Dear Stakeholders, It gives me immense pleasure to present the 30th
Annual Report of Varun Beverages Limited (VBL).
Ravi Jaipuria
Promoter & Non-Executive Chairman
Overview of the year
We are delighted to share that CY 2024 has been a year of healthy
operational and financial performance for VBL. Our revenue growth was supported by organic
volume expansion, improved product mix, and contributions from recent acquisitions. India
volumes grew 11.4%, reflecting the strength of our distribution network and operational
execution during a dynamic market environment. Our international business also maintained
strong momentum, with particularly encouraging results from the African markets following
the successful integration of BevCo in South Africa and the commissioning of our
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) facility. Consolidated volumes increased by 23.2%,
largely led by new territories resulting in consolidated revenues increase by 24.7%,
EBITDA growth of 30.5%, and PAT growth of 25.3% for the year.
Throughout the year, we focused on expanding our manufacturing
footprint and improving our on-ground execution capabilities. The commissioning of
multiple greenfield facilities across India and Africa, along with strategic partnerships
to diversify our portfolio into snacks and value-added beverages, reflects our commitment
to capitalizing on emerging consumer trends. Additionally, we took steps to further
strengthen our international presence by signing share purchase agreements to acquire
PepsiCo's business in
Tanzania and Ghana, subject to regulatory and other approvals.
Integration of these acquisitions, along with our operations in South Africa, shall
strengthen our presence in key international markets.
Strengthening growth capabilities
CY 2024 was marked by significant progress in expanding our
manufacturing footprint to meet growing demand across key markets. In India, we
commissioned three new greenfield facilities in Supa (Maharashtra), Gorakhpur (Uttar
Pradesh), and Khordha (Odisha). These state-of-the-art plants have enhanced our capacity
to cater to the increasing demand in under-penetrated markets.
Internationally, our Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) facility became
operational and rapidly scaled to 100% utilization within months. This remarkable
performance has reinforced our belief in the untapped potential of the region, and we are
now preparing for backward integration and the commissioning of a second facility to
strengthen our operations further.
Furthermore, a key aspect of our growth strategy is the continuous
expansion and enhancement of our distribution network and chilling infrastructure.
Strengthening these areas is crucial for deepening our presence in both established and
under-penetrated markets. These strategic investments reflect our proactive approach to
capturing growth opportunities and ensuring we are well-prepared to meet future demand.
Expanding partnership with PepsiCo
During the year, we deepened our collaboration with PepsiCo, venturing
into new segments and geographies to diversify and grow our product portfolio. In CY 2024,
we entered into an Exclusive Snacks Appointment Agreement to manufacture and package
Cheetos in Morocco by May 2025. Building on this momentum, we signed another exclusive
snacks franchising appointment for "Simba Munchiez" in Zimbabwe and Zambia, with
distribution starting in February 2025, and manufacturing set to commence by October 2025
and April 2026, respectively. Our expansion into the snacks market in these three
countries marks a key milestone in enhancing our portfolio and leveraging synergies with
our existing infrastructure.
CY 2024 was marked by significant progress in expanding our
manufacturing footprint to meet growing demand across key markets. In India, we
commissioned three new greenfield facilities in Supa (Maharashtra), Gorakhpur (Uttar
Pradesh), and Khordha (Odisha). These state-of-the-art plants have enhanced our capacity
to cater to the increasing demand in under-penetrated markets.
Accelerating growth in international markets
CY 2024 was a year of remarkable progress in strengthening our presence
in the African market. A key milestone was the successful integration of The Beverage
Company Proprietary Limited (BevCo) in South Africa, enhancing our operational
capabilities and accelerating growth across the continent. This acquisition enabled the
Company to consolidate its presence in franchised territories in South Africa, Lesotho,
and Eswatini, while also securing distribution rights in Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique,
and Madagascar. Building on this momentum, we further expanded our footprint through
strategic acquisitions in key African regions.
We also entered into share purchase agreements to acquire
PepsiCo's business in Tanzania and Ghana, subject to regulatory and other approvals.
This includes 100% stake in SBC Beverages Tanzania Limited (SBCT), a market leader with
five manufacturing facilities. SBCT's strong operational infrastructure and diverse
product portfolio, including PepsiCo brands and its own energy drink, Supa Komando,
position us to effectively address the growing consumer demand in East Africa.
Similarly, our acquisition of SBC Beverages Ghana Limited (SBCG) will
solidify our footprint in West Africa.
At VBL, sustainability is a cornerstone of our strategy. This year, we
furthered our commitment to environmental stewardship by broadening the scope of
initiatives like PET recycling, PET light-weighting, energy-efficient manufacturing,
increasing renewable energy contribution and water conservation. A key focus is achieving
a "net positive" water balance by replenishing more water than we use through
conservation, recycling, and groundwater recharge projects.
Sustainability Initiatives
At VBL, sustainability is a cornerstone of our strategy. This year, we
furthered our commitment to environmental stewardship by broadening the scope of
initiatives like PET recycling, PET light-weighting, energy-efficient manufacturing,
increasing renewable energy contribution and water conservation. A key focus is achieving
a "net positive" water balance by replenishing more water than we use
through conservation, recycling, and groundwater recharge projects, thereby ensuring a
positive impact on water resources. These efforts align with PepsiCo's global PEP+
objectives, reinforcing our shared commitment to a sustainable future.
Through these strategic initiatives, we have established a clear
roadmap for long-term sustainability. As part of this commitment, we have set ambitious Net-Zero
targets, officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi),
aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across our entire value chain by
2050.
Additionally, our dedication to environmental stewardship has earned us
a spot on the prestigious
CDP A List based on the 2024 CDP scores: A for
Climate A- for Water Security
This recognition underscores our commitment to sustainable practices
and our ongoing efforts to drive meaningful change. We continue to integrate
environmentally responsible practices across our operations, minimizing our footprint
while delivering value to stakeholders. Sustainability remains central to our growth,
enabling us to make a lasting impact in the communities and regions we serve.
QIP issue
In November 2024, we successfully raised 75,000 Million through a
Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP). Over 13.27 crore equity shares were allotted at
an issue price of 565 per share. This significant capital raise demonstrates the trust
and confidence of investors in the Company's strategic direction and long-term
potential.
The proceeds from this QIP have strengthened our financial position and
provided the flexibility to pursue our ambitious growth plans. These funds will support
our expansion into new geographies, strategic acquisitions, and further investment in
enhancing our operational capabilities.
Dividend & share-split
At VBL, managing our business efficiently for the benefit of all
stakeholders is a cornerstone of our philosophy. A critical element in delivering value to
our shareholders and securing their long-term confidence is through a consistent and
transparent return of capital. In alignment with this approach, our Board of Directors
established a formal dividend distribution policy following the Company's listing in
November 2016.
To broaden our shareholder base and increase the accessibility of our
shares to a diverse range of investors, we have sub-divided/split the existing equity
shares of VBL. Each equity share, previously with a face value of 5 and fully paid-up,
was sub-divided/split into two equity shares each having a new face value of 2.
During the year under review, the Board of Directors in their meeting
held on July 30, 2024 declared an interim dividend of 1.25 per Equity Share (face value
of 5/- per Equity Share) to the eligible equity shareholders of the Company. Further,
the Board of Directors have also recommended a final dividend of 0.50 per Equity Share
(face value of 2/- per Equity Share) for the Current Year 2024.
Message to stakeholders
As we reflect on another year of significant achievements, I extend my
heartfelt gratitude to all our stakeholders for their trust and support. Your confidence
in VBL has been instrumental in driving our success.
As we move forward, we remain focused on strengthening our market
position, leveraging growth opportunities in both domestic and international markets, and
maintaining our commitment to sustainable practices. Our dedication to innovation,
strategic expansion, and sustainability continues to guide our journey.
As we navigate dynamic market environments, we stay focused on
delivering sustainable growth and value while upholding our standards of excellence. We
look forward to a future of continued success and shared prosperity.
Vote of thanks
We express our deepest appreciation to our shareholders, investors,
bankers, and creditors for their support and belief in our vision. A special thanks to our
dedicated employees, whose tireless efforts and commitment have been instrumental in our
achievements. We are also immensely grateful to our Board of Directors for their guidance
and strategic insights, helping steer the Company towards new opportunities and sustained
growth. Your collective contributions have been invaluable in our journey, and we look
forward to your continued partnership.
Warm regards, |
Ravi Jaipuria |
Promoter & Non-Executive Chairman |