Dear Shareholders,
Your Directors are pleased to present the 28th Annual Report
and the Audited Accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2024. FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
The summarized financial performance (Standalone and Consolidated) of
the Company:
(RS. in Lakhs)
Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
|
FY2023-24 |
FY 2022-23 |
FY 2023-24 |
FY 2022-23 |
Total Income |
1346.02 |
10,344.86 |
39,264.62 |
40,567.49 |
Profit / (Loss) before Exceptional Items |
(8,562.48) |
(8,308.01) |
(7,700.30) |
(13,952.00) |
Share of loss in Associate Company and Joint Venture |
NA |
NA |
(256.02) |
(276.25) |
Add/ (Less): Exceptional Items |
(10,515.18) |
(44,593.35) |
(5,677.54) |
(17,650.25) |
Profit / (Loss) Before Tax |
(19,077.66) |
(52,901.36) |
(13,633.86) |
(31,878.50) |
Profit / (Loss) After Tax |
(19,077.66) |
(52,855.59) |
(13,468.26) |
(32,194.84) |
Profit / (Loss) After Share of Associates and Minority
Interest |
NA |
NA |
(13,520.58) |
(32,168.88) |
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Future Consumer Limited ("FCL"/ "Company") is
a leading consumer goods company with a solid asset base, including a portfolio of
well-known consumer brands, Supermarket Retail Formats, and Back-End Infrastructure, such
as India Food Park, Aadhaar Wholesale & Retail, and Nilgiris Dairy Farm. FCL's
strengths include its consumer brands portfolio, recognised and respected nationwide.
Moreover, its presence in India's rural markets give it an edge over competitors.
With a commitment to innovation and quality, FCL has consistently
delivered products that cater to our customers' evolving needs and preferences. Our
portfolio of well-known retail Brands ensures a diverse and comprehensive range of
offerings customer satisfaction has been a critical driver for us, resulting in continuous
improvement of products and services. With a strong focus on sustainability and social
responsibility, the Company works to impact society and the environment positively.
The setback with the Scheme of Arrangement with Reliance and its impact
on Future Retail stores have been significant as they were our largest customer. Their
subsequent admission into the IBC process jeopardised our receivables of INR 378.03 Crore
from them.
Our unwavering focus remains on executing the scaled-down business plan
which was formulated last year. This plan, with its key aspects of focusing on our
Nilgiris and Aadhaar businesses, is designed to ensure our sustainability and provide a
robust sales channel for our brand portfolio. We are also capitalising on the potential of
Integrated Food Park Business and leveraging our well-known brands in the general trade
markets. Our strategy to make the Aadhaar and Nilgiris Retail Business, along with India
Foodpark, cashflow positive has been successful. We are gradually. expanding the General
Trade channels with a limited set of Brands, a testament to our commitment to growth and
innovation.
On the debt repayment plan, we continue to work with the lenders on the
Non-Core Business Monetization plan that the Lenders approved during the last financial
year. The efforts we made to reach out to potential buyers directly and engage a few
Investment Bankers have resulted in the Company having binding offers for all the critical
assets that formed the monetisation plan. But any project of this nature does take time
and is likely to be completed in current financial year. The lenders continue to support
our efforts and have allowed your Company to run its subsidiaries in a full-fledged manner
while we curtail operations and optimise the costs of the holding Company, FCL.
We are putting all efforts required to resolving your Company's
debt situation with the lenders in this financial year with the lenders settling their
dues from the monetisation proceeds. Then, we focus on growing the Company from a smaller
base with our portfolio of brands, and we are confident that we can get back to achieving
the Company's vision.
Despite the challenging macro-environment, marked by geopolitical
tensions, decadal-high inflation, monetary tightening, and rising interest rates, our
Company's subsidiaries have demonstrated remarkable resilience. They have not only
weathered these storms but also grown profitably, setting a strong foundation for our next
phase of growth.
During the year under review, your Company has recorded consolidated
revenue from operations of ' 36,980.48 Lakhs as against revenue from operations of Rs.
38,115.08 Lakhs in the previous year. EBITDA profit of the Company increased to Rs. 216.09
Lakhs as compared to previous year a loss of Rs. 5,385.51 Lakhs during the year under
review. The loss after tax attributable to the Company reduced from Rs. 32,194.84 Lakhs in
FY23 to Rs. 13,468.26 Lakhs in FY24.
Material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of
the Company between the end of financial year under review and date of this Report, forms
part of this Report.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
Your company believes India's medium to long-term consumption
opportunity remains intact, and we have the platform to leverage it.
FCL is resolute in its conviction of the immense potential for brand
growth within our existing network of Aadhaar and Nilgiris. These channels provide a
distinct advantage, enabling us to establish controlled distribution across all our
categories and brands. This strategic distribution will enhance our market presence and
foster a robust data ecosystem, setting us apart in the industry.
Our focus is on maximizing the potential of our Integrated Food Park
Business and leveraging our well-known brands in the general trade markets. Our strategic
approach is to ensure that all these businesses remain cash-flow positive. We will work on
expanding the distribution coverage with a few well-known brands and partnering with
companies with strong distribution capabilities.
During the current financial year (2024-25), the company expects to
resolve the debt situation with the banks and grow profitably through organically driven
sales growth and operational efficiency. Brand-building efforts, back-end productivity
improvements related to the workforce and third- party manufacturers, and leveraging our
network will help achieve the profitable growth outlined in the business plan.
UNCLAIMED SHARES
In terms of the provisions of Schedule V of SEBI (Listing Obligations
and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, as amended ("SEBI Listing
Regulations"), details about unclaimed shares in suspense account as on 31st
March, 2024 are as under:
Description |
No. of Shareholders |
No. of Shares |
Aggregate number of shareholders and outstanding shares in
the suspense account as on 1st April, 2023 |
1 |
600 |
Aggregate number of shareholders who approached the Company
for transfer from suspense account upto 31st March, 2024 |
|
|
Number of shareholders to whom shares were transferred from
suspense account upto 31st March, 2024 |
|
|
Aggregate number of shareholders and outstanding shares in
the suspense account as on 31st March, 2024 |
1 |
600 |
The Company has opened separate suspense account with Central
Depository Services (India) Limited and has credited the said unclaimed shares to this
suspense account. The voting rights in respect of shares maintained under the suspense
account shall remain frozen till the rightful owner makes any claim over such shares.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
Your Directors do not propose to transfer any amount to reserves.
DIVIDEND
In view of losses incurred and with an objective to conserve the
resources, your Directors have not recommended any dividend on equity shares for the
financial year ended 31st March, 2024.
In accordance with the provisions of Regulation 43A of SEBI Listing
Regulations, the Company has adopted a Dividend Distribution Policy which is made
available on the website of the Company https://futureconsumer.in/investors.aspx#policies-
code
SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT
The Scheme of Arrangement comprising of the merger of wholly-owned
subsidiaries viz. Future Food and Products Limited and Future Food Processing Limited ("Transferor
Companies") with the Company ("Transferee Company") ("Scheme
1"), filed with the Hon'ble NCLT during the financial year 2021-22, was
approved by Hon'ble NCLT, Mumbai Bench vide its order dated 10th November,
2023 and the certified copy of order was received by the Company on 24th
November, 2023. The required forms were filed with the Registrar of Companies on 30th
November, 2023 and the Scheme has been made effective from the said date.
The draft Scheme of Arrangement comprising merger of Nilgiris Franchise
Limited, Nilgiri's Mechanised Bakery Private Limited and Bloom Foods and Beverages
Private Limited ("Transferor Companies") the Company ("Transferee
Company") ("Scheme 2") filed with the Hon'ble NCLT, Mumbai Bench
on 30th June, 2023. Subsequently, the Board of Directors had at their meeting
held on 14th August, 2023, approved amendment to the draft Scheme 2 by changing
the Appointed Date from 1st April, 2022 to 1st April, 2023. Further,
the Board of Directors considering that presently the Company has been facing severe
liquidity issues and due to funding constraints the Company is unable to pay fees of the
legal counsels to carry out the completion of Scheme 2, had approved withdrawal of the
Scheme 2 at their meeting held on 23rd May, 2024, subject to approval of the
Hon'ble NCLT and other regulatory authorities as may be required.
The Transferor and Transferee companies are in the process of filing
the application for withdrawal of the Scheme 2 with NCLT for approval.
INCREASE IN SHARE CAPITAL
There has been no change in the share capital of the Company during the
year under review.
SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATE COMPANIES
As on 31st March, 2024, your Company had following
Subsidiary and Joint Venture companies:
Sr. Name of the company No. |
Category |
1. Aadhaar Wholesale Trading and Distribution Limited |
Subsidiary |
2. Amar Chitra Katha Private Limited ("ACKPL") |
Subsidiary (ceased with effect from 14th June.2
023) |
3. Appu Nutritions Private Limited |
Subsidiary |
4. Aussee Oats India Limited |
Subsidiary of FCL Tradevest |
5. Aussee Oats Milling (Private) Limited |
Subsidiary |
6. Bloom Foods and Beverages Private Limited |
Subsidiary |
7. Delect Spices and Herbs Private Limited |
Subsidiary of FCL Tradevest |
8 FCEL Overseas FZCO |
Subsidiary |
9. FCL Tradevest Private Limited ("FCL Tradevest") |
Subsidiary |
10. Future Food and Products Limited |
Subsidiary of FCL Tradevest (ceased with effect from 30th
November, 2023) |
11 Future Food Processing Limited |
Subsidiary of FCL Tradevest (ceased with effect from 30th
November, 2023) |
12. Fonterra Future Dairy Private Limited |
Joint Venture (Joint Venture has been terminated) |
13. Hain Future Natural Products Private Limited |
Joint Venture |
14. IBH Books & Magazines Distributors Limted |
Subsidiary of ACKPL (ceased with effect from 14th
June,2023) |
15. Ideas Box Entertainment Limited |
Subsidiary of ACKPL (ceased with effect from 14th
June,2023) |
16. Integrated Food Park Limited |
Subsidiary of FCL Tradevest |
17. MNS Foods Limited |
Associate of FCL Tradevest |
18. Nilgiris Franchise Limited |
Subsidiary |
19. Nilgiri's Mechanised Bakery Private Limited |
Subsidiary |
20. Sublime Foods Limited ("Sublime") |
Subsidiary of FCL Tradevest |
21. The Nilgiri Dairy Farm Private Limited
("NDFPL") |
Subsidiary |
22. FCL Speciality Foods Private Limited |
Subsidiary of Sublime |
During year under review,
1.Consequent to preferential allotment of shares by MNS Foods Limited
done during the year, MNS Foods Limited has ceased to be a step- down subsidiary of the
Company with effect from 18th December, 2023.
2.Consequent to sale of shares of Amar Chitra Katha Private Limited ("ACKPL")
by the Company, ACKPL has ceased to be the subsidiary of the Company with effect from
14th June, 2023.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act,
2013, a statement containing salient features of financial statements of Subsidiaries and
Joint Venture companies in Form AOC-1 is attached separately to this Annual Report.
The performance, financial position and contribution of each of the
Subsidiaries and Joint Venture companies to the performance of the Company, is provided
under Management Discussion and Analysis Report, which is presented separately and forms
part of this Report.
The policy for determining material subsidiaries as approved by the
Board of Directors of the Company is available on the website of the Company -
https://futureconsumer.in/investors. aspx#policies-code
As on 31st March, 2024, Aadhaar Wholesale Trading and
Distribution Limited, Integrated Food Park Limited and The Nilgiri Dairy Farm Private
Limited have been identified as material subsidiaries of the Company as per the thresholds
laid down under the aforesaid policy.
In accordance to the provisions of Section 136(1) of the Companies Act,
2013, the Annual Report of the Company, containing therein standalone and the consolidated
financial statements of the Company and the audited financial statements of each of the
subsidiary companies have been placed on the website of the Company - www.futureconsumer.
in.
The audited financial statements in respect of each subsidiary company
shall also be kept open for inspection at the Registered Office of the Company during
working hours for a period of 21 days before the date of ensuing Annual General Meeting.
The aforesaid documents relating to subsidiary companies can be made available to any
Member interested in obtaining the same upon a request in that regards made to the
Company.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Pursuant to the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 ("IND
AS") notified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Company has adopted the
Indian Accounting Standards with effect from 1st April, 2016. Accordingly, the
Standalone and Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, for
the year ended 31st March, 2024 have been prepared in accordance with IND AS.
The audited Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance
with IND AS are provided in this Annual Report.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS GRANTED, GUARANTEE PROVIDED AND INVESTMENTS
MADE PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 186 OF THE COMPANIES ACT,
2013
Details of loans granted, guarantees provided and investments made by
the Company under the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013, are provided
under Note No. 38 to Standalone Financial Statements of the Company, forming part of this
Annual Report.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has formulated policy on materiality of related party
transactions and dealing with related party transactions ("RPT Policy")
in accordance to the provisions of Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI Listing Regulations. The
RPT Policy is available on the website of the Company - https://futureconsumer.in/
investors.aspx#policies-code.
All transactions with related parties are placed before the Audit
Committee for review and are approved by the Independent Directors being members of the
Audit Committee. Prior omnibus approval is obtained for transactions with related parties
which are repetitive in nature.
All transactions entered into with related parties during the financial
year under review were in the ordinary course of business and on an arm's length
basis. The disclosure in respect of material contracts or arrangements with related
parties, as required under Section 134(3)(h) of the Companies Act, 2013 is made in Form
AOC-2 which is annexed to this Report as Annexure I.
INTERNAL AUDIT AND INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS
The Company has an internal audit system commensurate with the size of
the Company and the nature of its business. The Company has appointed M/s. S N & Co,
Chartered Accountants as the Internal Auditors of the Company. The internal auditor
prepares an annual audit plan based on risk assessment and conducts extensive reviews
covering financial, operational and compliance controls. Improvements in processes are
identified during reviews and communicated to the management on an ongoing basis. The
Audit Committee of the Board monitors the performance of the internal auditors on a
periodic basis through review of audit plans, audit findings and issue resolution through
follow- ups. Each year, there are at least four meetings in which the Audit Committee
reviews internal audit findings. Internal Audit function plays a key role in providing to
both the management and to the Audit Committee, an objective view and re-assurance of the
overall internal control systems and effectiveness of the risk management processes and
the status of compliances with operating systems, internal policies and regulatory
requirements across the Company including its subsidiaries. The Internal Auditors assist
in setting Industry benchmarks and help us drive implement best Industry practice within
our organization.
The Company has an adequate system of internal financial controls.
Internal Audit team conducts Internal Financial Review (IFC) testing on yearly basis as
per Companies Act 2013, to ensure adequate and effective Internal Control over Financial
Reporting is in place. The same is also being certified by our statutory auditors on a
yearly basis.
The Company has adopted policies and procedures covering all financial
and operating functions. These controls have been designed to provide a reasonable
assurance over:
Accuracy and completeness of the accounting records
Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
Effectiveness and efficiency of operations
Prevention and detection of frauds and errors
Safeguarding of assets from unauthorised use or losses. Based on
the assessment carried out by the Company, the internal financial controls were adequate
and effective and no reportable material weakness or significant deficiencies in the
design or operation of internal financial controls were observed, during the financial
year ended 31st March, 2024.
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
The Board of Directors of the Company ("Board"), on
the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration/ Compensation Committee ("NRC
Committee") had at their meeting held on 5th August, 2023, appointed
Mr. Birendra Kumar Agrawal as an Additional Independent Director of the Company with
effect from 5th August, 2023, for a term of five years, subject to approval of
the shareholders of the Company. The Board, on the recommendation of the NRC Committee,
had at the said meeting also appointed Ms. Lynette Monteiro as an Additional Non-Executive
and Non-Independent Director of the Company with effect from 5th August, 2023,
to hold office upto the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company. The
approval of the Shareholders of the Company was subsequently obtained at the 27th
AGM held on 4th November, 2023, for appointment of Mr. Birendra Kumar Agrawal
as an Independent Director of the Company and Ms. Lynette Monteiro as Non-Executive and
NonIndependent Director of the Company.
The Board, on the recommendation of the NRC Committee, had at their
meeting held on 23rd October, 2023 appointed Mr. Samson Samuel as an Additional
Director of the Company with effect from 23rd October, 2023 and had also
designated him as a Managing Director of the Company for the period of 3 (three) years
with effect from 23rd October, 2023. In terms of the provisions of Section 161
of the Companies Act, 2013, the office of directorship of Mr. Samson Samuel was vacated
upon conclusion of the 27th Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 4th
November, 2023. Thereafter, the Board, on the basis of recommendation made by the NRC
Committee, had at their meeting held on 4th November, 2023 appointed Mr. Samson
Samuel as an Additional Director of the Company with effect from 4th November,
2023. Further, the Board on the basis of recommendation made by the NRC Committee, had at
the said meeting, subject to approval of the Shareholders of the Company and such other
consents and approvals that may be required in terms of applicable laws, also designated
Mr. Samson Samuel, as the Managing Director of the Company for a period of 3 (three) years
with effect from 4th November, 2023. Subsequently, the approval of the
Shareholders of the Company was obtained on 2nd February, 2024, by way of
postal ballot, for appointment of Mr. Samson Samuel as a Director of the Company, whose
term shall be liable to retire by rotation and also as Managing Director of the Company,
for a period of three years with effect from 4th November, 2023.
Further, the Board, on the recommendation of the NRC Committee had at
their meeting held on 29th December,
2023, appointed Mr. Ravi Shankar Shrivastava as an Additional
Independent Director of the Company with effect from 29th December, 2023, for a
term of five years, subject to approval of the shareholders of the Company. Subsequently,
the approval of the Shareholders of the Company was obtained on 2nd February,
2024, by way of postal ballot, for appointment of Mr. Ravi Shankar Shrivastava as an
Independent Director of the Company.
The Board, on the recommendation of the NRC Committee had at their
meeting held on 9th February, 2024, appointed Ms. Preeti Singhal as an
Additional Independent Director of the Company with effect from 9th February,
2024, for a term of five years, subject to approval of the shareholders of the Company.
The Board, on the recommendation of the NRC Committee, had at the said meeting also
appointed Ms. Shivangi Sharma as an Additional Non-Executive and Non-Independent Director
of the Company with effect from 9th February, 2024, to hold office upto the
date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company. The approval of the Shareholders
of the Company was subsequently obtained on 6th May, 2024, by way of postal
ballot, for appointment of Ms. Preeti Singhal as an Independent Director of the Company
and Ms. Shivangi Sharma as NonExecutive and Non- Independent Director of the Company.
The Company has received respective declaration(s) from Mr. Birendra
Kumar Agrawal, Mr. Ravi Shankar Shrivastava and
Ms. Preeti confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as
provided under sub-section (6) of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation
16(1)(b) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Companies Act,
2013 and that of the Articles of Association, Ms.Monteiro, Non-Executive Director is
liable to retire from the Board of the Company by rotation at the forthcoming Annual
General Meeting ("AGM") and being eligible, has offered herself for being
re-appointed at the AGM.
The Notice convening forthcoming AGM includes the proposal for
re-appointment of Ms. Lynette Monteiro. A brief resume of the Director seeking
re-appointment at the forthcoming AGM and other details as required to be disclosed in
terms of Regulation 36(3) of the SEBI Listing Regulations and Secretarial Standard on
General Meetings ("SS-2") forms part of the Notice calling the AGM.
As on 31st March, 2024, in terms of confirmation received
from respective Director(s), none of the Directors are disqualified for
appointment/re-appointment under Section 164 of the Companies Act, 2013. The Company has
received individual declarations from following Independent Director(s) of the Company as
on 31st March, 2024, stating that they meet the criteria of independence as
provided under sub-section (6) of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation
16(1)(b) of the SEBI Listing Regulations:
a)Mr. Birendra Kumar Agrawal
b)Mr. Ravi Shankar Shrivastava
c)Ms. Preeti Singhal
In terms of Regulation 25(8) of the SEBI Listing Regulations, the
Independent Director(s) have confirmed that they are not aware of any circumstance or
situation which exists or may be anticipated that could impair or impact their ability to
discharge their duties with an objective independent judgment and without any external
influence. The Board is of the opinion that Independent Directors possess highest
standards of integrity and requisite expertise and experience required to fulfil the
duties as an Independent Director of the Company.
During the year under review, Mr. G N Bajpai resigned as Independent
Director of the Company with effect from 2nd June, 2023 due to his advancing
age and Ms. Neelam Chhiber resigned as Independent Director of the Company with effect
from 30th December, 2023 due to the reason for focusing on her personal
matters. Further, Ms. Ashni Biyani, Mr. Rajnikant Sabnavis and
Mr. Amit Kumar Agarwal resigned as Directors of the Company with effect
from 5th June, 2023, 17th November, 2023 and 15th January,
2024 respectively.
Further, Mr. Kishore Biyani had incurred disqualification in terms of
the provisions of Section 164(2) of the Companies Act, 2013 and accordingly, in terms of
the provisions of Section 167(1)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013, his office of Directorship
as Vice Chairman and Non-Executive Director of the Company was vacated with effect from 21st
October, 2023.
The Board wishes to place on record their appreciation for the
contributions made by each Director during their tenure as member of the Board of
Directors of the Company.
Consequent to the appointment of Mr. Samson Samuel as the Managing
Director of the Company, he ceased to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Company with
effect from 23rd October, 2023.
After the year under review following changes have taken place in Board
composition:
i.Mr. Ravi Shankar Shrivastava resigned from the position of an
Independent Director from Board of Directors of the Company with effect from 21st
October, 2024.
ii.The Board on the recommendation of NRC Committee appointed Ms.
Jayshree Prajapat as an Additional Independent Director at their meeting held on 28th
November, 2024.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
During the financial year 2023-24, 10 (Ten) meetings of the Board of
Directors were held on the following dates:
30th May, 2023, 5th August, 2023, 14th
August, 2023, 29th August, 2023, 23rd October, 2023, 4th
November, 2023, 9th November, 2023, 29th December, 2023, 9th
February, 2024 and 27th March, 2024.
The details of composition of the Board and the attendance of the
Directors at the meetings is provided in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part
of this Annual Report.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
As on 31st March, 2024, the composition of Audit Committee
has been as under:
a)Mr. Birendra Kumar Agrawal
b)Ms. Preeti Singhal
c)Ms. Shivangi Sharma
During the financial year 2023-24, four meetings of Audit Committee
were held on the following dates: 30th May, 2023, 14th August, 2023,
9th November, 2023 and 9th February, 2024
Further details with respect to Audit Committee are disclosed in the
Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Annual Report.
During the year under review, all the recommendations made by the Audit
Committee were accepted by the Board.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE
As on 31st March, 2024, the composition of Corporate Social
Responsibility Committee has been as under:
a)Ms. Shivangi Sharma
b)Mr. Samson Samuel
c)Ms. Preeti Singhal
RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Pursuant to Section 134(3)(n) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation
21 of SEBI Listing Regulations, Risk Management Committee is in place and as on 31st
March, 2024, the composition of Risk Management Committee has been as under:
a.Ms. Preeti Singhal
b.Mr. Samson Samuel
c.Mr. Rajendra Bajaj
The Company has formulated a Risk Management Policy to establish an
effective and integrated framework for the risk management process.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF BOARD
The Board had carried out an annual evaluation of its own performance,
committees and individual directors pursuant to the provisions of the Act and SEBI Listing
Regulations for the financial year 2023-24. The evaluation process was carried out through
a web based application in terms of a structured questionnaire in accordance to the
Guidance Note on Board Evaluation issued by Securities and Exchange Board of India.
The evaluation of Individual Directors was done taking into
consideration the contributions made by each Director as a member at the respective
meetings, in pursuit of the purpose and goals, participation at the meetings, independent
views and judgement, initiative, ownership of value building.
The performance of the Committees was evaluated by majority of the
Board Members after seeking inputs from the Committee members on the basis of the criteria
such as the composition of Committees, effectiveness of Committee meetings, information
shared and participation of members. In respect of evaluation for performance of the
Board, the parameters inter alia comprised of key areas such as Board composition,
competency of Directors, diversity, frequency of Board and Committee meetings, information
sharing and disclosures made to the Board and its Committees. The responses received on
evaluation of the Board and its Committees and that of the individual Directors were
shared with the Chairman.
The overall performance evaluation process for functioning of Board and
its Committees was based on discussions amongst the Board Members, Committee Members and
responses shared by each Member. The Board and the Nomination and
Remuneration/Compensation Committee reviewed and discussed the performance of individual
directors, the performance of the Board, its Committees. Performance evaluation of
independent directors was done by majority of the Board Members, excluding the independent
director being evaluated.
The Board found that there was considerable value and richness in the
discussions and deliberations and has agreed for possible continuous improvisation and
effectiveness in functioning of the Board and Committees.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
A report on Corporate Governance together with Secretarial
Auditors' Certificate as required under Regulation 34 of SEBI Listing Regulations
forms part of this Annual Report.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT
The Management Discussion and Analysis Report as required under
Regulation 34 of SEBI Listing Regulations is presented separately and forms part of this
Annual Report.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report as required under
Regulation 34 of the SEBI Listing Regulations is presented separately and forms part of
this Annual Report.
VIGIL MECHANISM AND WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
The Company has established a Vigil Mechanism and Whistle Blower Policy
to provide a framework for promoting responsible and secure whistle blowing and to provide
a channel to the employee(s), Directors and other stakeholders to report to the
management, concerns about unethical behavior, actual or suspected fraud or violation of
the code of conduct or policy/ies of the Company. The details of said vigil mechanism is
given in Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
In terms of requirements prescribed under Section 178 of the Companies
Act, 2013, the Company has framed a Nomination and Remuneration Policy for appointment and
remuneration of the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Senior Management (the "Policy").
The purpose of this Policy is to establish and govern the procedure as
applicable inter alia in respect to the following:
a)To evaluate the performance of the members of the Board.
b)To ensure remuneration to Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and
Senior Management involves a balance between fixed and incentive pay reflecting short and
long term performance objectives appropriate to the working of the Company and its goals.
c)To retain, motivate and promote talent and to ensure long term
sustainability of talented managerial persons and create competitive advantage.
ThePolicy is available on the website of the Company - https://
futureconsumer.in/investors.aspx#policies-code
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Company has constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee
("CSR Committee") in accordance with Section 135 of the Companies Act,
2013. The Board of Directors of the Company have, based on recommendations made by the CSR
Committee, formulated and approved Corporate Social Responsibility Policy ("CSR
Policy") for the Company. The salient features of CSR Policy inter-alia comprises
of framing of guidelines to make Corporate Social Responsibility a key business process
for sustainable development of the society to directly/indirectly undertake projects/
programmes which will enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of the
communities in and around our operations and society and to generate goodwill and
recognition among all stakeholders of the Company.
The CSR Policy framed by the Company is available on the website of the
Company - https://futureconsumer.in/investors. aspx#policies-code
The disclosure as per Rule 9 of Companies (Corporate Social
Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 is made in prescribed form which is annexed to this
Report as Annexure II.
RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY AND INTERNAL ADEQUACY
Your Company has Enterprise Risk Management ("ERM") Policy in
place. The aim of this policy is not only to eliminate risks but to also assist FCL
personnel to manage the risks involved concerning the business and to achieve maximum
opportunities and minimize adverse consequences.
It involves:
Identifying and taking opportunities to improve performance as
well as taking actions to avoid or reduce the chances of adverse consequences;
A systematic process that can be used when making decisions to
improve the effectiveness and efficiency of performance;
Effective communication; and
Accountability in decision making.
Risk Management Committee meetings are convened twice in a year wherein
all the critical risks along with current mitigation plans identified during the period
are presented to the Risk Management Committee. This ensures all the critical risks are
covered and suitable mitigation plans are in place or needs to be implemented to overcome
/avoid the risk to ensure controls are operating effectively. The Audit Committee has
additional oversight in the areas of financial risk and controls.
In view of loss of business from Future Retail Limited Stores, the
Board of Directors express their concern over the performance of the Company in the
forthcoming years. To mitigate the same, the Company plans to identify and implement
alternative options in modern and general trade category.
AUDITORS AND AUDITORS' REPORT
M/s. S R B C & CO LLP, Chartered Accountants, (Firm's
Registration No: 324982E/E300003) resigned as the Statutory Auditors of the Company with
effect from 14th August, 2023. Based on the recommendation of the Audit
Committee, the Board of Directors had at their meeting held on 14th August,
2023, approved appointment of M/s. Borkar and Muzumdar, Chartered Accountants, registered
with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India having Firm's Registration No.
101569W, as Statutory Auditors with effect from 14th August, 2023, to fill the
casual vacancy in the office of Statutory Auditors due to resignation of existing
Statutory Auditors of the Company. Further, based on the recommendation of the Audit
Committee, the Board of Director had at their meeting held on 14th August,
2023, recommended the appointment of M/s. Borkar and Muzumdar, Chartered Accountants, as
the Statutory Auditors of the Company for the approval of Members at the 27th
Annual General Meeting ("AGM"), for a period of five years, to hold office from
the conclusion of the 27th AGM till the conclusion of the 32nd AGM
of the Company.
Subsequently, the Shareholders of the Company, at the 27th AGM
of the Company held on 4th November, 2023 approved appointment of M/s. Borkar
and Muzumdar, Chartered Accountants as Statutory Auditors of the Company for a term of 5
(five) years to hold office from the conclusion of the 27th AGM till the
conclusion of the 32nd AGM of the Company to be held in the year 2028.
The notes on financial statements referred to in the Auditors Report
are self-explanatory and do not call for any further comments and explanations. The
Auditors' Report (on Standalone and Consolidated Financial Statements) for the
financial year ended 31st March, 2024 have been qualified by the Statutory
Auditors in respect of following:
i)Qualification on non-availability of results /audited financial
statements of two joint venture companies
The Audit Committee and Board of Directors at their respective meetings
while approving the said Financial Statements reviewed such qualification made by the
Statutory Auditors. In accordance to the provisions of Section 134(3)(f) of the Companies
Act, 2013 and Regulation 34(2) of SEBI Listing Regulations, a statement containing the
details of qualification, explanation by the Board and impact of the qualifications is
provided under Note No. 49 and Note No. 50 to Standalone and Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Company respectively, forming part of this Annual Report.
No instances of fraud have been reported by the Statutory Auditors of
the Company under Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013.
SECRETARIAL AUDITOR AND SECRETARIAL AUDIT REPORT
Your Company has undertaken Secretarial Audit for the financial year
2023-24 which, inter alia, includes audit of compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and
the Rules made under the Act, SEBI Listing Regulations and applicable Regulations
prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India and Secretarial Standards issued
by the Institute of the Company Secretaries of India.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013
and the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the
Board of Directors had appointed M/s. Sanjay Dholakia & Associates, Practicing Company
Secretary (Membership No. 2655 / CP No.1798) to conduct the Secretarial Audit of the
Company for financial year 2023-24.
The Secretarial Audit Report is annexed to this Report as Annexure
III. The observation/remark of the Secretarial Auditor in their report is
self-explanatory and therefore, the Board does not have any further comments on the same.
The Company would take necessary action to comply with the respective provisions of the
regulations.
SECRETARIAL AUDIT OF MATERIAL UNLISTED INDIAN SUBSIDIARY
Pursuant to provisions of Regulation 24A of SEBI Listing Regulations,
Secretarial Audit was undertaken for the financial year ended 31st March, 2024
for material subsidiaries of the Company viz. -Aadhaar Wholesale Trading and Distribution
Limited, Integrated Food Park Limited and The Nilgiri Dairy Farm Private Limited. The
Secretarial Audit Report for aforesaid material unlisted subsidiaries is annexed to this
Report as Annexure IV-A, IV-B and IV-C and the observation/remark of the
Secretarial Auditor in their report is self-explanatory and therefore, the Board of the
said material subsidiaries does not have any further comments on the same. The material
subsidiaries would take necessary action to comply with the respective provisions of the
regulations.
PUBLIC DEPOSITS
Your Company has not been accepting any deposits from the public and
hence there are no unpaid / unclaimed deposits or any instance of default in repayment
thereof.
ANNUAL RETURN
The Annual Return as on 31st March, 2024 in terms of
provisions of Section 92(3) read with Section 134(3)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013 and
Rules thereto, is available on website of the Company -
https://futureconsumer.in/investors.aspx#financials-id.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
Disclosure with respect to the remuneration of Directors and employees
as required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 5(1) of the
Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are provided
under Annexure V, which is annexed to this Report.
In terms of the provisions of first proviso to Section 136(1) of the
Companies Act, 2013, the statement containing particulars of top ten employees and the
employees drawing remuneration in excess of limits prescribed under Section 197 of the
Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and
Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is excluded from the Annual Report
being sent to the Members of the Company and will be available for inspection by the
Members upto the date of forthcoming Annual General Meeting. If any Member is interested
in obtaining a copy thereof or inspecting the same, such Member may write to the Company
Secretary and the same shall be provided. The full Annual Report is being sent
electronically to all those members who have registered their email addresses and is also
available on the website of the Company and Stock Exchanges.
ANNUAL REPORT
In compliance with the circulars issued by the Ministry of Corporate
Affairs ("MCA") viz. General Circular No. 09/2024 dated 19th
September, 2024 read with General Circular No.09/2023 dated 25th September,
2023, General Circular No.10/2022 dated 28th December, 2022, General Circular
No. 14/2020 dated 8th April, 2020, General Circular No. 17/2020 dated 13th
April, 2020, General Circular No. 20/2020 dated 5th May, 2020, General Circular No.
02/2021 dated 13th January, 2021, General Circular No. 19/2021 dated 8th
December, 2021 and General Circular No. 21/2021 dated 14th December, 2021 and
Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD-2/P/CIR/2023/4 dated 5th January, 2023 issued by
the Securities and Exchange Board of India, Notice of the AGM along with the Annual Report
2022-23 is being sent only through electronic mode to those Members whose email addresses
are registered with the Company/ Depositories. Members may note that the Notice and Annual
Report 2023-24 will also be available on the Company's website www.futureconsumer.in,
website of the Stock Exchanges i.e. BSE Limited and The National Stock Exchange of India
Limited at www.bseindia.com and www.nseindia.com respectively and on the website of NSDL
https://www.evoting.nsdl.com
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
Pursuant to the approval of the Shareholders, the Company has
formulated following employee stock option schemes:
a)FVIL Employees Stock Option Plan-2011 ("FVIL ESOP-
2011")
b)Future Consumer Enterprise Limited - Employee Stock Option Plan
2014 ("FCEL ESOP - 2014")
The aforesaid Employee Stock Option Plans are in compliance with
erstwhile SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014, as amended from time to
time ("SEBI Employee Benefits Regulations") and there have been no
material changes to these Plans during the financial year under review.
Consequent to the approval granted by the Board of Directors at their
meeting held on 23rd May, 2024, FVIL ESOP-2011 and FCEL ESOP-2014 Schemes have
been cancelled. Further, the ESOP Trust formed for implementation of FCEL ESOP - 2014
Scheme through Secondary Route, is in the process of dissolution.
The details of options granted and exercised under FVIL ESOP- 2011 and
FCEL ESOP-2014 and other disclosures as required under SEBI Employee Benefits Regulations,
are available on the website of the Company https://futureconsumer.in/investors.
aspx#statutory-documents and are also provided in Annexure VI, which is annexed to
this Report.
MAINTENANCE OF COST RECORDS
Your Company is not required to maintain cost records as specified by
the Central Government under sub-section (1) of Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 and
accordingly such accounts and records have not been maintained by the Company.
PARTICULARS OF ENERGY CONSERVATION, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, EXPENDITURE
ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO, ETC.
The Company in its regular course of business is vigilant to conserve
the resources and continuously implements measures required to save energy.
The Company's initiative towards Energy and Carbon Policy sets
forth guidelines towards low carbon transformation through energy efficiency and sourcing
energy from alternative and renewable sources. The Company's Environment Social
Management Systems ("ESMS") help them in identifying and assessing
environmental risks, preventing and mitigating the environmental impact caused due to its
operations and products. The Company monitors its environmental performance against key
performance indicators and works towards increasing manufacturing efficiency, wastage
reduction and enhancing capacity utilization.
The business activities of the Company are not specific to any
technology requirements. In the course of operations, processes are formed and implemented
to achieve operational efficiencies in the Company and also at its subsidiaries which
assist in maintaining product quality and cost control. In respect of the manufacturing
units of the Company and its subsidiaries, the brief particulars in respect of various
steps and initiatives taken regarding conservation of energy and technology absorption are
as under:
(A)Conservation of Energy
The energy utilization in each manufacturing unit is being monitored
regularly in order to achieve effective conservation of energy. The significant energy
conservation measures under taken during the year under review were as under:
(i)the steps taken or impact on conservation of energy:
(a)Facilities at India Food Park are instrumental in saving energy,
each facility took stretched target of 15% optimization in electrical energy. Each
facility implemented TPM, lean manufacturing to optimize the energy and achieved more than
set target.
(b)Installing strip curtains in cold chain doors have arrested the
sudden of loss of cool air due to door opening and closing
(c)Auto power factor correction (APFC) resulted in savings of 800
kwh/month.
(d)Dedicated chimney has been installed for 125 and 250 KVA DG sets,
which will help on effective stack monitoring and there by result less power diesel
consumption.
(e)Decline on per unit rate due to higher EB usage
(ii)the steps taken by the Company for utilizing alternate sources of
energy:
India Food Park at Tumkur has installed 3MW solar power generating
units by third party and the company has been continuously trying to shift the power usage
from renewable energy such as solar panels and to this effect the share of solar power
usage has increased. Solar power usage increased from 42% in FY 2022-23 to 46% in FY
2023-24 thus using 33.38 Lakh units on overall consumption base of 72 Lakh units.
(iii)the capital investment on energy conservation equipments:
There was no capital investment on energy conservation equipment for FY
2023-24 across all the business verticals of the Company and its subsidiaries.
Conservation of Water
Water mapping done with mass balance study.
Water flow meters are installed from source to all the
appropriate locations to monitor the water consumption.
Digital flow meter is installed at KIADB, IFPL water inlet for
monitor the actual receipt of inlet water.
Reuse, Recycle, Reduce method used to optimize the water
consumption.
Rain water harvesting pond of 20L capacity has been activated
that will help harvest rain water during season and also recharge ground water level. IFPL
has plans to reuse this water in future by filtration in next 2-3 years.
New ETP plant of 200KLD extra capacity has been commissioned
which is providing much needed water recycling support
(B) Technology absorption
At the India Food Park at Tumkur, LPG is replaced by PNG there by
reducing GHG emissions. Various programs are under taken like environment monitoring, tree
planation, providing storm water drains for new buildings, utilizing more amount of
treated water for landscaping, gardening there by conserve raw water, implementation of
TPM and lean manufacturing resulted in energy savings, small initiatives like switching of
lights when not use, ACs, using public transport.
(C) Foreign exchange earnings and outgo
The details in respect of Foreign Exchange earnings/ outgo for the year
under review, is provided below:
Foreign Exchange Earnings: NilForeign Exchange Outgo:
Nature
of transaction |
Amount
(' In Lakhs) |
Sitting
Fees |
1.50 |
Legal
& Professional Fees |
12.11 |
Total |
13.61 |
GENERAL
1.The Company has neither issued any equity shares with
differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise nor sweat equity shares and hence
no disclosure is required to be made in respect of the same.
2.During the year under review, the Managing Director and Executive
Director have not received any commission from the Company nor any remuneration in the
form of salary/ perquisites from any of its subsidiary companies.
3.There are no significant / material orders passed by the
regulators/courts/tribunals during the year under review which would otherwise impact the
going concern status of your Company and its future operations.
4.The Company has complied with the provisions regarding the
constitution of the Internal Complaints Committee ("ICC") in terms of
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
and Rules thereto. During the year under review, there were no reported instances of cases
filed pursuant to Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and
Redressal) Act, 2013.
5.The Company has complied with Secretarial Standards issued by the
Institute of Company Secretaries of India and notified by the Ministry of Corporate
Affairs.
6.There is proceeding pending under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code, 2016. An interlocutory application was filed by Mr. Vijaykumar V Iyer, Resolution
Professional of Future Retail Limited ("RP") against the Company, before
Hon'ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench ("NCLT"), under
the provisions of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 ("Code") in the
matter relating to Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process initiated by Bank of India (the
"Financial Creditor" therein) against Future Retail Limited ("FRL"
/ "Debtor" therein). In the said interlocutory application filed, the RP has
prayed to NCLT to declare payments made by FRL to the Company to the tune of ' 839.18
Crore, during the financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22 to be preferential in nature and has
sought directions from NCLT for Company to refund the alleged preferential payments to FRL
in accordance with Section 44 of the Code. The application is pending before NCLT as on
March 31, 2024.
7.The Company has not availed any fresh loan from the Banks or
Financial Institutions during the financial year 2023-24 and therefore there is no
disclosure relating to difference between amount of the valuation done at the time of one
time settlement and the valuation done while taking loan from the Banks or Financial
Institutions.
8.During the year under review, the Company has been unable to
service its obligations towards payment of amount of principal and interest due towards
unlisted NonConvertible Debentures issued by the Company to CDC Emerging Markets Limited.
The amount due was partly paid-off during the current fiscal and presently an principal
amount of ' 158.82 Crore and accrued interest of ' 58.01 Crore is outstanding to be paid
by the Company.
9.There were no events relating to non-exercising of voting rights
since there were no shares purchased directly by employees under a scheme pursuant to
Section 67(3) of the Companies Act,2013 read with Rule 16(4) of Companies (Share Capital
and Debentures) Rules, 2014.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 134(5) of the Companies Act,
2013, with respect to Directors' Responsibility Statement it is hereby confirmed
that:
a.in the preparation of the annual accounts for the financial year
ended 31st March, 2024, the applicable accounting standards have been followed
along with proper explanation relating to material departures, if any;
b.the Directors have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at 31st
March, 2024 and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period;
c.the Directors have taken proper and sufficient care for the
maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Act, 2014 for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and
detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d.the Directors have prepared the annual accounts for the financial
year ended 31st March, 2024, on a going concern basis;
e.the Directors have laid down internal financial controls to be
followed by the Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were
operating effectively;
f.the Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with
the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating
effectively.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors would like to thank and place on record their
appreciation for the support and co-operation provided to your Company by its
Shareholders, Future Group entities and in particular, regulatory authorities and its
bankers. Your Directors would also like to place on record their appreciation for the
efforts put in by employees of the Company during the year under review.
On behalf of the
Board of Directors |
Birendra Kumar
Agrawal |
Chairman |
Date: 28th
November, 2024 |