Dear Members,
Just as a gourmet meal leaves a lasting impression, our commitment to
quality and excellence sets us apart in the world of basmati rice. As we continue to
innovate and expand our horizons, we thank you for joining us on this flavourful journey
towards greatness.
As FY24 ends, we stand at a pivotal moment, poised to reflect on the
profound journey of our contribution to the industry. This annual report highlights our
collective resilience, innovation and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Harvesting opportunities through the evolving Global and Indian markets
In FY24, the global rice landscape encountered formidable challenges.
Rising consumption, environmental concerns and production challenges culminated in the
largest rice deficit in two decades. India saw a 22% surge in basmati rice exports,
reaching US$ 5.8 Billion in FY24. Basmati exports shipments rose to 5.24 Million metric
tonnes during this period, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. Shipments to
Africa grew by ~70% while shipments to Europe, North America and Asia grew by ~20%.
Despite challenges such as the Red Sea crisis impacting European exports, India maintained
its position as the world's leading rice exporter. Although food prices dropped
sharply from August 2023, rice prices increased significantly in recent months due to
disruptions in production, new trade restrictions and stockpiling in major producing
countries. Rice is essential for a substantial portion of the global population,
particularly in Asia and parts of Africa. With over half of the world's people
relying on rice as their primary calorie source, its significance in supporting
communities worldwide cannot be overstated. We remained resilient and adaptable, seeking
innovative solutions to address these pressing issues.
*Source - Mordor Intelligence report.
Mastering Challenges, Embracing Ingenuity and Celebrating Victories
In a world where every grain counts, our journey has been
extraordinary. Our flagship brand remained the World's No. 1 Basmati Rice
Brand, thanks to our customers' enduring trust and loyalty.
As FY24 ended, our story unfolded with great success. We achieved a
consolidated revenue from operations of _5,385 Crore. Domestic business achieved _3,936
Crore revenue during the year. In the competitive Indian branded basmati rice segment, we
lead with a market share of 35%* in general trade and 42%* in modern
trade.
Despite a decline in exports revenue, we remain optimistic about
overcoming these challenges and restoring previous revenue levels. Anticipating an uptake
in the global demand for basmati rice, prices are expected to remain robust in the
upcoming months. Rising to meet this demand, KRBL has proactively strengthened the supply
chain.
To further enhance our consumer experience, we launched Biryani Masala
in FY24, allowing consumers to enjoy the perfect taste of biryani from KRBL's basmati
rice and masala. We plan to introduce a range of healthy edible oils in the upcoming year,
broadening our product portfolio.
Amid this whirlwind, our net worth, now at _4,858 Crore, has reached an
all-time high. In FY24, the Company also rewarded its shareholders with an equity share
buy-back of _325 Crore. Our journey extends beyond financial success; it encompasses a
deep commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. Partnering
with the Akshaya Patra Foundation, we have served approximately 63 Lakh+ mid-day meals,
demonstrating our dedication towards the community. We continue to collaborate with the
community, strengthening initiatives focussed on nutrition, rural development, education
infrastructure, and other health-related efforts. The journey towards decarbonisation in
KRBL includes increasing our footprint of renewable energy, green infrastructure and
carbon sequestration. This includes reusing by-products such as rice husk across
operations and recycling waste, making the concept of circularity central to conducting
business at the Company. Around 90% of our total energy requirements for plant operations
were met from renewable sources. Our energy portfolio includes 112.25 MW in wind power, 17
MW in solar projects, and 17.59 MW in biomass segments. We aim to further reduce energy
consumption, water withdrawal and replenish 137,210 KL of water annually through recharge
wells.
In addition, we have taken steps to reduce carbon footprint through
extensive tree plantation projects, showcasing our commitment to environmental
conservation. Our focus on water stewardship is evident in our near-zero wastewater
discharge across all our sites, highlighting our dedication to responsible water
management. We actively promote rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge initiatives.
These efforts demonstrate our belief in the importance of sustainability and our
dedication to positively impacting the environment and society.
Domestic business achieved 3,936
Crore revenue during the year. In the competitive Indian branded
basmati rice segment, we lead with a market share of 35%* in general trade and 42%* in
modern trade
As we look back at our journey, we are filled with gratitude for the
steadfast support of our stakeholders. Together, we have weathered storms and embraced
victories, each step bringing us closer to our vision of excellence. The future beckons,
we have exciting plans and vision for FY25, as we stand ready to embrace it with open
arms, knowing that our story is far from over.
Yours sincerely, |
Anil Kumar Mittal |
Chairman & Managing Director |