neogem india ltd Management discussions


Introduction

India is the worlds second-largest gold consumer and the worlds largest diamond cutting and polishing centre. It is the hub of the global jewellery market because of its low costs and availability of cheap labour. The gems and jewellery sector is home to more than 3,00,000 gems and jewellery players in India. To keep up with global market trends, India has been deploying modern techniques to its traditional know-how and processes. The industry is seeing increased penetration of branded and organized players due to rising brand consciousness, adoption of Western lifestyles by consumers and rising urbanization. Further, the growing trend of work-from home has led to significant growth in digital channels and online sales of gems and jewellery

Market Size

The global gold jewellery market, valued at $193.3 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $304.2 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2022 through 2030 in the post-COVID-19 business landscape. Gold is trusted more than the currency of the countries.

The Indian jewellery retail sector is currently valued at approximately $76.3 billion in FY23 and is expected to grow substantially. This market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.54% by 2027. This projection signifies the sectors potential for significant expansion and economic impact in the coming years.

The organized retail segment currently holds a share of approximately 35%, featuring prominent national and regional players. In contrast, the unorganized sector, comprising a vast network of over 5,00,000 local goldsmiths and jewellers, dominates the remainder. The organized sector displayed remarkable resilience, bouncing back swiftly and accelerating after the pandemic. This revival was propelled by a combination of factors, spanning both the supply side and the resurgence of consumer demand. While India traditionally boasts a deep-rooted affinity for gold jewellery, capturing a substantial share of approximately 85% of the market, an intriguing trend is emerging. With its sparkling allure, studded jewellery is gaining momentum and attracting growing participation in the jewellery retail landscape. The prominence of gold jewellery stems from its profound cultural and religious significance, intertwined with a legacy of trust and reliability that gold embodies. Gold jewellery demand in India is primarily driven by weddings significant role in the culture. Weddings in India holds immense importance and is marked by grand celebrations and traditions. Gold jewellery is essential to Indian weddings, representing prosperity, blessings, and the eternal bond between couples. The demand for gold jewellery remains resilient in India due to the enduring wedding demand. Families consider gold jewellery as a valuable asset, both financially and emotionally, and often pass it down through generations. This cultural significance and belief in the auspiciousness of gold ensure its continued demand in the Indian market.

Investments/Developments

The Gems and Jewellery sector is witnessing changes in consumer preferences due to adoption of western lifestyle. Consumers are demanding new designs and varieties in jewellery, and branded jewellers are able to fulfill their changing demands better than the local unorganized players. Moreover, increase in per capita income has led to an increase in sales of jewellery, as jewellery is a status symbol in India.

India emerging as a preferred destination In recent years, the world has witnessed a shift in the global economic landscape due to geopolitical and trade tensions between major nations. This has led to a surge in the adoption of the China Plus One strategy by multinational corporations, which intend to reduce their dependence on China by diversifying their investments to other nations. India will benefit from this strategy due to its robust manufacturing sector and favourable government policies. It will present significant opportunities for India to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and attract more foreign investment which augurs well for the gems and jewellery sector.

Digital technology and E-commerce expansion

The rise of digital technology will transform the way gems and jewellery are marketed and sold. With more consumers shopping online, retailers are likely to invest in digital platforms and virtual experiences to enhance their customer engagement and sales. Leading players are introducing virtual reality (VR) experiences, through which, customers can select

any jewelry, see it from different angles and zoom on it to view intricate designs. Social media will also play a key role in promoting gems and jewellery, with influencers and online communities driving demand for specific brands and designs.

Rising demand among the young, middle-class population

The jewellery sector is poised to benefit from a growing population of young, middle-class consumers, increasing disposable incomes and a desire for luxury items and branded jewellery. The millennials, Gen Z and tech-savvy customers are becoming more brand conscious which is boosting the demand for high-quality, branded jewellery. In addition, emerging market consumers for whom established brands inspire trust and a sense of upgraded lifestyle are driving the branded jewellery segment.

Increasing women workforce

The growing percentage of women workforce in India and rising income levels provide them more financial power in purchasing decisions. Increasing income levels of working couples and lifestyle changes have fueled the demand for gems and jewellery.

Government Initiatives

The government has declared the gems and jewellery sector as a focus area for export promotion and signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in March 2022, which will provide the industry duty-free access to the UAE market and further boost exports of Indian gems and jewellery. Timely implementation of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry has resulted in a remarkable 17% growth in exports of plain gold jewellery in FY 2022-23. The government targets gems and jewellery exports of USD 100 billion by 2027.

Key Issues Facing the Players Weak demand amidst higher inflation

Record high inflation, tightening of monetary policies and fear of recession are major concerns for the gems and jewellery sector. Persistent inflationary pressure and the rising cost of living have impacted consumer sentiment and reduced spending on luxury and jewellery products.

Huge dependence on imports

Raw materials play a major role in the Indian gems and jewellery industry. India imports nearly 90% of the raw materials, especially rough diamonds and gold bars. Therefore, the industry is vulnerable to any adverse regulations that may limit the raw material supply of diamond and gold jewellery. Excess imports can also cause worry for India when exports make fewer earnings in the foreign exchange.

Unorganized nature

Indian gems and jewellery industry is highly fragmented and unorganized and is majorly dominated by small jewellery shops that are run by families for years. More customers prefer these shops as the price of jewellery is usually higher in the organized market.

High Credit to Buyers

Manufacturer and suppliers are expected to give huge credit support to the wholesaler / retailers leading to huge working capital requirement.

Outlook

Despite the economic uncertainties and underlying inflationary pressures, the outlook for the global economy is slightly less gloomy than earlier anticipated. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected global GDP growth to decline from 3.4% in 2022 to 2.8% in 2023 and rise to 3.0% in 2024. The growth of Advanced Economies (AEs) is projected to decline sharply from 2.7% in 2022 to 1.3% in 2023 before rising to 1.4% in 2024. Economic prospects for Emerging and Developing Economies (EMDEs) are on average stronger than for Advanced Economies. EMDEs are expected to grow at 3.9% in 2023 and 4.2% in 2024. Developing economies like South-East Asia and Latin America are poised to do well and benefit from strong job markets and ambitious investment plans by governments in many countries. Asia-Pacific will be the most dynamic of the worlds major regions in 2023, predominantly driven by the buoyant outlook for China and India, which will be the major contributors to global economic growth in 2023.

Operations

Operations: During the year under review, the Company has had no production activities. There is no sale in the current year the Company has suffered a loss of Rs. 7.34 lakhs as compared to loss suffered in the previous year of Rs. 6.63 lakhs.

Also the Companys accounts with its banks are in non-performing assets since 2015 leading to stoppage of Companys operations. The Management of the Company has been putting in its best efforts to mitigate the losses.

Internal Controls & their adequacy

The Company has in place adequate system of internal control. It has documented procedures covering all financial and operating functions.

Human Resources & Industrial Relations

The Companys Human Resources philosophy is to establish and build a strong performance and competency driven culture with greater sense of accountability and responsibility.

The industrial relations scenario remained unchanged throughout the year.

For and on behalf of the Board of Directors

Date: 11th August, 2023 Place: Mumbai

Gaurav Doshi

Chairman & Managing Director DIN-00166703

G-32, Gems & Jewellery Complex III, Seepz (SEZ), Andheri (E), Mumbai-400096

Registered Office:

G-32, Gems & Jewellery Complex III, Seepz (SEZ), Andheri (E), Mumbai-400096 CIN: L36911MH1991PLC063357