Management Participants
- Mr. Milan Dalal, Managing Director
- Mr. Moloy Saha, Chief Executive Officer
- Ms. Deepali Kumari, Arihant Capital Markets Limited (Moderator)
Key Operational Updates
Export Challenges
- Export dispatches slowed down due to vessel non-availability and significant increase in ocean freight costs
- No order cancellations reported, but delayed call-offs continuing
- Approximately 1,800 million tons of finished goods overdue for shipment
- Projected clearance timeline: 45-50 days for backlog, though situation is not within company's control
- Working capital impacted due to blockage, potentially leading to higher interest costs
- No viable alternative logistics routes except air freight, which is 30x more expensive than ocean freight
Domestic Business Performance
- Domestic market constitutes 55% of business
- Strong order book from Coca-Cola's Maaza brand, which is celebrating 50 years
- Orders from Maaza are higher than previous year
- Expectation of increased juice consumption due to El Nino effect favoring beverage consumption
Segment-wise Performance
Frozen Food Segment:
- Achieved 20% growth in Q1 FY27
- Last 2 years growth: 30% CAGR
- Current annual run rate: USD 12 million (last year), Q1 FY27: USD 3 million
- Target: USD 30+ million in 3 years
- Strong demand from USA, UK, and Canada markets
- Able to absorb higher freight costs compared to other segments
- Three sub-segments: frozen mango pulp, vegetables, ethnic snack items (paratha, samosa, naan)
- Expansion plans underway to increase capacity
Pectin Segment:
- Commercial production has started
- Audit process ongoing
- Samples sent to large export brands
- Consumer testing underway with results expected soon
- Expected pickup from October/November 2026 onwards
- Competitive pricing as produced from waste
Spices Segment (Kusum brand):
- 14.7% year-on-year growth in Q1
- Focus on Horeca segment and export markets (Oman)
- Plans to expand range to condiments and marinades
Raw Material Price Impact
- Significant raw material price deflation affecting revenue value
- Mango prices: INR 25/kg average in 2024 vs INR 6/kg currently
- Company operates on cost-plus model with raw material price variability
- Volume growth achieved but value growth impacted by lower realizations
- Expectation that value degradation will not continue at same pace in coming quarters
Financial Guidance
- Domestic market expected to show 20% volume growth
- Export market growth dependent on freight situation normalization
- Overall optimistic about catching up on pending export dispatches in remaining 9 months
- No change to volume growth guidance of 20%
Strategic Initiatives
- Exploring joint venture opportunities in frozen food and value-added segments
- B2C products available on Zepto and BigBasket, with expansion to Swiggy and Blinkit expected in coming months
- Brand portfolio includes Madhu, Green Top, Kusum focusing on high-margin B2C products
Corporate Governance
- Mr. Anand Krishnan resigned as CFO, last working day was 11th August, 2026
- Recruitment process for new CFO underway, shortlisting of candidates in progress
Capital Structure
- Promoter holding currently at 25%
- Management considering options to increase promoter stake through market purchases or preferential issue
- Previous open offer was made at INR 150 per share (current price is approximately 1/3 of that)