agro tech foods ltd Management discussions

Your Directors hereby present their Annual Report, together with the audited accounts of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2023.

1. PERFORMANCE OF THECOMPANY

1.1 Results

Your Companys performance for the year ended March 31, 2023 is as follows:

( Millions)

Particulars	2022-23	2021-22
Net Sales	8,467.42	9,148.25
Other Income*	22.62	38.26
Total Income	8,490.04	9,186.51
Operating Expenses	8,042.22	8,625.79
PBDIT	447.82	560.72
Depreciation	212.31	203.71
Interest	31.80	24.24
Profit before Tax & exceptional item	203.71	332.77
Exceptional item	-	20.11
Profit Before Tax (PBT)	203.71	352.88
Taxes	53.91	92.07
Profit After Tax (PAT)	149.80	260.81
Other Comprehensive income #	(24.24)	0.27
Total Comprehensive income	125.56	261.08

*Includes other operating revenue

# Net of taxes

The Strategic Foods business of ATFL delivered a Volume driven Revenue Growth of 9% despite softness in the Ready to Cook business due to the end of WFH and re-opening of schools. The business closed the year with Revenues of 437 crore ensuring that your Company remains on track to building a High-Quality Profitable Foods business in India. Your Company was also able to successfully recover from the sharp spike in commodities in the early part of FY23 and largely able to absorb the higher cost of Travel with the opening up of markets post Covid-19. In the Edible Oils business the Company was able to successfully protect Margins despite the uncertainties arising from the geo political situation in Europe.

1.2 Key Indicators

With a 16 years Revenue CAGR in the Foods business of 18% Your Company is clearly on track to be amongst Indias Best Performing Most Respected Food Companies.

A diverse portfolio of products in 5 fast growing Food categories and superior value propositions combined with a moderate A&P model means that strong growth is clearly sustainable driven by powerful inhouse manufacturing capabilities, best in class distribution network and a robust flow of innovation.

FY23 Gross Margin was higher than PY by 5 Crore, with a 3 Crore increase in Foods GM and a 2 crore increase in Staples GM.

2. DIVIDEND

Given the continued strong cash flow of the Company relative to the limited on going Capital Expenditure of the Company, your Directors are pleased to recommend a Dividend of 3/- per equity share of the face value of 10/- each for the year ended March 31, 2023 subject to the approval of the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting to be held on July 12, 2023.

STATEMENT OF RETAINED EARNINGS		(Millions)
Particulars	2022-23	2021-22
a) At the beginning of the year	3,596.78	3,407.13
b) Add : Profit for the year	149.80	260.81
c) Add: Other Comprehensive
Income (net of tax)	(24.24)	0.27
d) Less : Dividend*	71.45	71.43
e) At the end of the year	3,650.89	3,596.78

* Dividend given to AgroTech ESOP Trust excluded of 1.66 mm (Previous year 1.68 mm).

Pursuant to Regulation 43A of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (hereinafter referred to as ‘Listing Regulations), the Company adopted a Dividend Distribution Policy vide its Board meeting held on July 22, 2021 in terms of the requirements of the Listing Regulations. The Policy is available on the Companys website at DividendDistributionPolicy.pdf(atfoods.com)

3. RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

The Directors confirm that :

(a) in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards have been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures; (b) they 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 at the end of the financial year and of the profit and loss of the Company for that period; (c) they have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 for safeguarding the assets of the company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities; (d) they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis; (e) they have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating effectively; and (f) they have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.

4. COVID-19/Ukraine War

Post the third wave of Covid-19 in Q4, FY22, your Company initiated a gradual return to normal working in field sales and corporate offices. A near normal working was achieved by Q2 FY23 which is reflected as well in the Travel Expenses of the Company. The return to a more normal working has enabled your Company to more aggressively drive the expansion of retail distribution which is key to any FMCG Company and the results are visible in the results of all Categories with the exception of Ready to Cook products which faced a high base driven by WFH and on-line schooling. Your Company is confident that it remains on track to join the ranks of Indias Best Performing Most Respected Food Companys with an increasingly diversified portfolio designed to mitigate risks and ensure a consistent and strong performance.

5. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

In terms of the Listing Regulations, a report on Corporate Governance along with Auditors Report on its compliance is annexed, forming part of the Annual Report.

Additionally, this contains compliance report signed by the CEO of the Company in connection with compliance with the Code of Conduct, and also CEO/CFO Certification as required by SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

In line with the requirements of Companies Act, 2013, your Company has constituted the Board Committees and has in place all the statutory Committees required under the law.

Details of Board Committees along with their terms of reference, composition and meetings of the Board and Board Committees held during the year, are provided in the Corporate Governance Report.

6. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS REPORT

(MD&A)

Based on feedback from members on the Annual Report and Accounts, this report includes MD&A as appropriate so that duplication and overlap between the Directors Report and a separate MD&A is avoided and the entire material is provided in a composite and comprehensive document.

7. INDUSTRY STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENTS

The FMCG sector continues to remain an exciting sector with continued growth potential driven by Indias economic growth. Key to securing a profitable slice of this pie is having a diverse portfolio of products which will enable your Company to deliver steady and sustainable growth through a range of market appropriate offerings produced in a cost-effective manner at the Companys in-house manufacturing capabilities.

Because of the attractive nature of the Indian Foods market it continues to attract capital both through public and private markets. However, the combination of your Companys in-house manufacturing capabilities and a powerful distribution network covering 460,000 stores across India ensures that your Company is well positioned to both defend its turf and drive aggressive consumer acquisition driven by identifying and meeting unmet consumer needs in the categories of choice.

8. OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS

The continued growth of the Indian Foods market represents an enormous opportunity for a steady growth in Revenues and Profits for your Company. The Companys powerful Foods portfolio allows representation today in 5 fast growing categories –Ready to Cook Snacks, Ready to Eat Snacks, Spreads

& Dips, Breakfast Cereals and Chocolates. Your Directors believe that these categories are sufficient to power the Company into one of the strongest Food Companies in India.

The primary threat to your Companys P&L has been the significant contribution of the Edible Oils business. Over time however this has been significantly reduced and in FY23 the Foods business contributed to 52% of Sales and 56% of Gross Margin.

9. STATE OF THE COMPANYS AFFAIRS

Your Company has registered a consistent growth of 18% (CAGR) in the Foods business over the last 16 years through selective entry into fast growing categories.

With a continued focus on consumer acquisition through a strong Value for Money proposition, your Company is able to deliver significantly superior products to competition at very competitive prices. The continued robust flow of innovation is reflected in the recent launches of Sundrop Cruncheez, RTE Snacks, Pasta Sauces and Salsa Dips each of, which are differentiated products with a "right to win".

The Company was successfully able to further expand retail coverage in FY23 ending the year with c 460,000 stores in coverage. Brand franchise investments were also enhanced in FY23 by c 5 crore. The expansion of coverage together with steady brand franchise investments sets your Company in a good place for a steady and sustained growth in the strategic Foods business.

10. PRODUCT CATEGORIES

10.1 Ready to Cook Snacks:

Revenues from the Ready to Cook Snacks business decreased by 3% in FY23 driven by a 5% Volume decline due to the positive impact of Covid-19 in the PY base figures. With the impact of Covid-19 elevated consumption now largely behind us, the Company expects to see a return to Growth in this Category. The Company has also expanded the range in the Ready to Cook segment and is working to increase the consumer base of these new products leveraging the expertise acquired in the building of the Ready to Cook Popcorn business.

10.2 Ready to Eat Snacks:

Revenues from the RTE Snacks business were higher than PY by 45% driven by a 37% Volume Growth. The Company saw significant success in the RTE Popcorn business and is now in a strong national leadership position in this Category. The Company also successfully executed a plan to increase the share of Sweet Snacks in the RTE Snacks portfolio which increased to 11% of Category Sales in Q4, FY23. Going forward your Company will seek to leverage the learnings from RTE Popcorn in other RTE Snacks to help increase scale while using sweet products in the portfolio to enhance profitability.

10.3 Spreads & Dips:

Revenues from the Spreads business increased by 8% driven by a 22% Volume growth as the Company successfully defended its turf from both established FMCG players and as well newer DTC players. Going forward the Company expects the gap between Volume and Value growth to reduce. In FY24 the Company will focus on accelerating category growth with the introduction of new Low Unit Packs to drive trial and adoption of both Nut Butters and Chocolate Spreads. The Company will also seek to improve the Margin profile of the Category by increasing investments behind Sweet Spreads.

10.4 Breakfast Cereals:

With normalization of market working the Company was successfully able to resume the task of distribution expansion in breakfast cereals with Volume driven Revenue Growth of c 50% in FY23. Management estimates the Companys center filled breakfast cereals to be the most widely distributed center filled cereal in the market. Together with a distributed supply chain supported by plants across the country the Company is clearly in a strong position to have clear leadership in this important category in the future. In FY23 the Company also expanded the portfolio with the introduction of Value Added Oats and is in the process of building a broad based presence in the Breakfast Cereals category.

10.5 Chocolates:

The Company saw a 59% Volume growth and a 69% Revenue growth in the Chocolate Confectionery category in FY23. The growth levels were however significantly below expectations due to supply chain disruptions impacting capacity expansion because of the geo political situation in Europe. Most of these supply chain disruptions have now been addressed and Management expects to be on track to achieve the stated goal of building capacity in FY24 to support a 100 crore + Chocolate business and leverage the huge potential of this category.

10.6 Premium Staples:

In line with the stated goals of the Company, the focus remained in FY23 on profitability for this category with Gross Margin for the year ending higher than Prior Year despite extreme levels of volatility. This margin did however come at the cost of Volume (-13%) and the Company is now in the process of bring prices closer to the market average the process for which is underway. The Company also entered the Plain Oats category which will help to not only make the Premium Staples portfolio more broad based but also help to deliver improved scale across the supply chain to support the Foods business.

10.7 Mass Staples:

In line with the strategy of building a high quality Foods business the Mass Staples share of Revenue ended the year at a single digit level. Going forward the Company will continue to manage this business to help optimize the supply chain of the Company.

11. RESEARCH, QUALITY & INNOVATION (RQI)

Innovation remains the driver of growth for your Company and we continue to make investments which ensure that we deliver to consumers products which address unmet consumer needs. Your Companys unique plant centered innovation model ensures a robust flow of innovation at the lowest possible cost.

12. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO

A Statement giving details of conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo in accordance with Rule 8(3) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is attached as Annexure A and forms part of this report.

13. HUMAN RESOURCES / INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

Engaged Employees are critical to the success of your Company. In FY23, your Company successfully achieved an Engagement Score of 83%. In FY23, your Company won Best place to work in India award from Ambition Box in the FMCG Industry. The continuing strong momentum in the Company driven by solid Foods growth and Innovation has helped to achieve this level.

Your Company will continue to ensure that we have a highly engaged and productive organization to deliver against our vision of being amongst "Indias Best Performing Most Respected Food Companies".

14. KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS

The details of significant changes in the key financial ratios are as follows:

Particulars	2022-23	2021-22	%Variance
(i) Debtors Turnover Ratio	11.43	15.73	(27.34%)
(ii) Interest Coverage Ratio	7.41	15.56	(52.39%)
(iii) Current Ratio	1.99	1.96	1.53%
(iv) Inventory Turnover Ratio	3.45	4.52	(23.71%)

15. RETURN ON NET WORTH

The Return on Net worth as compared to the immediately previous financial year is as follows

Particulars	2022-23	2021-22
(i) Return on Net Worth	3.08%	5.67%

16. PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES

The information required under Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(2) of the

Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Amendment Rules, 2016 thereunder in respect of the top ten employees in terms of remuneration drawn and employees who were in receipt of remuneration aggregating 1.02 crores or more or were employed for part of the year and were in receipt of remuneration aggregating 8.50 lakhs per month or more during the financial year ending March 31,2023 is provided in the Annexure B forming part of this Report.

17. PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS

Loans, guarantees and investments covered under Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 form part of the notes to the financial statements provided in this Annual Report.

18. PARTICULARS OF CONTRACTS WITH RELATED PARTIES

All contracts or arrangements or transactions entered into by the Company during the financial year with related parties were in the ordinary course of business and on an arms length basis. During the year, the Company had not entered into any contract or arrangement or transaction with related parties which could be considered material in accordance with the policy of the Company on materiality of related party transactions, Companies Act, 2013 and Listing Regulations. Form AOC-2 containing the note on the aforesaid related party transactions is enclosed as Annexure C and forms part of this Report.

The Policy on materiality of related party transactions and dealing with related party transactions as approved by the Board may be accessed on the Companys website. : https://www.atfoods.com/pdf/ c o d e - o f - c o n d u c t / p o l i c y _ d e a l i n g _related_party_transactions.pdf The related party disclosures, including detail of transaction with Promoter group, form part of the financial statements provided in this Annual Report.

19. EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN

The Company, vide special resolution in the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on July 25, 2012 had approved "Agro Tech Employee Stock Option Plan" ("Plan"). The Plan was further modified vide special resolution in the Annual General Meeting held on July 24, 2015 to align it with the provisions of SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 ("SEBI Regulations"). The Plan is further amended and approved by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee in its meeting held on April 28, 2022 to the extent to align it with the mandatory provisions of SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021 ("SEBI Regulations") and other applicable provisions for the time being in force. The Plan is administered by Agro Tech ESOP Trust ("Trust") under the supervision of the Nomination and

Remuneration Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company ("Committee"). The Plan is in compliance with the provisions of SEBI Regulations. Further details of the Plan are available on the website of the Company at www.atfoods.com

20. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY(CSR)

Your Company has transferred the required CSR amount of 80,98,000 to the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund in the month of March, 2023 which is in line with regulatory requirements. In addition your Company continues to work with Anganwadis as part of the Companys Poshan program designed to address malnourishment.

As per Companies Act, 2013 as amended by Companies (Amendment), Act, 2017,all Companies having net worth of 500 crore or more, or turnover of 1,000 crore or more or a net profit of 5 crore or more during the immediately preceding financial year will be required to constitute a CSR Committee of the Board of Directors comprising three or more directors, atleast one of whom will be an Independent Director. Aligning with the guidelines, the Company has constituted a CSR Committee comprising of Lt. Gen. D.B. Singh as Chairman, Mr. Sanjaya Kulkarni, Mr. Narendra Ambwani, Mr. Arun Bewoor, Ms. Veena Gidwani, Mr. James Patrick Kinnerk, Mr. Pedro Labayen De Inza and Mr. Trevor John Foster as its Members. The Committee is responsible for formulating and monitoring the CSR Policy of the Company. The CSR Policy of the Company, as approved by the Board of Directors is available on the Companys Website : https://www.atfoods.com/pdf/code-of-conduct/ CSR-POLICY.pdf The Annual Report on CSR activities is annexed here with as Annexure D and forms part of this Report.

21. RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY

The Company has formulated and adopted a revised Risk Management Policy which has been approved and adopted by the Board at the Board Meeting held on October 21, 2021 pursuant to SEBI (LODR) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2021, which requires top one thousand listed Companies (based on market capitalization of every financial year) to formulate and disclose a Risk Management Policy. The testing in accordance with the laid down policy is being carried out periodically. The Senior Management has been having regular Meetings for reassessing the risk environment and necessary steps are being taken to effectively mitigate the identified risks. A Risk Management Committee also has been constituted with a Committee of the Directors and senior management to address issues which may threaten the company.

22. WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY (VIGIL MECHANISM)

The Vigil mechanism under Whistle Blower Policy has been approved by the Board of Directors on October 17, 2014. This Whistle Blower Policy of the Company provides opportunities to employees to access in good faith, to the Management, concerns (incertain cases to the Audit Committee) in case they observe unethical or improper practices (not necessarily a violation of law) in the Company and to secure those employees from unfair termination and unfair prejudicial employment practices. The policy has also been uploaded on the website of the Company : https : //www.atfoods.com/pdf/code-of-conduct/ Whistle%20Blower%20Policy.pdf

23. INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Your Company continues to focus on the use of technology and automation to drive productivity to work efficiently with our Customers & Suppliers while making available to our Employees robust information to ensure best in class analysis of the business and identification of opportunities to improve shareholder return.

24. FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS

24.1 Internal Controls

The Company has a robust system of internal controls commensurate with the size and nature of its operations, to ensure orderly and efficient conduct of business. These controls ensure safeguarding of assets, prevention, and detection of fraud and error, accuracy and completeness of accounting records, timely preparation of reliable financial information and adherence to the Companys policies, procedures and statutory obligations.

Your Company has established standard operating procedures for smooth and efficient operations in addition to ensuring internal controls. Your Company has also documented:

• A comprehensive Code of Conduct for the Board Members and employees of your Company

• An Employee Handbook

• Whistle Blower Policy defined to provide channel of communication without fear

• Comprehensive frame work for Risk Management, and

• CEO/CFO Certification for Financial Reporting Controls to the Board The Company has appointed M/s. Grant Thornton Bharat LLP as Internal Auditors to ensure adequacy of internal control systems and make recommendations there to. Audit reports are circulated to management, which takes prompt action as necessary.

The Audit Committee of the Board meets periodically to review the performance as reported by Auditors. The Internal and External Auditors also attend the meetings and convey their views on the adequacy of internal control systems as well as financial disclosures. The Audit Committee also issues directives and/or recommendations for enhancement in scope and coverage of specific areas, wherever felt necessary.

24.2.Cautionary Statement

Statements in this Directors Report and Management Discussion and Analysis describing the Companys objectives, projections, estimates and expectations may constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of applicable laws and regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those either expressed or implied.

24.3 Outlook

With a Foods Turnover of 437 crore and a proven 16 years CAGR of 18% your Company is clearly well positioned to be a major player in the Foods industry in India. This proposition is further strengthened by a strong portfolio and a powerful retail distribution network which will ensure that with a relentless pursuit of Revenue and Margin goals on the Foods business, your Company will become a significant player in the Indian Foods Industry and join the ranks of Indias Best Performing Most Respected Food Companies.

25. DIRECTORS

In accordance with the provisions of Article 143 of the Articles of Association of the Company, in so far as it is not in consistent with the relevant provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, Mr. Pedro Labayen De Inza retires by rotation and being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment. A brief profile of Mr. Pedro Labayen De Inza is given in the notice of the 36^th Annual General Meeting.

During the year, Mr. Trevor John Foster was appointed as an Additional Director of the Company pursuant to the provisions of Section 161(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Article 130 of the Articles of Association of the Company and subject to the necessary approval of the Shareholders.

The shareholders approval was obtained for the appointment of Mr. Trevor John Foster as a Non-Executive Director of the Company, whose period of office shall be liable to determination by retirement of Directors by rotation. The said approval was obtained by passing an Ordinary Resolution through Postal Ballot by voting through electronic means only ("remote e-voting") as Special Business item. The said Ordinary Resolution was approved by requisite majority and passed on October 16, 2022. The result of the Postal Ballot was submitted to BSE and NSE on October 17, 2022.

All the Independent Directors of the Company have also given a confirmation to the Company as provided under Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 25(8) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 that : a. they are persons of integrity and possess relevant expertise and experience; b. i. they are or were not a promoter of the Company or its holding, subsidiary or associate Company or member of the promoter group of the company; ii. they are not related to promoters or other directors in the Company, its holding, subsidiary or associate Company; c. they do not have or had any pecuniary transaction or relationship other than remuneration as such director or having transaction not exceeding ten percent of their total income or such amount as may be prescribed with the company, its holding, subsidiary or associate Company, or their promoters, or directors, during the three immediately preceding financial years or during the current financial year; d. none of their relatives-(i) is holding any security of or interest in the company, its holding, subsidiary or associate company during the three immediately preceding financial years or during the current financial year: Provided that the relative may hold security or interest in the company of face value not exceeding fifty lakh rupees or two per cent of the paid-up capital of the company, its holding, subsidiary or associate company or such higher sum as may be prescribed; (ii)is indebted to the company, its holding, subsidiary or associate company or their promoters, or directors, in excess of such amount as may be prescribed during the three immediately preceding financial years or during the current financial year; (iii)has given a guarantee or provided any security in connection with the indebtedness of any third person to the company, its holding, subsidiary or associate company or their promoters, or directors of such holding company, for such amount as may be prescribed during the three immediately preceding financial years or during the current financial year; or (iv)has or had any other pecuniary transaction or relationship with the company, its holding, subsidiary or associate company, or their promoters, or directors, amounting to two percent or more of its gross turn over or total income or fifty lakh rupees or such higher amount as may prescribed from time to time, which ever is lower, singly or in combination with the transactions referred to in sub-clause(i),(ii) or (iii) during the three immediately preceding financial years or during the current financial year.

e. neither they nor any of their relatives:–

(i) hold or has held the position of a key managerial personnel or is or has been employee of the Company or its holding, subsidiary or associate Company in any of the three financial years immediately preceding the financial year in which they were proposed to be appointed; (ii) is or has been an employee or proprietor or a partner, in any of the three financial years immediately preceding the financial year in which they were proposed to be appointed, of:-(A) a firm of auditors or company secretaries in practice or cost auditors of the Company or its holding, subsidiary or associate Company; or (B) any legal or a consulting firm that has or had any transaction with the Company, its holding, subsidiary or associate Company amounting to ten percent or more of the gross turnover of such firm; (iii) held together with any relatives two percent or more of the total voting power of the Company; or (iv) is a Chief Executive or director, by whatever name called, of any non-profit organization that receives twenty-five per cent or more of its receipts from the Company, any of its promoters, directors or its holding, subsidiary or associate Company or that holds two percent or more of the total voting power of the Company; (v) is a material supplier, service provider or customer or a lessor or lessee of the Company; f. they are not a non-independent director of any other company on the board of which any non-independent director of the Company is an independent director. g. they are not aware of any circumstance or situation, which exist or may be reasonably anticipated, that could impair or impact their ability to discharge their duties with an objective independent judgment and without any external influence. h. they possess appropriate skills, experience and knowledge in one or more fields of finance, law, management, sales, marketing, administration, research, corporate governance, technical operations or other disciplines related to the companys business. i. they have complied with the requirement of sub-rule (1) and sub-rule (2) of Rule 6 of Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 with regard to inclusion of their names and/or renewal thereof, in the Independent Directors data bank maintained with Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA).

None of the independent Directors will retire at the ensuing Annual General Meeting.

26. MEETINGS OF THE BOARD

The Board of Directors met 4 times during the period April to March in the Financial Year 2022-2023 on the following dates:

1. April 28, 2022

2. July 20, 2022

3. October 19, 2022

4. January 24, 2023

27. AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Companys Audit Committee presently comprises of six Directors, all are non-executive and Independent Directors. This is in compliance with Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. Lt.Gen. D. B. Singh, an Independent Director, is the Chairman of the Committee while Mr. Sanjaya Kulkarni, Mr. Narendra Ambwani, Mr. Arun Bewoor, Ms. Veena Gidwani and Mr. Pedro Labayen de Inza are its Members. The Charter of the Committee is in line with the requirements of Section177 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the relevant regulations of the Listing Regulations.

28. CRITERIA FOR REMUNERATING DIRECTORS, KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL AND OTHER EMPLOYEES

The performance of the Companys Key Managerial Personnel, Whole time Director and Employees is measured on the progress being made on the strategic vision of the Company and Profitability. Progress against the strategic vision of the Company is measured by continued improvement in Gross Margin and share of the Foods business in the total Net Sales of the Company. Profitability is measured using Profit After Tax as a single measure.

The details as required under Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is being provided as an Annexure B to this Report.

29. EVALUATION OF THE BOARD

The Company has formulated a Remuneration Policy in line with the requirements of the Companies Act, 2013. The performance evaluation of independent directors is done by the entire Board of Directors (excluding the director being evaluated). On the basis of the report of performance evaluation, it shall be determined whether to extend or continue the term of appointment of the independent directors. The annual evaluation of the Board is done at three levels as (i) Board as a whole; (ii) Committees of the Board and (iii) Individual Directors and Chairperson.

A detailed Questionnaire is circulated to all individual directors. The Directors are evaluated on the basis of the following performance evaluation criteria namely knowledge and competency, fulfillment of functions, ability to function as a team, initiative, availability and attendance, commitment, contribution and Integrity. The Additional criteria for Independent directors are independence, independent views and judgment. The remuneration/commission to Non-Executive and Independent Directors shall be fixed as per the provisions contained under Companies Act, 2013. The Non-Executive Independent Director may receive remuneration by way of fees for attending each meeting of Board or Committee thereof, provided that the amount of such fees shall not exceed 1,00,000/

- ( One lakh only) per meeting of the Board or Committee or such amount as may be prescribed by the Central Government from time to time.

For Independent Women Directors, the sitting fee paid is not less than the sitting fee payable to other directors.

Commission may be paid within the monetary ceiling limit approved by shareholders, subject to the limit not exceeding 1% of the profits of the Company computed as per the applicable provisions of the Act. An Independent Director shall not be entitled to any stock options of the Company.

Copy of the Nomination and Remuneration policy is annexed here with as Annexure E and forms part of this Report and is also uploaded on the website of the Company : https://www.atfoods.com/pdf/code-of-conductNomination%20and%20Remuneration%20 Policy.pdf

30. TRAINING OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Every new Independent Director of the Board attends an orientation. To familiarize the new inductees with the strategy, operations, business and functions of your Company, the Senior Management make presentations to the inductees about the Companys strategy, operations and products. The Company also encourages and supports its Directors to update themselves with the rapidly changing regulatory environment. Also, at the time of appointment of independent directors, the Company issues a formal letter of appointment describing their roles, functions, duties and responsibilities as a Director. During the year, the management has provided knowledge enhancement sessions to all directors including independent Directors in January 2023 board meeting. The topics covered were (i) Brand Strategy- consumer needs and perception (ii) ESG Importance-Green House Gas Emission, its sources and measurement. More details about familiarization Programme are uploaded on Companys website: https:// www.atfoods.com/pdf/other-infor mation/ familiarisation_programme_independent_directors.pdf

31. AUDITORS

M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, Chartered Accountants, were appointed as the Statutory Auditors of the Company by the shareholdersat the 32^nd Annual General Meeting held on July 17, 2019, to hold office from the conclusion of the 32^nd Annual General Meeting till the conclusion of the 37^th Annual General Meeting.

The Report given by the Auditors M/s Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, Chartered Accountants on the financial statements of the Company for financial year 2022-23 is part of the Annual Report. There has been no qualification, reservation or adverse remark or disclaimer in their Report. During the year under review, the Auditors had not reported any matter under Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 and hence, no detail is required to be disclosed under Section 134(3)(ca) of the Companies Act, 2013.

32. COST AUDIT

The Company is required to maintain the cost records as specified by the Central Government under Section 148(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 and accordingly such accounts and records are made and maintained by the Company. An Audit of the Cost Accounts maintained by the Company is also conducted by a Cost Auditor appointed by the Board subject to the approval of Shareholders.

33. SECRETARIAL AUDIT

M/s. Tumuluru & Company, Company Secretaries Firm has been appointed to conduct the Secretarial Audit of the Company as required under the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 9 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 and Regulation 24A of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and also to provide the Secretarial Compliance Report for the financial year 2022-23. Copy of the Secretarial Audit Report in Form MR-3 is given as an Annexure F to this Directors Report. The Secretarial Audit Report does not contain any qualification or adverse remarks.

34. SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Your subsidiary, Sundrop Foods India Private Limited has continued to perform the role of aiding the Companys expansion of distribution and display of your Companys products. At the end of FY23 the number of sales staff on the rolls of the Company were 431.

Your Companys wholly owned subsidiary AgroTech Foods (Bangladesh) Pvt. Ltd continues to scale up production as we expand our business in a neighboring emerging market with strong growth potential.

Your Company will also be working towards leveraging your Companys wholly-owned subsidiary Sundrop Foods Lanka (Private) Limited at an opportune time basis the economic developments in that market. During the year, the Board of Directors reviewed the affairs of the subsidiary Companies. The Company has published the audited consolidated financial statements for the financial year 2022-23 and the same forms part of this Annual Report. This Annual Report does not contain the financial statements of our subsidiaries. The statements highlighting the summary of the financial performance of the subsidiaries in the prescribed format is annexed as Annexure G to this Report. The audited financial statements and related information of subsidiaries are available for inspection electronically and will be provided to any shareholder on demand. The separate audited financial statements in respect of each subsidiary Company is also available on the website of your Company. https:/ /www.atfoods.com/annual-reports.aspx

35. ANNUAL RETURN

A copy of the Annual Return as provided under Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule12 of the Companies (Management & Administration) Rules, 2014 prepared as on March 31, 2023 shall be placed on the website of the Company and the same is available in the Companys website : https:// www.atfoods.com/investors-information.aspx

36. BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

In terms of amendment to Regulation 34 (2) (f) as notified by SEBI (LODR) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2021 dated May 05, 2021, SEBI has mandated the new reporting requirements on ESG parameters called the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) as part of the Annual Report for top 1000 listed entities based on market capitalization. In compliance with the same, the BRSR for FY 2022-23 is provided as part of this Annual Report.

37. GENERAL

Your Directors state that no disclosures or reporting are being made in respect of the following items as there were no applicable transactions or events on these items during the year under review: a. Details relating to deposits covered under Chapter V of the Act. b. Issue of equity shares with differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise. c. Issue of shares (including sweat equity shares) to employees of the Company under any scheme save and except under the ESOP scheme referred to in this Report. d. The Managing Director of the Company does not receive any remuneration or commission from any of its subsidiaries. e. No significant or material orders were passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status and Companys operations in future.

f. The Company has complied with the provisions relating to constitution of Internal Complaints Committee and no cases reported or filed during the year pursuant to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. g. During the year, your Company has not accepted any public deposits under Chapter V of Companies Act, 2013. h. Pursuant to Section 124 and Section 125 of the Companies Act 2013 read with IEPFA (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules 2016 and any amendment thereof, as may be applicable, an amount of 466,546/-which remained unpaid / unclaimed dividends pertaining to FY14-15 was transferred to Investor Education and Protection Fund on September 14, 2022. i. During the year, the Company has transferred 11,170 unclaimed shares to IEPF account on September 30, 2022. The detailed list of unclaimed shares transferred to IEPF Authority is available in the Companys website www.atfoods.com j. Pursuant to Section 124 and Section 125 of the Companies Act 2013 read with IEPFA (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules 2016 and any amendment thereof, as may be applicable, an amount of 543,488/- (as on March 31, 2023) of unpaid/unclaimed dividends pertaining to FY

15-16 will be transferred to Investor Education and Protection Fund within the prescribed timelines. k. Except as disclosed elsewhere in the Report, there have been no material changes and commitments made between the end of the financial year of the Company and the date of this Report. There has been no change in the nature of business of the Company during the year. l. No application was made during the year and no proceeding is pending under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (31 of 2016) as at the end of the financial year. m. No instance of the valuation was required for one time settlement and no valuation was done while taking the loan from the Banks or Financial Institutions.

38. APPRECIATION

The Board places on record their appreciation for the contribution of its customers, employees, distributors, co-packers, suppliers and all other stakeholders towards performance of the Company during the year under review.