD Toopran won the Silver Award-OHSSAI Foundation HSE&S Excellence Award
8. ICD Toopran was awarded the HR Achievers Gold Star Award-2021 from Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI)
9. ICD Theni has recently won prestigious Award-EHS Excellence & Maturity Award (Bronze) from by CII-Southern Region
10. Highest Exporter Award for FY 2018-19 and 2019-20 to Theni Unit from MEPZ, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
During the year, ?44 crore was incurred towards capital expenditure primarily on account of modernization, upgradation, re-planting, welfare and other programmes undertaken in various units of the Company.
During the year under review, the Company has invested in newer technologies and sustainability projects as under:
a. Theni Unit has introduced Adiabatic cooling system replacing cooling towers to reduce water requirement by about 20%.
b. Theni Unit has invested a back-pressure turbine which has led to savings of 650 units of electricity, per day.
c. Introduction of high efficiency motors and pumps replacing old motors and pumps in ICD Theni, has led to savings of about 1900 units of electricity per day.
d. ICD Toopran introduced Zero Liquid Discharge system using scale ban technology to recover and recycle 60 Kilo Litres of water per day.
Subsidiary Companies
I. Consolidated Coffee Inc. (CCI) and Eight O'' Clock Holdings Inc.
CCI is the Holding Company of Eight O'' Clock Holdings Inc. and Eight O'' Clock Holdings Inc. is the Holding Company of Eight O'' Clock Coffee Company. The Consolidated Net Profit of CCI after taxes was ?172 crore (USD 23.109 million) as compared to ?156 crore (USD 20.973 million) for the previous year.
The Total Income of EOC during the financial year 2021-22 was ?1295 crore (USD 175 million) compared to ?1293 crore (USD 174 million) in the previous Financial Year. The Bag coffee volumes were down compared to previous year due to the Covid spike in the first half of the year. K-cup volumes were up on the strength from our new value sized products and increased spend in trade marketing to make pricing more competitive. EOC''s private label business also grew both in volumes, turnover and operating profits.
The focus going forward is to grow the base through line extensions and white space opportunities.
III. Tata Coffee Vietnam Company Limited (TCVCL)
The Total Income of TCVCL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Coffee Ltd., during the financial year 2021-22 was ?258 crore (USD 34.745 million) compared to ?228 crore (USD 30.653 million) in the previous financial year.
TCVCL commissioned a 5000 MTPA Freeze-dried Coffee Plant in Vietnam during May 2019. The plant has successfully ramped up capacity to the levels of upto 98% in its third year of operation despite the COVID-19 pandemic and related issues in Vietnam. The unit was able to operate without any production loss and ensured safety of plant personnel. During the year, the Company faced with issues around container availability and disproportionate increases in Ocean freight. However, the Company undertook measures to mitigate the impact though not fully.
The TCVCL unit has continuously focussed on new product development leveraging its unique pilot plant and co-created products with customers. The product customization has enabled quick customer acquisition and improved the market standing of the company. New markets in South East Asia and Europe have been accessed.
The Unit continues to set benchmarks on Safety with zero Safety accidents reported during the year and setting high level of standards in Food safety matters. To sustain the occupational safety, the unit is in the process of obtaining ISO 14001 and 45000 certifications. The unit is taking lead in water management, thereby reducing the consumption levels by 17% from baseline levels. The Unit is certified for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BRC (British Retail Consortium), Halal, Kosher, UTZ and RFA.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 (''the Act''), a statement containing the salient features of Financial Statements of the Company''s subsidiaries in Form AOC - 1 is annexed as Annexure - A.
Further, pursuant to the provisions of Section 136 of the Act, the standalone and consolidated financial statements of the Company and of its subsidiaries, are available on the Website of the Company at https://tatacoffee.com/investors/overview.
The Company does not have any Associate or Joint Venture Companies. Further, the Company''s policy on determining the material subsidiaries, as approved by the Board is uploaded on the Company''s website at
https://tatacoffee.com/sites/default/files/collaterals/ investors/Policy for Determining Material for Disclosure.pdf.
Based on the framework of Internal Financial Controls and compliance systems established and maintained by the Company, the work performed by the Internal Auditors, Statutory Auditors and Secretarial Auditors, including the Audit of Internal Financial Controls over financial reporting by the Statutory Auditors and the reviews performed by Management and the relevant Board Committees, including the Audit Committee, the Board is of the opinion that the Company''s internal financial controls were adequate and effective during Financial Year 2021-22.
Accordingly, pursuant to Sections 134(5) of the Act, the Board of Directors, to the best of its knowledge and ability, confirm that:
i. in the preparation of the annual accounts for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2022, the applicable accounting standards have been followed and there are no material departures;
ii. they 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 at the end of the Financial Year and of the profit of the Company for that period;
iii. they have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv. they have prepared the Annual Accounts for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2022 on a going concern basis;
v. they have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and such Internal Financial Controls are adequate and operating effectively;
vi. they have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
The Board of Directors at its meeting held on March 22, 2022, subject to the approval of the Shareholders, re-appointed Mr. Chacko Purackal Thomas, as Managing Director & CEO of the Company, not liable to retire by rotation, for a further term of three (3) years with effect from April 1,2022.
The terms of remuneration in relation to the said re-appointment was recommended by the Nomination & Remuneration Committee and approved by the Board on April 26, 2022. A resolution in this behalf is set out at Item no. 8 of the Notice of Annual General Meeting, for Members'' approval.
Further, the Board of Directors at the said meeting, subject to the approval of the Shareholders, re-appointed Mr. K. Venkataramanan, as Executive Director - Finance & CFO of the Company, not liable to retire by rotation, for a further period of one (1) year with effect from October 25, 2022. The terms of remuneration in relation to the said re-appointment was recommended by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and approved by the Board on April 26, 2022. A resolution in this behalf is set out at Item no. 9 of the Notice of Annual General Meeting, for Members'' approval.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Act and the Articles of Association, Mr. Sunil A. D''Souza, Non-Executive Director of the Company retires by rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and being eligible, has offered himself for re-appointment. The Board recommends his re-appointment.
Independent Directors
During the year under review, Mr. V Leeladhar retired as Independent Director effective December 6, 2021, after completing his term of appointment. The Board places on record its appreciation for the contributions and guidance made by Mr. Leeladhar, during his stint with the Company as a Director.
The Board of Directors at the meeting held on July 28, 2021, based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, appointed Mr. S Venkatraman as an Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of the Company with effect from the said date. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 161 of the Act, Mr. Venkatraman holds office till the date of ensuing Annual General Meeting and is eligible for appointment. A resolution for his appointment as an Independent Director of the Company for a term of
5 years effective from July 28, 2021 to July 27, 2026 is set out at Item No. 7 of the Notice of Annual General Meeting for approval by the Members by way of a Special Resolution.
Based on the recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the Board of Directors, at its meeting held on March 22, 2022, have re-appointed Dr. P G Chengappa as an Independent Director of the Company for a second term of office, for a period of 3 years, with effect from May 18, 2022 to May 17, 2025, which is subject to the approval of the Members by way of a Special Resolution. A resolution in this behalf is set out at Item No.
6 of the Notice of Annual General Meeting, for Members'' approval.
All the Independent Directors of the Company have given their declarations to the Company under Section 149(7) of the Act that they meet the criteria of independence as provided under Section 149(6) of the Act read with Regulation 16(1)(b) of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015 (''the Listing Regulations''). There has been no change in the circumstances affecting their status as Independent Directors of the Company.
During the year under review, the Company did not have any pecuniary relationship or transactions with any of its Directors, other than payment of remuneration / Incentive to the Executive Directors and payment of sitting fees, commission to Non-executive Directors and reimbursement of expenses incurred by them for the purpose of attending meetings of the Board / Committees of the Company.
Key Managerial Personnel (KMP)
In terms of Section 203 of the Act, the following are the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company:
⢠Mr. Chacko Purackal Thomas, Managing Director & CEO
⢠Mr. K. Venkataramanan, Executive Director - Finance & CFO
⢠Mr. N. Anantha Murthy, Head - Legal & Company Secretary
Board and Committee Meetings
An Annual Calendar of Board and Committee Meetings planned during the year was circulated in advance to the Directors. The Board has constituted an Audit Committee comprising of Mr. S Venkatraman as Chairman and Ms. Sunalini Menon, Mr. Siraj Azmat Chaudhry and Dr. P. G. Chengappa as its Members. There have been no instances during the year where recommendations of the Audit Committee were not accepted by the Board.
The details of the composition of the Board and its Committees and the number of meetings held and attendance of Directors at such meetings are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of the Annual Report.
The Directors have devised proper systems and processes for complying with the requirements of applicable Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
17. Policy on Director''s Appointment and Remuneration and other details
(a) Procedure for Nomination and Appointment of Directors
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) has been mandated to oversee and develop
competency requirements for the Board based on the industry requirements and business strategy of the Company. The NRC reviews and evaluates the profiles of potential candidates for appointment of Directors and meets them prior to making recommendations of their nomination to the Board. Specific requirements for the position, including expert knowledge expected, are communicated to the appointee.
On the recommendation of the NRC, the Board has adopted and framed a Remuneration Policy for the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and other employees pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Act and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (''the Listing Regulations). The remuneration determined for Executive / Independent Directors is subject to the recommendation of the NRC and approval of the Board of Directors. The Non-Executive Directors are compensated by way of profit-sharing commission and the criteria being their attendance and contribution at the Board / Committee Meetings. The Executive Directors are not paid sitting fees; however, the Non-Executive Directors are entitled to sitting fees for attending the Board / Committee Meetings.
It is affirmed that the remuneration paid to Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and all other employees are in accordance with the Remuneration Policy of the Company. The Company''s Policy on Directors'' Appointment and Remuneration and other matters provided in Section 178(3) of the Act and Regulation 19 of the Listing Regulations have been disclosed in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of the Annual Report.
The Independent Directors attend a Familiarization / Orientation Program on being inducted into the Board. Further, various other programmes are conducted for the benefit of Independent Directors to provide periodical updates on regulatory front, industry developments and any other significant matters of importance. The details of Familiarization Program are provided in the Corporate Governance Report and is also available on the Company''s Website. The Company issues a formal letter of appointment to the Independent Directors, outlining their role, function, duties and responsibilities, the format of which is available on the Company''s Website at www.tatacoffee.com.
Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Act and the
Listing Regulations, the Board has carried out an Annual
Evaluation of its own performance, performance of the Directors and the working of its Committees, based on the evaluation criteria defined by Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) for performance evaluation process of the Board, its Committees and Directors.
The performance of the Board was evaluated by the Board after seeking inputs from all the directors on the basis of criteria such as the Board composition and structure, effectiveness of board processes, information and functioning, etc.
The performance of the Committees was evaluated by the Board after seeking inputs from the Committee members on the basis of criteria such as the composition of committees, effectiveness of Committee meetings, etc.
The performance assessment of Non-Independent Directors, Board as a whole and the Chairman were evaluated at separate meetings of Independent Directors. The same was also discussed in the meetings of NRC and the Board. Performance evaluation of Independent Directors was done by the entire Board, excluding the Independent Director being evaluated.
The Board has adopted policies and procedures for ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to the Company''s policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detection of frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records, and the timely preparation of reliable financial disclosures.
There was no instance of fraud during the year under review, which required the Statutory Auditors to report to the Audit Committee and / or to the Board as required under Section 143(12) of the Act and the rules made thereunder.
As required under Section 124 of the Act, the Unclaimed Dividend amount aggregating to ?33,08,344 lying with the Company for a period of seven years were transferred during the Financial Year 2021-22, to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) established by the Central Government.
As required under Section 124 of the Act, 93,635 equity shares, in respect of which dividend has not been claimed by the members for seven consecutive years or more, have been transferred by the Company to the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPF) during the Financial Year 2021-22. Details of
shares transferred to IEPF have been uploaded on the Website of IEPF as well as the Company.
All Related Party Transactions, that were entered into during the Financial Year under review, were on an arm''s length basis, and in the ordinary course of business and are in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations. There were no materially significant Related Party Transactions made by the Company during the year that required shareholders'' approval under Regulation 23 of the Listing Regulations.
All Related Party Transactions are placed before the Audit Committee for prior approval. Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained for the transactions which are repetitive in nature or when the need for these transactions cannot be foreseen in advance.
None of the transactions entered into with Related Parties fall under the scope of Section 188(1) of the Act. Details of transactions with Related Parties as required under Section 134(3)(h) of the Act read with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are given in Annexure - B in Form AOC - 2 and forms part of this Report.
The Company has adopted a Policy for dealing with Related Party Transactions. The Policy as approved by the Board is available at the web link: https://tatacoffee.com/sites/ default/files/collaterals/investors/related-party-transaction-policy-april2022.pdf.
Your Company is in compliance with all the applicable provisions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under Chapter IV of the Listing Regulations. A report on Corporate Governance as required under the Listing Regulations is provided in a separate section and forms part of the Annual Report. A Certificate from a Practicing Company Secretary regarding compliance with the conditions stipulated in the Listing Regulations forms part of the Corporate Governance Report.
Pursuant to Regulation 34 of the Listing Regulations, the Management Discussion and Analysis is presented in a separate section forming part of this Annual Report.
As required under Regulation 34 of the Listing Regulations, the Business Responsibility Report is provided in a separate section and forms part of the Annual Report.
(i) Statutory Auditors
The Members of the Company at their Annual General Meeting held on June 14, 2021, approved
the appointment of M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 117366W/W-100018), as the statutory auditors of the Company for a period of five years commencing from the conclusion of the 78th AGM held on June 14, 2021 until the conclusion of 83rd AGM of the Company to be held in the year 2026.
Ratification of appointment of Statutory Auditors at every AGM has been dispensed with by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Accordingly, the Notice convening the ensuing AGM does not carry any resolution on ratification of appointment of Statutory Auditors.
(ii) Cost Auditors
In terms of the provisions of Section 148 of the Act read with the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014, as amended from time to time, the Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, has appointed M/s. S.Mahadevan & Co, (Firm Registration No. 000007) Cost Accountants, as Cost Auditor of the Company for conducting the Cost Audit for the Financial Year 2022-23, on a remuneration as mentioned in the Notice of 79th Annual General Meeting.
A Certificate from M/s. S.Mahadevan & Co., Cost Accountants, has been received to the effect that their appointment as Cost Auditor of the Company, if made, would be in accordance with the limits specified under Section 141 of the Act and Rules framed thereunder.
A resolution seeking Member''s ratification for the remuneration payable to the Cost Auditor forms part of the Notice of 79th Annual General Meeting and the same is recommended for your consideration and ratification.
(iii) Secretarial Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Act and the rules made there under, the Company had appointed M/s. BMP & Co. LLP, Company Secretaries, to undertake the Secretarial Audit of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2022. The Secretarial Audit Report issued in this regard is annexed as Annexure - C.
The Auditors'' Report and the Secretarial Audit Report for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2022, do not contain any qualification or reservation or adverse remarks.
The Company has constituted a Risk Management Committee which has been entrusted with the responsibility to assist the Board in (a) approving the Company''s Risk Management Framework and (b) overseeing all the risks
that the organization faces such as strategic, financial, liquidity, security, regulatory, legal, reputational and other risks that have been identified and assessed to ensure that there is a sound Risk Management Policy in place to address such concerns / risks. The Risk Management process covers risk identification, assessment, analysis and mitigation. Incorporating sustainability in the process also helps to align potential exposures with the risk appetite and highlight risks associated with chosen strategies.
The Audit Committee has additional oversight in the area of financial risks and controls. Major risks identified by the business and functions are systematically addressed through mitigating actions on a continuing basis.
The Company has adopted a Risk Management Policy in accordance with the provisions of the Act and Regulation 21 of the Listing Regulations.
The details of Loans, Investments and Guarantees covered under the provisions of Section 186 of the Act are given in the Notes to the Financial Statements forming part of Annual Report.
During the year under review, your Company has neither accepted nor renewed any deposits from the public within the meaning of Section 73 of the Act and the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
The Company continues to focus on welfare and improving the quality of lives of its employees by providing educational assistance to their children, employee wellness sessions, periodic occupational health checks, merit scholarships to employee children, spiritual peace by yoga classes, creche and child care facilities, transport at subsidised rate to school going children, supply of provisions at cost and other home appliances on instalment basis through co-operative stores and providing housing loan interest subsidy & interest free loans for the employee family wellness.
Apart from the welfare initiatives implemented during last year, the following were the focus areas in the welfare initiatives during financial year 2021-22:
⢠Long service award for all the employees with 25 years of service.
⢠Vaccination for all the employees.
⢠Supply of sanitizers, face masks, face shield masks, gloves to all employees who are dealing closely with workers.
⢠Isolation centres for the COVID positive cases were identified in all locations.
⢠Medical assistance for the COVID positive cases and support to the family members by providing essential needs.
⢠Facilitation of disinfectant spraying of labour lines, hospitals etc.
⢠Facilitation of COVID 19 preventive management as per the Government guidelines.
⢠Skill development identification and recognition of identified skilled workers with the certificates.
⢠UNF health project was initiated for women workers to diagnose cervical cancer and anaemia.
⢠Blood donation camp conducted for the employees.
⢠Awareness programme on Tata Code of Conduct (TCoC) Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) was conducted by HR team in all the estates.
⢠On a trial basis, Green Oxyguard waste incinerator was installed in one of the estates as a part of the waste management initiative.
The Company has zero tolerance for sexual harassment at workplace and has adopted a Policy on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment at workplace in line with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH) and the rules made thereunder. The Policy aims to provide protection to employees at workplace and prevent and redress complaints of sexual harassment and for matters connected or incidental thereto, with the objective of providing a safe working environment, where employees feel secure. The Company has reconstitued the Internal Complaints Committee and emphasised on the roles and responsibilities expected from the members. Training programmes were conducted around locations to strengthen the awareness among the Committee members.
The Company continuously invests in enhancing the awareness on the Policy across its workforce.
The Company also conducts a periodic (bi-annual) awareness plan across the organization on Ethics, Tata Code of Conduct, POSH & Whistle Blower policy involving workmen as facilitators.
During the financial year 2021-22, the Company received 5 complaints on sexual harassment and all the cases have been disposed of with appropriate actions.
The Company has adopted a Whistle Blower Policy to provide a formal mechanism to the Directors'' and employees to report their concerns about unethical behaviour, actual
or suspected fraud or violation of the Company''s Code of Conduct or Ethics Policy. The Policy provides for adequate safeguards against victimization of employees, who avail of the mechanism and provides to employees'' direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. It is affirmed that no personnel of the Company have been denied access to the Audit Committee. The Whistle Blower Policy has been posted on the Website of the Company at https://tatacoffee.com/ sites/default/files/collaterals/investors/Whistle Blower Policy 24032022.pdf.
The Company has a Policy on Corporate Social Responsibility and the same has been posted on the website of the Company at https://tatacoffee.com/sites/default/files/ collaterals/investors/csr-policv-and-actionplans-fv2022-23. pdf. The Annual Report on CSR activities in terms of the requirements of Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 is annexed as Annexure - D, which forms part of this Report.
As per the requirements of Section 92(3) of the Act and Rules framed thereunder, the extract of the Annual Return for FY 2021-22 is uploaded on the website of the Company and the same is available at https://tatacoffee.com/sites/default/ files/collaterals/investors/mgt/Annual-Return-FY-2021-22. pdf.
In terms of the first proviso to Section 136 of the Act, the Reports and Accounts are being sent to the shareholders excluding the information required under Rule 5(2) and (3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014. Any shareholder interested in obtaining the same may write to the Company Secretary at the Registered Office of the Company.
The statement containing information as required under the provisions of Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is given in Annexure - E and forms part of this Report.
The information on Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo stipulated under Section 134(3)(m) of the Act read with Rule 8(3) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules 2014 is annexed as Annexure - F and forms part of this Report.
There are no significant or material orders which were passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status and the Company''s Operations in future.
In commitment to keep in line with the Green Initiatives and going beyond it, electronic copy of the Notice of 79th Annual General Meeting of the Company including the Annual Report for FY 2021-22 are being sent to all Members whose e-mail addresses are registered with the Company / Depository Participant(s).
Your Directors take this opportunity to thank the Parent Company - Tata Consumer Products Limited, the employees, customers, vendors, investors of the Company and the communities in which the Company operates, for their unstinted co-operation and valuable support extended during the year.
Your Directors also thank the Government of India, Government of various States in India and government departments / agencies concerned for their co-operation.
Your Directors appreciate and value the contributions made by each and every member of the Tata Coffee family.
For and on behalf of the Board
Place: Bengaluru R. Harish Bhat
Date: April 26, 2022 Chairman
Mar 31, 2018
To the Members,
The Directors are pleased to present the 75th Annual Report together with the Audited Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2018.
FINANCIAL RESULTS:
The Company''s financial performance for the year ended 31st March 2018 is summarized below:
(Rs, in Crores)
Standalone 2017-18 2016-17 |
Consolidated 2017-18 2016-17 |
|||
Revenue from Operations |
706 |
779 |
1567 |
1606 |
Other Income |
56 |
69 |
22 |
23 |
Total Income |
762 |
848 |
1589 |
1629 |
Profit Before Exceptional Items and Taxes |
81 |
184 |
197 |
320 |
Add: Exceptional Income/(Expenses) |
- |
(2) |
(11) |
(2) |
Profit Before Tax |
81 |
182 |
186 |
318 |
Provision for Tax |
18 |
43 |
(1) |
108 |
Profit After Tax |
63 |
139 |
187 |
210 |
Less: Non-controlling Interests |
- |
- |
(80) |
(59) |
Profit After Tax attributable to Shareholders of the Company |
63 |
139 |
107 |
151 |
Surplus brought forward from Previous Year |
461 |
364 |
539 |
430 |
Amount available for appropriation |
524 |
503 |
646 |
581 |
General Reserve No. I |
- |
(14) |
- |
(14) |
General Reserve No. II |
(7) |
(8) |
(7) |
(8) |
Reversal of Dividend Distribution Tax/Deferred Tax |
2 |
9 |
7 |
9 |
Dividend paid relating to Previous Year |
(33) |
(24) |
(33) |
(24) |
Tax on Dividend |
(7) |
(5) |
(7) |
(5) |
Balance carried forward |
479 |
461 |
606 |
539 |
1. Revenue from Operations:
Standalone:
Your Company''s total income during the year under review was Rs, 762 Crores as compared to Rs, 848 Crores in the previous year, registering a decrease of 10% over the previous year.
Consolidated:
The Consolidated total income during the year under review was Rs, 1589 Crores as compared to Rs, 1629 Crores in the previous year, registering a marginal decrease of 2% over the previous year.
2. Profits:
Standalone:
The Profit before Tax for the year 2017-18 was Rs, 81 Crores as against Rs, 182 Crores in the previous year. Profit after Tax in 2017-18 stood at Rs, 63 Crores as against Rs, 139 Crores in the previous year.
Consolidated:
On a Consolidated basis, Profit before Tax for the year 2017-18 was Rs, 186 Crores as against Rs, 318 Crores in the previous year. Profit after Tax (net of minority interest) in 2017-18 stood at Rs, 107 Crores as against Rs, 151 Crores in the previous year.
3. Dividend & Reserves:
Your Directors have recommended a Dividend of Rs, 1.50/- per share (face value of Rs, 1 per share) for the year ended 31st March 2018. The total Dividend amount aggregates to Rs, 28.02 Crores plus applicable Dividend Distribution Tax thereon.
4. Share Capital:
The Paid-up Equity Share Capital of the Company as on 31st March, 2018 was Rs, 18.68 Crores comprising of 18,67,70,370 Shares of Rs, 1/- each. The Company has not issued shares with differential voting rights, employee stock options and sweat equity shares. The Company has paid Listing Fees for the Financial Year 2018-19 to each of the Stock Exchanges, where its equity shares are listed.
5. Material changes and commitment - if any, affecting financial position of the Company from the end of the financial year till the date of this Report:
There has been no material change and commitment, affecting the financial performance of the Company which occurred between the end of the financial year of the Company to which the financial statements relate and the date of this Report.
6. Global Coffee Scenario:
The Global Coffee markets in 2017-18 continued to be mainly influenced by the alternating Brazilian "on"and"off"crops. Global coffee production was 159.66 million bags, 1.2% higher than
2016-17 with a 12.1% increase in Robusta output offsetting a 4.6% decline in Arabica production.
The decline in Arabica production is driven by lower output of Colombian Milds at 15.21 million bags (-4.6%) and Brazilian Naturals estimated at 50.23 million bags (-9.6%).
Robusta production rose from 55.6 million bags in 2016-17 to
62.24 million bags in 2017-18 largely due to increases in output from Vietnam and Indonesia. Vietnam''s production is estimated at 29.5 million bags in coffee year 2017-18, 15.5% higher than the last year.
Coffee year 2017-18 was surplus for the second consecutive year, with production exceeding consumption. This excess is weighing down on global coffee prices in the current coffee year.
The New York (ICE) terminal, representing Arabica settled at 118.15 c/lb on 29th March 2018, and was 139.30 c/lb on 31st March 2017.
As on 29th March 2018, London Robusta May futures settled at USD 1725/MT and were USD 2149/MT on 31st March 2017.
7. Company''s Performance:
A. Plantations:
Coffee:
During the financial year 2017-18, the Company has harvested a Robusta crop of 3736 MT as against 6,000 MT in the previous year. In the case of Arabica, a production of 1,890 MT has been harvested in, being an on year as against 1,628 MT in the previous season. The coffee harvesting operation and post-harvest operations has been completed as per schedule.
Prolonged drought coupled with high temperature and reduced number of wet days resulted in depletion of soil moisture during crucial "bud differentiation period" September to October 2016. In addition to this unprecedented early blossom shower on 27th January 2017 on standing crop narrowed the gap between crop harvest and blossom for healthy flowering and fruit set.
Early rain induced immature flower bud opening, which adversely affected crop setting and production.
Tea:
The Company produced a total of 5.629 Million Kgs of Made tea for the financial year 2017-18 as against 5.666 Million kgs in the previous year. The current year''s production is less by 0.39%. Shortfall in quantum of rainfall recorded during the season and very erratic rain in Q3 affected the flush growth and thereby impacted crop.
Pepper:
The Company has achieved a pepper production of 909 MT for the financial year 2017-18 compared to 544 MT harvested during 2016-17. The density and primary grade percentage of pepper this year has been good. The Company has initiated actions to increase the production base of pepper in the coming years.
Curing Works:
The Company''s Curing Works at Kushalnagar (KNW) cured a total of 11,940 MT Coffee during the current year as against 11,528 MT in the previous year. In addition, a record quantity of 748 MT of Monsoon Coffee was processed against 520 MT in 2016-17.
Pepper Processing Unit:
The Pepper Grading Center is certified for Export Inspection Agency (EIA), which entails the Company to export Pepper meeting all the Global Standards. The unit has graded & processed 644 MT of Pepper during the financial year 2017-18, when compared with 537 MT in 2016-17. The unit is also certified under ISO 22000:2005 and SA 8000:2008.
Green Coffee Exports:
During the financial year 2017-18, your Company exported 6,100 MT of green coffee as against 6,420 MT in the previous year. Your Company continues to focus on growth, through Premium Differentiated Coffees and today differentiated coffee is 42% of our portfolio (sold at healthy premiums).
Specialty Coffee:
In line with the strategy to premiumize, differentiate and disinter mediate, the Company continues to develop its Specialty Coffees portfolio. The Monsooning Facility has undergone an expansion to bring about more focus on process and innovation. The Company offers Monsooned Malabar and Monsooned Robusta Coffees. ''Microlots'', forming about top 1% of the Company''s Arabica production have been widely appreciated. These are offered in special wet and dry milling processes. The Company''s Specialty Coffees portfolio capitalizes on its quality, sustainability, storytelling and heritage. Apart from creating value on their own, these coffees are also helping the Company target and develop new niche Roasters across the world.
Plantation Trails:
Plantation Trails, our hospitality business, continues to grow and perform exceedingly well recording the highest ever revenues and profits since inception. Primary business focus has been on delivering a premium coffee experience for its guests. Global vacation trends continue to indicate Coorg as one of the top holiday destinations for India.
Plantation Trails was the recipient of several industry awards during the year including prestigious recognitions by Booking.com and Trip Advisor. Operationally a newly upgraded food experience resulted in a complete turnaround of the food & beverages business. Cottabetta and Thaneerhulla bungalows had very positive guest feedback and continue to be best sellers. Chickmagalur as a destination has again outperformed expectations.
For a first, Plantation Trails hired students from Swastha to help with its operations. This initiative was well received and appreciated by the guests.
B. Instant Coffee Operations:
The financial year 2017-18 saw the Instant Coffee Division achieving noteworthy sales and production with the given external conditions. The total sales volumes for the financial year 2017-18 was 7531 MT compared to 8812 MT in the previous financial year, registering a drop of 15% over the previous year. The production for the year was 8150 MT compared to 8474 MT in the last fiscal. The plant capacity utilization was lower compared to previous year due to lower sales. The state-of-the-art Freeze Dried Coffee (FDC) facility underwent for a debottlenecking project successfully, safely and achieved an increased capacity up to 300 tonnes per annum. We could attract seven new customers and developed products with customized quality for them post debottlenecking project.
The sales volume was lower during 2017-18 compared to previous year due to loss of sales from one of our key customer. The Company significantly increased its value added focus in terms of product and packaging. New product variants developed for selected markets helped the Company to provide right value to the buyers and also differentiated itself from the competition. The Company also strengthened its sales and marketing team to ensure widespread reach and deeper customer connect.
New product development wing extended its focus on coffee mixes and specialized instant coffees during 2017-18 & developed 10 blends which gave sales of around 1350 MT.
Tata Coffee Grand:
The Company manufactures ''Tata Coffee Grand'', an Instant Coffee for sale in domestic market, which is being distributed and marketed by the Holding company, Tata Global Beverages Ltd. The Brand has received positive response in the market. The two product variants HTS (Hot Tea Shops) with blend of Spray Dried Coffee with Chicory, and R&G with blend of Roasted and Ground coffee with Chicory, packed for the domestic market as part of overall Tata Coffee Grand portfolio got good response from market resulting increased trend in sales.
C. Starbucks Roastery:
The Unit has recorded 26% higher production and processed 150 MT during the current year as against 119 MT in the previous year, which shows an increasing trend. The Unit successfully added additional retail SKU known as cold brew as required by Starbucks with Kenyan origin roasted coffees. The Unit continues to cater exclusively to the requirements of TATA Starbucks outlets in India from its state-of-the-art Coffee Roasting Facility at Kushalnagar Works. The Unit continues to be certified under ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System), FSSC22000 (Food Safety & Standards Certification), ISO 14001:2004 (Environment Management System) and FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India).
8. Business Excellence:
The Company participated in a full assessment in the TBEM EA 2017. The Assessment Team, consisting of members from diverse Tata companies, perused the Application and visited all the operational sites in the Coffee and Tea plantations and the ICD units. There were extensive deliberations with the functional heads and the senior leadership at the Corporate Office. Inputs were also sought from the Chairman to provide direction to the Assessment Team. The Assessment Team has since presented its feedback highlighting the Strengths and Opportunities for Improvement (OFI) to the Leadership Team of the Company and also to the Board during December 2017. The Company obtained a score of 519 out of 1000 on the Model''s scoring scale. This is an increase of 32 points from its previous score. The Company is in the process of formulating Action Plans to retain its strengths and address the OFIs. The Company has also contributed to the Business Excellence journey with 4 persons having participated in assessments of other Tata Group Companies. Training of personnel across functions is also being done to spread awareness and build a group of TBEM assessors for deployment within the organization.
9. Quality Awards:
(i) Sustainability Awards:
- Two Arabica microlots of Yemmigoondi Estate was recognized as Starbuck Reserve during 2017-18.
- In the second edition of the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award in New York for the Year 2017, Nullore and Coovercolly Estates have received the award for their excellence in quality.
- I n 2nd National Safety Practices Competition held in Chennai on 26th April 2018 by Confederation of Indian Industry, the Company was awarded for Excellence in Workplace Safety (Working at height -Pepper).
(ii) Instant Coffee Operations (ICD):
Awards
a) I CD-Theni stepped in to a milestone of achieving EHS 4 star award during 2017-18 & ICD Toopran unit sustained EHS 4 Star award which has proven the continual improvement in the areas of Environmental, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
b) ICD-Toopran also achieved the prestigious FTAPCCI (Federation of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry) Award for excellence in Industrial Productivity.
c) I CD Toopran received Legasis excellent performer award - 2017 on statutory compliance.
d) ICD Theni received four awards from MPEZ for high productivity & highest Net foreign exchange earnings
e) ICD-Theni received SEEM (Society of Energy Engineers and Managers) National Energy Management Award this year.
Certifications
i) Instant Coffee Unit, Toopran
Toopran Unit was certified for Integrated Management System (IMS) comprising of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 along with certifications on FSSC 22000, HALAL, KOSHER, FSSAI, SA 8000, UTZ, SAN-RFA & GMP.
ii) Instant Coffee Unit, Theni
Theni Unit was certified for Integrated Management System (IMS) comprising of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, BS OHSAS 18001 along with certifications on ISO 22000, HALAL, KOSHER, BRC, IFS, FSSAI, SA 8000, UTZ, SAN-RFA & GMP.
The Theni Unit Laboratory was certified with NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories).
10. Capital Expenditure:
During the financial year 2017-18, Rs, 66.37 Crores was incurred towards capital expenditure primarily on account of welfare, modernization, up gradation, replanting and other programmes undertaken in the various units of the Company.
11. Subsidiary Companies and Consolidated Financial Statements:
Subsidiary Companies:
I. Eight O'' Clock Coffee Company (EOC):
The Total Income of EOC during the financial year
2017-18 was at Rs, 860 Crores, compared to Rs, 827 Crores for the previous year. EOC in USA had a stable performance in its base business in 2017-18 with Bag coffee volume sales improving from the previous year led by effective promotion, distribution gains and new items. The Company''s Profits grew over the previous year aided largely by good control over costs. The Company continued its focus on new product launches. EOC Coffee, a premium coffee brand with over a 150 year legacy, introduced a game changer to the coffee category that delivers an enhanced coffee-drinking experience to consumers. The Company launched a new coffee infusions line in the US, which offers thoughtfully crafted coffees blended with added ingredients to help enhance your day. Through this launch, EOC is delivering an enhanced coffee drinking experience to consumers. The launch is being supported through a multi-faceted marketing campaign and the consumer response has been positive. EOC and Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (Keurig) have announced a multiyear expansion of their successful partnership for the manufacturing, sales, licensing and distribution of the EOC Coffee brand in K-Cup pods for use in Keurig brewers.
II. Consolidated Coffee Inc. (CCI):
CCI is the Holding Company of EOC. The Consolidated Net Profit after taxes was Rs, 161 Crores as compared to '' 117 Crores for the previous year.
Performance of Subsidiaries:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 (''the Act''), a statement containing salient features of Financial Statements of subsidiaries in Form AOC-1 is annexed as Annexure - A.
The Company does not have any Associate or Joint Venture Companies. The Company has adopted a policy for determining the criteria of material subsidiaries which can be viewed on the Company''s website at www.tatacoffee.com.
12. Freeze Dried Instant Coffee Facility in Vietnam:
The Board of Directors of the Company at their meeting held on 19th December 2016 had approved setting up of a state-of-the-art greenfield Freeze Dried Instant Coffee facility in Vietnam of 5000 MT capacity per annum through a Subsidiary Company, with an estimated Project Cost of Rs, 350 Crores. Pursuant thereto, the Company has infused an amount of Rs, 38.77 Crores in the equity capital of"Tata Coffee Vietnam Company Limited", which is a Wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company.
The plant is being setup at the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park in Southern Binh Duong province, Vietnam. This trailblazing move marks a very important phase in the Company''s Instant Coffee business. The Directors are happy to report that the Project is making satisfactory progress and that the Instant Coffee plant is expected to be operational early 2019.
13. Directors'' Responsibility Statement:
Based on the framework of Internal Financial Controls and compliance systems established and maintained by the Company, the work performed by the Internal, Statutory, Cost and Secretarial Auditors including Audit of Internal Financial Controls over financial reporting by the Statutory Auditors and the reviews performed by the Management and the relevant Board Committees, including the Audit Committee, the Board is of the opinion that the Company''s Internal Financial Controls were adequate and effective during the financial year 2017-18.
Accordingly, pursuant to Section 134(3)(c) and 134(5) of the Act, the Board of Directors, to the best of their knowledge and ability, confirm that:
(i) I n the preparation of the accounts for the financial year ended 31st March, 2018, the applicable accounting standards have been followed and that there are no material departures;
(ii) they 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 the end of the financial year and of the profits of the Company for that period;
(iii) they have taken proper and sufficient care to the best of their knowledge and ability for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
(iv) they have prepared the Accounts for the financial year ended 31st March, 2018 on a ''going concern'' basis;
(v) they have laid down Internal Financial Controls to be followed by the Company and such Internal Financial Controls are adequate and are operating effectively;
(vi) they have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and such systems were adequate and are operating effectively.
14. Disclosure on compliance with Secretarial Standards
Your Directors confirm that the Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, have been complied with.
15. Directors & Key Managerial Personnel:
Based on the recommendation of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, the Board of Directors at its meeting held on 18th May 2017, appointed Dr. P. G. Chengappa as an Additional Director (Non-executive Independent) of the Company with effect from that date. Further, at the same meeting, the Board of Directors re-appointed Mr. K. Venkataramanan as Executive Director - Finance and Chief Financial Officer for a further term of 3 years with effect from 25th October 2017, on terms of remuneration as recommended by the Nomination & Remuneration Committee. These appointments have further been approved by the Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 17th July 2017.
I n view of the planned relocation of Mr. T Radhakrishnan to Vietnam during FY 2018-19 to head the Instant Coffee Plant of the Company''s Subsidiary - Tata Coffee Vietnam Company Limited at Vietnam, Mr. T Radhakrishnan resigned as Executive Director - ICD Operations of the Company, with effect from 7th November 2017. Your Directors place on record their appreciation of the valuable services rendered by him during his tenure as Executive Director of the Company.
Based on the recommendation of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, the Board of Directors at its meeting held on 7th November 2017, appointed Mr. L Krishnakumar as an Additional Director (Non-executive Non-Independent) of the Company with effect from that date. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 161 of the Act, Mr. Krishnakumar holds office till the date of the ensuing Annual General Meeting and is eligible for appointment. A resolution in this behalf is set out at Item No.4 of the Notice of Annual General Meeting, for members'' approval.
The Board of Directors at its meeting held on 23rd March 2018, subject to the approval of the shareholders in the general meeting, re-appointed Mr. Sanjiv Sarin as the Managing Director & CEO of the Company for a further period i.e., from 25th April 2018 to 31st March 2019 on terms of remuneration as recommended by the Nomination & Remuneration Committee. A resolution in this behalf is set out at Item No.5 of the Notice of Annual General Meeting, for members'' approval.
The Board of Directors at its meeting held on 7th May 2018, subject to the approval of the shareholders in the general meeting, re-appointed Mr. Chacko Purackal Thomas as the Executive Director & Dy. CEO of the Company for a further period of 3 years i.e., from 4th August 2018 to 3rd August 2021 on terms of remuneration as recommended by the Nomination & Remuneration Committee. A resolution in this behalf is set out at Item No.6 of the Notice of Annual General Meeting, for members''approval.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 152 of the Act, Mr. R. Harish Bhat, Director, will retire by rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and being eligible, has offered himself for re-appointment. The Board recommends his re-appointment.
In terms of Section 203 of the Act, the following are the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company:
- Mr. Sanjiv Sarin, Managing Director & CEO
- Mr. K.Venkataramanan, Executive Director- Finance & CFO
- Mr. N. Anantha Murthy, Head - Legal & Company Secretary
All the Independent Directors of the Company have given their declarations stating that they meet the criteria of independence as laid down under Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1 )(b) of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015 (''the Listing Regulations''). In the opinion of the Board, they fulfil the conditions of independence as specified in the Act and the Listing Regulations and are independent of the management.
16. Board and Committee Meetings:
The Annual Calendar of Board and Committee Meetings planned during the year were circulated in advance to the Directors.
The Board has constituted an Audit Committee comprising of Mr. S. Santhanakrishnan as Chairman, Mr. V Leeladhar and Ms. Sunalini Menon as its Members. There have been no instances during the year where recommendations of the Audit Committee were not accepted by the Board.
The details of the composition of the Board and its Committees and the number of meetings held and attendance of Directors at such meetings are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of the Annual Report.
17. Governance Guidelines:
The Company has adopted Governance Guidelines on Board Effectiveness. The Governance Guidelines encompasses aspects relating to composition and role of the Board, Chairman and Directors, Board Diversity, Definition of Independence, Term of Directors, Retirement Age and Committees of the Board. It also covers aspects relating to Nomination, Appointment, Induction and Development of Directors, Directors'' Remuneration, Subsidiary oversight, Code of Conduct, Board Effectiveness Review and Mandates of Board Committees.
18. Policy on Director''s Appointment and Remuneration and other details:
(a) Procedure for Nomination and Appointment of Directors:
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) has been mandated to oversee and develop competency requirements for the Board based on the industry requirements and business strategy of the Company. The NRC reviews and evaluates the resumes of potential candidates for appointment of Directors and meets them prior to making recommendations of their nomination to the Board. Specific requirements for the position, including expert knowledge expected, are communicated to the appointee.
On the recommendation of the NRC, the Board has adopted and framed a Remuneration Policy for the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and other employees pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations. The remuneration determined for Executive/ Independent Directors is subject to the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and approval of the Board of Directors. The Non-Executive Directors are compensated by way of profit sharing commission and the criteria being their attendance and contribution at the Board/Committee Meetings. The Executive Directors are not paid sitting fees; the Non-Executive Directors are entitled to sitting fees for attending the Board/Committee Meetings.
I t is affirmed that the remuneration paid to Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and all other employees is in accordance with the Remuneration Policy of the Company. The Company''s Policy on Directors Appointment and Remuneration and other matters provided in Section 178(3) of the Act and Regulation 19 of the Listing Regulations have been disclosed in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of the Annual Report.
(b) Familiarization/Orientation program for Independent Directors:
The Independent Directors attend a Familiarization / Orientation Program on being inducted into the Board. The details of Familiarization Program are provided in the Corporate Governance Report and are also available on the Company''s website. The Company issues a formal letter of appointment to the Independent Directors, outlining their role, function, duties and responsibilities, the format of which is available on the Company''s website at https://www.tatacoffee.com.
19. Dividend Distribution Policy:
As required under Regulation 43A of the Listing Regulations, the Company has formulated a Policy on Dividend Distribution.
This Policy can be viewed on the Company''s website at https:// www.tatacoffee.com.
20. Annual Evaluation of Board Performance and Performance of its Committees and of Directors:
Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations, the Board has carried out an Annual Evaluation of its own performance, performance of the Directors and the working of its Committees on the evaluation criteria defined by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) for performance evaluation process of the Board, its Committees and Directors.
The Board''s functioning was evaluated on various aspects, including inter-alia the structure of the Board, meetings of the Board, functions of the Board, degree of fulfilment of key responsibilities, establishment and delineation of responsibilities to various Committees, effectiveness of Board processes, information and functioning.
The Committees of the Board were assessed on the degree of fulfilment of key responsibilities, adequacy of Committee composition and effectiveness of Meetings. The Directors were evaluated on aspects such as attendance, contribution at Board/Committee Meetings and guidance/support to the Management outside Board/Committee Meetings.
The performance assessment of Non-Independent Directors, Board as a whole and the Chairman were evaluated in a separate meeting of Independent Directors. The same was also discussed in the meetings of NRC and the Board. Performance evaluation of Independent Directors was done by the entire Board, excluding the Independent Director being evaluated.
21. Internal Control Systems & their adequacy:
The Board has adopted policies and procedures for ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to the Company''s policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detection of frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records, and the timely preparation of reliable financial disclosures.
22. Reporting of Frauds:
There was no instance of fraud during the year under review, which required the Statutory Auditors to report to the Audit Committee and / or Board under Section 143(12) of the Act and the rules made thereunder.
23. Transfer to Investor Education and Protection Fund:
a) Transfer of unclaimed dividend / debenture redemption / debenture interest to IEPF:
As required under Section 124 of the Act, the unclaimed dividend amount aggregating to '' 13,63,703/- pertaining to the financial year ended on 31st March, 2010, '' 9,47,690/- in respect of interim dividend declared for the financial year ended on 31st March 2011 and Unclaimed Interest on Debentures including Debenture redemption amount aggregating to '' 2,70,203/- lying with the Company for a period of seven years were transferred during the year 2017-18, to the Investor Education and Protection Fund established by the Central Government.
b) Transfer of shares to IEPF:
As required under Section 124 of the Act, 12,42,821 equity shares, in respect of which dividend has not been claimed by the members for seven consecutive years or more, have been transferred by the Company to the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPF) during the financial year 2017-18. Details of shares transferred have been uploaded on the website of IEPF as well as the Company.
24. Auditors:
(i) Statutory Auditors:
The Members at the 73rd Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 26th July, 2016, had appointed M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 117366W/W-100018) as the Statutory Auditor of the Company to hold office for a term of five years i.e., from the conclusion of the said Annual General Meeting until the conclusion of 78th Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in 2021, subject to ratification of their appointment by the shareholders, every year. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs vide its Notification dated 7th May 2018, has dispensed with the requirement of ratification of Auditor''s appointment by the shareholders, every year. Hence, the resolution relating to ratification of Auditor''s appointment is not included in the Notice of the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
(ii) Cost Auditors:
In terms of the provisions of Section 148 of the Act read with the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014, as amended from time to time, the Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, has appointed M/s. Rao, Murthy & Associates, Cost Accountants, as Cost Auditor of the Company for conducting the Cost Audit for the financial year 2018-19, on such remuneration as mentioned in the Notice of the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
A resolution seeking Member''s ratification for the remuneration payable to the Cost Auditor forms part of the Notice of 75th Annual General Meeting and the same is recommended for your consideration and ratification.
(iii) Secretarial Auditor:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Act and the rules made there under, the Company had appointed M/s. BMP & Co., LLP, Practicing Company Secretaries, to undertake the Secretarial Audit of the Company for the year ended 31st March, 2018. The Secretarial Audit Report issued in this regard is annexed as Annexure - B.
The Auditors'' Report and the Secretarial Audit Report for the financial year ended 31st March, 2018 do not contain any qualification or reservation or adverse remark.
25. Risk Management:
The Company has constituted a Risk Management Committee which has been entrusted with the responsibility to assist the Board in (a) approving the Company''s Risk Management Framework and (b) overseeing all the risks that the organization faces such as strategic, financial, liquidity, security, regulatory, legal, reputational and other risks that have been identified and assessed to ensure that there is a sound Risk Management Policy in place to address such concerns/risks. The Risk Management process covers risk identification, assessment, analysis and mitigation. Incorporating sustainability in the process also helps to align potential exposures with the risk appetite and highlight risks associated with chosen strategies.
The Audit Committee has additional oversight in the area of financial risks and controls. Major risks identified by the business and functions are systematically addressed through mitigating actions on continuing basis.
The Company has adopted a Risk Management Policy in accordance with the provisions of the Act and Regulation 21 of the Listing Regulations.
26. Particulars of Loans, Guarantees and Investments:
The details of Loans and Investments and Guarantees covered under the provisions of Section 186 of the Act are given in the Notes to the Financial Statements forming part of Annual Report.
27. Fixed Deposit:
During the year under review, your Company has neither accepted nor renewed any deposits from the public within the meaning of Section 73 of the Act and the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
28. Related Party Transactions:
All Related Party Transactions that were entered into during the financial year under review were on an arm''s length basis and in the ordinary course of business and is in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations. There were no materially significant Related Party Transactions made by the Company during the year that required shareholders'' approval under Regulation 23 of the Listing Regulations.
All Related Party Transactions are placed before the Audit Committee for prior approval. Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained for the transactions which are repetitive in nature or when the need for them cannot be foreseen in advance.
None of the transactions entered into with related parties falls under the scope of Section 188(1) of the Act. Details of transactions with related parties as required under Section 134(3)(h) of the Act read with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are given in Annexure - C in Form AOC-2 and forms part of this Report.
The Company has adopted a Policy for dealing with Related Party Transactions. The Policy as approved by the Board may be viewed on the Company''s website at the web link: http:// www.tatacoffee.com/investors/related_party.pdf.
29. Corporate Governance & Management Discussion & Analysis Report:
Your Company is in compliance with all the applicable provisions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under Chapter IV of the Listing Regulations. A detailed report on Corporate Governance as required under the Listing Regulations is provided in a separate section and forms part of the Annual Report. Certificate from the Practicing Company Secretary regarding compliance with the conditions stipulated in the Listing Regulations forms part of the Corporate Governance Report.
The Management Discussion and Analysis Report as required under the Listing Regulations is presented in a separate section and forms part of the Annual Report.
30. Business Responsibility Report:
As required under Regulation 34 of the Listing Regulations, the Business Responsibility Report is provided in a separate section and forms part of the Annual Report.
31. Employees Welfare:
The Company continues to focus on welfare and improving the quality of lives of its employees by providing educational assistance to their children, employee wellness sessions, periodic occupational health checks, merit scholarships to employee children, spiritual peace by yoga
provisions at cost through co-operative stores and providing housing loan interest subsidy & interest free loans for the employee family wellness.
Apart from the welfare initiatives implemented during last year, the following were the main focus areas in the welfare initiatives during FY 2017-18:
- improvement in housing infrastructure for Plantation workers)
- Introduction of new mobile toilets in plantations for the workers use in the work spots.
- Digitalization of TCL employees health records through TDHP
- Implementation of uniform colour coded waste segregation measures across locations.
32. Policy on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment at Work place:
The Company has zero tolerance for sexual harassment at workplace and has adopted a Policy on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment at workplace in line with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the rules made thereunder. The Policy aims to provide protection to employees at workplace and prevent and redress complaints of sexual harassment and for matters connected or incidental thereto, with the objective of providing a safe working environment, where employees feel secure. The Company has also constituted an Internal Complaints Committee, known as the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Committee, to enquire into complaints of sexual harassment and recommend appropriate action.
During the financial year 2017-18, the Company received 4 complaints on sexual harassment, which have been disposed of and appropriate actions were taken.
33. Whistle Blower Policy/Vigil Mechanism:
The Company has adopted a Whistle Blower Policy to provide a formal mechanism to the Directors and employees to report their concerns about unethical behaviour, actual or suspected fraud or violation of the Company''s Code of Conduct or Ethics Policy. The Policy provides for adequate safeguards against victimization of employees who avail of the mechanism and also provides for direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. It is affirmed that no personnel of the Company has been denied access to the Audit Committee. The Whistle Blower Policy has been posted on the website of the Company at www.tatacoffee.com.
34. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
The Annual Report on CSR activities in terms of the requirements of Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 is annexed as Annexure - D, which forms part of this Report.
The Company has a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy and the same has been posted on the website of the Company at www.tatacoffee.com.
35. Extract of Annual Return:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 92(3) of the Act and Rule 12(1) of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the extract of the Annual Return in the prescribed form i.e., Form MGT-9 is annexed herewith as Annexure - E, which forms part of this Report.
36. Particulars of Employees and Remuneration:
I n terms of the first proviso to Section 136 of the Act, the Reports and Accounts are being sent to the shareholders excluding the information required under Rule 5(2) and (3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014. Any shareholder interested in obtaining the same may write to the Company Secretary at the Registered Office of the Company. The said information is available for inspection by the Members at the Registered Office of the Company on any working day of the Company upto the date of the 75th Annual General Meeting.
The statement containing information as required under the provisions of Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is given in Annexure - F and forms part of this Report.
37. Particulars of Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo:
The information on Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo stipulated under Section 134 (3) (m) of the Act read with Rule 8(3) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is annexed as Annexure - G and forms part of this Report.
38. Significant and Material Orders passed by the Regulators or Courts:
There are no significant or material orders which were passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status and the Company''s Operations in future.
39. Green Initiatives:
I n commitment to keep in line with the Green Initiative and going beyond it to create new green initiatives, electronic copy of the Notice of 75th Annual General Meeting of the Company are sent to all Members whose email addresses are registered with the Company/Depository Participant(s). For members who have not registered their e-mail addresses, physical copies are sent through the permitted mode.
40. Acknowledgement:
Your Directors take this opportunity to thank the Parent Company - Tata Global Beverages Limited, the employees, customers, vendors, investors and the communities in which the Company operates, for their unstinted co-operation and valuable support extended to the Company during the year.
Your Directors also thank the Government of India, Government of various States in India and concerned government departments/agencies for their co-operation.
Your Directors appreciate and value the contributions made by every member of Tata Coffee family.
For and on behalf of the Board
Place: Bengaluru R. HARISH BHAT
Date: 7th May 2018 Chairman
Mar 31, 2017
To the Members,
The Directors are pleased to present the 74th Annual Report together with the Audited Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2017.
FINANCIAL RESULTS:
Your Company has adopted Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) from 1st April, 2016 and these are the Company''s first annual financial statements prepared in accordance with Ind AS, with comparatives for the previous year restated as per Ind AS.
The Company''s financial performance for the year ended 31st March 2017 is summarized below:
(Rs. in Crores)
|
Standalone |
|
Consolidated |
|
|
2016-17 |
2015-16 |
2016-17 |
2015-16 |
Revenue from Operations |
779 |
708 |
1606 |
1551 |
Other Income |
69 |
45 |
23 |
20 |
Total Income |
848 |
753 |
1629 |
1571 |
Profit Before Exceptional Items and Taxes |
184 |
109 |
320 |
213 |
Add: Exceptional Income/(Expenses) |
(2) |
(7) |
(2) |
(7) |
Profit Before Tax |
182 |
102 |
318 |
206 |
Provision for Tax |
43 |
37 |
108 |
81 |
Profit After Tax |
139 |
65 |
210 |
125 |
Less: Non-controlling Interests |
|
|
(58) |
(43) |
Profit After Tax attributable to Shareholders of the |
139 |
65 |
151 |
82 |
Company |
|
|
|
|
Surplus brought forward from Previous Year |
364 |
343 |
430 |
392 |
Amount available for appropriation |
503 |
408 |
581 |
474 |
General Reserve No. I |
(14) |
(11) |
(14) |
(11) |
General Reserve No. II |
(8) |
(8) |
(8) |
(8) |
Reversal of Dividend Distribution Tax |
9 |
4 |
9 |
4 |
Dividend paid relating to Previous Year |
(24) |
(24) |
(24) |
(24) |
Tax on Dividend |
(5) |
(5) |
(5) |
(5) |
Balance carried forward |
461 |
364 |
539 |
430 |
1. Revenue from Operations:
Standalone:
Your Company''s total income during the year under review was Rs. 848 Crores as compared to Rs.753 Crores in the previous year, registering an increase of 13% over the previous year.
Consolidated:
The Consolidated total income during the year under review was Rs.1629 Crores as compared to Rs.1571 Crores in the previous year, registering an increase of 4% over the previous year.
2. Profits:
Standalone:
The Profit before Tax for the year 2016-17 was Rs.182 Crores as against Rs.102 Crores in the previous year. Profit after Tax in 2016-17 stood at Rs.139 Crores as against Rs.65 Crores in the previous year.
Consolidated:
On a Consolidated basis, Profit before Tax for the year 2016-17 was Rs.318 Crores as against Rs.206 Crores in the previous year. Profit after Tax (net of minority interest) in 2016-17 stood at Rs.151 Crores as against Rs.82 Crores in the previous year.
3. Dividend & Reserves:
Your Directors have recommended a Dividend of Rs.1.75/- per share (face value of Rs.1 per share) for the year ended 31st March 2017, which includes a special dividend of Rs.0.25 per share to commemorate the completion of 25 years of a Tata Group Company acquiring controlling interest in Tata Coffee Limited (erstwhile Consolidated Coffee Limited). The total Dividend amount aggregates to Rs.32.68 Crores plus applicable Dividend Distribution Tax. It is proposed to carry forward a sum of Rs.14.00 Crores towards General Reserve No. I.
4. Share Capital:
The Paid-up Equity Share Capital of the Company as on 31st March, 2017 was Rs.18.68 Crores comprising of 18,67,70,370 Shares of Rs.1/- each. The Company has not issued shares with differential voting rights, employee stock options and sweat equity shares. The Company has paid Listing Fees for the Financial Year 2017-18 to each of the Stock Exchanges, where its equity shares are listed.
5. Material changes and commitment - if any, affecting financial position of the Company from the end of the financial year till the date of this Report:
There has been no material change and commitment, affecting the financial performance of the Company which occurred between the end of the financial year of the Company to which the financial statements relate and the date of this Report.
6. Global Coffee Scenario:
The Global Coffee Markets in 2016-17 presented distinctly different pictures for Arabica and Robusta Coffees. On an overall basis, the crop year 2016-17 witnessed a balanced scenario between supply (production) and demand (consumption). The total production of coffee, across multiple estimates was around 155 million bags (60 kgs) matched by almost equal demand of 155 million bags. However, the break-up provides a different picture. The Arabica production, estimated at 95 million bags was an all-time record and the Robusta production at an estimated 60 million bags was the lowest in over 5 years. This deficit of Robusta - over 10% on demand - was only partly compensated by the Arabica surplus. This was indeed the driving force behind the terminal movements for the year.
The New York (ICE) terminal, representing Arabica settled at 141.65 Cents / lb (Jul futures) on 31st March 2017. It had settled for the same position at 129.35 Cents / lb (Jul futures) on 1st April 2016. This year, wide rise in the Arabica terminal was a modest 9.5%. In sharp contrast, the London terminal, representing Robusta coffee saw an increase of 43% through the year. It settled at 2171 $ / MT (Jul futures) on 31st March 2017 as against a close of 1519 $ / MT on the same position at the start of the year on 1st April. The sharp deficit of Robusta coffee was therefore the key defining feature of the market through the FY 2016-17.
7. Company''s Performance:
A. Plantations:
Coffee:
During the financial year 2016-17, the Company has harvested a Robusta crop of 6,000 MT as against 6,222 MT in the previous year. In the case of Arabica, a production of 1,628 MT has been harvested in being an off year as against 1,899 MT in the previous season. The coffee harvesting operation and post-harvest operations has been completed as per schedule.
Planting district of Coorg and Hassan recorded a 46% shortfall in rainfall leading to a drought like situation. The distribution was also distorted with some unprecedented showers during harvest period. The average temperature increased significantly affecting the growth of plants and also the development of bean.
Tea:
The Company produced a total of 5.666 Million Kgs of Made tea for the Financial Year 2016-17 as against 6.180 Million kgs in the previous year. The current year''s production is less by 8%. Shortfall in quantum of rainfall recorded during the season and with distorted distribution coupled with increased day temperature affected the flush growth and thereby impacting crop.
Pepper:
The Company has achieved a pepper production of 544 MT for the Financial Year 2016-17 compared to 599 MT harvested during 2015-16. The density and grade percentage of pepper this year has been good. The Company has initiated various steps to further enhance the production base of pepper in the coming years.
Curing Works:
The Company''s Curing Works at Kushalnagar (KNW) cured a total of 11,528 MT Coffee during the current year as against 11,162 MT in the previous year. In addition, a record quantity of 520 MT of Monsoon Coffee was processed against the average quantity of 300 MT in the recent years.
Pepper Processing Unit:
The entire Pepper of the Company is graded and processed at KNW. The unit has graded & processed 537 MT of Pepper during the Financial Year 2016-17. The unit is certified under ISO 22000:2005 and SA 8000:2008.
Green Coffee Exports:
During the Financial Year 2016-17, your Company exported 6,420 MT of coffee as against 6,332 MT in the previous year. Your Company continues to focus on growth, through Premium Differentiated Coffees with volumes sold at 52% of the total exports at very healthy premiums.
Plantation Trails:
Plantation Trails, our hospitality business, continues to grow and perform exceedingly well recording the highest ever revenues and profits since inception. Emphasis for the year has been on the digital transformation and realignment for the business. A new mobile enabled website and payment gateway, a new reservation module, and a complete revamp of the social media channels and digital marketing approach, have given the business the online edge. Chickmagalur was recently introduced as a new destination and the property continues to receive positive reviews.
Plantation Trails was the recipient of several industry awards during the year including the prestigious recognition by Trip Advisor for the "Certificate of Excellence-Winner". International and domestic travel media continue to make mentions about Coorg and the ''Plantation Trails'' experience.
B. Instant Coffee Operations:
The financial year 2016-17 saw the Instant Coffee Division achieving record sales and production. The total sales volumes for the financial year 2016-17 was 8812 MT compared to 7,660 MT in the previous financial year, registering an increase of 15% over the previous year. The production for the year was 8474 MT compared to 7,986 MT in the last fiscal. The plant capacity utilization is more than the designed capacity (8400 TPA). The state-of-the-art Freeze Dried Coffee (FDC) facility also underwent a limited debottlenecking project to achieve its full capacity during the year.
The sales volume growth was healthy across all key geographies - namely Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States, Africa, Europe and Middle East. The Company continued to consolidate its dominant market positions in Russia and Africa and also expanded into potential growth markets in Asia. The Company significantly increased its value added focus in terms of product and packaging. New product variants developed for select markets helped the Company to provide right value to the buyers and also differentiate itself from the competition. The Company also strengthened its sales and marketing team to ensure widespread reach and deeper customer connect.
Tata Coffee Grand:
The Company manufactures ''Tata Coffee Grand'', an Instant Coffee for sale in domestic market, which is being distributed and marketed by the Holding company, Tata Global Beverages Ltd. The Brand has received positive response in the market. In addition, during the year, there were two product variants HTS (Hot Tea Shops) with blend of Spray Dried Coffee with Chicory, and R&G with blend of Roasted and Ground coffee with Chicory, packed for the domestic market as part of overall Tata Coffee Grand portfolio.
C. Starbucks Roastery:
The Unit did 15% higher production and processed 119 MT during the current year as against 102 MT in the previous year. The Unit is successfully qualified by Starbucks for Expresso, India Estates Blend, Kenya, Sumatra and Italian roasted coffees. The Unit continues to cater exclusively to the requirements of TATA Starbucks outlets in India from its state-of-the-art Coffee Roasting Facility at Kushalnagar Works. The Unit is certified under ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System), FSSC 22000 (Food Safety & Standards Certification), ISO 14001:2004 (Environment Management System) and FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India).
8. Business Growth:
Your Company has a dedicated team of Management and Operating Personnel who have been instrumental in the growth of the business over the years. Your Directors believe that the Company has the potential to further scale up its business volumes and profitability and are in the process of identifying new avenues of growth and effective utilization of its existing resources.
9. Quality Awards:
(i) Sustainability Awards:
Your Company has consistently been committed to environment protection and co-exists with nature at the coffee plantations.
The Company has been awarded the ''Excellence in Work Place Safety'' trophy for its elephant conservation project, in the Confederation of Indian Industry IQ National Safety Competition. Further, the Company was recognized as the ''Most Ethical Company'' in the Agriculture Sector in November 2016.
The Anandapur, Karadibetta, Ubban, Valparai and Yemmigoondi Estates of the Company have bagged Regional and Specialty awards for their Arabica and Robusta Coffee.
(ii) Instant Coffee Operations (ICD):
Awards
ICD-Toopran stepped into a milestone of achieving EHS 4 star in 2016-17, which has proven the continual development in the areas of Environmental, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
ICD-Toopran also achieved the prestigious FTAPCCI (Federation of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry) Award for excellence in Industrial Productivity.
I CD-Theni received SEEM (Society of Energy Engineers and Managers) National Energy Management Award 2016.
Certifications
Instant Coffee Unit, Toopran
Toopran Unit was certified for Integrated Management System (IMS) comprising of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, along with certification on ISO 22000, HALAL, KOSHER, BIS, FSSAI, SA 8000, UTZ, SAN-RA.
Instant Coffee Unit, Theni
Theni Unit was certified for Integrated Management System (IMS) comprising of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, BS OHSAS 18001, along with certification on ISO 22000, HALAL, KOSHER, BRC, IFS, FSSAI, SA 8000, UTZ, SAN-RFA.
The Theni Unit Laboratory was certified with NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories).
10. Capital Expenditure:
During the Financial Year 2016-17, Rs.4497.53 Lakhs was incurred towards capital expenditure primarily on account of welfare, modernization, upgradation and other programmes undertaken in the various units of the Company.
11. Subsidiary Companies and Consolidated Financial Statements:
Subsidiary Companies:
I. Eight O'' Clock Coffee Company (EOC):
The total Income of EOC during the Financial Year 2016-17 was at Rs.827 Crores, under Ind AS, compared to Rs.843 Crores for the previous year. The EOC''s bags volumes sold were marginally higher than the previous year amidst intense competitive spending. EOC''s total income also includes royalty income from the single serve K-cups sold under a licensing agreement with Keurig. K-cup volumes were lower than previous year due to intense competitive pressures. EOC''s profits were higher on account of higher sales, and lower costs.
II. Consolidated Coffee Inc. (CCI):
CCI is the Holding Company of EOC. The Consolidated net profit after taxes was Rs.117 Crores as compared to Rs.85 Crores for the previous year.
Performance of Subsidiaries:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 (''the Act''), a statement containing salient features of Financial Statements of subsidiaries in Form AOC-1 is annexed as Annexure - A.
The Company does not have any Associate or Joint Venture Companies. The Company has adopted a policy for determining the criteria of material subsidiaries which can be viewed on the Company''s website at www.tatacoffee.comhttp://www.tatacoffee.com/.
12. Freeze Dried Instant Coffee Facility in Vietnam:
The Board of Directors of the Company at their meeting held on 19th December 2016 approved setting up of a state-of-the-art green field Freeze Dried Instant Coffee facility in Vietnam of 5000 MT capacity per annum through a Subsidiary Company, with an estimated Project Cost of Rs.350 Crores. Pursuant thereto, the Company has on 4th May 2017, infused an amount of Rs.30.49 Crores in the equity capital of "Tata Coffee Vietnam Company Limited" which is a Wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company. The Directors are happy to report that the Project is making satisfactory progress.
13. Directors Responsibility Statement:
Based on the framework of Internal Financial Controls and compliance systems established and maintained by the Company, the work performed by the Internal, Statutory, Cost and Secretarial Auditors including Audit of Internal Financial Controls over financial reporting by the Statutory Auditors and the reviews performed by Management and the relevant Board Committees, including the Audit Committee, the Board is of the opinion that the Company''s Internal Financial Controls were adequate and effective during the Financial Year 2016-17.
Accordingly, pursuant to Section 134(3)(c) and 134(5) of the Act, the Board of Directors, to the best of their knowledge and ability, confirm that:
(i) in the preparation of the accounts for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 2017, the applicable accounting standards have been followed and that there are no material departures;
(ii) they 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 the end of the Financial Year and of the profits of the Company for that period;
(iii) they have taken proper and sufficient care to the best of their knowledge and ability for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
(iv) they have prepared the Accounts for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 2017 on a ''going concern'' basis;
(v) they have laid down Internal Financial Controls to be followed by the Company and such Internal Financial Controls are adequate and are operating effectively;
(vi) they have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and such systems were adequate and are operating effectively.
14. Directors & Key Managerial Personnel:
Prof. Arun Monappa, Non-executive Independent Director of the Company retired on 9th March 2017, on reaching the retirement age as per the Governance Guidelines adopted by the Board. Your Directors wish to place on record their sincere appreciation for the valuable contribution made by Prof. Monappa during his tenure as Director of the Company.
The Board of Directors at its meeting held on 18th May 2017 appointed Dr. P. G. Chengappa as an Additional Director of the Company with effect from that date. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 161 of the Act, Dr. Chengappa holds office till the date of ensuing Annual General Meeting and is eligible for appointment. A resolution in this behalf is set out at Item No.5 of the Notice of Annual General Meeting, for members'' approval.
Further, the Board of Directors, at its meeting held on 18th May 2017, subject to the approval of the Members at the ensuing Annual General Meeting, re-appointed Mr. K. Venkataramanan as Executive Director - Finance and Chief Financial Officer for a further term of 3 years with effect from 25th October 2017, on terms of remuneration as recommended by the Nomination & Remuneration Committee. A resolution in this behalf is set out at Item No.6 of the Notice of Annual General Meeting, for members'' approval.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 152 of the Act, Mr. R. Harish Bhat, Director, will retire by rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and being eligible, has offered himself for re-appointment. The Board recommends his re-appointment.
I n terms of Section 203 of the Act, the following are the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company:
- Mr. Sanjiv Sarin, Managing Director & CEO
- Mr. K. Venkataramanan, Executive Director - Finance & CFO
- Mr. N. Anantha Murthy, Head - Legal & Company Secretary
Mr. N. S. Suryanarayanan, who earlier held the position of Company Secretary, retired from the services of the Company, effective 19th December 2016.
All the Independent Directors have given their declarations stating that they meet the criteria of independence as laid down under Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015 (''the Listing Regulations''). In the opinion of the Board, they fulfill the conditions of independence as specified in the Act and the Listing Regulations and are independent of the management.
15. Board and Committee Meetings:
An Annual Calendar of Board and Committee Meetings planned during the year was circulated in advance to the Directors.
The Board has constituted an Audit Committee comprising of Mr. S. Santhanakrishnan as Chairman, Ms. Sunalini Menon, Mr. V. Leeladhar and Mr. Siraj Azmat Chaudhry as its Members. There have been no instances during the year where recommendations of the Audit Committee were not accepted by the Board.
The details of the composition of the Board and its Committees and number of meetings held and attendance of Directors at such meetings are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of the Annual Report.
16. Governance Guidelines:
The Company has adopted Governance Guidelines on Board Effectiveness. The Governance Guidelines encompasses aspects relating to composition and role of the Board, Chairman and Directors, Board Diversity, Definition of Independence, Term of Directors, Retirement Age and Committees of the Board. It also covers aspects relating to Nomination, Appointment, Induction and Development of Directors, Director Remuneration, Subsidiary oversight, Code of Conduct, Board Effectiveness Review and Mandates of Board Committees.
17. Policy on Director''s Appointment and Remuneration and other details:
(a) Procedure for Nomination and Appointment of Directors:
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) has been mandated to oversee and develop competency requirements for the Board based on the industry requirements and business strategy of the Company. The NRC reviews and evaluates the resumes of potential candidates for appointment of Directors and meets them prior to making recommendations of their nomination to the Board. Specific requirements for the position, including expert knowledge expected, are communicated to the appointee.
On the recommendation of the NRC, the Board has adopted and framed a Remuneration Policy for the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and other employees pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations. The remuneration determined for Executive/ Independent Directors is subject to the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and approval of the Board of Directors. The Non-Executive Directors are compensated by way of profit sharing commission and the criteria being their attendance and contribution at the Board/Committee Meetings. The Executive Directors are not paid sitting fees; the Non-Executive Directors are entitled to sitting fees for the Board/Committee Meetings.
It is affirmed that the remuneration paid to Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and all other employees is in accordance with the Remuneration Policy of the Company. The Company''s Policy on Directors'' Appointment and Remuneration and other matters provided in Section 178(3) of the Act and Regulation 19 of the Listing Regulations have been disclosed in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of the Annual Report.
(b) Familiarization/Orientation program for Independent Directors:
The Independent Directors attend a Familiarization / Orientation Program on being inducted into the Board. The details of Familiarization Program are provided in the Corporate Governance Report and are also available on the Company''s website. The Company issues a formal letter of appointment to the Independent Directors, outlining their role, function, duties and responsibilities, the format of which is available on the Company''s website at https://www.tatacoffee.com.
18. Dividend Distribution Policy:
As required under Regulation 43A of the Listing Regulations, the Company has formulated a Policy on Dividend Distribution, which is attached as Annexure - B. This Policy can also be viewed on the Company''s website at https://www.tatacoffee.com.
19. Annual Evaluation of Board Performance and Performance of its Committees and of Directors:
Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations, the Board has carried out an Annual Evaluation of its own performance, performance of the Directors and the working of its Committees on the evaluation criteria defined by Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) for performance evaluation process of the Board, its Committees and Directors.
The Board''s functioning was evaluated on various aspects, including inter-alia the structure of the Board, meeting of the Board, functions of the Board, degree of fulfillment of key responsibilities, establishment and delineation of responsibilities to various Committees, effectiveness of Board processes, information and functioning.
The Committees of the Board were assessed on the degree of fulfillment of key responsibilities, adequacy of Committee composition and effectiveness of Meetings. The Directors were evaluated on aspects such as attendance, contribution at Board/Committee Meetings and guidance/support to the Management outside Board/Committee Meetings.
The performance assessment of Non-Independent Directors, Board as a whole and the Chairman were evaluated in a separate meeting of Independent Directors. The same was also discussed in the meetings of NRC and the Board. Performance evaluation of Independent Directors was done by the entire Board, excluding the Independent Director being evaluated.
20. Internal Control Systems & their adequacy:
The Board has adopted policies and procedures for ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to the Company''s policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detection of frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records, and the timely preparation of reliable financial disclosures.
21. Reporting of Frauds:
There was no instance of fraud during the year under review, which required the Statutory Auditors to report to the Audit Committee and / or Board under Section 143(12) of the Act and the rules made there under.
22. Transfer to Investor Education and Protection Fund:
As required under Section 124 of the Act, the unclaimed dividend amount aggregating to Rs.10,02,912/- pertaining to the financial year ended on 31st March, 2009 and Unclaimed Interest on Debentures aggregating to Rs.59,807/- lying with the Company for a period of seven years were transferred during the year 2016-17, to the Investor Education and Protection Fund established by the Central Government.
23. Auditors:
(i) Statutory Auditors:
The term of office of M/s SNB Associates, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 015682N) who were appointed as the Joint Statutory Auditors at the 73rd Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 26th July 2016, expires upon conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting of the Company.
The Members at the 73rd Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 26th July, 2016, had appointed M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 117366W/W-100018) as the Statutory Auditor of the Company to hold office for a term of five years i.e., from the conclusion of the said Annual General Meeting until the conclusion of 78th Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in 2021, subject to ratification of their appointment by the shareholders, every year. The Notice of Annual General Meeting contains a resolution to this effect, for your approval.
(ii) Cost Auditors:
In terms of the provisions of Section 148 of the Act read with the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014, as amended from time to time, the Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, has appointed M/s. Rao, Murthy & Associates, Cost Accountants, as Cost Auditor of the Company for conducting the Cost Audit for the Financial Year 2017-18, on a remuneration as mentioned in the Notice of 74th Annual General Meeting.
A resolution seeking Member''s ratification for the remuneration payable to the Cost Auditor forms part of the Notice of 74th Annual General Meeting and the same is recommended for your consideration and ratification.
(iii) Secretarial Auditor:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Act and the rules made there under, the Company had appointed M/s. HBP & Co., Company Secretaries, to undertake the Secretarial Audit of the Company for the year ended 31st March, 2017. The Secretarial Audit Report issued in this regard is annexed as Annexure - C.
The Auditors'' Report and the Secretarial Audit Report for the Financial Year ended 31st March, 2017 do not contain any qualification or reservation or adverse remark.
24. Risk Management:
The Company has constituted a Risk Management Committee which has been entrusted with the responsibility to assist the Board in (a) approving the Company''s Risk Management Framework and (b) Overseeing all the risks that the organization faces such as strategic, financial, liquidity, security, regulatory, legal, reputational and other risks that have been identified and assessed to ensure that there is a sound Risk Management Policy in place to address such concerns/risks. The Risk Management process covers risk identification, assessment, analysis and mitigation. Incorporating sustainability in the process also helps to align potential exposures with the risk appetite and highlight risks associated with chosen strategies.
The Audit Committee has additional oversight in the area of financial risks and controls. Major risks identified by the business and functions are systematically addressed through mitigating actions on continuing basis.
The Company has adopted a Risk Management Policy in accordance with the provisions of the Act and Regulation 21 of the Listing Regulations.
25. Particulars of Loans, Guarantees and Investments:
The details of Loans and Investments covered under the provisions of Section 186 of the Act are given in the Notes to the Financial Statements forming part of Annual Report. The Company has not provided any guarantees during the Financial Year.
26. Fixed Deposit:
During the year under review, your Company has neither accepted nor renewed any deposits from the public within the meaning of Section 73 of the Act and the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
27. Related Party Transactions:
All Related Party Transactions that were entered into during the Financial Year under review were on an arm''s length basis and in the ordinary course of business and is in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations. There were no materially significant Related Party Transactions made by the Company during the year that required shareholders'' approval under Regulation 23 of the Listing Regulations.
All Related Party Transactions are placed before the Audit Committee for prior approval. Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained for the transactions which are repetitive in nature or when the need for them cannot be foreseen in advance .
None of the transactions entered into with related parties falls under the scope of Section 188(1) of the Act. Details of transactions with related parties as required under Section 134(3)(h) of the Act read with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are given in Annexure - D in Form AOC-2 and forms part of this Report.
The Company has adopted a Policy for dealing with Related Party Transactions. The Policy as approved by the Board may be viewed on the Company''s website at the web link: http://www.tatacoffee.com/investors/related party.pdf
28. Corporate Governance & Management Discussion & Analysis Report:
Your Company is in compliance with all the applicable provisions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under Chapter IV of the Listing Regulations. A detailed report on Corporate Governance as required under the Listing Regulations is provided in a separate section and forms part of the Annual Report. Certificate from the Practicing Company Secretary regarding compliance with the conditions stipulated in the Listing Regulations forms part of the Corporate Governance Report.
The Management Discussion and Analysis Report as required under the Listing Regulations is presented in a separate section and forms part of the Annual Report.
29. Business Responsibility Report:
As required under Regulation 34 of the Listing Regulations, the Business Responsibility Report is provided in a separate section and forms part of the Annual Report.
30. Employees Welfare:
The Company continues to focus on welfare and improving the quality of lives of its employees by providing educational assistance to their children, creche and child care facilities, transport at subsidized rate to school going children and supply of provisions at cost through co-operative stores.
31. Policy on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment at Work place:
The Company has zero tolerance for sexual harassment at workplace and has adopted a Policy on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment at workplace in line with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the rules made there under. The Policy aims to provide protection to employees at workplace and prevent and redress complaints of sexual harassment and for matters connected or incidental thereto, with the objective of providing a safe working environment, where employees feel secure. The Company has also constituted an Internal Complaints Committee, known as the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Committee, to enquire into complaints of sexual harassment and recommend appropriate action.
During the Financial Year 2016-17, the Company received 2 complaints on sexual harassment, which have been disposed of and appropriate actions were taken.
32. Whistle Blower Policy/Vigil Mechanism:
The Company has adopted a Whistle Blower Policy to provide a formal mechanism to the Directors and employees to report their concerns about unethical behavior, actual or suspected fraud or violation of the Company''s Code of Conduct or Ethics Policy. The Policy provides for adequate safeguards against victimization of employees who avail of the mechanism and also provides for direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. It is affirmed that no personnel of the Company has been denied access to the Audit Committee. The Whistle Blower Policy has been posted on the website of the Company at www.tatacoffee.comhttp://www.tatacoffee.com/.
33. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
The Annual Report on CSR activities in terms of the requirements of Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 is annexed as Annexure - E, which forms part of this Report.
The Company has a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy and the same has been posted on the website of the Company at www.tatacoffee.comhttp://www.tatacoffee.com/.
34. Extract of Annual Return:
Pursuant to Section 92(3) of the Act and Rule 12(1) of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the extract of the Annual Return in the prescribed form i.e., Form MGT-9 is annexed herewith as Annexure - F, which forms part of this Report.
35. Particulars of Employees and Remuneration:
In terms of the first proviso to Section 136 of the Act, the Reports and Accounts are being sent to the shareholders excluding the information required under Rule 5(2) and (3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014. Any shareholder interested in obtaining the same may write to the Company Secretary at the Registered Office of the Company. The said information is available for inspection by the Members at the Registered Office of the Company on any working day of the Company up to the date of the 74th Annual General Meeting.
The statement containing information as required under the provisions of Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is given in Annexure - G and forms part of this Report.
36. Particulars of Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo:
The information on Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo stipulated under Section 134 (3) (m) of the Act read with Rule 8(3) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules 2014 is annexed as Annexure - H and forms part of this Report.
37. Significant and Material Orders passed by the Regulators or Courts:
There are no significant or material orders which were passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status and the Company''s Operations in future.
38. Green Initiatives:
I n commitment to keep in line with the Green Initiative and going beyond it to create new green initiatives, electronic copy of the Notice of 74th Annual General Meeting of the Company are sent to all Members whose email addresses are registered with the Company/Depository Participant(s). For members who have not registered their e-mail addresses, physical copies are sent through the permitted mode.
39. Acknowledgement:
Your Directors take this opportunity to thank the Parent Company - Tata Global Beverages Limited, the employees, customers, vendors, investors and the communities in which the Company operates, for their continued valuable support and co-operation extended to the Company during the year.
Your Directors also thank the Government of India, Government of various States in India and concerned government departments/agencies for their co-operation.
Your Directors appreciate and value the contributions made by every member of Tata Coffee family.
For and on behalf of the Board
Place: Bengaluru R. HARISH BHAT
Date: 18th May, 2017 Chairman
Mar 31, 2016
The Directors are pleased to submit the 73rd Report together with the
Audited Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2016.
FINANCIAL RESULTS:
The Company''s financial performance, for the year ended 31st March,
2016 is summarized below:
(Rs,in Crores)
Standalone Consolidated
2015-16 2014-15 2015-16 2014-15
REVENUE FROM OPERATIONS 718.18 685.31 1764.45 1692.95
Profit from Operations 101.64 104.20 252.12 289.72
Other
Income 35.93 40.14 10.97 8.92
Profit before Finance
Costs 137.57 144.34 263.09 298.64
Finance
Costs 6.00 9.20 35.32 39.45
Profit Before
Exceptional Income
&Taxes 131.57 135.14 227.77 259.19
Exceptional Income
(Net) 10.40 652 10.40 6.52
Profit Before Tax 141.97 141.66 238.17 265.71
Provision for
Tax 39.47 40.10 80.17 95.45
Profit After Tax 102.50 101.56 158.00 170.26
Minority
Interest - - 40.16 49.87
Profit After Tax net
of Minority Interest 102.50 101.56 117.84 120.39
Surplus brought forward
from Previous
Year 283.15 233.28 328.60 260.03
Transfer on Merger of
Alliance Coffee Limited - 0.13 -
Amount available for
appropriation 385.65 334.97 446.44 380.42
General Reserve No.
I (11.00) (11.00) (11.00) (11.00)
General Reserve No.
II (8.10) (13.82) (8.10) (13.82)
Reversal of Dividend
Distribution Tax 4.12 238 4.12 2.38
Transitional Impact of
Depreciation - (0.16) - (0.16)
Dividends
Final
(Proposed) (24.28) (24.28) (24.28) (24.28)
Tax on
Dividend (4.94) (4.94) (4.94) (4.94)
(29.22) (29.22) (29.22) (29.22)
Balance carried
forward 341.45 283.15 402.24 328.60
1. Turnover: Standalone:
Your Company''s turnover during the year under review was Rs, 718.18
Crores as compared to Rs, 685.31 Crores in the previous year, registering
an increase of 5% over the previous year.
Consolidated:
The Consolidated turnover was Rs, 1,764.45 Crores as compared toRs,
1,692.95 Crores in the previous year, registering an increase of 4%
over the previous year.
2. Profits: Standalone:
Profit from Operations before ''Other income and interest'' for the year
ended 31st March, 2016, stood at Rs, 101.64 Crores as against Rs, 104.20
Crores in the previous year. Profit before Tax for the year 2015-16 is
Rs, 141.97 Crores as against Rs, 141.66 Crores in the previous year. Profit
after Tax in 2015-16 stood at Rs,102.50 Crores as againstRs, 101.56 Crores
in the previous year.
Consolidated:
On a Consolidated basis, the Profit from Operations before ''Other
income and interest'' for the year ended 31st March, 2016, stood atRs,
252.12 Crores as againstRs, 289.72 Crores in the previous year. Profit
before Tax for the year 2015-16 isRs, 238.17 Crores as against Rs, 265.71
Crores in the previous year. Profit after Tax (net of minority
interest) in 2015-16 stood at Rs,117.84 Crores as against Rs, 120.39 Crores
in the previous year.
3. Dividend & Reserves:
Your Directors have recommended a Dividend of Rs, 1.30/- per share (face
value of Rs, 1 per share) aggregating to Rs, 24.28 Crores for the year
2015-16. The Dividend Tax amounts to Rs, 4.94 Crores. It is proposed to
carry forward a sum of Rs, 11 Crores towards General Reserve No. I.
4. Share Capital:
The Paid-up Eguity Share Capital as on 31st March, 2016 was Rs, 18.68
Crores comprising of 18,67,70,370 Shares ofRs, 1 each. The Company has
not issued shares with differential voting rights, employee stock
options and sweat eguity shares. The Company has paid Listing Fees for
the Financial Year 2016-17 to each of the Stock Exchanges.
5. Global Coffee Scenario:
The World produced 144 million bags of coffee in 2015 (up 1.6% from 142
million bags in 2014).Arabicas were 85 million bags (near stagnant over
previous year) while Robustas increased by 4% to 60 million bags as per
International Coffee Organization.
The weakening of emerging market currencies, the Brazilian Real (BRL)
in particular against the US Dollar had an adverse impact on global
coffee prices. This was in spite of a lower Brazilian crop at 43.2
million bags in 2015 against 45 million bags in 2014. The New York ICE
Arabica terminals dropped from about 140 cents/lb in April 2015 to
about 125 cents/lb in March 2016. This reflected the sharp decline in
BRL starting from BRL/USD 3.08 in the beginning of the year, declining
to BRL/USD 4.1 and finally settling at BRL/USD 3.65. The London LIFFE
Robusta terminals also mirrored the fall in NYC terminals, with the
terminals plunging from USD 1750-1800/MT in April 2015 to USD
1250-1350/MT in March 2016. A 3.8% increase in Vietnam Robusta crop
(27.5 million bags in 2015) over the previous year also contributed to
adversely affecting the demand-supply and prices balance.
The overall decline in terminal prices and higher Robusta production
resulted in an easier access to coffees from Latin America and South
East Asia. This resulted in most Roasters having long term coverage and
hampered actual demand. Hence, the differentials for Indian coffees
also cooled off from historical highs in the early part of the year.
6. Company''s Performance: A. Plantations: Coffee:
The Company harvested 6,222 MT of Robusta crop (being an Off year) as
against 7,002 MT in the previous year. In the case of Arabica, 1,899 MT
(being an On year) has been harvested as against 1,594 MT in the
previous year. The Arabica crop continues to be challenged by White Stem
Borer incidence Industry wide. The Company has with strict monitoring
and superior agricultural practices brought down the incidence within
its Estates to acceptable levels. Climate change and long spells of
drought have posed major challenges and the Company has proactively
geared up to meet this by enhancing its water holding capacity by
digging new tanks as well as desalting its old tanks.
Tea:
The Company produced 6.180 Million Kgs of Made Tea for the Financial
Year 2015-16 as against 6.170 Million Kgs in the previous year. Though
the production was satisfactory, due to weak demand world over, Tea
prices realized by the Company were lower in the first half of the
year. By re-engineering its operations and improvement in the quality
of Tea, price realizations has been better in the latter half of the
year. The Company has taken various steps to improve the performance of
Tea Operations.
Pepper:
The Company had a lower Pepper production of 599 MT (being an Off year)
for the Financial Year 2015-16 as compared toa crop of 1150 MT(being an
On year) harvested during 2014-15. Due to improved agricultural
practices, the quality and grade percentages have vastly improved. The
Company has initiated various steps to further enhance the production
base of Pepper in the coming years.
Curing Works:
The Company''s Curing Works at Kushalnagar (KNW) cured a total of 11,162
MT Coffee during the current year as against 10,266 MT in the previous
year. In addition, 310MTof Monsooned Coffee was processed. The unit is
certified under ISO 22000:2005 and SA 8000:2008.
The entire Pepper of the Company is graded and processed at KNW, which
graded & processed 764 MT during the Financial Year.
Green Coffee Exports:
During the Financial Year 2015-16, your Company exported 6,332 MT of
coffee as against 5,382 MT in the previous year. Your Company continues
to focus on growth, through Premium Differentiated Coffees with volumes
at 2,940 MT at very healthy premiums.
Plantation Trails:
Plantation Trails, our hospitality business has continued to perform
exceedingly well recording best ever revenues and profits. This is
primarily due to continued focus on Operational Excellence, Premium
Positioning and Digital Marketing coupled with changes in Revenue
Management and Cost Optimization.
B. Instant Coffee Operations:
The Instant Coffee Operations recorded significant increase in its
turnover and profitability during the Financial Year 2015-16. The
Manufacturing units ran to full capacity during the year.
The Company posted strong performances in its key markets; doubling its
volumes over last year in Africa and maintaining dominance in Russia.
Strong Customer interface backed by robust new product development
enabled these.
The Theni Unit received the prestigious BRC & IFS certifications which
enabled the Company to service discerning manufacturers and retailers,
especially in Europe. The Theni factory also received Integrated
Management System (IMS) Certification which integrates all of an
organization''s systems and processes in to one complete framework (ISO
14001 ISO 9001 ISO 18001), Halal & Kosher Certifications and our
Toopran Unit has been Certified for SA-8000.
As part of sustaining operational excellence, the Theni unit has
commissioned a Solar Power Unit, 500 kWh, increasing its Renewable
Energy to 65% of its total energy.
Tata Coffee Grand:
Your Directors are pleased to inform that the Company collaborated with
its Holding Company Tata Global Beverages Ltd (TGBL) and commenced
manufacturing "Tata Coffee - Grand", an Instant Coffee Brand that was
launched in the domestic market by TGBL in November 2015. The product
is a unique blend of Freeze Dried Coffee and Agglomerated Coffee with
Chicory, which has been specifically created to cater to the domestic
markets. The feedback received for the offering has been very
encouraging.
C. Starbucks Roastery:
The Unit has almost doubled the production and processed 102 MTduring
2015-16 as against 59 MT of the previous year. The Unit continues to
cater exclusively to the requirements of TATA Starbucks outlets in
India from its State-of-Art Coffee Roasting facility at Kushalnagar
Works. The Coffee beans used for this purpose are being supplied
exclusively from the Company''s Estates. The Unit is certified under
ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System), ISO 22000:2005 (Food Safety
Management System), FSSC 22000 (Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006), ISO
14001:2004 (Environment Management System) and KOSHER.
7. Business Growth:
Your Company has a dedicated team of Management and Operating personnel
who have been instrumental in the growth of the business over the
years. Your Directors believe that the Company has the potential to
further scale up its business volumes and profitability and are in the
process of identifying new avenues of growth and effective utilization
of its existing resources.
8. Quality Awards:
(i) Sustainability Awards:
Your Company has consistently been committed to environment protection
and co-exists with nature at the coffee plantations. During the year
under review, the Company established itself among the biggest names in
the global coffee market by winning a total of 28 awards at the India
International Coffee festival 2016. The stream of accolades won by the
Company at the prestigious event included the Export Award, Roaster
Award, Curer Award, and the flavour of India fine Cup Award.
The Cannoncadoo, Ubban, Mylemoney, Cottabetta, Margolly, Goorghully,
Yemigoondi & Valparai Estates of the Company have bagged Regional and
Specialty awards for their Arabica and Robusta Coffee.
Your Company continues to actively participate in Domestic and
International forums to propagate and popularize the Company''s coffee.
(ii) Instant Coffee Operations:
Theni:-
TheTheni Unit won the CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2015 on Environment
Management, as well as a Commendation for Significant Achievement.
Toopran:-
The Toopran Unit received the Excellence Award for Export Performance
from the federation of Commerce & Industry, Telangana. The Unit also
won the Golden Peacock Award for Environment Management. The Unit has
also received second prize in National Energy Conservation Awards in
the food sector.
(iii) Tea:
Your Company bagged two awards at the 12th Golden Leaf India Awards -
2016 which has been instituted by the Tea Board and United Planters''
Association of Southern India (UPASI), Coonoor, for its high-quality
tea produced at its Pachaimallai factory.
The Company''s Estates and Manufacturing facilities are certified both
Nationally and Internationally by Trustea, Rain forest Alliance, and
Ethical Tea Partnership. These Certifications reaffirm the Company''s
commitment to produce high-quality products in a sustainable and
responsible manner, while protecting the environment.
9. Capital Expenditure:
During the financial Year 2015-16, Rs, 2,609.73 Lakhs was incurred
primarily on account of welfare, modernisation, up- gradation and other
programmes undertaken in the various units of the Company.
10. Subsidiary Companies:
I. Eight O'' Clock Coffee Company (EOC):
EOC''s Total Income during the financial Year 2015-16 at Rs,1046.27
Crores, under Indian GAAP, was higher than the previous year''s total
Income ofRs, 1007.64 Crores. The EOC volumes sold were marginally higher
than the previous year amidst intense competitive spending. The EOC
brand continues to grow. EOC''s total income also includes royalty
income from the single serve K-cups sold under a licensing agreement
with Keurig. K-cup volumes were lower than previous year due to intense
competitive pressures. The Green cost was overall marginally lower than
previous year, though the benefits of lower Green cost were seen better
pronounced in second half of financial Year 2015-16. The Profit for the
year was lower compared to previous year on account of lower K-cup
revenues and higher costs.
II. Consolidated Coffee Inc. (CCI):
CCI is the Holding Company of EOC. The Consolidated net profit after
taxes was Rs, 80.46 Crores as compared to Rs, 99.91 Crores in the previous
year.
Performance of Subsidiaries:
Pursuant to the provision of Section 129(3) of Companies Act, 2013, a
statement containing salient features of financial Statements of
subsidiaries in form AOC-1 is annexed as per Annexure A.
The Company does not have any Associate or Joint Venture Companies. The
Company has adopted a policy for determining the criteria of material
subsidiaries which can be viewed at the Company''s website at
www.tatacoffee.com.
11. Directors Responsibility Statement:
Based on the framework of Internal financial Controls and compliance
systems established and maintained by the Company, the work performed
by the Internal, Statutory, Cost and Secretarial Auditors including
Audit of Internal financial Controls over financial reporting by the
Statutory Auditors and the reviews performed by Management and the
relevant Board Committees, including the Audit Committee, the Board is
of the opinion that the Company''s Internal financial Controls were
adequate and effective during the financial Year 2015-16.
Accordingly, pursuant to Section 134(3)(c) and 134(5) of the Companies
Act, 2013, the Board of Directors, to the best of their knowledge and
ability, confirm that:
(i) in the preparation of the accounts for the Financial Year ended
31st March, 2016, the applicable accounting standards have been
followed and that there are no material departures;
(ii) they 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 the end of the Financial Year and of the profits of
the Company for that period;
(iii) they have taken proper and sufficient care to the best of their
knowledge and ability for the maintenance of adeguate 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;
(iv) they have prepared the Accounts for the Financial Year ended 31st
March, 2016 on a ''going concern'' basis;
(v) they have laid down Internal Financial Controls to be followed by
the Company and such Internal Financial Controls are adeguate and are
operating effectively;
(vi) they have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable laws and such systems were adeguate and
are operating effectively.
12. Directors & Key Managerial Personnel:
Mr. Chacko Purackal Thomas was appointed as an Additional Director of
the Company. He was also appointed as Executive Director & Deputy CEO
of the Company for a period of three years w.e.f 4th August, 2015. In
terms of Article 101 of the Articles of Association of the Company read
with Section 161 of the Companies Act, 2013, he holds office up to the
date of the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The Company has received a
notice from shareholder in terms of Section 160 of the Act signifying
its intention to propose the appointment of Mr. Chacko as a Director.
Mr. T Radhakrishnan has been re-appointed as Executive Director - ICD
Operations of the Company by the Board at its meeting held on 16th May,
2016, for a further term of 3 years w.e.f. 26th July, 2016.
As per the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, Mr. T Radhakrishnan
and Mr. K Venkataramanan retire by rotation at the ensuing Annual
General Meeting and being eligible, has offered themselves for
re-appointment. The Board recommends their re-appointment.
The necessary resolutions for their appointment are also being placed
before the members for their consideration at the forthcoming Annual
General Meeting.
In compliance with provisions of Section 203 of the Companies Act,
2013, The Managing Director and CEO, Executive Directors and the
Company Secretary have been nominated as Key Managerial Personnel.
All the Independent Directors have given declarations stating that they
meet the criteria of independence as laid down under Section 149(6) of
the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI Listing Regulations. In the opinion of
the Board, they fulfil the conditions of independence as specified in
the Act and Rules made there under and are independent of the
Management.
13. Board and Committee Meetings:
An Annual calendar of Board and Committee Meetings planned during the
year was circulated in advance to the Directors.
The Board has constituted an Audit Committee with Mr. S.
Santhanakrishnan, Ms. Sunalini Menon, Mr. V. Leeladhar and Mr.Siraj
AzmatChaudhryas Members.There have been no instances during the year
when recommendations of the Audit Committee were not accepted by the
Board.
The details of the composition of the Board and its Committees and of
the Meetings held and attendance of the Directors at such Meetings are
provided in the Corporate Governance Report. The intervening gap
between the Meetings was within the period prescribed under the Act and
Listing Regulations.
14. Governance Guidelines:
The Company has adopted Governance Guidelines on Board Effectiveness.
The Governance Guidelines encompasses aspects relating to composition
and role of the Board, Chairman and Directors, Board Diversity,
Definition of Independence, Director term, retirement age and
Committees of the Board. It also covers aspects relating to
Nomination, Appointment, Induction and Development of Directors,
Director Remuneration, Subsidiary oversight, Code of Conduct, Board
Effectiveness Review and Mandates of Board Committees.
15. Policy on Director''s Appointment and Remuneration and other
details:
(a) Procedure for Nomination and Appointment of Directors:
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) has been mandated to
oversee and develop competency requirements for the Board based on the
industry requirements and business strateqy of the Company. The NRC
reviews and evaluates the resumes of potential candidates for
appointment of Directors and meets them prior to makinq recommendations
of their nomination to the Board. Specific requirements for the
position, including expert knowledge expected, are communicated to the
appointee.
On the recommendation of the NRC, the Board has adopted and framed a
Remuneration Policy for the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and
other Employees pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013
and SEBI Listing Regulations. The remuneration determined for
Executive/Independent Directors is subject to the recommendation of the
Nomination and Remuneration Committee and approval of the Board of
Directors. The Non-Executive Directors are compensated by way of profit
sharing Commission and the criteria being their attendance and
contribution at the Board/ Committee Meetings. The Executive Directors
are not paid sitting fees; the Non-Executive Directors are entitled to
sitting fees for the Board/Committee Meetings.
It is affirmed that the remuneration paid to Directors, Key Managerial
Personnel and all other employees is in accordance with the
Remuneration Policy of the Company.
The Company''s Policy on Directors'' Appointment and Remuneration and
other matters provided in Section 178(3) of the Act and Regulation 19
of SEBI Listen Regulations have been disclosed in the Corporate
Governance Report, which forms part of this Report.
(b) Familiarisation/Orientation program for Independent Directors:
The Independent Directors attend a Familiarisation/ Orientation program
on being inducted into the Board. The details of Familiarisation
program are provided in the Corporate Governance Report and are also
available on our website. The Company issues a formal letter of
appointment, outlining his/her role, function, duties and
responsibilities, the format of which is available in our website
https://www.tatacoffee.com.
16. Annual Evaluation of Board Performance and Performance of its
Committees and of Directors:
Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and
SEBI Listing Regulations, the Board has carried out an Annual
Evaluation of its own performance, performance of the Directors and the
working of its Committees on the evaluation criteria defined by
Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) for performance evaluation
process of the Board, its Committees and Directors.
The Board''s functioning was evaluated on various aspects, including
inter alia degree of fulfilment of key responsibilities, Board
structure and composition, establishment and delineation of
responsibilities to various Committees, effectiveness of Board
processes, information and functioning.
The Committees of the Board were assessed on the degree of fulfilment
of key responsibilities, adequacy of Committee Composition and
effectiveness of Meetings. The Directors were evaluated on aspects such
as attendance, contribution at Board/Committee Meetings and
guidance/support to the Management outside Board/Committee Meetings.
The performance assessment of Non-independent Directors, Board as a
whole and the Chairman were evaluated in a separate meeting of
Independent Directors. The same was also discussed in the Board
Meeting. Performance evaluation of Independent Directors was done by
the entire Board, excluding the Independent Director being evaluated.
17. Internal Control Systems & their adequacy:
The Board has adopted policies and procedures for ensuring the orderly
and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to the
Company''s policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and
detection of frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the
accounting records, and the timely preparation of reliable financial
disclosures.
18. Auditors:
(1) Statutory Auditors:
M/s SNB Associates, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No.
015682N), were appointed as Statutory Auditors of the Company at the
previous Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company held on 3rd
August, 2015 to hold office till the conclusion of the ensuing AGM. A
declaration from them has been received to the effect that they are
eligible to act as Auditors of the Company under Section 141 of the
Companies Act, 2013.
M/s Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm
Registration No. 117366W) are proposed to be appointed as Statutory
Auditors of the Company. They have signified their assent and confirmed
their eligibility to be appointed as Auditors in terms of the
provisions of Section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 4 of the
Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014.
The Boa rd on the recon emendations of the Audit Com mite have
resolved to place the proposal of Appointment/ Re-appointment of
Statutory Auditors as follows:
a) M/s SNB Associates, Chartered Accountants, as the Joint Statutory
Auditors for a term of one year from the conclusion of ensuing AGM
until the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company subject to the
approval of the shareholders.
b) M/s Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, Chartered Accountants, as
Statutory Auditors for a term of five consecutive years i.e. from the
conclusion of ensuing AGM until the conclusion of AGM of the Company to
be held in the year 2021 subject to the ratification of their
appointment by the shareholders at each AGM held after this AGM.
(2) Cost Auditors:
Pursuant to Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies
(Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014, as amended from time to time,
your Company has appointed M/s Rao, Murthy & Associates, Cost
Accountants to carry out Audit of Cost Records for the Financial Year
2016-1/. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 148 of the Companies
Act, 2013, read with The Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014,
Members are requested to consider the ratification of the remuneration
payable to M/s Rao, Murthy & Associates.
(3) Secretarial Auditor:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013
and the rules made there under, the Company had appointed Mr. Sudhir V.
Hulyalkar, Company Secretary in Practice (CP No. 613/) to undertake the
Secretarial Audit of the Company for the year ended 31st March, 2016.
The Secretarial Audit Report issued in this regard is annexed as
Annexure B.
The Auditors'' Report and the Secretarial Audit Report for the Financial
Year ended 31st March, 2016 do not contain any qualification,
reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
19. Risk Management:
The Company has constituted a Risk Management Committee which has been
entrusted with the responsibility to assist the Board in (a) Approving
the Company''s Risk Management framework and (b) Overseeing all the
risks that the organization faces such as strategic, financial,
liquidity, security, regulatory, legal, reputational and other risks
that have been identified and assessed to ensure that there is a sound
Risk Management Policy in place to address such concerns/risks. The
Risk Management process covers risk identification, assessment,
analysis and mitigation. Incorporating sustainability in the process
also helps to align potential exposures with the risk appetite and
highlight risks associated with chosen strategies. The Audit Committee
has additional oversight in the area of financial risks and controls.
Major risks identified by the business and functions are systematically
addressed through mitigating actions on continuing basis.
The Company has adopted a Risk Management Policy in accordance with the
provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 21 of SEBI Listing
Regulations.
20. Particulars of Loans, Guarantees and Investments:
The details of Loans and Investments covered under the provisions of
Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 are given in the Notes to the
Financial Statements forming part of Annual Report. The Company has not
provided any guarantees during the Financial Year.
21. Fixed Deposit:
The Company has not accepted any Public Deposits during the Financial
Year under review.
22. Related Party Transactions:
All Related Party Transactions that were entered into during the
Financial Year were on an arm''s length basis, in the ordinary course of
business and in compliance with the applicable provisions of the
Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI Listing Regulations. There were no
materially significant Related Party Transactions made by the Company
during the year that required Shareholders'' approval under Regulation
23 of the SEBI Listing Regulations.
All Related Party Transactions are placed before the Audit Committee
for prior approval and a statement of all Related Party Transactions is
placed before the Audit Committee for its review on a quarterly basis,
specifying the nature, value terms and conditions of the transactions.
Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained for the
transactions which are repetitive in nature.
None of the transactions with related parties falls under the scope of
section 188(1) of the Companies Act, 2013. Information on transactions
with related parties pursuant to section 134(3)(h) of the Act read with
rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are given in
Annexure in Form AOC-2and forms part of this report.
The Company has adopted a Related Party Transactions Policy which is
approved by the Board and the same may be viewed on the Company''s
website at the web link:
http://www.tatacoffee.com/investors/related_party.pdf
23. Corporate Governance & Management Discussion & Analysis:
The Company is in compliance with all the provisions of Corporate
Governance as stipulated in the Regulations under Chapter IV of SEBI
Listing Regulations. The Compliance Report on Corporate Governance is
annexed and forms part of this Report. The Certificate from the
Auditors of the Company confirming compliance with the provisions of
Corporate Governance forms part of the Corporate Governance Report.
(i) Tata Coffee Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Insider Trading:
The Board of Directors has adopted the Insider Trading Policy in
accordance with the requirements of SEBI Listing Regulations. The
policy lays down guidelines and procedures to be followed, disclosures
to be made while dealing with shares of the Company and the
consequences of violation. The objective of the policy is to regulate,
monitor and report Trading in Securities of the Company by Employees in
order to maintain highest ethical standards.
(ii) Listing Agreement:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued SEBI
Regulations, 2015 with the objective to consolidate and streamline the
provisions of the Listing Agreement for different segments of capital
markets and to ensure better enforceability effective December 1, 2015.
Accordingly, the Listed Companies were required to enter into fresh
Listing Agreement with the Stock Exchanges. The Company has entered
into Listing Agreements with NSE and BSE.
The Management Discussion and Analysis Report for the year under review
is presented in a separate section and forms a part of the Directors''
Report.
24. Employees Welfare:
The Company continues to focus on welfare and improving the quality of
lives of its Employees by providing educational assistance to their
children, creche and child care facilities, transport at subsidized
rate to school going children and supply of provisions at cost through
co-operative stores.
25. Policy on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual
Harassment at Work place:
The Company has zero tolerance for sexual harassment at workplace and
has adopted a Policy on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual
Harassment at workplace in line with the provisions of the Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and
Redressal) Act, 2013 and the Rules there under. The policy aims to
provide protection to Employees at the workplace and prevent and
redress complaints of sexual harassment and for matters connected or
incidental thereto, with the objective of providing a safe working
environment, where Employees feel secure. The Company has also
constituted an Internal Complaints Committee, known as the Prevention
of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Committee, to enguire into complaints of
sexual harassment and recommend appropriate action.
During the Financial Year 2015-16, the Company received 2 complaints on
sexual harassment, which has been disposed off and appropriate actions
were taken. No complaints are pending.
26. Whistle Blower/Vigil Mechanism:
The Company has adopted a Whistle Blower Policy to provide a formal
mechanism to the Directors and Employees to report their concerns about
unethical behaviour, actual or suspected fraud or violation of the
Company''s Code of Conductor Ethics Policy. The Policy provides for
adequate safeguards against victimization of Employees who avail of the
mechanism and also provides for direct access to the Chairman of the
Audit Committee. It is affirmed that no personnel of the Company has
been denied access to the Audit Committee. The Whistle Blower Policy
has been posted on the website of the Company www.tatacoffee.com
27. Corporate Social Responsibility:
The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy of the Company and the
initiatives undertaken by the Company on CSR activities during the year
are set out in Annexure D of this report in the format prescribed as
per the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014.
The Company has a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy and the same
has been posted in the website of the Company (www.tatacoffee.com).
28. Annual Return:
Pursuant to Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 12(1) of
the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the extract
of the Annual Return in Form MGT-9 is annexed herewith as Annexure E.
29. Particulars of Employees and Remuneration:
In terms of the first proviso to Section 136 of the Companies Act,
2013, the Reports and Accounts are being sent to the shareholders
excluding the information required under Rule 5(2) and (3) of the
Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,
2014. Any shareholder interested in obtaining the same may write to the
Company Secretary at the Registered Office of the Company.
Statement containing information as required under Section 197(12) of
the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment
and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) rules, 2014, is annexed as
Annexure F.
30. Particulars of Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and
Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo:
The Statement pursuant to Section 134 (3) (m) of the Companies Act,
2013 read with Rule 8(3) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules 2014 is
annexed as Annexure G.
31. Significant and Material Orders passed by the Regulators or
Courts:
There are no significant or material orders which were passed by the
Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status
and the Company''s Operations in future.
Green Initiatives:
In commitment to keep in line with the Green Initiative and going
beyond it to create new green initiatives, electronic copies of the
notice of the AGM are sent to all members whose email addresses are
registered with the Company/Depository Participant(s). For members who
have not registered their e-mail addresses, physical copies are sent
through the permitted mode.
Acknowledgement:
The Directors thank the Company''s employees, customers, vendors,
investors for their continuous support.
The Directors also thank the Government of India, Government of various
States in India and concerned government departments/agencies for their
co-operation.
The Directors appreciate and value the contributions made by every
member of Tata Coffee family.
On behalf of the Board
Place: Bengaluru R. HARISH BHAT
Dated: 16th May, 2016 Chairman
Mar 31, 2015
Dear Members,
The Directors are pleased to submit their 72nd Report together with
the Audited statement of accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2015.
FINANCIAL RESULTS:
The Company''s financial performance, for the year ended 31st March,
2015 is summarized below:
Rs in Crores
Standalone
2014-15 2013-14
Revenue from Operations 683.78 650.92
Profit from Operations 104.20 117.96
Add: Other Income 40.14 35.18
Profit before Interest 144.34 153.14
Less: Interest 9.20 4.91
Profit Before Exceptional Items and Taxes 135.14 148.23
Add: Exceptional Income/(Expenses) 6.52 -
Profit Before Tax 141.66 148.23
Provision for Tax 40.10 41.66
Profit After Tax 101.56 106.57
Less: Minority Interest - -
Profit After Tax net of Minority Interest 101.56 106.57
Surplus brought forward from Previous Year 233.28 167.87
Transfer on Merger of Alliance Coffee Limited 0.13 -
Amount available for appropriation 334.97 274.44
General Reserve No.I (11.00) (11.00)
General Reserve No.II (13.82) (1.75)
Reversal of Dividend Distribution Tax 2.38 -
Transitional Impact of Depreciation (0.16) -
Dividends
Final (Proposed) (24.28) (24.28)
Tax on Dividend (4.94) (4.13)
Balance carried forward 283.15 233.28
Consolidated
2014-15 2013-14
Revenue from Operations 1691.42 1677.17
Profit from Operations 289.72 263.63
Add: Other Income 8.92 12.04
Profit before Interest 298.64 275.67
Less: Interest 39.45 36.93
Profit Before Exceptional Items and Taxes 259.19 238.74
Add: Exceptional Income/(Expenses) 6.52 (102.29)
Profit Before Tax 265.71 136.45
Provision for Tax 95.45 32.86
Profit After Tax 170.26 103.59
Less: Minority Interest 49.87 22.11
Profit After Tax net of Minority Interest 120.39 81.48
Surplus brought forward from Previous Year 260.03 219.71
Transfer on Merger of Alliance Coffee Limited - -
Amount available for appropriation 380.42 301.19
General Reserve No.I (11.00) (11.00)
General Reserve No.II (13.82) (1.75)
Reversal of Dividend Distribution Tax 2.38 -
Transitional Impact of Depreciation (0.16) -
Dividends
Final (Proposed) (24.28) (24.28)
Tax on Dividend (4.94) (4.13)
Balance carried forward 328.60 260.03
TURNOVER:
Standalone:
Your Company''s turnover during the year under review was Rs.683.78 Crores
as compared to Rs. 650.92 Crores in the previous year, registering an
increase of 5 % over the previous year.
Consolidated:
The Consolidated turnover was Rs.1,691.42 Crores as compared to Rs.
1,677.17 Crores in the previous year,.
PROFITS:
Standalone:
Profit from Operations before ''Other income and interest'' for the year
ended 31st March, 2015, stood at Rs. 104.20 Crores as against Rs. 117.96
Crores in the previous year. Profit before Tax for the year 2014-15 is
Rs. 141.66 Crores vis-a-vis Rs. 148.23 Crores in the previous year. Profit
after Tax in 2014-15 stood at Rs.101.56 Crores as against Rs. 106.57 Crores
in the previous year.
Consolidated:
On a consolidated basis, the Profit from Operations before ''Other
income and interest'' for the year ended 31st March, 2015, stood at Rs.
289.72 Crores as against Rs. 263.63 Crores in the previous year. Profit
before Tax for the year 2014-15 is Rs. 265.71 Crores vis-a-vis Rs. 136.45
Crores in the previous year. Profit after Tax (net of minority
interest) in 2014-15 stood at Rs.120.39 Crores as against Rs. 81.48 Crores
in the previous year.
DIVIDEND & RESERVES:
Your Directors have recommended a Dividend of Rs. 1.30/- per share (face
value of Rs. 1 per share) aggregating to Rs. 24.28 Crores for the year
2014-15. The Dividend Tax amounts to Rs. 4.94 Crores. It is proposed to
carry forward a sum of Rs. 11 Crores towards reserves.
SHARE CAPITAL:
The paid up Equity Share Capital as on 31st March, 2015 was Rs. 18.67
crores comprising of 18,67,70,370 Shares of Rs. 1 each. During the year,
the Equity Shares of the Company was sub-divided from the face value of
Rs. 10/- to Rs. 1/- per share after obtaining the consent from the members
of the Company by way of E-voting/Postal Ballot.
The Company has not issued shares with differential voting rights,
employee stock options and sweat equity shares. The Company has paid
Listing Fees for the Financial Year 2015-16 to each of the Stock
Exchanges.
GLOBAL COFFEE SCENARIO:
The global production for the year 2014 is estimated at 142 million
bags and the consumption at 149 million bags. As per International
Coffee Organisation (ICO) estimates, the total consumption grew at the
rate of 1.5% in the year 2014.
The year under review witnessed uncertain weather conditions globally
impacting the Arabica coffee crops. Brazil, the world''s largest coffee
producer, faced a drought which impacted their coffee harvests.
Similar weather concerns in other parts of the world resulted in a
sharp increase in Arabica Coffee prices through the year 2014. The
price of Arabica which remained in the range of 102 to 150 cents/lb in
the New York terminal during the period January to December 2013,
witnessed a steep jump to 212 cents/lb in April 2014 and 222 cents/lb
in October 2014. With supply concerns easing Arabica retraced to 133
cents/lb levels in March 2015.
Regarding Robusta, Vietnam the world''s largest Robusta coffee producer
recorded a bumper Robusta crop which got commercialised in late 2014.
The price of Robusta, which remained flat in the range of US$
1500-1800/MT in the London Terminal till Jan 2014, started hardening
from February 2014 and touched US$ 2200/MT in March 2014. On the back
of a decent Vietnam crop, the Robusta price traded, witnessed a
correction and settled at US$ 1729/MT by end March 2015.
OPERATIONS:
A. Plantations:
Coffee:
The Company has harvested a higher Robusta crop of 7,002 MT as against
4,781 MT in the previous year. This has been the highest Robusta
production in the last 5 years. While in the case of Arabica, being a
biennial off year, production has been lower at 1,594 MT as against
2,076 MT in the previous year. The Coffee harvesting operation has been
completed as per schedule.
Tea:
The Company produced 6.170 Million Kgs of Made tea for the Financial
Year 2014-15 as against 6.545 Million kgs in the previous year. The
long drought followed by heavy rain and some pest attack had its impact
on the tea production. During 2014-15, the Tea market witnessed an
easier trend compared to 2013-14 mainly due to increased crop in
Africa. This directly impacted South India Tea prices due to lower
exports. South India auction prices dropped by around Rs. 15.00 per kg.
Pepper:
The Company has achieved a higher pepper production of 1150 MT for the
Financial Year 2014-15 as against 368 MT in the previous year. The
Company has initiated various steps to further enhance the production
base of pepper in the coming years.
Curing Works:
The Company''s Curing Works at Kushalnagar, cured a total of 10,266 MT
Coffee during the current year as against 11,988 MT in the previous
year, due to lower crop arrivals. In addition, 327 MT of Monsoon Coffee
was processed as against 306 MT in the previous year.
green Coffee Exports:
During the year 2014-15, your Company exported 5,382 MT of coffee as
against 5,238 MT in the previous year. Your Company continues to focus
on growth, through Differentiated/Specialty coffees with volumes at
2,120 MT at very healthy premiums.
Plantation Trails:
Plantation Trails, our hospitality business has performed exceedingly
well in the year under review by recording its best performance since
inception. Rework on the business model to optimize costs, enhanced
customer centricity, and increased operational efficiencies have
resulted in a significant business turnaround. Occupancies grew despite
the increased competitive intensity in the marketplace. Plantation
Trails has also been the recipient of several awards during the year
including the prestigious recognition by Trip Advisor for the
"Certificate of Excellence- 2014 Winner".
B. Instant Coffee Division:
The year 2014-15 saw the Instant Coffee Division post record annual
sales and production. The total sales volumes clocked were 7,677 MTs -
a jump of 16% over the last Financial Year. The production for the
year stood at 7,975 MTs - an increase of 15% over last fiscal. In the
first full year of increased capacity available, the division did
remarkably well in utilizing it to the tune of 92%. The new Freeze
Dried Coffee (FDC) unit ran to full capacity during the year.
The increase in Instant Coffee sales volumes was posted despite strong
headwinds in the market. The financial crisis in Russia - the largest
market of soluble coffee globally - and the rapid weakening of global
currencies posed strong challenges to our export oriented business. In
addition, the overhang of excess capacities in Instant Coffee globally,
continued to pressurize the trade margins. The geopolitical risks in
some of our key markets like Ukraine and Middle East also weighed on
the portfolio performance.
Market expansion remains at the core of our strategy in the Instant
Coffee Business. Our portfolio has been traditionally a Russia & CIS
dominated one. This year just over half of our sales came from Russia
and CIS vis-a-vis an 80% share a few years ago. As a conscious move
towards de-risking our model, we added 32 new customers who contributed
around 20% of our total volumes. Some of the countries where we placed
our soluble coffees for the first time were China, Angola, Pakistan and
Mongolia.
In addition to our customer acquisitions, we also steadily continued
our progress on product and packaging innovation. Our new variants of
coffee mixes and customized packaging solutions enhanced our standing
as an institutional marketeer.
We also marched ahead steadily on our commitment to quality excellence.
Our Theni Unit received the prestigious BRC & IFS certifications
allowing us to service top most manufacturers and retailers, especially
in Europe. Additionally, Theni factory also received ISO 14001, Halal &
Kosher certifications while our Toopran Unit has been certified for ISO
14001 and 18000.
C. Starbucks:
Your Company continues to cater exclusively to the requirements of Tata
Starbucks outlets in India from its state of art coffee roasting
facility at Kushalnagar. The coffee beans used for this purpose are
being supplied exclusively from the Company''s estates. Efforts are on
to fully utilize the installed capacity of this roasting facility. In
the past year we have added to our certification portfolio and are now
FSSC 22000
certified (Food Safety System Certification). This forms a part of our
integrated management system which now includes ISO 9001:2008 (Quality
Management System), ISO 22000:2005 (Food Safety Management System) and
ISO 14001:2004 (Environment Management System)
Quality Awards:
Sustainability Awards:
Tata Coffee has consistently been committed to environment protection
and co-exists with nature at the coffee plantations. During the year
under review, the Company won the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for
excellence in Environment Management
Sustained quality has been the main focus of the Company over the
years. The R & G Unit at Kushalnagar has won the award for the most
innovative design and the best Roaster Award in the India International
Coffee Festival (IICF) held in 2014. The Balmany, Valparai, Sunticoppa,
Mylemoney, Margolly, Ubban and Yemigoondi Estates of the Company have
bagged Regional and Specialty awards for their Arabica and Robusta
Coffee.
Our Theni and Toopran units have won the CII Environment Systems award
for the year.
Your company continues to actively participate in domestic and
International forums to propagate and popularize the company''s coffee.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE:
During 2014-15, Rs. 2,266.46 Lakhs was incurred primarily on account of
welfare, modernisation, up-gradation and other programmes undertaken in
the various units of the Company.
SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES:
I. Eight O'' Clock Coffee Company (EOC):
EOC''s total income during 2014-15 at Rs. 1,007.64 Crores, under Indian
GAAP, was marginally lower than the previous year''s total income of Rs.
1,026.25 Crores. The reduction in top-line is due to lower bagged
volumes in the first half of the year. However, in the second half, EOC
volumes increased driven by its popular consumer programs and effective
promotional listings.
EOC''s total Income also includes royalty income from the single serve
K- cups sold under a licensing agreement with Keurig. K-cup volumes
increased significantly year on year due to growth in the single serve
business and addition of four new EOC SKU''s. Overall profitability of
EOC improved over the previous year.
II. Consolidated Coffee Inc.:
Consolidated Coffee Inc (CCI) is the holding company of EOC. The net
profit ( including the profits of EOC), after taxes is
at Rs. 99.91 Crores as compared to a loss of Rs. 3.90 Crores in the
previous year.
III. Alliance Coffee Limited:
During the year under review, the Honorable High Court of Karnataka
approved the Scheme of amalgamation of Alliance Coffee Ltd (ACL) - the
Company''s wholly owned subsidiary with the Company with effect from 1st
April, 2013; consequently the Assets and Liabilities of ACL stand
vested with the Company from the effective date and ACL stands
dissolved without undergoing the process of winding up and consequently
ceased to be a Subsidiary of the Company.
PERFORMANCE OF SUBSIDIARIES:
A Statement containing the salient features of the financial position
of the subsidiary company in Form AOC. 1 is annexed as per Annexure A.
The Company does not have any associate orjoint venture companies. The
policy for determining the criteria of material subsidiaries can be
viewed at the company''s website at www.tatacoffee.com.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS,GUARANTEES AND INVESTMENTS:
The details of loans and investments covered under the provisions of
Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 are given in the notes to the
Financial Statements forming part of Annual Report. The Company has not
provided any guarantees during the Financial Year.
FIXED DEPOSIT:
The Company has not accepted any public deposits during the year under
review.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
All Related Party Transactions that were entered into during the
Financial Year were on an arm''s length basis, in the ordinary course of
business and were in compliance with the applicable provisions of the
Companies Act, 2013 and the Listing Agreement. There were no materially
significant Related Party Transactions made by the Company during the
year that required Shareholders'' approval under clause 49 of the
Listing Agreement.
All Related Party Transactions are placed before the Audit Committee
for approval. Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained
for the transactions which are repetitive in nature. A statement of all
Related Party Transactions is placed before the Audit Committee for its
review on a quarterly basis, specifying the nature, value terms and
conditions of the transactions.
The Company has adopted a Related Party Transactions Policy. The
Policy, as approved by the Board, is uploaded on the Company''s website
at the web link: http://www.tatacoffee.com/investors/ related_party.pdf
The details of the transactions with Related Parties are provided in
the accompanying financial statements.
RISK Management:
The Company has adopted a Risk Management Policy in accordance with the
provisions of the Act and Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement. It
establishes various levels of accountability and overview within the
Company.
The Company has a Risk Management Committee which has been entrusted
with the responsibility to assist the Board in (a) Approving the
Company''s Risk Management framework (b) Overseeing that all the risks
that the organization faces such as strategic, financial, liquidity,
security, regulatory, legal, reputational and other risks have been
identified and assessed to ensure that there is a sound risk management
policy in place to address such concerns/risks. The Risk Management
process covers risk identification, assessment, analysis and
mitigation. Incorporating sustainability in the process also helps to
align potential exposures with the risk appetite and highlights risks
associated with chosen strategies.
INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY:
The Company''s internal audit systems are geared towards ensuring
adequate internal controls commensurate with the size and needs of the
business, with the objective of efficient conduct of operations through
adherence to the Company''s policies, identifying areas of improvement,
evaluating the reliability of Financial Statements, ensuring
compliances with applicable laws and regulations and safeguarding of
assets from unauthorized use.
Details of the internal controls system are given in the Management
Discussion and Analysis Report, which forms part of the Directors''
Report.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE:
The Company is in compliance with all the conditions of Corporate
Governance as stipulated in Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement entered
into with the Stock Exchanges. The Compliance Report on Corporate
Governance forms an integral part of this Report. The requisite
certificate from the Auditors of the Company confirming compliance with
the conditions of Corporate Governance is attached to the report on
Corporate Governance.
The Management Discussion and Analysis Report for the year under review
as stipulated under clause 49 of the Listing Agreement with the Stock
Exchanges, is presented in a separate section and forms a part of the
Directors'' Report.
DIRECTORS:
Ms. Sunalini Menon, Mr. K. Venkataramanan, Mr. V. Leeladhar, Mr. Sanjiv
Sarin and Mr. Siraj Azmat Chaudhry were appointed as Additional
Directors of the Company and in terms of Article 101 of the Articles of
Association of the Company read with Section 161 of the Companies Act,
2013, they hold office upto the date of the ensuing Annual General
Meeting. It is
proposed to appoint Ms. Sunalini Menon, Mr. V. Leeladhar and Mr. Siraj
Azmat Chaudhry as Independent Directors at the forthcoming Annual
General Meeting in compliance with Section 149(6) of the Companies Act,
2013 and revised Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement. The Company has
received a notice from shareholder in terms of Section 160 of the Act
signifying its intention to propose the appointment of Ms. Sunalini
Menon, Mr. K. Venkataramanan, Mr. V. Leeladhar, Mr. Sanjiv Sarin and
Mr. Siraj Azmat Chaudhry as Directors in the forthcoming Annual
General Meeting.
Mr. K. Venkataramanan was appointed as Executive Director- Finance and
Chief Financial Officer for a period of 3 years with effect from 25th
October 2014. His term of appointment was approved by the members on
13th January 2015 through E-voting/Postal Ballot.
Mr. Sanjiv Sarin was appointed as Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer for a period of 3 years with effect from 25th April 2015. The
necessary resolution for his appointment is being placed before the
members for their consideration at the forthcoming Annual General
Meeting.
Mr. Venu Srinivasan resigned as a Director from the Board with effect
from 1st September, 2014. Mr. D.R. Kaarthikeyan demitted his office as
a Director in accordance with the Group Guidelines with effect from 1st
October, 2014.
Mr. M. Deepak Kumar retired as Executive Director- Finance with effect
from 24th October, 2014; Mr. Hameed Huq, retired as Managing Director
with effect from 31st March, 2015.
The Board wishes to place on record its appreciation for the invaluable
services rendered by Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Mr. D.R. Kaarthikeyan, Mr. M
Deepak Kumar and Mr. Hameed Huq during their tenure as Directors of the
Company.
All the Independent Directors have given declarations that they meet
the criteria of independence as laid down under Section 149(6) of the
Act and Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement entered into with the Stock
Exchanges. In the opinion of the Board, they fulfill the conditions of
independence as specified in the Act and Rules made there under and are
independent of the management.
Governance Guidelines:
The Company has adopted Governance Guidelines on Board Effectiveness.
The Governance Guidelines cover aspects related to composition and role
of the Board, Chairman and Directors, Board diversity, definition of
independence, Director term, retirement age and Committees of the
Board. It also covers aspects relating to nomination, appointment,
induction and development of Directors, Director remuneration,
Subsidiary oversight, Code of Conduct, Board Effectiveness Review and
Mandates of Board Committees.
Procedure for Nomination and Appointment of Directors:
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee is responsible for developing
competency requirements for the Board based on the industry and
strategy of the Company. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee
reviews and evaluates the resumes of potential candidates vis-a-vis the
required competencies. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee also
meets with potential candidates, prior to making recommendations of
their nomination to the Board. At the time of appointment, specific
requirements for the position, including expert knowledge expected, is
communicated to the appointee.
Criteria for Determining Qualifications, Positive Attributes and
Independence of a Director:
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has formulated the criteria
for determining qualifications, positive attributes and independence of
Directors in terms of Section 178(3) of the Act and Clause 49 of the
Listing Agreement.
Independence:
In accordance with the above criteria, a Director will be considered as
an ''Independent Director'' if he/she meets with the criteria for
''Independent Director'' as laid down in the Act and clause 49 of the
Listing Agreement.
Qualifications:
A transparent Board nomination process is in place that encourages
diversity of thought, experience, knowledge, perspective, age and
gender. It is also ensured that the Board has an appropriate blend of
functional and industry expertise. While recommending the appointment
of a Director, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee considers the
manner in which the function and domain expertise of the individual
will contribute to the overall skill-domain mix of the Board.
Positive Attributes:
In addition to the duties as prescribed under the Act, the Directors of
the Board of the Company are also expected to demonstrate high
standards of ethical behavior, strong interpersonal and communication
skills and soundness of judgment. Independent Directors are also
expected to abide by the Code of Independent Directors as outlined in
Schedule IV to the Act.
Annual Evaluation of Board Performance and Performance of its
Committees and of Directors:
Pursuant to the provisions of the Act and clause 49 of the Listing
Agreement, the Board has carried out an annual evaluation of its own
performance, performance of the Directors as well as the evaluation of
the working of its Committees.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has defined the evaluation
criteria and the performance evaluation process for the Board, its
Committees and Directors.
The Board''s functioning is evaluated on various aspects, including
inter alia degree of fulfillment of key responsibilities, Board
structure and composition, establishment and delineation of
responsibilities to various Committees, effectiveness of Board
processes, information and functioning.
Directors were evaluated on aspects such as attendance, contribution at
Board/Committee meetings and guidance/support to the management outside
Board/Committee meetings.
The Committees of the Board were assessed on the degree of fulfillment
of key responsibilities, adequacy of Committee composition and
effectiveness of meetings.
The performance evaluation of the Independent Directors was carried out
by the Board. The performance evaluation of the Chairman and the Non
Independent Directors was carried out by the Independent Directors who
also reviewed the performance of the Board, its Committees and the
Directors.
The Chairman of the Board provided feedback to the Directors on the
significant highlights with respect to the evaluation process of the
Board.
REMUNERATION POLICY:
The Company has adopted a Remuneration Policy for the Directors, Key
Managerial Personnel and other employees, pursuant to the provisions of
the Companies Act, 2013 and Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement
The Board has on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee framed a policy for Remuneration for Directors, Key
Managerial Personnel and other employees which lay down criteria for
selection and appointment of Board Members. The remuneration determined
for Executive/Independent Directors is subject to the recommendation of
the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and approval of the Board of
Directors. The Non-Executive Directors are compensated by way of profit
sharing commission and the criteria being their attendance and
contribution at the Board/ Committee Meetings.
It is affirmed that the remuneration paid to Directors, Key Managerial
Personnel and all other employees is as per the Remuneration Policy of
the Company.
As a policy, the Executive Directors are not paid sitting fees; the
Non-Executive Directors are entitled to sitting fees for the Board/
Committee Meetings.
BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
A calendar of Board and Committee Meetings to be held during the year
was circulated in advance to the Directors. Ten Board Meetings were
convened and held during the year.
The Board has constituted an Audit Committee with Mr. S.
Santhanakrishnan as Chairman, Prof. Arun Monappa, Ms. Sunalini Menon
and Mr. V Leeladhar as Members.
The details of the composition of the Board and its Committees and of
the Meetings held and attendance of the Directors at such Meetings are
provided in the Corporate Governance Report.
DIRECTORS'' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Based on the framework of Internal Financial Controls and compliance
systems established and maintained by the Company, work performed by
the Internal, Statutory, and Secretarial Auditors and the reviews
performed by Management and the relevant Board Committees, including
the Audit Committee, the Board is of the opinion that the Company''s
Internal Financial Controls were adequate and effective during the
Financial Year 2014-15.
Accordingly, pursuant to Section 134(3)(c) and 134(5) of the Companies
Act, 2013, the Board of Directors, to the best of their knowledge and
ability, confirm that:
(i) In the preparation of the accounts for the Financial Year ended
31st March, 2015, the applicable accounting standards have been
followed and that there are no material departures;
(ii) That the Directors have selected such accounting policies and
applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that were
reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state
of affairs of the Company as at the end of the Financial Year and of
the profits of the Company for that period;
(iii) That the Directors have taken proper and sufficient care to the
best of their knowledge and ability 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;
(iv) That they have prepared the accounts for the Financial Year ended
31st March, 2015 on a ''going concern'' basis;
(v) The Directors have laid down Internal Financial Controls for the
Company which are adequate and are operating effectively;
(vi) The Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance
with the provisions of all applicable laws and such systems are
adequate and are operating effectively.
EMPLOYEES WELFARE:
The Company''s focus on welfare and improving the quality of lives of
its people continues as always. In order to improve the quality of
living for our employees, we have been providing educational assistance
to their children, creche and child care facilities, transport at
subsidized rate to school going children, supply of provisions at cost
through co-operative store branches located at each Unit/Estate.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY:
Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives:
Your Company is committed to ensuring that its growth is sustainable
and significantly enhances the quality of life of the communities in
which it operates. The Company has constituted a Corporate Social
Responsibility Committee in compliance with Section 135 of the
Companies Act, 2013 comprising of two Independent Directors and the
Managing Director of the Company.
The focus areas that have been chosen for serving the community are
Education, Health, Hygiene and Nutrition, Gender Equality,
Environmental Sustainability, Affirmative Action and Promotion of Rural
Sports.
The educational programmes include Swastha, DARE, and Merit
Scholarships for students of Coorg and Anamallais, promoting education
and support for children with visual disabilities and skill development
for the underprivileged through sponsoring programmes.
The Coorg Foundation - a Public Charitable Trust (Foundation)
established by your Company continues to provide admirable support to
various individuals and institutions in the field of education, health
care and culture during the year. "Swastha" which was established by
The Coorg Foundation in 1994 as a fully residential institution for
differently abled, continues to extend its support to the needy
children in Coorg and neighbouring areas through its centres in
Suntikoppa and Pollibetta by imparting required education and training.
They are trained in making stationery items, offset and screen
printing, greeting cards and table mats. These products are procured by
the public and Institutions in the Kodagu District. The sale proceeds
of the same are utilized for meeting the day to day expenses of
Swastha.
In pursuance of the objectives of the SWASTHA, the DARE (Developmental
Activities for Rehabilitative Education) was set up in 1996 in the
Anamallais to train differently abled children to be self reliant.
Rural India Health Project Hospital (RIHP), Ammathi, which is supported
by the Company, continues to serve the needy sections of the society.
The Coorg Foundation provides grant to RIHP for treatment of patients
belonging to the lower income group.
In addition, the Company has continued its initiatives for the
development and protection of the girl child by conducting regular
camps for detection of nutrition deficiency in girl children and
promotion of self employment opportunities for women in Theni;
providing clean drinking water to the residents near the Toopran Unit
and operating primary school at Anamallais.
The Company has a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy and the same
has been hosted in the website of the Company (www.tatacoffee.com);
The above projects are in accordance with Schedule VII of the Act. The
Annual Report on CSR activities is annexed as Annexure B.
POLICY ON PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT
WORKPLACE:
The Company has zero tolerance for sexual harassment at workplace and
has adopted a Policy on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual
Harassment at workplace in line with the provisions of the Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and
Redressal) Act, 2013 and the Rules there under. The policy aims to
provide protection to employees at the workplace and prevent and
redress complaints of sexual harassment and for matters connected or
incidental thereto, with the objective of providing a safe working
environment, where employees feel secure. The Company has also
constituted an Internal Complaints Committee, known as the Prevention
of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Committee, to inquire into complaints of
sexual harassment and recommend appropriate action.
During the Financial Year 2014-15, the Company received one complaint
on sexual harassment, which has been disposed off and appropriate
action taken. No complaints were pending.
VIGIL MECHANISM/ WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY:
The Company has adopted a Whistle Blower Policy to provide a formal
mechanism to the Directors and employees to report their concerns about
unethical behavior, actual or suspected fraud or violation of the
Company''s Code of Conduct or ethics policy. The Policy provides for
adequate safeguards against victimization of employees who avail of the
mechanism and also provides for direct access to the Chairman of the
Audit Committee. It is affirmed that no personnel of the Company has
been denied access to the Audit Committee. The Whistle Blower Policy
has been posted on the website of the Company www.tatacoffee.com
significant and material orders passed by the regulators OR COURTS:
There are no significant or material orders which were passed by the
Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status
and the Company''s Operations in future.
KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL:
In compliance with provisions of Section 203 of the Companies Act,
2013, during the Financial Year 2014-15, The Managing Director and CEO,
Executive Director Finance and CFO, Executive Director- ICD Operations
and the Company Secretary have been nominated as Key Managerial
Personnel.
AUDITORS:
(1) STATUTORY AUDITORS:
M/s. SNB Associates, Statutory Auditors of the Company hold office till
the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting. They have
confirmed their eligibility to the effect that their appointment, if
made, would be within the prescribed limit under the Act, and they are
eligible for appointment.
(2) COST AUDITORS:
Pursuant to Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies
(Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014 as amended from time to time, your
Company has appointed M/s Rao, Murthy & Associates, Cost Accountants to
carry out Audit of Cost Records for the Financial Year 2015-16. As
required under the Companies Act, 2013, a resolution seeking members
approval for the remuneration payable to the Cost Auditor forms part of
the notice convening the Annual General Meeting.
(3) SECRETARIAL AUDITOR:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013
and the rules made there under, the Company had appointed Mr. Sudhir V.
Hulyalkar, Company Secretary in Practice (CP No. 6137) to undertake the
Secretarial Audit of the Company for the year ended 31st March, 2015.
The Secretarial Audit Report is annexed as Annexure C.
The Auditors'' Report and the Secretarial Audit Report for the Financial
Year ended 31st March, 2015 do not contain any qualification,
reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
PARTICULARS OF CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND
Foreign Exchange Earnings AND OUTGO:
The statement pursuant to Section 134 (3) (m) of the Companies Act,
2013 read with Rule 8(3) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules 2014 is
annexed as Annexure D.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES AND REMUNERATION:
Statement containing information as required under Section 197(12) of
the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment
and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) rules, 2014, is annexed as
Annexure E.
In terms of the first proviso to Section 136 of the Act, the Reports
and Accounts are being sent to the shareholders excluding the
information required under Rule 5(2) and (3) of the Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014. Any
shareholder interested in obtaining the same may write to the Company
Secretary at the Registered Office of the Company.
ANNUAL RETURN:
Pursuant to Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 12(1) of
the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the extract
of the Annual Return in Form MGT-9 is annexed herewith as Annexure F.
Place: Bengaluru
Dated: 15th May, 2015
On behalf of the Board
R. HARISH BHAT
Chairman
Mar 31, 2012
The Directors are pleased to submit their Report together with the
Audited Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2012.
2011/12 2010/11
Rs.in Lakhs Rs.in
Lakhs
Profit from Operations before Other
Income & Interest 9503.76 4182.41
Add: Other Income 805.43 2640.39
Operating profit before Interest 10309.19 6822.80
Less: Interest 732.02 1026.22
9577.17 5796.58
Add: Exceptional Income 838.57 1065.60
Profit Before Tax 10415.74 6862.18
Provision for Tax: Current Year 2811.80 1477.00
Deferred Tax (281.34) (123.28)
2530.46 1353.72
Profit After Tax 7885.28 5508.46
Add: Surplus brought
forward from Previous Year 4585.04 1420.09
Amount available for appropriation 12470.32 6928.55
General Reserve No. I 792.03 550.84
General Reserve No. II 365.45 311.17
Debenture Redemption Reserve A/c (1060.99) 96.49 (692.80) 169.21
Dividends
Interim Dividend - 933.85
Final (Proposed) 2054.47 933.85
Tax on Dividend 333.29 2387.76 306.60 2174.30
Balance carried forward 9986.07 4585.04
TURNOVER
Your Company's turnover during the year under review was Rs 508.52
crores as compared to Rs 400.73 crores in the previous year, registering
an increase of 27% over last year.
PROFITS
Profit from Operations before 'Other income and interest' for the year
ended 31st March, 2012, stood at Rs 95.04 crores as against Rs 41.82
crores in the previous year, reflecting an increase of 127%. Profit
before Tax at Rs 104.16 crores vis-a-vis Rs 68.62 crores in the previous
year reflects an increase of 52%. Profit after Tax in 2011-12 stood at
Rs 78.85 crores as against Rs 55.08 crores in the previous year.
DIVIDEND
Your Directors have recommended a dividend of Rs 11/- per share
aggregating to Rs 2054.47 lakhs for the year 2011-12. The Dividend Tax
amounts to Rs 333.29 lakhs.
COFFEE SCENARIO:
The Arabica futures market started the year at a good level viz. above
250 cents and continued its upward journey until it crossed the
psychological 300 cents level in the first week of May - an increase of
50 cents in a month. Thereafter, it dropped steadily to below the 240
cent level in the beginning of August. It again touched 290 cents by
early September but could not sustain the level and quickly dropped
back to the low by end September and thereafter continued losing value
steadily until it touched new lows for the year - below 180 cents in
March. With prices softening, the tightness in the physical market
eased to a significant extent.
The Robusta futures market which started the year on a high note at
$2300 steadily dropped to $1700 by early November as there was a
gradual build up in global Robusta inventory. However, increased demand
for Robusta from roasters trying to control blend costs by replacing
Arabicas which were comparatively more expensive, led to hardening of
both futures and differentials in the last quarter of the year. By
February, the market had crossed $2000 and differentials too had firmed
up leading to higher physical prices vis-a-vis in the beginning of the
year. The much touted bumper Vietnamese crop which was estimated at 20
mln bags was lowered to 18 mln thereby lending support to Robusta
prices. India, too harvested a lower Robusta crop.
The softening in Arabica and hardening in Robusta prices has resulted
in the arbitrage between the two markets shrinking, making usage of
Arabicas attractive once again.
Global consumption continued to grow at a steady 1.5-2%, inspite of
green coffee price increases passed on to the consumer. Only the
channel shifted from out-of- home to in-home. Consumption is expected
to continue to grow, especially in markets such as Brazil, Russia and
China.
TEA SCENARIO
Black Tea production in major producing countries during
January/December 2011 was 988.2 Mn. kgs as against 966.4 Mn. Kgs in
2010, showing an increase of 21.8 Mn. kgs. Crops in Kenya & Sri Lanka
showed an increase at 21.1 Mn. kgs and 3.1 Mn. kgs respectively. On
the other hand Malawi / Bangladesh were lower by 4.5 Mn. kgs whereas
India was higher by 21.8 Mn. kgs.
Indian exports in 2011 were estimated at 186.6 Mn. kgs as against 193.3
Mn. kgs in the previous year - lower by approx. 6.7 Mn. kgs.
Consumption continues to rise at approximately 3 to 3.5% per annum.
Unlike 2011, the first quarter of 2012 is likely to see a significant
drop in South Indian production.
At present, the supply situation globally and in India is low but
likely to improve in May / June. Hence the markets have been bullish
during the first quarter and this trend is likely to continue in the
initial stages of the second quarter. Once crops increase, quality
CTC's shall continue to sell at attractive premiums following improved
demand from the internal markets. However, medium and plainer CTC's
are expected to sell in line with quality.
Availability of Orthodox teas is likely to remain low in India. Hence
these varieties should witness a much healthier trend compared to the
previous year.
OPERATIONS: Plantations:
The Arabica production for the financial year 2011/12 stood at 2130 MT
as against 1670 MT ( 28%) in the previous year. The Arabica crop has
been better this year across all tracts and the Coffee Board has
estimated a 11% increase compared to previous year.
As regards Robusta, the Company has achieved a production of 5667 MT as
against 6620 MT (-13%) in the previous year. The Robusta crop has been
poor across all producing districts and industry experts have predicted
a drop of about 20-30% crop as compared to the previous year. The
reasons for this lower crop, as analysed by the Coffee Board Research
Station, is the unfavourable weather during crucial period which has
resulted in higher mucilage and fruit skin, finally bringing down the
outturn to lower than normal.
The Plantations have undergone an unusual weather pattern during the
year under review. There was a long drought with no trace of rain for a
continuous period of around 142 days between November 2011 and end
March 2012. The weather during the latter part of the 1st quarter of
the current calendar year was very dry and hot, with the maximum day
temperature touching 34ðC. However, the Company has provided blossom
irrigation to all mature Robusta, supplementing the rain. Further, some
percentage of Arabica has also been covered with Blossom irrigation
with the available water. However, certain estates have received
natural showers during late March which extended till April and covered
most of the estates. With these proactive measures, normal crop is
expected during 2012/13.
The Company has achieved a total Tea production of 6.775 Million Kgs at
Anamallais and in the two estates in Karnataka as against 7.334 Million
Kgs during the previous year.
The total Pepper crop for the Company stood at 865 MT as against 535 MT
( 62%) harvested during the previous year. Due to long drought as
reported above, Pepper vines have also been brought under irrigation
along with Coffee.
Curing Works:
The Company's Curing Works at Kushalnagar cured a total of 12010 MT
Coffee during the year under review as against 12959 MT in the previous
year. In addition, 304 MT of Monsooned Coffee, a value added product
was processed as against 356 MT in the previous year.
The volume handled by the unit during the year was marginally lower due
to the overall drop in crop production during the season 2010-11. The
unit continued its good performance during the year, due to the
sustained cost reduction initiatives in the factory and better husk
sale realization.
The ISO 22000 certified Pepper Unit in the Kushalnagar Curing Works
premises handled the grading and steaming operations of the Company's
entire pepper produce.
Timber Value Addition:
The Company's high end products such as Fire Retardant Composite
panels, Sound Absorption plywood and Shuttering plywood have not
performed up to expectations during 2011/12. The Division has sustained
by selling Marine, Commercial plywood and Block board products. In view
of the above, the existing business model is being revisited.
Exports:
During the year 2011-12, your Company exported 5735 MT of coffee as
against 4819 MT in the previous year.
Your company's focus to grow the market for differentiated coffee
continued to show results with volumes growing to 2123 MT as against
1847 MT in the previous year.
Quality Awards:
Your Company's thrust towards producing Best Coffees to meet the
varying needs of the customers both at national and international level
has been continuing. Your Company won 12 awards at the Fine Cup Award
Cupping competition - 2011 held in Maastricht, Netherlands as against
10 won during the previous year, which stands as a testimony to the
Company's commitment to produce Quality coffee. Efforts are continuing
in this direction with added thrust and samples have been sent from the
Company's different estates for the competition to be held in 2012.
Instant Coffee Division
During the year under review, the instant coffee operations
demonstrated sustenance of process centric approach with effective
operational discipline. In addition to Safety, the prime focus was on
quality, customer centric initiatives and work force development. The
consistent quality of products and prompt services was appreciated by
the key customers. The Division achieved record production of 6356 MT
as compared to 4974 MT in the previous year - an increase of 28%. Total
exports in volume terms increased to 6331 MT as against 5659 MT in the
previous year - an increase of 12%. High capacity utilization was
attained at all the units and across all product variants.
A plan with process improvements and focus on quality was put in place
for the Freeze Dried Coffee operations, which has resulted in increase
in production by 14%. The Toopran unit performed extremely well, with
production almost doubling over previous year and capacity utilization
of more than 100% being achieved. Improvement in yield at the Toopran
unit contributed significantly to the profitability of the Division.
A 2000 TPA premium extraction unit for the Freeze Dried Facility is
being set up at Theni with GEA Niro's Extraction Plant and Roaster from
LILLA. The new project is expected to be commissioned and go on stream
in the next financial year.
Focus on Non-Russian markets has enabled the Company to make inroads
into West Africa, Korea and Japan. Key customer relationship building
approaches are under progress. This will give your Company a balanced
market approach covering most of the key geographies. The Company has
also entered into an agreement with RSP Tradecom Pvt. Limited for
availing services with regard to marketing the Company's soluble coffee
in territories of Russia, Baltic, CIS and Poland and such other
countries as the parties may mutually agree.
The focus continues to be on safety, cost, quality and sustainability.
Twenty percent of the Division's total power requirement comes from
renewable energy sources. The Freeze Dried unit operates its equipment
with wind power, thereby contributing to Company's green initiative.
The Instant coffee unit at Toopran received the "ISO 22000:2005"
accreditation during the year from M/s. DNV certification. Both Theni
and Toopran units are now certified for ISO 9001: 2008 and ISO 22000:
2005.
TRADING OPERATIONS Coffee Value-Added Products
Your Company continues to maintain its current position in the Roast &
Ground coffee segment. The current market share is around 2.5% in the
south Indian conventional coffee market. Your Company also continues to
be present in the instant coffee segment through supplies to private
labels of key retail chains in India, vending premixes and in the Hot
Tea Shop segment .
Vending business has also maintained its current position while
consolidating on supply chain strengths. The Vending Premix
manufacturing unit has been recognized by CII for 'Excellence in Food
Safety" in its category.
Plantation Trails
Your Company's Hospitality business - Plantation Trails has performed
well in the year under review vis-a-vis the previous year both in terms
of revenue as well as profitability. The focus during the year was to
restructure the operations and provide guests with a world-class
plantation experience. Several new initiatives from a customer centric
perspective were introduced. The restructuring and the new measures
have resulted in increase in the overall Customer Satisfaction.
Restoration and up-gradation of the Company's heritage bungalows has
commenced and efforts towards repositioning the product in the premium
market initiated.
STARBUCKS
Following the Memorandum of Understanding with Starbucks Coffee
International, Inc., USA (Starbucks), your Company has entered into
separate Agreements with Starbucks Coffee International, Inc., USA
(Starbucks) and Tata Starbucks Limited, a 50:50 Joint Venture between
Tata Global Beverages Limited and Starbucks, for roasting coffee
produced in the Company's estates using Starbucks know-how and
technology and packaging, sale and distribution thereof to Starbucks
Cafes to be set up by Tata Starbucks Limited in India/ Starbucks
business operations overseas.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
During 2011-12, Rs 2136.58 lakhs was incurred primarily on account of
welfare, modernization, up-gradation and other programmes undertaken in
the various units of the Company.
SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
Eight O' Clock Coffee Company
Eight O'clock Coffee (EOC) turnover during the year stood at Rs 1040.50
Crores registering an increase of 13.8% over the Previous Year's
turnover of Rs 914.50 Crores. The price increases incorporated in the
preceding year had a full year impact this year. Such increase did not
cover the full cost of commodity price impact and additional trade
spends was incurred to stave erosion of volumes. EOC maintained market
share even as volumes eroded as consumers and customers reacted to
enhanced pricing. The development of the Single serve option across
retail and accelerated consumer adoption of this format reduced shelf
space availability for traditional bag and can formats. The higher
commodity costs and promotion expenses to protect market share resulted
in an overall decline in earnings and margins. Profit before Tax was
negative at Rs 4.2 Crores as against the profit of Rs 118.8 Crores in the
Previous Year. Profit after Tax stood at Rs 4.71 Crores versus Rs 72.59
Crores in the Previous Year.
Alliance Coffee Limited
As reported last year, the Marketer Agreement between the Company and
Alliance Coffee Ltd. (Alliance) was terminated and the entire
shareholdings of Beeyu Overseas Ltd. and its Associates in Alliance was
purchased by the Company, following which Alliance has become a wholly
owned subsidiary of Tata Coffee. Going forward the proposal is to have
the Registered Office of Alliance shifted from Kolkata to Bangalore,
for which necessary application has been submitted to the Company Law
Board, Eastern Region Bench, Kolkata and thereafter merge Alliance with
Tata Coffee.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has exempted Holding companies from
attaching the accounts of its subsidiaries to its balance sheet. In
terms of the said Circular and as required under the Listing Agreement
with the Stock Exchanges, the consolidated financial statements of the
Company together with its subsidiaries are attached. Any shareholder
may ask for a copy or inspect at the Registered/Head Office a copy of
the Annual Accounts of Alliance Coffee Limited and the consolidated
financial statements of Consolidated Coffee Inc., USA which includes
the Eight O' Clock Coffee Company financials.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company has been in compliance with all the conditions of corporate
governance as stipulated in Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement with the
Stock Exchanges. The detailed Report on Corporate Governance in terms
of Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement and a certificate of the Auditors
thereon is attached to the Annual Report.
EMPLOYEE WELFARE
The Company has been continuing with its welfare activities as in the
past. Improvement to labour line and surroundings, educational
assistance to the children of employees, providing drinking water at
the work spot, providing transport at subsidized rate to the school
going children of employees, supply of provisions through Co-operative
store branches located at each Unit/Estate are a few of the welfare
measures adopted by the Company.
The re-certification of Social Accountability 8000-2008 Certificate by
the Certification Auditors is a testimony to the Company's commitment
to comply with the international requirements under Social
Accountability, which is in addition to the statutory requirements
which are already in place. Further, the initiative taken by the
company to assess the Human Development Index through an external
agency is continuing. This will enable the Company to know its present
welfare standards in comparison to international level and help take
further initiatives to bring it on par with international standard.
The re-certification of Tata Coffee under Rainforest Alliance is
another area which shows the Company's commitment towards protecting
and preserving the environment and eco system, thus ensuring a safe
work place and also safe living conditions not only for the Company's
own employees, but also to the community around.
Safety at work place and also at Home is given top priority by the
Company. The Company has taken all possible steps to ensure safe
working conditions for its employees. Each employee is made to
understand the potential danger involved in each area of operation and
the requirement to follow the safety guidelines.
DIRECTORATE
Mr. T.V. Alexander, Director who joined the Board in May, 2009 passed
away on 5th February, 2012. Your Directors convey their deep sense of
sorrow at the sad and untimely demise of Mr. Alexander and place on
record his active contribution to the organization during his tenure as
Director.
Mr. Venu Srinivasan and Mr. S. Santhanakrishnan retire by rotation and
are eligible for re-appointment.
SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
The Coorg Foundation, a Public Charitable Trust established by your
Company continued to provide support to various individuals and
institutions in the field of Health Care, Education, Sports and Culture
during the year under review. Medical
Assistance was extended through Rural India Health Project Hospital,
Ammathi to the needy sections of the society. In order to encourage
professional education among the young students of Kodagu, the
Foundation continues to provide Scholarships. The top ranking students
out of those who have studied in the Institutions based in Kodagu are
given Merit Awards.
Swastha - The project established by The Coorg Foundation as a fully
residential institution, meant for differently abled, continues to
support the needy children in the District through its centers in
Suntikoppa and Pollibetta by imparting required education and training.
The Community Based Rehabilitation programme, initiated during the
previous year with the intention of reaching out to a larger number of
challenged people in the district, continues to do well. The centre has
conducted regular Awareness programmes in the villages in Somwarpet
Taluk and organized 2 Health camps at Swastha Premises to identify the
needs and to facilitate supportive devices to needy participants.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
Information required under Section 217(2A) of the Companies Act, 1956
read with The Companies (Particulars of Employees) Rules, 1975 forms
part of this Report. However, as per the provisions of Section
219(1)(b)(iv), the Report and Accounts are being sent to all
Shareholders of the Company excluding the Statement of Particulars of
Employees. Any Shareholder interested in obtaining such particulars may
inspect the same at the Registered Office of the Company or write to
the Company for a copy.
PARTICULARS OF CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND
FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The Statement pursuant to Section 217(1)(e) of the Companies Act, 1956
read with The Companies (Disclosure of Particulars in the Report of the
Board of Directors) Rules, 1988 is attached.
RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to Section 217(2AA) of the Companies Act, 1956, the Directors,
based on the representation received from the operating management
confirm:
(i) that in the preparation of the accounts for the financial year
ended 31st March, 2012, the applicable accounting standards have been
followed and that there are no material departures;
(ii) that they have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that were reasonable and
prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of
the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profits of the
Company for that period;
(iii) that they have taken proper and sufficient care to the best of
their knowledge and ability for the maintenance of adequate accounting
records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956
for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and
detecting fraud and other irregularities;
(iv) that they have prepared the accounts for the financial year ended
31st March, 2012 on a 'going concern' basis. AUDITORS
M/s. N.M. Raiji & Co., and M/s. SNB Associates, Auditors of the Company
hold office till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
The Auditors have furnished the certificate under Section 224(1) of the
Companies Act, 1956 of their eligibility for re-appointment.
On behalf of the Board
R.K. KRISHNA KUMAR
Chairman
Place : Mumbai
Dated : 30th May, 2012
Mar 31, 2011
The Directors are pleased to submit their Report together with the
Audited statement of accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2011.
2010/11 2009/10
Rs. in Lakhs Rs. in Lakhs
Profit from Operations
before Other Income and
Interest 4280.33 1963.11
Add: Other Income 2038.80 3791.79
Operating profit before
Interest 6319.13 5754.90
Less: Interest 522.55 754.98
5796.58
Add: Exceptional Income 1065.60 -
Profit Before Tax 6862.18 4999.92
Provision for Tax: Current
Year 1477.00 1292.71
Deferred Tax (123.28) 508.23
1353.72 1800.94
Profit After Tax 5508.46 3198.98
Add: Surplus b/f from PY 1420.09 842.15
Amount available for
appropriation 6928.55 4041.13
General Reserve No. I 550.84 319.90
General Reserve No. II 311.17 284.42
Debenture Redemption Reserve
A/c (692.80) 169.21 383.29 987.61
Dividends
Interim Dividend 933.85
Final (Proposed) 933.85 1400.78
Tax on Dividend 306.60 2174.30 232.65 1633.43
Balance carried forward 4585.04 1420.09
TURNOVER
Your Companys turnover during the year under review was Rs.422.09
crores as compared to Rs.373.42 crores in the previous year,
registering an increase of 13% over last year.
PROFITS
Profit from Operations before other income and interest for the year
ended 31st March, 2011, stood at Rs.42.80 crores as against Rs.19.63
crores in the previous year, reflecting an increase of 118%. Other
income includes dividends from subsidiaries of Rs 19.82 crores
(previous year Rs 37.27 crores). Profit before tax at Rs. 68.62 crores
vis-ÃÂ -vis Rs 50.00 crores in the previous year reflected an increase of
37%. Profit after tax in 2010-11 stood at Rs.55.08 crores as against Rs
31.99 crores in the previous year.
DIVIDEND
Your Directors have recommended a final dividend of Rs 5.00 per share
which together with the interim dividend of Rs. 5.00 per share declared
on the 28th December, 2010 works out to a total dividend of Rs.10.00
per share aggregating to Rs.2174.30 Lakhs for the year 2010-11
including Dividend Tax of Rs.306.60 Lakhs.
COFFEE SCENARIO:
The last year began on a very steady note for both Arabica and Robusta.
Going by the prospects of the biggest ever Ãon year crop in Brazil
that would ultimately result in only a marginal surplus in supply, no
changes were witnessed in the prevailing price levels.
However, market started a steady but significant upward journey from
end June onwards and the Arabica market appreciated by about 100% by
the end of the year. Robusta was not left untouched by the explosive
increase in Arabica but the extent of increase was far less at about
50%, as it showed a greater supply surplus than Arabica. Initially,
most analysts attributed the rise to pure fund play based on the huge
increase in positions held by the funds. A correction was predicted in
the short- term. However, by October it was obvious that the increase
was not going to be short term and traders and roasters who had reduced
coverage expecting a correction were forced to scramble and cover as
the market continued to rise.
Some of the price increase has been passed on to the consumer with no
impact on the growth in consumption so far. However, the view is that
any further price increase will impact demand growth from here onwards.
TEA SCENARIO
Black Tea production of major producing countries during
January/December 2010 stood at 1877 m.kgs as against 1773 m.kgs in
2010, showing an increase of 104 m.kgs.
The Kenyan Crop and Srilankan crop showed an increase of 85 m.kgs and
38 m.kgs respectively in 2010 as compared to the previous year. However
all India production during January/December 2010 was 966.4 m.kgs as
against 979 m.kgs for 2009 -- the North India production was 723.00 m.
kgs as against 734.9 in the previous year and the South India
production stood at 243.3 m.kgs as against 244.1 m.kgs in previous year
2009.
Indian exports in 2010 were estimated at 193.3 m.kgs as against 197.9
m.kgs in the previous year. Indian consumption continues to rise by 3
to 3.5% p.a which amounts to approximately 25m to 26 m.kgs. The carry
forward stock in 2010 was higher as compared to the previous year.
However, this year there is no carry over stock due to lower production
in the last quarter of 2010.
The current year unlike 2010, has started with a significant drop in
South Indian production. During January/February 2011, the South Indian
production was 30.25 m.kgs as against 34.83 m.kgs in January/February
2010 and the North Indian production stood at 7.42 m.kgs as against
10.23 m.kgs.
At the global level also, there has been a drop in tea production with
Sri Lanka producing 42.63 m.kgs in January/February 2011 as compared to
51.97 m.kgs in the corresponding period in the previous year, while
Kenyas production was 62.71 m.kgs as compared to 72.55 m.kgs.
The supply situation, as of now is low in India but is likely to
improve in May/June. Once again quality teas are expected to witness
good demand from the domestic market and continue to sell well at
premium while Medium/Plainer varieties for both Orthodox/CTCs should
sell in line with quality.
OPERATIONS
Plantations:
The Company has harvested an Arabica crop of 1670 MT as against 2171 MT
in previous year. The Arabica production has been poor across all the 3
planting Districts of Karnataka viz. Coorg, Hassan and Chikmagalur. The
Coffee Board has attributed the reasons for poor crop to failure of
rainfall during crucial months and also unusual & continuous rains
during October and November 2010.
In Robusta, after the record crop in the previous year, the estates
harvested the estimated crop of 6620 MT. The Hassan estates did
extremely well to harvest a record crop in the current year. With the
good winter showers received during October and November 2010, the
bushes are looking healthy and the prospects for the coming year appear
to be good and the crop estimates indicate a good crop in both the
growing areas of Coorg and Hassan.
The Company has achieved a total Tea production of 7.334 m.kgs at
Anamallais and the two estates in Karnataka as against the record crop
of 7.994 M.kgs during previous year. Major part of the shortfall was in
the January to March period with very little rainfall.
On account of delayed ripening, only 535 MT of pepper has been
harvested upto 31st March, 2011. With the balance crop being harvested
in April/May, the total crop will be 1026 MT as against 1183 MT. The
drop is on account of the lower yield in the South Coorg estates caused
by uneven rainfall.
Curing Works:
The Companys Curing Works at Kushalnagar cured a total of 12959 MT
during the year under review as against 10427 MT in the previous year.
In addition, 356 MT of Monsooned Coffee was processed as against 331 MT
in the previous year.
The unit handled higher volumes during the year due to the very good
Robusta crop picked during 2009-10 season. The unit continued to
achieve good financial performance during the year due to sustained
cost reduction initiatives in the factory and better husk sale
realization.
The ISO 22000 certified Pepper Unit inside the Kushalnagar Curing Works
premises handled the grading and steaming operations of the Companys
entire pepper produce.
Timber Value Addition:
The Company continues to utilise its Timber extracted by rotation and
wind fallen to manufacture Marine Plywood and related products. The
Companys high-end products such as Fire Retardant Composite panels,
Sound Absorption plywood and shuttering plywood have performed well
during 2010/11. In order to get better realization for the low end
quality timber, the Company has decided to value add this timber by
sawing into sizes of different thickness and width, to cater to the
requirements of export packing and construction industry.
Exports:
During the year 2010-11, your Company exported 4819 MT of coffee as
against 3633 MT in the previous year.
Your companys thrust to grow the market for differentiated coffee
continued to show results with the volume growing to 1847 MT.
Quality Awards:
Your Companys efforts in producing Best Coffees to meet the varying
needs of the special customers at the international level are
continuing. A total of 10 awards were won by your Company at the Fine
Cup Award Cupping competition à 2010 held in California, USA. Out of
these, 7 are Regional best awards and 3 are best awards for Specialty
coffee. Samples from the Companys different estates have been also
sent for the 2011 competition, the results of which are awaited.
Instant Coffee Division
During the year under review, the instant coffee operations stabilized
and focus was laid on processes and people development in order to
deliver higher value to customers. Total exports in volume terms stood
at 5659 MT as compared to 3536 MT in the previous year, an increase of
60%. The period was also well utilized to improve the Freeze dried
process by carrying out steady operations and stretching capacity
utilization, with focus on Quality. This enabled the Company to move
its FDC new product variants from the "Economy" segment and position
them in the "Main stream" segment. The agglomeration plant operations
at both the units were also stabilized. The year has shown a
significant improvement in sale of agglomeration and freeze dried
coffee products over last year by 63% and 108% respectively.
Focus on Non-Russian markets has enabled the Company to make inroads
into West Africa, Korea and Japan. Key customer relationship building
approaches are under progress. This will give your Company a balanced
market approach covering most of the key geographies. The Company has
entered into an agreement with Tata Global Beverages Overseas Ltd. for
availing services with regard to marketing the Companys soluble coffee
in territories of Russia, Baltic, CIS and Poland and such other
countries as the parties may mutually agree with effect from 1st
November, 2010.
The focus continues to be on safety, cost, quality, and sustainability.
Your Company proposes to use Renewable energy (wind power) for its
operations which will also help support the Companys green initiative.
The Instant coffee unit at Theni received the "ISO 9001:2008"
accreditation during the year from M/s. Bureau Veritas certification.
This is in addition to the ISO 22000 and SA 8000 accreditations the
unit already has.
TRADING OPERATIONS
Coffee Value-Added Products
Your Company is currently holding on to its volumes in the Roast and
Ground coffee segment with a 2.5% market share. Your Company continues
to be present in the instant coffee segment through supplies to private
labels of key retail chains in India.
Vending business is in the midst of a strategic shift from the current
premix based vending to pod based vending, keeping in mind the consumer
requirements of modern, hygienic, good quality coffee which is also
economical.
PLANTATION TRAILS
Your Companys Hospitality business has seen an increase in occupancy
levels as well as turnover. Customer satisfaction levels have seen an
improvement over the previous year. The aim is to create a world-class
Plantation experience for the Companys guests at Plantation Trails.
Your Company aspires to be the number one vacation or corporate getaway
choice for customers visiting Coorg and Chikmagalur. Plans for
restoration and up-gradation of the Companys heritage bungalows have
been consolidated and the work in this regard will commence shortly.
STARBUCKS
The Company has entered into a non binding Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with Starbucks Coffee International, Inc. (Starbucks) for a
potential strategic collaboration in areas of Sourcing of coffee beans,
coffee roasting facilities etc. relating to Starbucks entering retail
operations in India initially and for other Asian countries over time.
The MOU also envisages discussions and evaluating appropriate
opportunities across suitable businesses of associate Tata Companies in
the food and beverage categories.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
During 2010-11, Rs.1249.09 Lakhs was incurred primarily on account of
welfare, modernisation, up-gradation and other programmes undertaken in
the various units of the Company.
SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
Eight O Clock Coffee Company
Eight O Clock Coffee Company during the year registered a Turnover of
Rs. 912.99 Crores as against Rs. 959.08 Crores in the Previous Year.
The Company faced challenging conditions due to sharp increase in the
Coffee terminal, especially in Arabica Coffee, which it uses for its
products. The sharp surge led to the price to the consumer being
increased. This had an impact on volumes which dropped from 43.9 mm lbs
in the previous year to 39.5 mm lbs in the year under review. The
Profit before Tax at Rs. 118.82 Crores (Rs.135.60 Crores in the
previous year) and Profit after Tax at Rs. 72.58 Crores (Rs.76.87
Crores in the previous year) registered a decrease of 12.37% and 5.58%
respectively over the previous year.
During the year the foodservice business was merged into the Empirical
Group. The Brands packaging graphics was upgraded, which scored
extremely favorably in consumer research. EOC paid out Dividend
amounting to USD 8 mm in the year 2010-11.
Alliance Coffee Limited
The Marketer Agreement with Alliance Coffee Limited (Alliance) was
terminated with effect from close of business hours on 31st October,
2010. Your Company has purchased the entire 49% shareholdings of Beeyu
Overseas Limited and its Associates in Alliance, following which
Alliance has become a wholly subsidiary of the Company with effect from
1st May, 2011.
The gross income of Alliance for the year ended 31st March, 2011 was
Rs.382.24 Lacs as against Rs. 458.83 Lacs during the previous year.
Profit before tax was Rs. 273.01 Lacs as against Rs. 327.75 Lacs.
Profit after tax stood at Rs. 186.83 Lacs as against Rs. 215.27 Lacs in
the previous year. The gross income includes income from commission up
to 31st October, 2010 viz. the period up to which the Marketer
Agreement between Tata Coffee and Alliance was valid.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has vide Circular dated February 8,
2011 exempted holding companies from attaching the accounts of its
subsidiaries to its balance sheet. In terms of the said Circular and as
required under the Listing Agreement with the Stock Exchanges, the
consolidated financial statements of the Company together with its
subsidiaries are attached. Any shareholder may ask for a copy or
inspect at the Registered/Head Office a copy of the Annual Accounts of
Alliance Coffee Limited and the consolidated financial statements of
Consolidated Coffee Inc., USA which includes the Eight O Clock Coffee
Company financials.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company has been in compliance with all the conditions of corporate
governance as stipulated in Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement with the
Stock Exchanges. The detailed Report on Corporate Governance in terms
of Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement and a certificate of the Auditors
thereon is attached to the Annual Report.
EMPLOYEES WELFARE
Health and welfare of employees has been and continues to be the focus
area at Tata Coffee. With the changing economic scenario and the
growing market challenges globally, appropriate measures have been
adopted with regard to employee welfare. A Human Development Index
(HDI) study has been initiated and improved facilities provided to the
employees in the areas of housing, education, health and hygiene. The
re-certification during the year of SA-8000 - 2008 standard following a
detailed audit by M/s. Det Norske Veritas (DNV) bears testimony to the
Companys commitment to comply with international requirements under
Social Accountability, which are beyond statutory norms. The Company
has also been certified under Rainforest Alliance, which reflects its
commitment towards protecting and preserving the environment and eco
system, thus ensuring a safe workplace and living conditions not only
for the Companys employees but also for the community around. The
Reward and Recognition practices introduced two years ago have been
reinforced and deployed across the Company in order to encourage and
foster employee engagement. The Companys aim is to be a provider of
workforce facilities at par with world-class standards.
DIRECTORATE
Mr. M. Deepak Kumar was appointed as Additional Director by the Board
at its meeting held on 25th October, 2010. At the said meeting Mr.
Kumar was also appointed as Executive Director à Finance for a period
of 3 years with effect from 25th October, 2010. As Additional Director,
Mr. Kumar holds office up to the date of the ensuing Annual General
Meeting of the Company in terms of Article 101 of the Articles of
Association read with Section 260 of the Companies Act, 1956. The
Company has received a notice from a Member under Section 257 of the
Act signifying his intention to propose the appointment of Mr. Kumar as
Director at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Mr. R. Govindarajan who retires by rotation at the forthcoming Annual
General Meeting has informed the Company that he does not wish to offer
himself for re-election as a Director of the Company. As required under
Section 256(4) of the Companies Act, 1956, a resolution for not filling
the vacancy caused by Mr. Govindarajans retirement has been included
in the Agenda of the Annual General Meeting. Your Directors wish to
place on record their appreciation of the contributions made by Mr.
Govindarajan during the period of his association with the Company.
Mr. U. M. Rao and Prof. Arun Monappa retire by rotation and are
eligible for re-appointment.
SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
The Coorg Foundation, a Public Charitable Trust established by TATA
Coffee Ltd continues to provide assistance to many individuals and
institutions in the field of Health Care, Education, Sports, Culture
and Environment.
In the field of Health Care, the Foundation provided grants to
institutions to conduct free eye camps and treat patients belonging to
the lower income group. To support higher education, the Foundation
continued to provide educational scholarships to the students studying
in diploma & professional courses. Merit Awards were given to students
securing ranks in Kodagu District. In the field of Sports, upcoming
talented youths continue to be encouraged by providing scholarships to
undergo training & take part in international events. To promote and
encourage culture, the foundation conducted the annual Art-in- Action
programmes which provide opportunity to the rural children in the field
of Drawing & Painting, Public Speaking and Bharathnatyam. In the field
of environment, the Foundation provided grants to conduct awareness
programme on utilization and conservation of natural resources.
"SWASTHA", the Project started by The Coorg Foundation, for differently
abled persons continues to do well at its centres at Suntikoppa and
Pollibetta. Suntikoppa has 100 students clustered into two streams-
Education and Rehabilitation and Pollibetta has 20 participants in the
Rehabilitation programme. During the year, Swastha initiated Community
Based Rehabilitation Programme (CBR) at Somwarpet Taluk, a concept that
caters to the needs of the differently abled, taking care of the needs
of the respective communities, moving away from a central location.
Under this concept specialist trainers visit the community where
differently abled people are located and provide the required package
of inputs. This is a cost effective method of reaching out to a larger
number of needy persons.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
Information required under Section 217(2A) of the Companies Act, 1956
read with The Companies (Particulars of Employees) Rules, 1975 is given
in the Annexure forming part of this Report. However, as per the
provisions of Section 219(1)(b)(iv), the Report and Accounts are being
sent to all Shareholders of the Company excluding the Statement of
Particulars of Employees. Any Shareholder interested in obtaining such
particulars may inspect the same at the Registered Office of the
Company or write to the Company for a copy.
PARTICULARS OF CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND
FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The Statement pursuant to Section 217(1)(e) of the Companies Act, 1956
read with The Companies (Disclosure of Particulars in the Report of the
Board of Directors) Rules, 1988 is attached.
RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to Section 217(2AA) of the Companies Act, 1956, the Directors,
based on the representation received from the operating management
confirm:
(i) that in the preparation of the accounts for the financial year
ended 31st March, 2011, the applicable accounting standards have been
followed and that there are no material departures;
(ii) that they have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgements and estimates that were reasonable and
prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of
the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profits of the
Company for that period;
(iii) that they have taken proper and sufficient care to the best of
their knowledge and ability for the maintenance of adequate accounting
records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956
for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and
detecting fraud and other irregularities;
(iv) that they have prepared the accounts for the financial year ended
31st March, 2011 on a Ãgoing concern basis.
AUDITORS
M/s. N.M. Raiji & Co., and M/s. SNB Associates, Auditors of the Company
hold office till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
The Auditors have furnished the certificate under Section 224(1) of the
Companies Act, 1956, of their eligibility for re-appointment.
On behalf of the Board
R.K. KRISHNA KUMAR
Chairman
Place : Mumbai
Dated : 13th May, 2011
Mar 31, 2010
The Directors are pleased to submit their Report together with the
Audited statement of accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2010.
2009/10 2008/09
Rs. in Lakhs Rs. in Lakhs
Profit from Operations before Other Income &
Interest 1963.11 2135.21
Add: Other Income 3791.79 1742.70
Operating profit before Interest 5754.90 3877.91
Less: Interest 754.98 1037.31
Profit Before Tax 4999.92 2840.60
Provision for Tax: Current Year 1292.71 814.00
Deferred Tax 508.23 82.18
FBT - 80.00
1800.94 976.18
Profit After Tax 3198.98 1864.42
Add: Surplus b/f from PY 842.15 1330.88
Amount available for appropriation 4041.13 3195.30
General Reserve No. 1 319.90 186.44
General Reserve No. II 284.42 259.99
Debenture Redemption Reserve A/c 383.29 987.61595.651042.08
Dividend Final (Proposed) 4100.78 1120.62
Tax on Dividend 232.65 1633.43 190.45 1311.07
Balance carried forward 1420.09 842.15
TURNOVER
Your Companys turnover during the year under review was Rs.373.42
Crores compared to Rs.336.79 Crores in the previous year, registering
an increase of 10.88% over last year.
PROFITS
Profit from Operations before other income and interest for the year
ended 31st March, 2010 stood at Rs. 19.63 Crores as against Rs 21.35
Crores in the previous year, reflecting a drop of 8%. Other income
includes dividends from subsidiaries of Rs. 37.27 Crores (previous year
Rs. 15.12 Crores). Profit before tax at Rs.50.00 Crores vis-a-vis Rs
28.41 Crores in the previous year reflected an increase of 76%. Profit
after tax in 2009-10 stood at Rs. 31.99 Crores as against Rs 18.64
Crores in the previous year.
DIVIDEND
Your Directors have recommended a dividend of Rs. 7.50 per share. This
will absorb a sum of Rs.16.33 Crores including Rs. 2.33 Crores by way
of dividend tax.
COFFEE SCENARIO:
The last year was a very important period for coffee. The global
futures prices which reflects overall demand and supply situation was
range bound between 110-145 c/lb for Arabica and $1280 to $1530 for
Robusta as overall demand-supply was balanced. However, specific
origins, Colombia in particular had a significant supply shortfall
leading to physical prices shooting up dramatically.
The steep fall in the Colombian coffee output from a steady 12 mln bags
p.a. to 8-9 mln bags last year impacted many roasters worldwide who had
this origin in their blend, and specifically those who had single
origin Colombian blends which meant that they were tied to this origin
and could not use other origins as replacement. This led to roasters
offering huge premiums to protect their Colombian supply as well as
attempt replacement, wherever possible with the result that physical
prices for
Arabicas from other origins shot up alongside. Indian Arabica prices
were further boosted by a low crop last year which led to domestic
prices outstripping international prices.
It was also an off year for Brazil which harvested a crop of 42 mln
bags which helped support the prices.
Robustas was not untouched by the Arabica situation. When Arabica
prices scaled heights, roasters tried to replace Arabicas with cheaper
Robustas which led to Robusta prices appreciating too but not to the
same extent as Arabica as the roasters found that they had hit the
limit where further use of Robustas would impact their blend. Indian
Robusta output was down by 20% which impacted the Washed Robusta prices
more than the Unwashed Robustas as Washed Robustas from India have very
few competitors while Unwashed Robustas have close replacement origins
in Uganda and Vietnam. Consequently, Washed Robusta prices appreciated
significantly whereas the Unwashed Robusta prices showed only marginal
appreciation as Vietnam with a crop of 16 mln bags added to a growing
stockpile of Unwashed Robustas worldwide.
The pressure of the recession gradually eased as the year went by and
green coffee went largely unscathed. Global consumption continued to
maintain its growth path at 2-2.5% p.a. even as consumption shifted
from out-of-home to in-home instead of consumers reducing consumption.
TEA SCENARIO
Black Tea production by major producing countries during
January/December 2009 totalled approx 1772 m. kgs against 1824 m. kgs
in 2008, showing a deficit of 52 m. kgs. The main contributors to this
shoftfall were Kenya, with 32 m. kgs and Sri Lanka with 29 m. kgs.
Against this, Malawi was up by about 11 m. kgs. India was only
marginally down, by 1.8 m. kgs. (totaling 979 m. kgs.).
Indian exports in 2009 are estimated at 191 m. kgs. against 203 m. kgs.
the year before, down by almost 12 m. kgs. Consumption in India is
reported to be rising by about 3 to 3.5% p.a., which amounts to approx.
25 to 28 m. kgs. in volume. In 2009, the carry forward stock from the
previous year was very small or even in deficit, if earlier years
production/ exports/ consumption figures are considered. This year
however, there is some carry over, due to high production during the
last quarter of 2009.
The current year, unlike 2009, has started with a significant increase
in South Indian production. During January/February, the estimate is 11
m. kgs. up. In the North, January/February has seen a deficit of 3 m.
kgs., so that the all-India surplus stands at around 8 m. kgs. However,
Assam has reportedly had good rains recently and the crop is likely to
improve from the second half of April.
At a global level also, the supply situation has improved considerably,
with Sri Lanka producing approximately 21 m. kgs. more during the first
two months while Kenya has added 25 m. kgs. The increase in production
so far is therefore already of the order of 54 m. kgs for the first two
months of the year.
While the supply situation in India may be more comfortable than the
previous year, this is likely to be absorbed by the domestic market
where quality products are in great demand. As a result of this, good
liquoring teas are still selling at last years levels or higher, while
medium/plain teas of both Orthodox and CTC varieties have seen lower
prices.
OPERATIONS:
Plantations:
The Company achieved an all time record Robusta coffee production at
7285 Tonnes as against 4225 Tonnes harvested during previous year. The
Arabica production was higher at 2171 Tonnes compared to 1551 Tonnes
harvested during previous year. The overall Coffee Production for the
Company was 9456 Tonnes during the year under review as compared to
5776 Tonnes during previous year.
The prospects for the coming season appear to be normal. Though there
has been a delay in blossom showers, the Company has ensured extensive
coverage of its Robusta area with blossom irrigation. Available water
was used for Arabica irrigation as well.
On the Tea front too, the Company has achieved a record of 7.994
Million Kgs at Anamallais and in the two estates in Karnataka in the
year 2009-10 as against 7.606 Million Kgs during previous year.
The Pepper,crop stood at 884 Tonnes as against 1515 Tonnes harvested
during previous year. The decline in crop was on account of biennial
bearing, having harvested a record crop during 2008/09.
Curing Works:
The Companys Curing Works at Kushalnagar cured a total of 10427 MT
during the year as against 11195 MT in the previous year. In addition
331 MT of Monsooned coffee was processed as against 365 MT in the
previous year. The quantity received for curing was lower, due to the
all time low crop picked during the 2008/09 season.
The unit will be handling a higher crop in the next financial year in
view of the increased volumes of the 2009/10 seasons coffee received
for curing. The unit registered an improved performance during the year
due to the various cost reduction initiatives undertaken through
continuous process improvement in the factory and better husk sale
realization.
The grading and steaming operations of the Companys pepper produce, is
also being handled at the Pepper Unit in Kushalnagar Works premises,
which is certified for ISO 22000.
Timber Value Addition:
Strengthening our way forward in value addition, the Division added
semi densified film face plywood, high quality Block Boards which can
be used as doors. In our existing product range we have Marine,
Commercial plywood, Block board, Fire Retardant composite panels and
Sound absorbing panels. The market performance of our products
continues to be satisfactory in spite of a slow down in the
construction industry.
Exports:
During the year 2009/10, your Company exported 3633 mt of coffee as
against 3316 mt in the previous year. As in earlier years, Italy
continues to be the prime destination.
Your Company continued its drive towards differentiated sales and the
total sales stood at 643 mt.
Quality Awards:
Your Companys efforts in promoting its coffee at the international
levels, especially in the Specialty and Estate Specific coffee segment
has been continuing. Winning a total of 16 awards at the International
Cupping competition held at Atlanta during 2009 is a testimony of its
success in this direction. This year a total of 10 samples have entered
the final round of the international cupping competition which is
scheduled to be held in Anaheim, California.
Instant Coffee Division:
During the year under review, the Division has made a steady progress
in sales volume quarter on quarter overcoming the impact of economic
recession. Though the total export volume (3536 MT) was more or less
the same as in the previous year (3758 MT), the quarterly sales during
the 3rd and 4th quarters were almost double the volumes recorded in the
corresponding quarters of the previous year. The period also witnessed
the highest sales of Agglomerated coffee and Freeze dried coffee which
have higher margins compared to other product variant viz. spray dried
coffee powder.
In its endeavour to develop Non-Russian market and to meet diversified
customer groups/segments, the Company has undertaken several
initiatives towards improving the quality of Freeze dried coffee and
developing new products for specific markets. The thrust has also been
on cost control through lean initiatives, improved productivity and
restructuring of the purchasing process of green coffee and packing
materials.
The Instant coffee unit at Theni received the "SA 8000" accreditation
during the year from M/s. Bureau Veritas Certification for employee
welfare and ensuring safe working atmosphere.
TRADING OPERATIONS
Coffee Value-Added Products
Your Company is maintaining its current position in the Roast and
Ground segment and post launching of Instant coffee in the Hot Tea Shop
segment, is exploring opportunities for Instant Coffee in the Retail
segment. Your Company is also supplying Instant coffee as a private
label to a few retail chains. Your Companys Roast and Ground Plant has
been rated as the best in the country and awarded the Gold medal at the
recently concluded India International Coffee Fesjwal 2009. It is also
the only roastery in the country which processes 100% certified coffees
in its operations. Better cost and price management has ensured
improved performance this year. Your Company continues to be a leading
player in the Vending business. The year has seen a very healthy
improvement in sales and contribution over the previous year.
PLANTATION TRAILS
Your Companys Hospitality business has performed well and has exceeded
its profitability budget. Overall customer satisfaction levels have
seen an improvement by 30% over the previous years scores. The main
focus in the current year is to ensure that the Division offers the
right product and service thereby enhancing customer experience.
GREEN TEA POLYPHENOL
Due to non-availability of statutory approvals from the local and
District level authorities and having regard to Anamallais being
declared as "Tiger Reserve" by the Government as a result of which
getting permission for construction of a factory in the Anamallais area
is unlikely, the proposal for setting up the Polyphenol project has
been dropped.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
During 2009-10, Rs.849.10 Lakhs was incurred, primarily on account of
welfare, modernisation, up-gradation and other programmes undertaken in
the various units of the Company.
SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
Eight O Clock Coffee Company
Eight O Clock Coffee Company (EOC) registered an excellent performance
in the fiscal year ended 31 st March, 2010. Sales and Turnover stood at
43.998 mm lbs and Rs.959.08 Crores respectively in the year under
review as against 37.678 mm lbs and Rs.801.99 Crores for the fiscal
year ended 31st March, 2009. The Profit before Tax at Rs.135.60 Crores
(Rs.53.17 Crores in the previous year) and Profit after Tax at Rs.76.87
Crores (Rs.32.57 Crores in the previous year) registered an increase of
155% and 136% respectively over the previous year.
The improved performance was inter-alia achieved through higher sales,
effective green coffee hedging strategy, implementation of right sizing
plan and cost management initiatives. There was a marked improvement in
EOC sales in all significant channels viz. grocery, mass and club.
Aggressive position management on green coffee procurement resulted in
considerable savings. Savings were also generated from direct purchase
of Columbian bean and development of new blends.
During the year under review, EOC retired debt worth USD 15.21 mm and
refinanced Senior debt which automatically improved flexibility in
operations and also resulted in reduction in coupon rate. EOC paid out
dividend amounting to USD 15.5 mm in the year 2009-10.
Alliance Coffee Limited
Gross earnings by way of commission income during the year under review
was Rs 453.44 Lacs as against Rs. 491.95 Lacs during the previous year,
representing a 7.83% decrease. Profit before depreciation and taxation
during the year under review was Rs. 330.99 Lacs as against Rs. 383.06
Lacs during the previous year. After providing for depreciation and
taxation, the Companys net profit for the year was placed at Rs 215.27
Lacs as against Rs. 247.77 Lacs in the previous year. The performance
of the Company was affected in the first and second quarter on account
of recessionary situation and global slowdown in the Russian, CIS and
other markets; however the position improved in the second half of the
year.
The Company has been granted exemption by the Ministry of Corporate
Affairs, Government of India, from attaching with its Balance Sheet the
copy of the Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Account, Directors Report,
Auditors Report of Alliance Coffee Limited, Eight O Clock Coffee
Company, USA and Consolidated Coffee Inc., USA and other documents
required to be attached under Section 212 (1) of the Companies Act,
1956. As required under the Listing Agreement with the Stock Exchanges
and in terms of the said communication of the Ministry of Corporate
Affairs, consolidated financial statements of the Company together with
its subsidiaries are attached. Any shareholder may ask for a copy or
inspect at the registered office a copy of the Annual Accounts of
Alliance Coffee Limited and the consolidated financial statements of
Consolidated Coffee Inc., USA which includes the Eight O Clock Coffee
Company financials. The annual accounts of Consolidated Coffee Inc.,
USA (consolidated) and Alliance Coffee Limited would also be posted on
the Companys website.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company has been in compliance with all the conditions of corporate
governance as stipulated in Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement with the
Stock Exchanges. The detailed Report on Corporate Governance in terms
of Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement and a certificate of the Auditors
thereon is attached to the Annual Report.
EMPLOYEES WELFARE
Your Companys thrust towards ensuring its employees health and welfare
has been continuing. Recognition and Rewards introduced by the Company
at the Estate/Unit level has resulted in increased productivity and
higher remuneration to the workers by way of incentives. The
re-certification of SA-8000 standard by M/s. Det Norske Veritas stands
as a testimony to the Companys commitment to comply with the
international requirements which is beyond statutory norms, under
Social Accountability. The Company has also been certified under
Rainforest Alliance, reflecting commitment towards protecting the
environment and the eco system, ultimately leading to a safe working
place for the workers. The Company has also undertaken a study of the
housing of its entire labour force and the facilities provided therein,
together with a Human Development Index (HDI) study, so as to compare
the living condition and education levels of our employees with world
standard.
DIRECTORATE
Mr. Hameed Huq, on ceasing to be Executive Director (Plantations) was
appointed as Additional Director by the Board with effect from 3rd
January, 2010 and also elevated to the position of Managing Director of
the Company from the said date for a period of 3 years. As Additional
Director, Mr. Huq holds office up to the date of the ensuing Annual
General Meeting of the Company in terms of Section 260 of the Companies
Act, 1956 and is eligible for re-appointment as Director not liable to
retire by rotation under the Articles of Association. The Company has
received notice from a Member under Section 257 of the Act signifying
his intention to propose the appointment of Mr. Huq as Director at the
forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Mr. R.K. Krishna Kumar, Mr. P.T. Signaporia and Ms. Sangeeta Talwar
retire by rotation and are eligible for re-appointment.
Ms. Barbara A. Roth resigned from the Board with effect from 8th
October, 2009. Mr. M.H. Ashraff who served the Board as Managing
Director for a period of 10 years and Mr.A.Sengupta, Executive Director
(Instant Coffee Operations) who served the Company for over 10 years
demitted their respective offices with effect from 3rd January, 2010.
Your Directors wish to place on record their appreciation for the
significant and valuable contribution made by Mr.Ashraff and
Mr.Sengupta during their long association with the Company.
SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
The year 2009-2010 has been another eventful year for The Coorg
Foundations Public Charitable Trust established by TATA Coffee which
continues to promote welfare activities in the field of Healthcare,
Education, Sports, Culture & Environment. The Foundation provided
assistance to several individuals in need of critical medical care
directly and also through other TATA Trusts. Donations were made to
various medical institutions for conducting free eye camps and
infrastructure development.
"SWASTHA", one of the major projects of the Foundation, meant for
serving the differently abled children in centres at Suntikoppa &
Pollibetta, continues to maintain high standards of service and
progress in the right direction. Under the able guidance of highly
motivated resource persons, the children, besides being taught basic
self help skills and reading and writing, are provided with vocational
trainings, viz. making of a variety of paper products, candles,
greeting cards, tailoring, printing & mushroom cultivation. The
children have also won several medals in various sporting events at the
state and national level. SWASTHA was awarded "The Best Institution for
Disabled" by the Government of Karnataka on World Disabled Day on 3rd
December, 2009.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
Information required under Section 217(2A) of the Companies Act, 1956
read with The Companies (Particulars of Employees) Rules, 1975 is given
in the Annexure forming part of this Report. However, as per the
provisions of Section 219(1)(b)(iv), the Report and Accounts are being
sent to all Shareholders of the Company excluding the Statement of
Particulars of Employees. Any Shareholder interested in obtaining such
particulars may inspect the same at the Registered Office of the
Company or write to the Company for a copy.
PARTICULARS OF CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND
FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The Statement pursuant to Section 217(1 )(e) of the Companies Act, 1956
read with The Companies (Disclosure of Particulars in the Report of the
Board of Directors) Rules, 1988 is attached.
RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to Section 217(2AA) of the Companies Act, 1956, the Directors,
based on the representation received from the operating management
confirm:
(i) that in the preparation of the accounts for the financial year
ended 31 st March, 2010, the applicable accounting standards have been
followed and that there are no material departures;
(ii) that they have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgements and estimates that were reasonable and
prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of
the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profits of the
Company for that period;
(iii) that they have taken proper and sufficient care to the best of
their knowledge and ability for the maintenance of adequate accounting
records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956
for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and
detecting fraud and other irregularities;
(iv) that they have prepared the accounts for the financial year ended
31 st March, 2010 on a going concern basis.
AUDITORS
M/s. N.M. Raiji & Co., and M/s. SNB Associates, Auditors of the Company
hold office till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
The Auditors have furnished the certificate under Section 224(1) of the
Companies Act, 1956, of their eligibility for re-appointment.
On behalf of the Board
R.K. KRISHNA KUMAR
Chairman
Place: Mumbai
Dated; 13th May, 2010
Disclaimer: This is 3rd Party content/feed, viewers are requested to use their discretion and conduct proper diligence before investing, GoodReturns does not take any liability on the genuineness and correctness of the information in this article