nitta gelatin Management discussions


Gelatin is a nearly odorless and colorless ingredient in producing edibles, medicines, and cosmetics. Gelatin is mostly extracted from animal tissues (fish, cattle, pigs, or chicken) that contain high amounts of Collagen. Gelatin is not available in nature; it is derived by hydrolyzing Collagen. Pharmaceutical companies widely use Gelatin for capsules and as a gelling agent in the food & beverage and cosmetic industries. Gelatin is a mixture of proteins and Peptides made from Collagen. Gelatin has multiple qualities, such as binding, film forming, and sol-gel. Gelatin contains several antioxidants that protect healthy cells in the body and keeps the digestive tract healthy with the presence of glutamic acid in it. The cosmetic industry uses Gelatin in various products such as face creams, lipsticks, sunscreen lotions, bath scrubs, and body creams. Gelatin acts as an excellent gelling agent in cosmetic products, which has resulted in increased demand for Gelatin. Gelatin is free of any preservatives or chemicals; thus, it is a preferred clean-label product.

The global Gelatin market is projected to grow during the forecast period of 2023-2032 due to the rising demand for Gelatin in the cosmetics, drug, and food industries. Growing awareness for clean-label products among the population has surged the growth of the industry. The demand for well-being products and nutritional supplements for better health care has increased after the uncertain spread of the Coronavirus. This demand has resulted in the invention of new supplement products in the market, which has shown significant growth for the Gelatin market. The widespread market of Gelatin across the globe results from a huge demand for Gelatin in various products. Increasing demand for packed or ready-to-eat food is a major driving factor for the market. Along with this, the increasing utilization of Gelatin in skin care, beauty, and other cosmetic products has fuelled the growth of the market. Using Gelatin in personal care products such as hair and skin care products will drive consumer inclination. Gelatin, due to the presence of protein sources, is used in nutrition products. Growing consumption of health drinks such as meal replacements, protein shakes, and diet supplementary drinks is seen as a major driver for the growth of the global Gelatin market. The global Gelatin market size was evaluated at USD 7.24 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach around USD 16.93 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.87% during the forecast period 2023 to 2032. Gelatin is the popular excipient for capsule shells and softgel capsules. Capsules are the second most preferred delivery format after tablets and account for 12.5% of dosage forms of the new drugs approved by FDA in 2021. The empty capsule market projection estimate the market to rise at a CAGR of 7% during the period 2019-2027. The global empty capsules market size is likely to attain valuation of USD 3.7 Billion by 2027, while the global softgel capsules market size was valued at USD 8.2 Billion in 2022 and is estimated to grow to USD 14.73 Billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2022 to 2030. Softgels make up 25% of the total market for nutritional supplements and can be used to deliver oils and oil-soluble materials, such as Omega-3s, Vitamin E and Carotenoids and offer advantages in tolerability, ease of swallowing, assimilation and potency. Great strides have been made with challenges such as oxidation, shelf stability and cost-effectiveness in the quality of Gelatin. Although animal Gelatin-based shells are most common, vegetarian alternative are also on the rise. Increasing veganism among the population is a major restraining factor for the market, as Gelatin is derived from animal tissues and the concept of veganism does not allow the consumption of products like Gelatin of animal origin. Furthermore, the increased availability of alternative products for Gelatin, such as petcin, agar-agar & HPMC has negatively affected the markets growth.

The global Collagen Peptide market size was valued at USD 897 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2028. This is attributable to the rising use of the product in various industries such as cosmetics, which is expected to propel market demand. Additionally, the demand is driven by increasing consumer investment in healthcare and well-being. Moreover, the rising importance of improving immunity post-pandemic has further strengthened the industrys growth. The global socio-economic dynamics, along with the growing geriatric population, increased budgetary allocation to the healthcare sector. The growing popularity of a preventive approach to lifestyle diseases and the growing nutraceutical segment, have been complementing the demand for Collagen Peptide products.

The COVID-19 Pandemic, global lockdown and quarantine measures have led to a change in consumer buying habits. On one hand, this change has impacted negatively on retail sales, with some health categories seeing a short-term decline in growth. On the other hand, however, its had a positive effect on the sales of vitamins and dietary supplements, with a strong focus on immunity and prevention. Further, Collagen Peptide is one of those ingredients which has gained an excellent reputation in the market among food innovators, finding novel ways to make it accessible to an even wider audience owing to its functional benefits.

Collagen Peptide is also blended in various drinks, shakes, smoothies, and ice creams to give an anti-inflammatory protein boost, as the ingredient has the tendency to dissolve in the cold liquid medium easily. Collagen Peptide has good organoleptic properties, taste, and is odor-free, while at the same time enabling the food product to maintain its organoleptic characteristics. It is used in various formulations due to its property to mix and blend with other food forms.

Segment-wise Performance

Gelatin demand in India has shown growth for pharmaceutical applications due to growth in the pharmaceutical industry. The Company was able to operate its Gelatin plant at more than its rated capacity during the year 2022-23. Though the effects of COVID-19 as well the issues post the Ukraine war affected all industries across the spectrum, the Company has witnessed a robust demand for its Gelatin. As the Indian Gelatin industry caters to the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, there is a strong demand for Gelatin. The increase in demand for many immunity-building products like nutritional supplements is one of the growth drivers for the surging Gelatin demand. Drop in production of certain raw materials and supply chain issues in Europe have also positively contributed in demand growth for Bone Gelatin. The increase in demand for many immunity-building products like nutritional supplements is one of the growth drivers for the surging Gelatin demand. The domestic market for Gelatin and Collagen Peptide was on the uptrend causing an improved sales over the period in this market. However, the onset of recession in the second half of 2022-23 impacted the global Collagen Peptide market causing the demand to come down in overseas market particularly North America and Asia.

Exports

Export of Ossein to Japan in 2022-23 quantity wise was almost equal to previous year due to stable requirement of the raw material for Gelatin. Ossein Export revenue increased vis-a-vis previous year due to better market prices. In the case of Gelatin, exports for the year grew compared to previous fiscal due to higher demand and market prices. Collagen Peptide export revenue was lower than the previous year due to the economic slowdown in some markets.

Domestic Market

The domestic demand for Gelatin is showing high growth trend as India is strengthening its identity as a pharma manufacturing hub for the World. The competition from imports was higher especially from Chinese based cheaper Gelatin. We were able to increase the domestic sales of both Gelatin & Collagen Peptide in 2022-23. For our DCP, the poultry industry saw both ups and down during 2022-23 as there were spikes in feed prices leading to demand fluctuations. First half of 2022-23, Di Calcium Phosphate (DCP) demand was lower and there were pricing pressures. In the second half, market condition improved and DCP price realization was higher which helped the Company to improve upon the revenue compared to last year.

Opportunities and Challenges Growing Pharma Market in India

As the Pharma sector grows, Gelatin demand is likely to continue hand in hand. Gelatin is a preferred excipient for the Pharma industry. Gelatin capsule industry consumes roughly 70-75% of all bovine bone Gelatin production in India and as per the latest estimates about 750 Billion Gelatin capsules, both soft and hard, were produced. Indian pharma companies are focusing on regulated markets and such markets demand capsules of excellent quality and dissolution properties. Hence there is high demand for Gelatin manufacturers who are focusing on providing superior quality Gelatin. The endeavor to make special grade of Gelatin has given birth to products like Gelatin with reduced cross linking for long shelf life capsules, Gelatin for capsules with faster and delayed disintegration properties, Gelatin for enteric capsules etc. Manufacturers are continuing their efforts to add value to Gelatin in line with the emerging industry trends.

Expanding Indian Nutraceutical Industry

The nutraceutical industry in India is poised to achieve the 100 Billion-dollar dream. The year 2016 turned out to be the year that the nutraceutical industry began to take off in India and both the trajectory as well as the industry have since undergone impressive changes. Apart from an impressive trajectory, the industry underwent a holistic change, underpinned by science. This resulted in a surge in clinical trials with consumers, finally validating the claims of the producers. The change is now irreversible, and the shift is positive. Market accessibility was another factor to the industrys growth. The biggest game changer was an increase in the overall number of Indians consuming basic nutraceuticals during the Pandemic. The ‘Nutraceutically Dormant Indian community had finally woken up and so had the industry.

International companies want to access the Indian market swiftly and responsible evidence-based nutrition is at the center of all these conversations. International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce, United States report estimates that Indian Nutraceutical market is expected to reach USD 18 Billion by 2025.

Growth and establishment of Nutraceutical industry in India is likely to support growth of Collagen Peptide business. Collagen Peptide is the trending ingredient for new product development for Healthy Ageing, Beauty from within, Womens Health, Fitness nutrition etc. The need for an ingredient which has multiple health benefits and sufficient clinical evidence opens up ample opportunities for Companys Wellnex range of products. A greater focus on health consciousness is leading to an increase in consumer spend on nutritional supplements to boost immunity and support their overall health. Collagen protein, once considered a cheap protein, is now gaining popularity due to its functional benefits in skincare, bone and joint health and sport nutrition. Collagen derived Peptides are one of the key ingredients in the Nutraceutical formulations in these segments. Several studies are going on to explore other potential benefits of Collagen derived bioactive Peptides. Considering the immense potential of Collagen Peptide several manufacturers have already scaled up their manufacturing facilities.

Raw Material Sourcing

The availability of Crushed Bone which is a major Raw material of the Company has been stable in the year though the availability has not yet touched Pre Pandemic level. There are signs of improvement in the slaughtering rate which may help in improving the availability of crushed bone in the coming period. Slow movement of Bone meal which is a byproduct of crushed Bone leads to price pressure in domestic Market. Quality Improvement due to stringent PCB norms has also been a challenge during the period. Import of gel bones helped to reduce our dependency on domestic raw materials. We have been able to maintain adequate levels of raw material inventory at all our manufacturing locations.

The Company is exploring more sources for importing gel bones in the coming year too.

Reducing Carbon Foot Print

The activities towards Carbon footprint reduction carried out during the year 2022-23 are as under:

1. Ossein Division-a. Installed biogas generation systems reduced furnace oil consumption. By this, fossil fuel consumption is reduced significantly. b. Solar lighting introduced on plant premises. c. Specific Power reduced by 25 units/MT of CB from 2019-20 through improved motor efficiencies, installing LED lights, etc.

2. Gelatin Division-a. Specific power consumption reduced by 300 units / MT of Gelatin from 2019-20 through the installation of high-efficiency motors, improved consumption efficiency, installation of LED lights, etc. b. An anaerobic digester was installed in the effluent stream for converting effluent (biomass) to biogas which reduced fossil consumption and reduced solid waste generation. c. Retrofitting was implimented in the GD boiler to improve fuel efficiency and the work environment.

3. Online meetings - Inter-division travel by employees for meetings is avoided where possible by using digital media for online meetings.

Outlook

The war between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted the chances of global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, at least in the short term. The war has led to surge in commodity prices and supply chain disruptions, causing inflation across goods and services and affecting many markets across the globe. Rising energy prices and supply disruptions have resulted in higher and more broad-based inflation than anticipated, notably in the United States, Europe and many other emerging and developing economies. Global economic activity is experiencing a broad-based and sharper-than-expected slowdown, with inflation higher than seen in several decades. Shifting consumer preferences in a projected economic downturn scenario, amendments to industrial policies to align with growing environmental concerns, fluctuations in raw material costs triggered by prevailing geo-political tensions and expected economic turbulences are noted as key challenges to be addressed by the Collagen industry players during the short- and medium-term forecast. We will be orienting our investments towards acquiring new technologies, securing safe and sustainable raw materials, efficient procurement/inventory, strengthening product portfolios, and leveraging capabilities to maintain growth during challenging times. The economic and social challenges are noted to be highly varying between different countries/markets and Collagen manufacturers and associated players are focused on country-specific strategies. Uneven recovery in different end markets and geographies is a key challenge in understanding and analyzing the Collagen market landscape.

The impact of war in Ukraine and the risk of stagflation envisaging numerous market scenarios are pressing the need for Collagen industry players to be more vigilant and forward-looking. Changes brought in by the Pandemic COVID-19 in the Collagen supply chain and the burgeoning drive for a cleaner and sustainable environment are necessitating Companies to alter their strategies. The Company with its new innovative manufacturing process is trying to control the cost of production and thereby tap new markets for increasing the sales. Our major market segments will be beauty from within, joint health, sports nutrition, general wellness and other new functionalities. High functional Collagen Peptide are the new products under development.

Financial Performance

The financial results of operations of your Company for the year under review are detailed under the caption Performance forming part of the Directors Report. The Companys operations have resulted in a pre-tax profit of 78.08 Crores for the current year as against pre-tax profit of 37.61 Crores for the previous financial year. The post-tax profit for the current year is 58.76 crores as against post tax profit of 26.60 crores for 2021-22. Other comprehensive income (net of tax) for the current year is

0.09 crores as against other comprehensive loss of 2.26 crores for the previous year. During the year, the Company has continued its efforts to optimize financial costs through availing loans in foreign currency thereby resulting in substantial reduction of financial costs. The basic and diluted earnings per share during the year was 64.72 per share as against 29.29 per share during the previous fiscal year.

Human Resources Development

The Company undertook the following HR initiatives during the financial year:-

1. Succession planning:

We have identified the critical positions in the Company for the next 3 years against retirement and initiated action plans to develop the next level executives in critical positions.

2. Training and development

The employees of the Company have been given training based on their requirements in a time bound manner to improve their skill sets to meet emerging challenges. Training calendar has been prepared well in advance in consultation with functional heads to meet the organisational requirements.

3. Organization culture

The Company is focussing on the culture development initiatives such as Leadership culture, Safety culture, Food safety culture, TPM culture and knowledge culture to improve the overall employee capabilities including a 7-day Leadership training programme for our Functional heads last year.

4. Unique Initiative Award

The Company has rolled out a new reward scheme for its employees which provide special unique initiatives that will fetch considerable benefits to the Company. The identified employees are rewarded by way of cash awards for their initiatives and become a model for others to emulate.

5. Employee Feedback Survey:

Human Resource Department of the Company had conducted an employee feedback survey on HR practices in the Company. The feedback analysis was completed and the suggestions/feedback received in the survey is being addressed in a time bound manner.

6. HR Automation:

As part of Paper reduction and Digitalisation initiatives, the Company has implemented Leave and Attendance Management System for its Executive Staff and is planning to extend the same to the blue collar level also in the coming year.

7. Revamping of Performance Management System The Company is planning to standardise the role based Job Description and for revamping the existing Performance Evaluation system with more focus on result oriented performance to meet emerging market situations.

8. Competency Development Programme:

Competency assessments have been completed for identified employees at senior levels and they have started initiatives to bridge the gaps identified in the competencies of employees. a. Role development Training program on Theory of Constraints for 30 top level executives: The Company has conducted TOC (Theory of Constraints) training program for its top leadership. It was a very effective training program that has helped the Company in identifying the bottlenecks that impact the operations of the Company in a significant manner and frame action plans for debottlenecking them enabling focussed growth. b. Online programme: The Company has conducted online training programmes for executives and non-executives. The benefits of the program were assessed using various tools such as quizzes, weekly assignments, and general feedback.

c. E-learning courses: The Company prescribed e-learning modules from Udemy, Coursera, Edx, etc. to expand on the training modules for executives. In addition to general programs like Excel/Presentation skills, specific programs like project management were also covered. d. Competency Enhancement at subsidiary Company Bamni Proteins Limited (BPL): The Company conducted a training program for the executives at BPL to help them assess and improve their presentation skills. As a continuation of the program, the Company has arranged for basic excel classes for the lower management executives for the next financial year. e. Skill Assessment and Development for Workmen: The Company conducted skill assessment of workers belonging to all disciplines in areas such as job knowledge, hazard identification, abnormality identification, and 5S awareness. In-house training modules have been developed and are being rolled out for those workmen who have skill gaps in the area mentioned. f. Kirkpatrick Evaluation Method: The Company has revamped the Kirkpatrick Evaluation Methodology to assess the effectiveness of training programmes conducted. The method assesses the impact that each programme has had on the employees at three phases and ensures due diligence prior to the conduct of each programme. g. Mentorship Programme: The Company completed the first phase of the mentorship program as per plan. Consequently, a feedback of the program was taken from both mentors and mentees and modifications to the scheme are being made based on the feedback h. Health & Wellness Programme: The following programmes were conducted with the objective of helping employees to enhance their health and wellness and to promote better engagement among employees.

i. Yoga and Zumba Classes: Online classes on Zumba and Yoga were conducted to teach employees healthy exercise options that can be used by them to achieve various health goals. j. Covid Awareness Sessions: The Company conducted online sessions by engaging reputed experts to spread awareness among employees about the COVID-19 Pandemic and to help employees and families protect themselves against the disease. k. Chronic disease awareness programs: To further spread awareness among employees regarding various common ailments like heart disease, diabetes, Spinal/back problems, etc. the Company conducted live interactions with health experts in the field. l. Badminton court - A new Badminton Court was inaugurated inside the Ossein Division for employees

9. Vision-Mission-Values (VMV): The Company conducted programmes to help the employees imbibe the Vision, Mission and Values of the organisation better a. Competitions: Competitions are being conducted to help employees think more about the influence of each Value in their personal and professional lives and to engage them better in the VMV programme. b. Online Value awareness sessions: The Company invited eminent professionals to talk to the employees on how companies demonstrate their corporate values and how the Companys values can be demonstrated at the workplace.

Key Financial Ratios

Details of significant changes (i.e. change of 25% or more as compared to the immediately previous financial year) in key financial ratios, along with detailed explanations therefor, including:

Key Ratios with a variance of more than 25 % compared to the previous year -

Sl. Particulars No

As at 31.03.2023 As on 31.03.2022 Variance

Reason

1 Current Ratio

2.41 1.53 57%

The working capital loan balance has come down significantly by 67% resulting in overall increase in Current ratio.

2 Debt Service Coverage Ratio

11.87 5.32 123%

Increase in profits and repayments during the year.

3 Return on 0.24 0.14 70% There is a 121% increase in PAT and hence the increase
Equity Ratio in ROE

4 Net profit Ratio

12% 6% 91%

121% increase in PAT resulting in increased NP ratio

5 Return on Capital Employed

33% 21% 54%

EBIT increased by 93% resulting in overall increase in ROCE

6 Return on Investment

105% 39% 169%

Increase in dividend received from Bamni

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

The Management Discussion and Analysis Report containing your Companys objectives, projections, estimates and expectation may constitute certain statements which are forward looking within the meaning of the applicable laws and regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Your Companys operations may inter-alia be affected by the supply and demand situation, input price and availability, changes in Government Regulations, Tax Laws, foreign exchange rate fluctuations and other factors. The Company cannot guarantee the accuracy of assumptions and perceived performance of the Company for the future.

The Management believes that the strategic direction of your Company is sound and will fulfill the Shareholders expectations, both short term and long term.

For and on behalf of the Board of Directors Sd/- APM MOHAMMED HANISH IAS CHAIRMAN DIN: 02504842 Kochi 08.05.2023