Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Beverages - Wineries & Distilleries / Andrew Peller

Andrew Peller

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Ticker adw
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Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Beverages - Wineries & Distilleries
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2010 Annual Report · Andrew Peller
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2010 annual report

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

Almost 50 years ago my grandfather, Andrew Peller, raised  

a glass to toast his very first vintage. The Peller family proudly carries  

on his tradition of crafting wine with an uncommon commitment to 

quality; in fact, our goals today are higher than ever before as we aim  
to produce wines that rank among the best in the world.  

- John Peller

  Thirty Bench  

Hillebrand

Hillebrand Winery is the birthplace 
of fine winemaking in Niagara. 
More than 30 years ago, we 
opened our cellar doors in 
Niagara-on-the-Lake, the heart of 
Ontario’s wine country. Hillebrand 
received fourth place Winery 
of the Year at the Canadian 
Wine Access Awards while over 
36 medals were awarded to 
Hillebrand and Trius.

Perched high above Okanagan 
Lake, our winery is located among 
the rolling hills of Naramata Bench 
Road. During this fiscal, Red 
Rooster received over 34 medals  
at various wine competitions. 

  Peller Estates 

Red Rooster Winery          

On the Cover: Sandhill – Winery of the Year, Canadian Wine Access Awards - Sandhill’s Small Lot Syrah 2007 and  
Sandhill’s Small Lot Viognier 2008 won Best Red and Best White Wine of the Year, in addition to 79 other medals.

Thirty Bench is a producer of 
premium wines grown exclusively  
on estate vineyards in the 
Beamsville Bench appellation,  
a superior winegrowing region  
on the Niagara Peninsula.  
Thirty Bench received third place, 
Winery of the Year, at the Canadian 
Wine Access Awards and over 12 
other medals throughout the year at 
various competitions.

Peller Estates received 
approximately 127 medals 
internationally this year. Awarded 
the highest Zagat rating, 
‘Extraordinary’, Peller Estates 
Winery Restaurant offers sweeping 
vineyard views, and sumptuous wine 
and food pairings that evolve with 
the changing seasons. 

Contents

1
Financial
Highlights

3
report to 
Shareholders

12
Management’s
discussion 
and analysis

26
Consolidated
financial  statements  
and notes

47
Shareholder 
information

 
Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

1

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31 IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS 

SALES AND EARNINGS 
Net sales  
Earnings before interest,amortization, income taxes and unusual items 
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations 
Net earnings (loss) 

FINANCIAL POSITION 
Working capital  
Total assets  
Shareholders’ equity  

PER SHARE 
Net earnings (loss) per Class A share - basic and diluted 

DIVIDENDS 
  Class A shares, non-voting 
  Class B shares, voting  

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
MARKET VALUE  
  Class A  - HIGH 
  Class A  - LOW 
  Class B  - HIGH 
  Class B  - LOW 

ANALYTICAL INFORMATION 
Return on average shareholders’ equity 
Return on average capital employed 
Ratio of current assets to current liabilities 

2010 

2009

$ 

$  263,151  
27,354  
9,526  
21,661  

29,968  
263,716  
113,665  

Restated (1)

251,136 
23,359 
(1,444)
(125)

29,203 
293,507 
96,791 

1.49  

(0.01)

 0.330  
 0.288  

 0.330 
0.288 

8.99 
6.01 
11.00 
9.00 

7.2% 
9.1% 
1.3:1 

11.59
6.00
12.00
9.00

6.0%
7.8%
1.3:1

  08 

09 

10

08 

09 

10

08 

09 

10

6
5
0
,
8
2
2

6
3
1
,
1
5
2

1
5
1
,
3
6
2

  Net Sales  

0
6
0
,
0
1

6
9
0
,
6

8
0
4
,
8

Net Earnings  
from continuing operations  
before financial instruments and 
other expenses

0
8
6
,
2
0
1

1
9
7
,
6
9

5
6
6
,
3
1
1

Shareholders’ Equity

(1) comparative amounts have been restated to effect the sale of the Company’s beer business on October 1, 2009 

 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                  
  
 
 
2

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

CORPORATE PROFILE

Andrew Peller Limited (‘APL’ or the ‘Company’) is a leading producer and marketer of quality wines in Canada.  With wineries 
in British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia, the Company markets wines produced from grapes grown in Ontario’s Niagara 
Peninsula, British Columbia’s Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys and from vineyards around the world. The Company’s award-
winning premium and ultra-premium VQA brands include Peller Estates, Trius, Hillebrand, Thirty Bench, Sandhill, Calona Vineyards 
Artist Series and Red Rooster. Complementing these premium brands are a number of popularly priced varietal wine brands 
including Peller Estates French Cross in the East, Peller Estates Proprietors Reserve in the West, Copper Moon, XOXO and Croc 
Crossing. Hochtaler, Domaine D’Or, Schloss Laderheim, Royal and Sommet are our key value-priced wine brands. The Company 
imports wines from major wine regions around the world to blend with domestic wine to craft these popularly priced and value- 
priced wine brands. With a focus on serving the needs of all wine consumers, the Company produces and markets premium 
personal winemaking products through it’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Global Vintners Inc., the recognized world leader in personal 
winemaking products. Global Vintners distributes products through over 250 Winexpert and Wine Kitz authorized retailers and 
franchisees and more than 600 independent retailers across Canada, United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia. 
Global Vintners award-winning premium and ultra-premium winemaking brands include Selection, Vintners Reserve, Island Mist, 
Kenridge, Cheeky Monkey, Ultimate Estate Reserve, Traditional Vintage and Artful Winemaker. The Company owns and operates 
more than 100 well-positioned independent retail locations in Ontario under the Vineyards Estate Wines, Aisle 43 and WineCountry 
Vintners store names. The Company also owns Grady Wine Marketing Inc. based in Vancouver, and The Small Winemaker’s 
Collection Inc. based in Ontario; both of these wine agencies are importers of premium wines from around the world and are 
marketing agents for these fine wines. The Company’s products are sold predominately in Canada with a focus on export sales  
for our icewine products.

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

3

REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS

Despite the challenging economic environment experienced 

during the year, we generated sales growth and improved 

profitability across all of our distribution channels in fiscal  

2010. With our strong market presence and profit margins, 

combined with our much improved balance sheet and financial 

position, we are well positioned for continued growth in the  

years ahead.

“We are pleased with our strong operating and financial performance 
through fiscal 2010, a solid achievement in the face of a challenging 
economic environment.”  

- commented John Peller, President & CEO.

 
4

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

Strong operating performance

Sales rose 4.8% in fiscal 2010 as the contribution from recent acquisitions, our successful programs to grow sales volumes of 
our blended varietal table and premium wines through provincial liquor boards, the introduction of new products, and solid 
performance by our premium personal winemaking business more than offset the negative impact of the global recession on our 
export and estate winery businesses. 

Gross margins declined slightly in fiscal 2010 compared with the prior year as cost control and production efficiency measures 
helped to mitigate increased costs to the Company for the purchases of United States dollars, an increase in our sales mix of lower 
margin wines as consumers traded down during the economic recession and higher costs for our grape and wine purchases. Most 
importantly, these negative factors began to reverse themselves during the fourth quarter of the year with gross margins improving 
significantly compared to the prior year period. We believe profitability will continue to improve as cost pressures ease and as we 
continue our ongoing focus on enhancing production efficiency and productivity.

A key achievement during the year was the sale of our ownership interests in Granville Island Brewing Company Ltd. and Mainland 
Beverage Distribution Ltd. to Creemore Springs Brewery Ltd. We were pleased to position Granville Island’s strong brand, quality 
products and talented people with one of the country’s leading craft brewers, and the sale allows us to more effectively focus all 
our efforts on growing our leading portfolio of premium and ultra-premium wine through best-in-class distribution practices in all 
trade channels across Canada.

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

5

The sale of our beer business generated proceeds of approximately $26.2 million, of which $25.0 million was received during the 
fiscal year and $0.2 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2011. We recorded a net gain of $11.9 million or $0.80 per common 
share on the sale and used the proceeds to significantly reduce the Company’s long-term debt and bank indebtedness. With the 
strengthening of our balance sheet, we are well positioned with the financial resources and flexibility to continue to execute our 
proven strategies to enhance value to our shareholders and to take advantage of growth opportunities as they occur.

Net earnings from continuing operations, excluding gains or losses on non-hedge derivatives and other expenses rose to  
$8.4 million for the year compared to $6.1 million in fiscal 2009. Including the impact of other expenses and the gain on the sale  
of the beer business, net earnings for year were $21.7 million or $1.49 per Class A share compared to a loss of $0.1 million or $0.01 
per Class A share in fiscal 2009.  

In addition to our solid operating and financial performance in fiscal 2010, a number of significant accomplishments bode well for 
continued growth in the years ahead.

eState WinerieS

Our estate winery business performed well in fiscal 2010, especially though the last half of the year as improved economic 
conditions fostered increased visits to our vineyards in Ontario and British Columbia. However, while sales of our premium and 
ultra-premium brands were strong, we did see some softening in demand as consumers reacted to the global economic recession 
by increasing their purchases of lower priced wines. Fortunately, with our brands covering the complete spectrum of the Canadian 
wine market, overall sales remained robust for the year. 

6

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

We were very proud to have three of our estate wineries named among the top-five in the country at the Canadian Wine Access 
Awards for 2009: Sandhill was awarded Winery of the Year; Thirty Bench Winemakers and Hillebrand were ranked third and fourth 
respectively. With more than 200 Canadian wineries competing, this was a significant achievement.

We were also honoured with a number of other prestigious awards at domestic and international wine competitions during the 
year. Sandhill’s Small Lot Syrah 2007 and Small Lot Viognier 2008 won best red and white wine of the year, in addition to 79 other 
medals that were awarded to the Company. Peller Estates received approximately 127 medals nationally, while Hillebrand and Trius 
were awarded 36 medals. Thirty Bench won 12 medals, Calona Vineyards 32 medals and Red Rooster 34 medals. 

Among the most prominent of the awards was a Gold Medal presented to Thirty Bench Riesling 2007 at the International 
Wine Challenge 2009 in the United Kingdom, as well as a silver medal, best in class, at the 2009 International Wine and Spirit 
Competition. At the same competition, the Company won silver awards for Peller Estates Signature Series Chardonnay “Sur Lie” 
2007 (Best in Class), Trius Icewine 2007, Peller Estates Vidal Icewine 2007, Peller Estates Oak Aged Icewine 2007, Peller Estates 
Cabernet Franc Icewine 2007 and Peller Estates Riesling Icewine 2007.

At the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2009, silver medals were won by Peller Estates Signature Series Chardonnay “Sur Lie” 
2007, Trius Red 2007, Trius Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2007 and Thirty Bench Small Lot Riesling Triangle Vineyard 2007. At the 
International Eastern Wine Competition, Trius Red 2007 won Double Gold while at the 2009 Effervescents du Monde Peller Estates 
Ice Cuvée won a gold medal. At the 2009 Los Angeles International Wine Competition, the Company won Best in Class, gold 
medals for Andrew Peller Signature Series Niagara Peninsula VQA Oak Aged Icewine 2007 and Andrew Peller Signature Series 
Niagara Peninsula VQA Riesling Icewine 2007.

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

7

At the All Canadian Wine Championships, Peller Estates Ice Cuvée Rosé won Double Gold and Best Sparkling Wine of the Year, 
Trius Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2007 won Double Gold while gold medals were won by Peller Estates Ice Cuvée, Peller Estates 
Private Reserve Rosé 2007 and Hillebrand Showcase Chardonnay Wild Ferment 2007. Sandhill Small Lot Syrah 2007 and Peller 
Estate Private Reserve Pinot Noir 2007 were successful in being recognized as two of the top 11 British Columbia wines selected 
to receive the Lieutenant Governor’s Award of Excellence for 2009. Our British Columbia wine portfolio also did well at the Grand 
Harvest Awards achieving gold medals for Calona Vineyards Artist Series Sovereign Opal 2008, Peller Estates Private Reserve 
Riesling 2008 and Red Rooster Pinot Gris 2008.

Looking ahead, we are accelerating our efforts to build awareness and consumer loyalty for all of our estate brands. Our popular 
Wine Clubs have been introduced across the country and we have seen particular success with recent launches at Sandhill, Thirty 
Bench and Red Rooster. A new initiative, Winemakers Challenge, offers consumers the opportunity to purchase the best of the 
Company’s Ontario VQA wines through a state-of-the-art online portal. We remain relentless in our efforts to produce the highest 
quality wines targeted at the growing demand for premium and ultra-premium wines across the country.

A number of new products were introduced during fiscal 2010 that broadened and extended our offering of estate wines. Trius 
Brut Rosé was added to our portfolio of sparking wines and won Best Sparkling Wine Award at Cuvée 2010, while the new Trius 
Sauvignon Blanc was being very well received. In British Columbia, we launched Sandhill Small Lots Chardonnay and Merlot; both 
are receiving high accolades from the wine media. 

8

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

value-priced BrandS

Our value-priced table wines continue to perform well with our Peller Estates French Cross / Proprietor’s Reserve selection 
remaining the best-selling brand in Canada while Copper Moon, made with grapes harvested at night to increase the fruit flavour, 
moved into the top-ten in all the Provinces where the brand was sold. Copper Moon also expanded its franchise during the year 
with the launch of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Merlot in Ontario, and into larger size formats of these varietals in 
Western Canada. 

XOXO, our product targeted at women between the ages of 18 and 34, also saw solid growth in fiscal 2010 as our innovative social 
marketing programs through Facebook, Twitter and others proved highly successful. XOXO introduced its new White Zinfandel 
Gamay seasonal listing to leverage the recent trend of increased consumption of rosé wines in the $10 price range. 

vineyardS eState WineS / aiSle 43

Our established network of over 100 retail locations in Ontario once again generated strong growth and operating performance in 
fiscal 2010. Over the last few years we have increased our presence in leading national grocery chains. The majority of our stores 
are now well positioned in these convenient, high traffic locations. We are also continuing to expand our innovative Aisle 43 brand 
within these national chains, a friendly, bright and appealing concept that fits well with our grocery chain partners. New products 
were introduced during the year, which included our popular Copper Moon series. We will continue to add new brands and 
upgrade our store locations going forward. 

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

9

Wine agencieS

Sales at Grady Wine Marketing and Small Winemakers both outperformed the premium import wine markets in their respective 
provinces, benefiting from strong brands and product portfolios that covered key price points. During the year, both agencies 
leveraged their coverage by taking on the responsibility of selling Andrew Peller Limited’s premium VQA brands to selected  
on-premise customers.

gloBal vintnerS

With the purchase of World Vintners in June 2008, we became the largest producer and seller of high quality personal winemaking 
products in Canada with a growing export business to the United States and the United Kingdom. Leveraging this strong market 
presence, personal winemaking sales rose in fiscal 2010 due to solid growth in Canada as well as a strong increase in export sales. 
Since the acquisition, significant operating synergies and economies of scale have been achieved to enhance profitability.  

Looking ahead, we will continue to build on our presence as the recognized world leader in personal winemaking products. 
New programs are being launched to expand our leading brands, including Winexpert, Wine Kitz and Vineco, as well as sales 
of our private label products through such leading national retailers as Costco. The recent introduction of the innovative Artful 
Winemaker personal winemaking system in both the United States and Canada is also proving very popular. 

10

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

an exciting future

The Canadian wine market remains strong, supported by a continuing movement toward the consumption of wine by an aging 
population who favour the more sophisticated experience that wine offers as well as younger consumers who have more recently 
adopted wine as their beverage of choice. Demand also continues to be boosted by the widely reported health benefits of 
moderate wine consumption.

To capitalize on these strong industry fundamentals, we will continue to execute the same value-enhancing strategies that have 
proved so successful over the last fifty years. Our long-term objective is to generate annual organic sales increases of approximately 
4%. We met this goal in fiscal 2010 and we are confident we have the brands, the assets and the people to meet this target over 
the long term. 

Our proven sales and marketing efforts will continue to drive sales through all of our trade channels, including licensed 
establishments, provincial liquor boards, our network of retail locations in Ontario, our estate wineries and our wine agencies. The 
launch of new and re-positioned products will also contribute to our growth across all price points in the Canadian wine business. 
Efforts to increase export sales are proving effective. We also expect our personal winemaking business will continue to leverage its 
strong market presence to build sales in Canada and through export markets. 

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

11

We will continue to prudently investigate acquisitions that expand and complement our presence and brand profile in the Canadian 
wine market. The additions to our family of brands completed over the last five years have made significant contributions to our 
growth and performance and we will seek out additional acquisitions that strengthen our presence and enhance value for our 
shareholders.

In closing, we would like to thank everyone in the Company for their dedication and hard work over the past year. Despite a very 
difficult consumer economy in fiscal 2010, our team met the challenge to deliver strong growth and improved profitability. 

During the coming year we will be celebrating our fiftieth year in business, a considerable achievement and a testament to the 
values and entrepreneurial spirit of our Company’s founder, Andrew Peller. As we look ahead, we are confident the Canadian wine 
market will remain healthy and growing and that we are well positioned to continue to build shareholder value for years to come.  

Joseph A. Peller, Chairman   

John E. Peller, President and CEO 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS 
FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 

The following management’s discussion and analysis (‘MD&A’) 
provides a review of corporate developments, results of 
operations and financial position for the three months and year 
ended March 31, 2010 in comparison with those for the three 
months and year ended March 31, 2009. This discussion is 
prepared as of June 23, 2010 and should be read in conjunction 
with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 
March 31, 2010 and 2009, and the accompanying notes contained 
therein. All dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars 
unless otherwise indicated.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements in this Management’s Discussion & Analysis 
may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of 
applicable securities laws, including the “safe harbour provisions” 
of the Securities Act (Ontario) with respect to Andrew Peller 
Limited (‘APL’ or the ‘Company’) and its subsidiaries. Such 
statements include, but are not limited to, statements about 
the growth of the business in light of the Company’s recent 
acquisitions; its launch of new premium wines; sales trends in 
foreign markets; its supply of domestically grown grapes; and 
current economic conditions. These statements are subject to 
certain risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual 
results to differ materially from those included in the forward-
looking statements. The words “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, 
“estimate”, “expect” or “anticipate” and similar expressions, 
as well as future or conditional verbs such as “will”, “should”, 
“would” and “could” often identify forward-looking statements. 
We have based these forward-looking statements on our current 
views with respect to future events and financial performance. 
With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this 
MD&A, the Company has made assumptions and applied certain 
factors regarding, among other things: future grape, glass bottle 
and wine prices; its ability to obtain grapes, imported wine, glass 
and its ability to obtain other raw materials; fluctuations in the 
U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rates; its ability to market products 
successfully to its anticipated customers; the trade balance within 
the domestic Canadian wine market; market trends; reliance on 
key personnel; protection of its intellectual property rights; the 
economic environment; the regulatory requirements regarding 
producing, marketing, advertising and labeling of its products; 
the regulation of liquor distribution and retailing in Ontario; the 
application of federal and provincial environmental laws; and the 
impact of increasing competition. 

These forward-looking statements are also subject to the risks 
and uncertainties discussed in the “Risk Factors” section and 
elsewhere in this MD&A and other risks detailed from time to 
time in the publicly filed disclosure documents of the Company 
which are available at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking 
statements are not guarantees of future performance and 
involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which could cause 
actual results to differ materially from those conclusions, forecasts 
or projections anticipated in these forward-looking statements. 
Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, one should 
not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. 

The Company’s forward-looking statements are made only as 
of the date of this MD&A, and except as required by applicable 
law, Andrew Peller Limited undertakes no obligation to update 
or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new 
information, future events or circumstances.

OVERVIEW

Andrew Peller Limited (‘APL’ or the ‘Company’) is a leading 
producer and marketer of quality wines in Canada. With  
wineries in British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia, the 
Company markets wines produced from grapes grown in  
Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula, British Columbia’s Okanagan and 
Similkameen Valleys and from vineyards around the world. The 
Company’s award-winning premium and ultra-premium VQA 
brands include Peller Estates, Trius, Hillebrand, Thirty Bench, 
Sandhill, Calona Vineyards Artist Series and Red Rooster. 
Complementing these premium brands are a number of  
popularly priced varietal wine brands including Peller Estates 
French Cross in the East, Peller Estates Proprietors Reserve in 
the West, Copper Moon, XOXO and Croc Crossing. Hochtaler, 
Domaine D’Or, Schloss Laderheim, Royal and Sommet are our 
key value priced wine blends. The Company imports wines from 
major wine regions around the world to blend with domestic wine 
to craft these popularly and value priced wine brands. With a 
focus on serving the needs of all wine consumers, the Company 
produces and markets premium personal winemaking products 
through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Global Vintners Inc. (“GVI”), 
the recognized world leader in personal winemaking products. 
Global Vintners distributes products through over 250 Winexpert 
and Wine Kitz authorized retailers and franchisees and more than 
600 independent retailers across Canada, United States, United 
Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia. GVI’s award-winning 
premium and ultra-premium winemaking brands include Selection, 
Vintners Reserve, Island Mist, Kenridge, Cheeky Monkey, Ultimate 
Estate Reserve, Traditional Vintage and Artful Winemaker. The 
Company owns and operates more than 100 well positioned 
independent retail locations in Ontario under the Vineyards Estate 
Wines, Aisle 43 and WineCountry Vintners store names. The 
Company also owns Grady Wine Marketing (“GWM”) based in 
Vancouver, and The Small Winemaker’s Collection Inc. (“SWM”) 
based in Ontario; both of these wine agencies are importers 
of premium wines from around the world and are marketing 
agents for these fine wines. The Company’s products are sold 
predominately in Canada with a focus on export sales for its 
icewine and personal winemaking products. 

The Company’s stated mission is to build sales volumes of its 
blended, premium and ultra-premium brands by delivering 
to its customers and consumers the highest quality wines at 
the best possible value. To meet this goal, the Company is 
investing in improvements in the quality of grapes and wines, 
its winemaking capabilities and in its quality management 
programs. Over the long term, the Company believes premium 
wine sales will continue to grow in Canada and these products 
generate higher sales and increased profitability compared to 
lower-priced table wines.

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

13

The Canadian Wine Market

The market for wine in Canada has continued to grow due to a 
movement toward the consumption of wine made by an aging 
population who favour the more sophisticated experience that 
wine offers and young consumers who have more recently 
adopted wine as their beverage of choice, as well as the widely 
reported health benefits of moderate wine consumption. Imports 
from major wine-producing countries, particularly Argentina and 
Chile, continue to expand their share of the Canadian market, 
in many cases supported by extensive government subsidy 
programs that support lower prices that are unmatched in 
Canada. Canada remains one of the world’s largest importers 
of wine, resulting in significant growth in foreign wine sales in 
Canada over the past five years. To ensure that fair and open 
trade practices exist in the domestic Canadian wine market, the 
Company is working closely with other Canadian wine producers 
and the Canadian government to address this important issue. For 
the year ended March 31, 2010, consumption of wine in Canada 
(excluding Quebec, where the Company does not participate, 
and excluding the refreshment wine category) rose by 
approximately 2.7% after increasing by 2.9% in 2009. Imported 
wines accounted for 64.3% of total volume in fiscal 2010. 
Canadian-made wines experienced a slight increase in market 
share to 35.7% from 35.3% in fiscal 2009. The Company’s 
share of the total Canadian market in fiscal 2010 was 12.7% 
compared to 12.4% in fiscal 2009. The Company’s share of 
the Canadian domestic market increased from 35.2% in fiscal 
2009 to 35.5% in fiscal 2010 primarily due to strong sales of 
key brands such as Peller Estates and solid performance from 
recent product introductions.

The Vintners Quality Alliance (‘VQA’), established in 1989, has 
become recognized throughout the world as the appellation 
system for Canadian wines that meet strict standards of 
excellence. The Company’s sales of VQA designated wines 
increased by 1.8% in fiscal 2010 compared to a 9.7% increase  
in fiscal 2009. VQA sales in fiscal 2010 were impacted by a 
move by provincial liquor boards to increase support to new 
VQA wine brands. 

Red table wines continued to grow in popularity, with total 
Canadian volume sales rising 2.7% in fiscal 2010 compared  
to 4.4% in fiscal 2009. Volume sales of the Company’s red wine 
portfolio increased 7.5% in fiscal 2010 after an 11.1% increase in 
fiscal 2009. Volume sales of white table wines in Canada rose 3.8% 
in fiscal 2010 and 1.8% in fiscal 2009, while the Company’s sales of 
white table wines were up 5.0% in fiscal 2010 compared to 3.8% 
in fiscal 2009.

The Company believes that sales of personal winemaking 
products declined in Canada by approximately 3.0% in fiscal 
2010 after declining approximately 4.0% during the prior 
year. Sales of the Company’s personal winemaking products 
experienced a solid increase during the year driven primarily by 
a full year’s contribution from acquisitions and a solid increase 
in export sales to the United States and the United Kingdom 
compared to fiscal 2009.

APL is focused on initiatives to reduce costs and enhance  
its production efficiencies through an on-going review of  
the Company’s operations. The Company continually reviews 
its cost structure with a view to enhancing profitability. In 
addition, the Company continues to expand and strengthen 
distribution of its wines through provincial liquor boards, the 
Company’s network of 102 Vineyards Estate Wines, Aisle 43 and 
WineCountry Vintners retail locations, estate wineries, restaurants 
and other licensed establishments. This distribution network 
is supported by enhanced sales, marketing and promotional 
programs. From time to time the Company also evaluates the 
potential for acquisitions and partnerships, both in Canada and 
internationally, to further complement its product portfolio and 
market presence. 

Recent Events

On May 25, 2010 the Company sold approximately six acres of 
vineyard in the Okanagan Valley to Burrowing Owl Vineyards Ltd. 
for proceeds of approximately $0.8 million. Proceeds were used to 
reduce bank indebtedness.  

Effective May 1, 2010 the Company completed the sale  
of its ownership interests in Granville Island Brewing Company 
Ltd. (“GIB”) and Mainland Beverage Distribution Ltd. (“MD”) to 
Creemore Springs Brewery Ltd. Of the total proceeds from the 
sale of approximately $26.2 million, $25.0 million was received 
during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 and $0.2 million was 
received during the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Proceeds were 
used to reduce long-term debt and bank indebtedness. The 
balance of the sale proceeds are expected to be received on May 
1, 2012. The Company recorded an after tax gain on the sale of 
approximately $11.9 million. The operating results of the beer 
business have been classified as net earnings from a discontinued 
operation in current and prior periods. 

On October 8, 2008 the Company acquired 100% of SWM for 
consideration of approximately $1.6 million. SWM is a premium 
wine importer and marketing agent for fine wines in the Province 
of Ontario. The Company imports wines from major wine regions 
around the world and sells primarily to on-premise accounts in key 
markets and through LCBO Vintages stores.

Effective June 30, 2008 the Company increased its annual 
common share dividends. The dividend on Class A shares 
increased 10% from $0.300 per share to $0.330 per share, while 
the dividend on Class B shares increased 10% from $0.261 per 
share to $0.288 per share. 

On June 30, 2008 the Company acquired 100% of the common 
shares of World Vintners Inc. (“WVI”), a producer and seller of high 
quality consumer-made wine kits. The acquisition brought to the 
Company a dedicated network of 75 franchised wine-on-premise 
and retail outlets under the Wine Kitz brand name. WVI was 
acquired for consideration of $9.6 million, including acquisition 
costs. The Company has generated significant synergies in its wine 
kit operations as a result of this acquisition through the closure of 
its plant in Markham, Ontario and its Quebec distribution facility.

On June 13, 2008 the Company acquired 50% of the shares of 
Rocky Ridge Vineyards Inc. (“Rocky Ridge”) of Cawston, British 
Columbia for consideration of $3.9 million, including acquisition 
costs. The Company previously owned 50% of the shares of Rocky 
Ridge and as a result of this transaction Rocky Ridge became a 
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. 

14

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

Financial Statements and Accounting 
Policies

The Company prepared its financial statements in Canadian 
dollars in accordance with Canadian generally accepted 
accounting principles (GAAP). The Company also utilizes EBITA 
(defined as earnings before interest, amortization, non-hedge 
derivative gains (losses), other income (expense), income taxes 
and net earnings before a discontinued operation) to measure its 
financial performance. 

EBITA is not a recognized measure under GAAP; however, 
management believes that EBITA is a useful supplemental 
measure to net earnings, as it provides readers with an indication 
of earnings available for investment prior to debt service, capital 
expenditures and income taxes. Readers are cautioned that 
EBITA should not be construed as an alternative to net earnings 
determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the 
Company’s performance or to cash flows from operating, investing 
and financing activities as a measure of liquidity and cash flows. 
The Company’s method of calculating EBITA may differ from  
the methods by which other companies calculate EBITA  
and, accordingly, EBITA may not be comparable to measures  
used by other companies.

Critical Accounting Estimates

During the year, management is required to make estimates 
or rely on assumptions that are inherently uncertain. These 
estimates can vary with respect to the level of judgment involved 
and ultimately the impact that these estimates may have on 
the Company’s financial statements. Estimates are deemed to 
be critical when a different estimate could reasonably be used 
or where changes are reasonably likely to occur which would 
materially affect the Company’s financial position, or results 
in operations. The Company’s significant accounting policies 
are discussed in Note 1 of the Notes to the March 31, 2010 
Consolidated Financial Statements; critical estimates inherent in 
these accounting policies are set out below.

Accounts Receivable

The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts to 
reflect management’s best estimate of losses that may occur on 
accounts receivable during the year. This allowance was recorded 
through a charge to earnings and takes into consideration the 
financial condition and recent payment patterns of customers and 
the general state of the economy. Management believes that the 
allowance is sufficient to cover any risk of potential losses. Credit 
losses were within management’s expectations.

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. 
The Company determines cost on a weighted average cost basis 
using separate pools for domestic and imported wines.

All inventories are counted as close as possible to year end 
without impacting the operations of the Company. Management 
has provided an allowance for slow moving and obsolete 
inventory which is considered to be sufficient for potential losses.

On April 1, 2008 the Company adopted the Canadian 
Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Handbook Section 
3031“Inventories”. For details on the impact of the adoption  
of the standard, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
for the year ended March 31, 2010. 

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less 
accumulated amortization. Amortization is calculated on  
a straight line basis in amounts that are sufficient to amortize 
the cost over the estimated useful life of the asset. Details of the 
amounts classified as property, plant and equipment are set out in 
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Goodwill

Goodwill on the purchase of Hillebrand in 1993, Vineco 
International Products in 1996, Brew King (now named Winexpert) 
in 1997, Distrivin and Winexpert in 2004, Wine Not in 2005 and 
Cascadia, Thirty Bench and Red Rooster in 2006 and WVI, Rocky 
Ridge, Camelot Cellars and SWM in 2009 represents the excess of 
purchase price of acquired businesses over the fair value of the net 
assets acquired. Goodwill relating to the disposition of GIB and 
MD is classified as part of discontinued operations – long-term 
assets in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The 
Company determines an impairment of goodwill based on the 
ability to recover the balance from expected future discounted 
operating cash flows. Management has determined that there was 
no impairment in goodwill as at March 31, 2010 and 2009.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets primarily relate to customer contracts, brands 
and customer based relationships that have been acquired 
through recent acquisitions. Management believes that brands do 
not have a fixed or determinable life and consequently brands are 
not amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests based 
on a comparison of the carrying amount to the estimated fair 
market value of the brands. The amortization periods related to 
those intangible assets with finite lives are based on the expected 
duration of the contracts and relationships acquired. These 
intangible assets will be tested at least annually for impairment or 
when events or circumstances arise that indicate impairment may 
exist. Intangible assets relating to the disposition of GIB and MD 
have been classified as part of discontinued operation – long-term 
assets in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. 

Fair value of financial instruments

Accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
and bank indebtedness are reflected in the consolidated financial 
statements at carrying values, which approximate fair value due to 
the short-term maturity of these instruments. 

Long-term debt has a floating interest rate and its carrying value, 
as reflected in the consolidated financial statements, approximates 
fair value. Interest on long-term debt has been fixed through the 
use of an interest rate swap. 

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

15

The Company purchases wine and other inventory items 
throughout the year. These purchases are made in United States 
dollars and Euros. The Company uses foreign exchange contracts 
as a hedge against changes in currency values. The Company’s 
strategy is to hedge approximately 50% - 80% of its foreign 
exchange requirements prior to the beginning of each fiscal 
quarter. The Company does not enter into foreign exchange 
contracts for trading or speculative purposes. Contracts are 
matched against forecasted purchases of inventory and other 
purchases in U.S. dollars and Euros. 

All financial instruments are initially recorded at fair value which 
includes the Company’s interest rate swap and foreign exchange 
contracts. The Company has not designated any of its financial 
instruments as hedges and accordingly, changes to the fair value 
of these instruments are recorded through earnings each period 
as a net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments. 

Employee Future Benefits

The Company provides a defined benefit pension plan to 
certain of its employees. The assumptions used to measure 
the accrued benefit obligations and benefit costs are: discount 
rate for expenses 7.0%, discount rate for obligations 5.5%, 
expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.0% and rate of 
compensation increase 4.0-5.0%. To measure the obligation for 
past employment medical benefits, it was assumed that the health 
care inflation rate would be 10% in fiscal 2011 reducing by 1% 
each year for the next five years. The annual pension expense to 
provide those benefits is approximately $440. All actuarial losses 
are amortized over the expected remaining service life which is 
estimated to be 7-14 years. On March 31, 2010 the Company 
recognized an obligation to provide post employment medical 
benefits to certain employees which arose as the result of the 
Company’s acquisition of Cascadia Brands Inc. The obligation to 
provide post employment medical benefits was not identified at 
the time of the Cascadia acquisition. The recognition of the post 
employment medical benefit obligation has resulted in an increase 
to the employee future benefit liability of $2.6 million, an increase 
to goodwill in the amount of $1.9 million and a reduction to future 
income tax liability in the amount of $0.7 million.

Recently Adopted Accounting 
Pronouncements

Effective for the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company adopted 
the amended version of CICA Section 3862 “Financial Instruments – 
Disclosures”. The amended standard requires enhanced disclosures 
about the relative reliability of the data, or “inputs”, that an entity 
uses to measure the fair values of its financial instruments. 

Effective April 1, 2008 the Company adopted the following new 
accounting standards that were issued by the CICA:

CICA Handbook Section 3031 “Inventories” replaced CICA 
Handbook Section 3030, “Inventories” which provided guidance 
on the determination of cost and its subsequent recognition as 
an expense, including any write-down to net realizable value. 
It also provided guidance on the cost formulas that are used to 
assign costs to inventories and is effective for the Company’s fiscal 
years beginning on April 1, 2008. As required, this standard has 
been adopted prospectively and comparative amounts have not 

been restated. This change predominately related to changes in 
the application of overhead cost allocations to bulk and finished 
goods inventory. As a result, on adoption of this standard, the 
Company recorded an adjustment on April 1, 2008 to reduce 
inventories by $2,725, to reduce future income taxes by $850  
and to reduce opening retained earnings by $1,875.

The Company adopted CICA Emerging Issues Committee 173, 
“Credit Risk and the Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial 
Liabilities” that required an entity’s own credit risk and the risk of 
counterparty to be taken into account when determining the fair 
value of financial assets and financial liabilities including derivative 
amounts. As a result, on adoption, the company recorded an 
adjustment on January 1, 2009 to increase the fair value of 
derivative financial instruments by $1,307, increase future income 
taxes by $409 and increase opening retained earnings by $898.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

CICA Handbook Section 1582, “Business Combinations”, CICA 
Handbook Section 1601, “Consolidated Financial Statements”, 
and CICA Handbook Section 1602, “Non-controlling interests” 
replace the former CICA Handbook Section 1581, “Business 
Combinations” and CICA Handbook Section 1600, “Consolidated 
Financial Statements” and establishes a new section for 
accounting for a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary. These 
sections provide the Canadian equivalent to IFRS 3, “Business 
Combinations” and International Accounting Standard 27, 
“Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements”. CICA 
Handbook Section 1582 is effective for business combinations 
for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the 
first annual reporting period beginning on or after January 1, 
2011. Section 1601 and Section 1602 apply to interim and annual 
consolidated financial statements relating to years beginning on or 
after January 1, 2011. The Company has the option to collectively 
adopt Section 1582, Section 1601, and Section 1602 beginning 
on April 1, 2010. Electing to adopt these standards in fiscal 
2011 would minimize the impact of transitioning to International 
Financial Reporting Standards for any business combinations 
occurring during the year. The Company is currently evaluating the 
impact of adoption of these standards.

CICA Emerging Issues Committee 175, “Multiple Deliverable 
Revenue Arrangements” was released and requires a vendor 
to allocate arrangement consideration at the inception of an 
arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price 
method. The new requirements are effective for fiscal years 
beginning on or after January 1, 2011 with early adoption 
permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the 
adoption of this standard.

International Financial Reporting Standards

In February 2008, the Canadian Accounting Standards Board 
(“AcSB”) confirmed that the use of International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board will be required for fiscal years 
beginning after January 1, 2011 for publicly accountable 
profit oriented enterprises. The transition date will require the 
Company to restate, for comparative purposes, amounts reported 
for the year ending March 31, 2011 as if the Company had always 
reported under IFRS.

16

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

 Although IFRS uses a conceptual framework similar to Canadian 
GAAP, differences in accounting policies will need to be 
addressed. During fiscal 2009, the Company undertook an IFRS 
diagnostic study with a view to assess the impact of the transition 
on the Company’s accounting policies and to establish a project 
plan to implement IFRS. Some key accounting areas where IFRS 
differs from current policy and accounting alternatives were 
identified. It was also determined that the implementation of 
IFRS will require increased financial statement disclosure.

 During fiscal 2010, the Company finalized its diagnostic study, 
hired a dedicated resource to lead the IFRS implementation team 
and engaged an external service provider to provide additional 
assistance. Based on evaluations that are currently in progress, 
the Company’s preliminary expectation is that the following 
components will have the most impact on its quarterly and annual 
consolidated financial statements beginning in the year ending 
March 31, 2012:

•  IFRS 1 – First-time Adoption of IFRS: During the year ended 

March 31, 2012, the Company will be required to disclose 
certain additional comparative financial information related to 
its quarterly and annual reporting periods. These additional 
disclosures will provide information that will allow the user 
to reconcile amounts that were previously presented under 
Canadian GAAP to IFRS for the interim and annual periods 
occurring during the year ending March 31, 2011. IFRS 1 also 
provides numerous exemptions to the general requirement to 
retrospectively apply IFRS accounting policies. The Company is 
currently evaluating the exemptions that it will utilize.

•  IAS 41 – Agriculture: IAS 41 will require the Company  

to measure its grape vines at their fair value less costs to sell. 
Costs to sell are the incremental costs that would be required 
to dispose of an asset if it were sold to a third party. Harvested 
grapes will be measured at their fair value less costs to sell at  
the point of harvest. This measurement will then become the 
cost used in measuring the value of the Company’s inventories. 
Prior to the adoption of IFRS, the Company recorded its 
vineyards at cost less accumulated amortization and its 
inventories at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The 
Company is currently evaluating the direction and magnitude 
of this application IAS 41, on the accounting for the Company’s 
vineyards and inventories.

•  IAS 16 – Property, Plant and Equipment: IAS 16 provides 

options to record property, plant and equipment using a cost 
or a revaluation model. There are also exemptions under IFRS 
1 that provide an additional option for the Company to use 
fair value as deemed cost at transition for an item of property, 
plant and equipment. IAS 16 also contains detailed guidance 
on the componentization of property, plant and equipment. 
Currently, the Company records property, plant and equipment 
at historical cost less accumulated amortization. The Company is 
currently evaluating its options and requirements under IAS 16 in 
combination with its options under IFRS 1.

•  IAS 19 – Employee Benefits: There are currently different 

options available to the Company under IFRS 1 and IAS 19 
to record actuarial gains and losses upon transition to IFRS. 
In its opening IFRS balance sheet, the Company may elect to 
leave a portion of actuarial gains and losses unrecognized 
or it may elect to recognize all cumulative actuarial gains 
and losses. After the Company’s transition date of April 1, 
2010, actuarial gains and losses may be amortized over a 
period of time similar to the Company’s current treatment 
under Canadian GAAP, recognized immediately in profit 
or loss, or recognized immediately in other comprehensive 
income. The Company has currently decided to recognize 
all cumulative actuarial gains and losses in its opening IFRS 
balance sheet and immediately recognize actuarial gains and 
losses in other comprehensive income in its IFRS consolidated 
financial statements. The Company is monitoring potential 
future changes in this area, which may impact these preliminary 
decisions. The differences in recognition criteria for post-
employment benefit liabilities compared to those under 
Canadian GAAP may also impact the Company. An  
evaluation of the amount of the impact is underway.

•  IAS 36 – Impairment of Assets: Under Canadian GAAP, 

impairment testing of property, plant and equipment and 
intangible assets with finite lives involves comparing the 
carrying value of an asset to its undiscounted cash flows when 
an indication of impairment exists. If the undiscounted cash 
flows expected to be generated from the asset are greater 
than the carrying value, no impairment is recorded. This 
initial step is not part of IFRS. Under IFRS, property, plant 
and equipment and intangible assets with finite lives will be 
assigned to cash generating units (“CGUs”). When there is 
an indication of impairment, the carrying value of a CGU is 
compared to the greater of the CGUs fair value and its value in 
use using discounted cash flows to determine whether or not an 
impairment charge should be recorded. Under Canadian GAAP, 
the carrying value of an intangible asset with an indefinite life 
is compared to its fair value to determine whether impairment 
expense should be recorded. Under IFRS, intangible assets 
with an indefinite life may be allocated to CGUs for impairment 
testing. Under Canadian GAAP, goodwill is grouped with other 
assets to form a reporting unit and the carrying value of a 
reporting unit is compared to its fair value to determine whether 
an impairment charge should be recorded for goodwill. Under 
IFRS, goodwill will be allocated to CGUs for impairment testing 
purposes. The grouping of assets and liabilities used to form a 
reporting unit to test goodwill for impairment under Canadian 
GAAP will be different from the grouping of assets and 
liabilities used to form a CGU to test goodwill for impairment 
under IFRS. IFRS also requires impairment charges to be 
reversed in certain circumstances, except for impairment of 
goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite life. Reversal 
of an impairment charge is not permitted under Canadian 
GAAP. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the 
applicable IFRS accounting standards.

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

17

•  IAS 12 – Income Taxes: Future income tax balances will 
change as a result of the other adjustments required to 
transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS. 

 The Company is currently evaluating the extent of other 
changes and disclosures resulting from IAS 12.

This is not an exhaustive list as there are other less significant 
areas that are expected to affect the Company’s consolidated 
financial statements and disclosures. In addition, other areas 
that will change as a result of IFRS may be identified as the 
Company progresses through its transition.

During fiscal 2010 the Company made progress in other aspects 
of its transition to IFRS. An information session was held for 
the board of directors and senior management to facilitate the 
development and maintenance of an appropriate level of financial 
reporting expertise. Management has also provided regular 
updates to the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee regarding its 
transition progress and specific business and accounting policy 

Results of Operations 

choices. With regard to changes to the Company’s information 
systems, a plan has been developed to leverage existing 
accounting information system capabilities to meet the dual 
reporting requirements for the year ended March 31, 2011. Under 
the plan, current accounting information systems will be able to 
produce reconciliations from Canadian GAAP to IFRS balances. 
The Company is also assessing the impact of the conversion on 
internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls 
and procedures and will provide sufficient resources and training 
to ensure an orderly transition.

The Company has developed and continues to monitor its 
conversion plan for the transition that was effective April 1, 
2010. IFRS accounting standards are continuing to evolve and 
are therefore subject to change throughout the remainder of the 
conversion process. The Company will continue to monitor any 
IFRS accounting developments and update the conversion plan  
as necessary.

The following table outlines key highlights for the year ended March 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008. With the Company’s entering into an 
agreement effective October 1, 2009 to sell its ownership of GIB and MD, the results for the Company’s beer business have been classified 
as earnings from a discontinued operation. The sale was completed on May 1, 2010.

  FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 

  (in thousands of dollars except per share amounts) 

  Sales   

  Gross profit 

  Gross profit (% of sales) 

  Selling general and administrative expenses 

  Earnings before interest, taxes, amortization, other  

  income (loss) and unusual items 

  Unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments and other expenses 

  Net and comprehensive earnings (loss) from continuing operations 

  Net and comprehensive earnings from a discontinued operation 

  Net and comprehensive earnings (loss) 

  Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations Class A 

  Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations Class B 

  Earnings (loss) per share – basic and diluted - Class A 

  Earnings (loss) per share – basic and diluted - Class B 

  Dividend per share – Class A (annual) 

  Dividend per share – Class B (annual) 

2010 

$ 

2009 

$ 

2008

$

263,151 

251,136 

228,056 

96,324 

36.6% 

68,970 

27,354 

1,597 

9,526 

12,135 

21,661 

$0.66 

$0.57 

$1.49 

$1.30 

 $0.330 

$0.288 

93,691 

37.3% 

70,332 

95,983 

42.1% 

67,874 

23,359 

28,109 

(10,771) 

718 

(1,444) 

10,563 

1,319 

(125) 

($0.10) 

($0.09) 

($0.01) 

($0.01) 

$0.330 

$0.288 

818 

11,381 

$0.73 

$0.63 

$ 0.78 

$ 0.68 

$0.300 

$0.261

Sales increased 4.5% and 4.8% for the three months and year 
ended March 31, 2010 respectively compared to the prior year 
periods primarily due to ongoing initiatives to grow sales of the 
Company’s premium and blended varietal wines sold through 
provincial liquor control boards, new product launches that 
occurred during fiscal 2010 and to the full year’s earnings’ impact 
from the acquisitions of WVI and SWM. Sales in fiscal 2010 have 
been negatively affected by the impact of the global economic 
slowdown on export and estate winery sales. 

During fiscal 2010 and in fiscal 2009 the Company launched a 
number of new products through provincial liquor stores and 
the Company’s network of retail stores. Sales of VQA wines in 
the current year were impacted by a move by provincial liquor 
boards to increase support to new VQA wine brands and by 
the consumer trading down to lower priced wines through the 
economic recession. The Company continued to invest in its sales 
and marketing efforts with the aim to grow sales volumes of its 
products through new and increased advertising and promotional 

 
18

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

initiatives in all trade channels, increased sales staff focused on 
the licensee channel, investment in the new Aisle 43 retail stores, 
training of retail staff and additional investments to increase 
tourism at its estate wineries. 

Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 37.6% and 36.6% during 
the three months and year ended March 31, 2010 compared to 
29.2% and 37.3% in the prior year periods. The decrease in gross 
profit percentage for the year was due to the increased cost to the 
Company of purchasing United States dollars, an increase in the 
sales mix of lower margin wines, the increased use of higher 
priced domestic grapes used to produce cellared in Canada 
wine and an increase in the cost of domestic grapes and wine 
purchased on international markets. Gross profit improved in 
the fourth quarter of 2010 as these factors began to reverse 
themselves as the cost to the Company of purchasing United 
States dollars improved and the price of wine purchased on 
international markets began to decline. Management believes the 
Company’s gross profit margins have stabilized and will continue 
to grow as cost pressures ease and the value of the Canadian 
dollar improves. Management remains focused on efforts to 
enhance production efficiency and productivity to further improve 
overall profitability.

Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales were 
30.6% and 26.2% during the fourth quarter and for the fiscal year 
compared to 29.3% and 28.0% respectively in the same periods 
last year. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, losses on foreign 
exchange contracts for the entire year in the amount of $2.3 
million were recorded. Excluding the impact of this adjustment, 
selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales 
were 26.8% and 25.3% during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.
The decrease in selling and administrative expenses was the 
result of the Company’s ongoing focus on reducing costs and the 
realization of synergies on acquisitions. 

Earnings before interest, amortization, non-hedge derivative 
gains (losses), other expenses, income taxes and net earnings 
from a discontinued operation (“EBITA”) were $4.1 million 
and $27.4 million for the three months and year ended March 
31, 2010 respectively compared to a loss of $0.1 and profit of 
$23.4 million in the same periods in fiscal 2009. The increase 
is primarily due to improved sales and reduced selling and 
administrative expenses, partially offset by a lower gross margin 
percentage in the current year.

Interest expense in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 declined  
to $1.9 million from $2.1 million in last year’s fourth quarter  
due primarily to the reduction in debt from the proceeds on 
sale of the Company’s beer business and certain one-time 
adjustments related to changes in the Company’s lending 
agreements on its operating debt partially offset by higher 
interest rates. Interest expense was higher in fiscal 2010 due 
to high debt levels and higher interest rates on the Company’s 
long-term debt. The Company expects to benefit from lower 
interest costs going forward. 

Amortization expenses were $1.8 million and $8.0 million for the 
three months and year ended March 31, 2010 compared to $2.2 
million and $7.8 million in the prior year periods. The changes 
were due primarily to the impact of acquisitions and the sale of 
the beer business in fiscal 2010.

The Company incurred a non-cash gain in fiscal 2010 of 
approximately $3.9 million related to the mark-to-market 
adjustments on an interest rate swap and a loss on foreign 
exchange contracts of $0.7 million partially offset by other 
expenses of $1.6 million primarily related to impairment charges 
on certain investments made by the Company. Under CICA 
accounting standards, these financial instruments must be 
reflected in the Company’s financial statements at fair value each 
reporting period. These instruments are considered to be effective 
economic hedges and have enabled management to mitigate 
the volatility of changing costs and interest rates during the year. 
Other expenses in fiscal 2009 included carrying charges for the 
Company’s Port Moody facility. The Company closed this facility 
effective December 31, 2005.

Net and comprehensive earnings from continuing operations, 
excluding the gains or losses on derivative financial instruments 
and the impact of other expenses, were $0.6 million and $8.4 
in the fourth quarter and fiscal year compared to a loss of $3.0 
million and a profit of $6.1 million respectively for the same 
periods in fiscal 2009. Operating results for the Company’s beer 
business have been classified as a discontinued item. Net and 
comprehensive earnings include an after-tax gain on the sale 
of the beer business of approximately $11.9 million. Net and 
comprehensive earnings for the three months and year ended 
March 31, 2010 were $0.6 million or $0.04 per Class A share and 
$21.7 million or $1.49 per Class A share respectively compared 
to net losses of $3.2 million or $0.23 per Class A share and $0.1 
million or $0.01 per Class A share respectively for the same 
periods in the prior year. 

In spite of reduced consumer spending during most of fiscal 2010 
due to a challenging economic environment, the Company has 
experienced modest increases in sales through the majority of 
its trade channels and these increases are expected to continue 
into the upcoming year. The Company expects to benefit in fiscal 
2011 from the higher value of the Canadian dollar and moderating 
prices for the purchase of imported wine. The Company uses 
foreign exchange contracts to protect against changes in foreign 
currency rates and accordingly has locked in $21.0 million in U.S. 
dollar contracts at rates averaging $1.0267 Canadian and $2.6 
million in Euros at rates averaging $1.433 Canadian for fiscal 2011. 

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

19

Quarterly Performance (unaudited)

The following table outlines key quarterly highlights. With the Company’s entering into an agreement effective October 1, 2009 to sell 
its ownership in GIB and MD, the results for the Company’s beer business have been classified as net earnings (loss) from a discontinued 
operation. The sale was completed on May 1, 2010.

  ($000 except per share amounts) 

Q4 10 

Q3 10 

Q2 10 

Q1 10 

Q4 09 

Q3 09 

Q2 09  Q1 09

Sales 

Gross profit 

59,295 

71,945 

66,961 

64,950 

56,749 

71,342 

65,808 

57,237 

22,281 

25,430 

24,816 

23,797 

16,598 

27,617 

26,656 

22,820 

Gross profit (% of sales) 

37.6% 

35.3% 

37.1% 

36.6% 

29.2% 

38.7% 

40.5% 

39.9% 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$

EBITA    

4,129 

8,527 

6,750 

7,948 

(48) 

9,261 

7,642 

6,504 

Unrealized gain (loss) on financial  

  instruments and other expenses 

401 

(144) 

213 

1,127 

(67) 

(9,412) 

(1,073) 

(219) 

Net & comprehensive earnings (loss) 

  from continuing operations 

838 

3,588 

1,762 

3,338 

(3,087) 

(2,713) 

2,084 

2,272 

Net & comprehensive earnings (loss)   

  from a discontinued operation 

Net & comprehensive earnings (loss) 

EPS – Class A basic & diluted  

EPS – Class B basic & diluted 

(200) 

11,940 

638 

15,528 

$0.04 

$0.04 

$1.07 

$0.93 

482 

2,244 

$0.16 

$0.14 

(87) 

3,251 

$0.22 

$0.19 

(162) 

740 

(3,249) 

(1,973) 

($0.23) 

($0.13) 

($0.20) 

($0.12) 

360 

2,444 

$0.17 

$0.15 

381 

2,653 

$0.18 

$0.16

The third quarter of each year is historically the strongest in terms 
of sales, gross profit and net and comprehensive earnings due 
to increased consumer purchasing of the Company’s products 
during the holiday season. Sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 
2010 increased by 4.5% over the comparable period in fiscal 
2009 due to increased sales through provincial liquor boards 
and stable revenues at its retail stores partially offset by lower 
estate wine and export sales. Sales in the first quarter of fiscal 
2010 were impacted by higher purchases from the LCBO in June 
in anticipation of a potential strike which negatively affected 
second quarter results. Sales in the fourth quarter were positively 
impacted by strong purchases by provincial liquor boards due 

to the Easter holiday occurring very early in April. Gross profit 
for the three months ended March 31, 2010 increased to 37.6% 
of sales due primarily to the decreased cost to the Company of 
purchasing United States dollars and a decrease in the price of 
wine purchased on international markets. Net and comprehensive 
earnings from continuing operations, not including the gains or 
losses on derivative financial instruments, other expenses and 
income from a discontinued operation, were $0.6 million for the 
fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to a loss of $3.0 million in 
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. Results for fiscal 2010 included 
an after tax gain on the sale of the beer business of approximately 
$11.9 million in the third quarter.

 
 
 
 
 
20

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

  As at   

  ($000)  

  Current Assets 

  Property, Plant & Equipment 

  Goodwill 

  Intangibles and Other Assets 

  Discontinued Operation 

  Total Assets 

  Current Liabilities 

  Long-term Debt 

  Long-term Derivative Financial Instruments 

  Employee Future Benefits 

  Future Income Tax 

  Discontinued Operation 

  Shareholders’ Equity 

  Total Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity 

The changes to the Company’s balance sheet at March 31, 2010 
compared to March 31, 2009 are primarily due to the sale of 
GIB and MD on October 1, 2009. The resulting reduction in 
bank indebtedness and long-term debt, and a lower investment 
in inventory partially offset by a reduction in accounts payable 
and accrued charges also impacted working capital during 
the period. The Company’s beer business has been classified 
as a discontinued operation in current and prior periods. The 
Company recognized additional post employment medical 
benefit liabilities in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year related 
to commitments acquired through the previously completed 
Cascadia acquisition.

As at March 31, 2010 bank indebtedness and long-term debt 
decreased to $102.7 million compared to $129.9 million  
at March 31, 2009. The change was due primarily to proceeds 
from the sale of GIB and MD, increased cash flow from 
operating activities due to higher net earnings and lower levels 
of inventory partially offset by lower levels of accounts payable 
and accrued charges.

Inventory at March 31, 2010 decreased by approximately  
$11.2 million compared to the end of fiscal 2009 as the 
Company increased its efforts to reduce working capital  
during the year primarily through a reduction in finished  
goods inventory. Inventory is dependent on the increased  
use of domestically grown grapes used in the sale of premium 
and ultra-premium wines which are held for a longer period 
than imported wine. These grapes are typically aged for one 
to three years before they are sold. The cost of domestically 
grown grapes is also significantly higher than wine purchased 
on international markets. 

March 31,  

2010 

$ $

116,351 

95,728 

37,473 

14,164 

- 

263,716 

86,383 

47,633 

1,667 

4,530 

9,838 

- 

113,665 

263,716 

March 31,

2009

134,818 

98,234 

35,684 

14,838 

9,933

293,507

105,615 

71,549 

5,963 

2,824 

10,428

337 

96,791

293,507

Accounts receivable are predominately with provincial liquor 
boards and to a lesser extent licensed establishments and 
independent retailers of consumer made wine kits. Accounts 
receivable increased slightly during fiscal 2010 due primarily 
to strong sales during the month of March. The Company has 
$12.6 million dollars of accounts receivable with provincial 
liquor boards all of which are expected to be collectible. The 
balance of $10.3 million represents amounts due from licensees, 
export customers and independent retailers of consumer made 
wine kits. The amount of accounts receivable that is beyond 60 
days is $0.9 million. Against this amount, an allowance for doubtful 
accounts of $0.3 million has been provided which the Company 
has determined to represent a reasonable estimate of amounts 
that may not be collectible. 

   
 
Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

21

Contractual Obligations

The following table outlines the Company’s contractual obligations, including long-term debt, operating leases, and commitments on short-
term forward foreign exchange contracts used to hedge the currency risk on U.S. dollar purchases.

  As at March 31, 2010 ($000) 

  Long-Term Bank Loan 

  Swap Agreement 

  Operating Leases 

  Pension Obligations 

  Foreign Exchange Contracts 

  Long-Term Grape Contracts 

  Total Long-Term Obligations 

Total 

$ 

54,436 

15,665 

20,655 

3,841 

20,655 

269,919 

385,171 

<1 year 

2-3 years 

4-5 years 

>5 years

$ 

6,158 

3,911 

3,878 

575 

20,655 

20,190 

55,367 

$ 

$ 

$

10,666 

10,666 

26,946

6,609 

5,455 

886 

- 

42,141 

65,757 

5,145 

2,820 

658 

- 

41,342 

60,631 

-

8,502

1,722

-

166,246

203,416 

The ratio of debt to equity decreased to 0.90:1 at March 31, 
2010 compared to 1.34:1 at March 31, 2009 due primarily to the 
use of proceeds from the sale of GIB and MD to reduce bank 
indebtedness and long-term debt. At March 31, 2010 the Company 
had unutilized debt capacity in the amount of $19.4 million on its 
operating loan facility.

On November 10, 2009, the Company modified the terms of its 
operating loan facility to increase the borrowing limit to $75.0 
million. The loan is a one-year committed facility incurring interest 
at the Royal Bank of Canada prime lending rate plus 2.75%.

On January 26, 2010, the Company modified its existing term loan. 
The modified term loan will continue to be repayable in monthly 
principal payments of $0.444 million plus interest and matures on 
April 30, 2015. The Company maintains an interest rate swap which 
effectively fixes the interest rate on the term loan at 5.64%. Under 
terms of the modified loan, the Company currently pays additional 
interest of 0.95% based on leverage and a funding premium of 
1.05% which is renegotiated annually. Effective May 1, 2010, the 
funding premium was reduced by 0.25%.

Management expects to generate sufficient cash flow from 
operations to meet its debt servicing, principal payment and 
working capital requirements over both the short and the long term 
through increased profitability and strong management of working 
capital and capital expenditures. The Company closed its Port 
Moody B.C. winery effective December 31, 2005. The Company 
continually reviews all of its assets to ensure appropriate returns on 
investment are being achieved and fit with the Company’s long-
term strategic objectives. 

Common Shares Outstanding 

During fiscal 2010, the Company generated cash from operating 
activities, after changes in non-cash working capital items, of $17.5 
million compared to $8.2 million in the same period last year. Cash 
flow from operating activities increased due to stronger earnings 
performance and improved management of working capital, 
principally by a reduction in inventories partially offset by  
a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. 

Investing activities of approximately $5.8 million were made in fiscal 
2010 compared to $23.8 million in the prior year. The decrease 
in fiscal 2010 is primarily related to the $9.6 million acquisition of 
WVI and a $3.9 million investment in acquiring the remaining 
50% equity interest in Rocky Ridge in fiscal 2009. Excluding 
acquisitions, capital spending was $5.0 million for the year ended 
March 31, 2010 compared to $10.0 million in the prior year. 

Working capital as at March 31, 2010 was $30.0 million compared 
to $29.2 million as at March 31, 2009. Shareholders’ equity as at 
March 31, 2010 was $113.7 million or $7.63 per common share 
compared to $96.8 million or $6.50 per common share as at March 
31, 2009. The increase in shareholders’ equity is due to the gain 
on the Company’s sale of GIB and MD, higher net earnings from 
continuing operations for the period and the impact of unrealized 
gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments.

The dividend on Class A shares increased 10% from $0.300 per 
share to $0.330 per share effective June 30, 2008. The dividend 
on Class B shares increased 10% from $0.261 per share to $0.288 
per share. 

The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Class A and Class B common shares. Class A shares are non-voting and are 
entitled to a dividend in an amount equal to 115% of any dividend paid or declared on Class B shares. Class B shares are voting and 
convertible into Class A shares on a one-for-one basis. 

  Shares outstanding  

June 23, 2010 

March 31, 2010 

March 31, 2009

  Class A shares 

  Class B shares 

  Total 

11,888,241 

3,004,041 

14,892,282 

11,888,241 

3,004,041 

14,892,282 

11,888,241 

3,004,041

14,892,282

   
 
 
22

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

Strategic Outlook and Direction

Andrew Peller Limited is committed to a strategy of growth that 
focuses on the expansion of its core business as a producer and 
marketer of quality wines through the development of leading 
brands that meet the needs of our consumers and customers. 

The market for wine in Canada has continued to grow due to a 
movement toward the consumption of wine made by an aging 
population who favour the more sophisticated experience that 
wine offers and young consumers who have more recently 
adopted wine as their beverage of choice, as well as the widely 
reported health benefits of moderate wine consumption. The 
share of the market held by domestic producers increased 
moderately in fiscal 2010. During the year, the Company 
began to experience a slight weakness in certain trade channels, 
specifically its estate winery and export sales, due to weak 
consumer spending being experienced across North America. 
Growth was moderate in sales to liquor boards across the 
country and through the Company’s 102 retail stores in Ontario. 
Sales of blended varietal table wines increased during the 
year and these products produced a lower percentage margin 
than ultra-premium wines. Andrew Peller Limited has focused 
its product development and sales and marketing initiatives 
aimed at capitalizing on this trend. The Company will continue 
to closely monitor its costs and will react quickly if there is any 
further significant change in gross profit margin. 

The Company expects to continue to launch new blended varietal 
and ultra-premium brands in fiscal 2011 and increase its use of 
unique package formats. The Company will also make packaging 
design changes that are consistent with its continued move to be 
more environmentally friendly. Increased focus will be made on 
expanding distribution through the Company’s direct to home 
trade channels to provide consumers with more access to our 
extensive brand portfolio.

These product launches and directed spending behind key 
brands through all of the Company’s distribution channels will 
receive increased marketing and sales support during the year. 

The Company expects to make additional investments in  
capital expenditures to support its ongoing commitment 
to producing the highest-quality wines and to improve 
productivity and efficiencies. 

Investments made over the past few years are expected to 
continue to result in increased sales and improved profitability 
going forward. 

From time to time the Company evaluates investment 
opportunities, including acquisitions, which could support its 
strategic direction.

The sale of the Company’s interest in its ownership of GIB and 
MD completed on May 1, 2010 will allow the Company to more 
effectively focus on its key strengths and long-term strategies to 
build its leading portfolio of premium and ultra premium wines 
through all its trade channels. The proceeds from the sale were 
used to reduce bank indebtedness and long-term debt.

Despite the economic slowdown in Canada over the last year, 
the Company expects it will continue to grow sales while gross 
profit is expected to increase moderately. Lower pricing on 
domestic grapes and imported wine and the higher value of the 

Canadian dollar will be mostly offset by the Province of Ontario’s 
introduction of a special wine levy on Cellared in Canada (“CIC”) 
wines sold through the Company’s retail store network. The 
Province of Ontario introduced, as part of the harmonized sales 
tax, a discriminatory tax in the form of a special levy, effective July 
1, 2010, on CIC wines that are sold through private retail stores 
in Ontario. CIC is wine that is produced through the blending 
of wine made from domestic grapes with wine purchased on 
international markets. Imported and domestic wine that is sold 
through the LCBO will not incur any additional taxation. The 
special levy will put pressure on gross profit, on domestic grape 
prices and will negatively impact future domestic grape purchases. 
The Company estimates that the cost of the levy, on an annual 
basis, will amount to approximately $4.3 million.

The Company’s product portfolio covers the complete spectrum 
of price levels within the Canadian wine market and expects that, 
while there may be a modest reduction in purchases of ultra-
premium wine, this is expected to be mitigated by an increase in 
sales of blended varietal wines. In addition, the Company will be 
accelerating its efforts to generate production efficiencies and 
reducing overhead costs to enhance its overall profitability. 

Risks and Uncertainties

The Company’s sales of wine are affected by general economic 
conditions such as changes in discretionary consumer spending 
and consumer confidence in future economic conditions, tax laws 
and the prices of its products. A steep and sustained decline in 
economic growth may cause a lower demand for the Company’s 
products. Such general economic conditions could impact the 
Company’s sales through the Company’s estate wineries and 
restaurants, direct sales through licensed establishments and 
export sales through duty free shops. The Company believes that 
these effects would likely be temporary and would not have a 
significant impact on financial performance.

The Canadian wine market continues to be the target of low-
priced imported wines from regions and countries that subsidize 
wine production and grape growing as well as providing sizeable 
export subsidies. In addition, many of these countries and regions 
prohibit or restrict the sale of imported wine in their own domestic 
markets. The Company, along with other members of the 
Canadian wine industry, is working with the Canadian government 
to rectify these unfair trade practices. 

The Company operates in a highly competitive industry and 
the dollar amount and unit volume of sales could be negatively 
impacted by its inability to maintain or increase prices, changes in 
geographic or product mix, a general decline in beverage alcohol 
consumption or the decision of retailers or consumers to purchase 
competitive wines instead of the Company’s products. Retailer 
and consumer purchasing decisions are influenced by, among 
other things, the perceived absolute or relative overall value of 
the Company’s wines, including their quality or pricing, compared 
to competitive products. Unit volume and dollar sales could also 
be affected by purchasing, financing, operational, advertising or 
promotional decisions made by provincial agencies and retailers, 
which could affect supply of or consumer demand for the 
Company’s products. The Company could also experience higher 
than expected selling and administrative expenses if it finds it 
necessary to increase the number of its personnel, advertising or 
promotional expenditures to maintain its competitive position.

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

23

The wine industry and the domestic and international market, 
in which the Company operates, are consolidating. This has 
resulted in fewer, but larger, competitors who have increased 
their resources and scale. The increased competition from these 
larger market participants may affect the Company’s pricing 
strategies and create margin pressures, resulting in potentially 
lower gross profit. Competition also exerts pressure on 
existing customer relationships, which may affect APL’s ability 
to retain existing customers and increase the number of new 
customers. The Company has worked to improve production 
efficiencies, selectively increased pricing to increase gross profit 
and implemented a higher level of promotion and advertising 
activity to combat these initiatives. APL and other wine industry 
participants also generally compete with other alcoholic 
beverages like beer and spirits for consumer acceptance, loyalty 
and shelf space. No assurance can be given that consumer 
demand for wine, and premium wine products, will continue at 
current levels in the future. 

The Company has experienced increases in energy costs, and 
further increases in the cost of energy would result in higher 
transportation, freight and other operating costs. The Company’s 
future operating expenses and margins are dependent on its 
ability to manage the impact of cost increases. The Company 
cannot guarantee that it will be able to pass along increased 
energy costs to its customers through increased prices.

Federal and provincial governments impose excise and other 
taxes on beverage alcohol products in varying amounts which 
have been subject to change. Significant increases in excise and 
other taxes on beverage alcohol products could materially and 
adversely affect the Company’s financial condition or results 
of operations. In addition, federal and provincial governmental 
agencies extensively regulate the beverage alcohol products 
industry concerning such matters as licensing, trade practices, 
permitted and required labelling, advertising and relations 
with consumers and retailers. Certain federal and provincial 
regulations also require warning labels and signage. New or 
revised regulations or increased licensing fees, requirements or 
taxes could also have a material adverse effect on the Company’s 
financial condition or results of operations.

The Company’s future operating results also depend on the 
ability of its officers and other key employees to continue to 
implement and improve its operating and financial systems and 
manage the Company’s significant relationships with its suppliers 
and customers. The Company is also dependent upon the 
performance of its key senior management personnel. The 
Company’s success is linked to its ability to identify, hire, train, 
motivate, promote and retain highly qualified management. 
Competition for such employees is intense and there can be no 
assurances that the Company will be able to retain current key 
employees or attract new key employees.

The Company expects to increase its sales of premium wines 
in Canada, principally through the sale of VQA wines, and as a 
result is dependent on the quality and supply of domestically 
grown premium quality grapes. If any of APL’s vineyards 
experience certain weather variations, natural disasters, 
pestilence, other severe environmental problems or other 
occurrences, APL may not be able to secure a sufficient supply of 
grapes and there could be a decrease in our production of certain 
products from those regions and/or an increase in costs. In the 
past, where there has been a significant reduction in domestically 
sourced grapes, the Government of Ontario, in conjunction 
with the Ontario Grape Growers Marketing Board, has agreed 
to temporarily increase the blending of imported wines, which 
would enable the Company to continue to supply products to 
the market. The inability to secure premium quality grapes could 
impair the ability of the Company to supply certain wines to our 
customers. The Company has developed programs to ensure it 
has access to a consistent supply of premium quality grapes and 
wine. The price of grapes is determined through negotiations with 
the Ontario Grape Growers Marketing Board in Ontario and with 
independent growers in British Columbia.

Foreign exchange risk exists on the purchases by the Company of 
bulk wine and concentrate that are made in U.S. dollars and Euros. 
The Company’s strategy is to hedge approximately 50% - 80% of 
its foreign exchange requirements throughout the fiscal year and 
regularly reviews its ongoing requirements. The Company has 
entered into a series of foreign exchange contracts as a hedge 
against movements in U.S. dollar and Euro exchange rates. The 
Company does not enter into foreign exchange contracts for 
trading or speculative purposes. These contracts are reviewed 
periodically. Each one cent change in the value of the U.S. dollar 
has a $0.2 million impact on the Company’s net earnings.

The Company purchases glass, bag-in-the-box, tetra paks, kegs 
and other components used in the bottling and packaging 
of wine. The largest component in the packaging of wine 
is glass, of which there are few domestic or international 
suppliers. There is currently only one commercial supplier of 
glass in Canada and any interruption in supply could have an 
adverse impact on the Company’s ability to supply its markets. 
APL has taken steps to reduce its dependence on domestic 
suppliers through the development of relationships with several 
international producers of glass and through carrying increased 
inventories of selected bottles. 

The Company operates in a highly regulated industry, with 
requirements regarding the production, distribution, marketing, 
advertising and labelling of wine. These regulatory requirements 
may inhibit or restrict the Company’s ability to maintain or increase 
strong consumer support for and recognition of its brands and 
may adversely affect APL’s business strategies and results of 
operations. The Company is currently reviewing its labelling 
on CIC wines. Privatization of liquor distribution and retailing 
has been implemented in varying degrees across the country. 
The possibility of privatization in Ontario remains a risk to the 
Company through its impact on the Company’s retail operations. 
The provincial government has stated that, should it consider 
privatization, it would engage in a consultation process and 
would acknowledge the special role of Ontario’s wine industry.

24

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

The competitive nature of the wine industry internationally 
has resulted in the discounting of retail prices of wine in key 
markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom, 
in part due to an international grape surplus. This international 
grape surplus, principally in Australia, Chile and Argentina and 
high inventories of French wine, could serve to continue the 
discounting of wine in international markets. The Company has 
responded by increased promotional and advertising spending 
to strengthen the performance of its brands. The Company does 
not believe that significant price discounting will occur in Canada 
beyond current levels.

The Company considers its trademarks, particularly certain 
brand names and product packaging, advertising and promotion 
design and artwork to be of significant importance to its business 
and ascribes a significant value to these intangible assets. The 
Company relies on trademark laws and other arrangements to 
protect its proprietary rights. There can be no assurance that the 
steps taken by APL to protect its intellectual property rights will 
preclude competitors from developing confusingly similar brand 
names or promotional materials. The Company believes that its 
proprietary rights do not infringe upon the proprietary rights of 
third parties, but there can be no assurance in this regard. 

As an owner and lessor of property, the Company is subject to 
various federal and provincial laws relating to environmental 
matters. Such laws provide that the Company could be held liable 
for the cost of removal and remediation of hazardous substances 
on its properties. The failure to remedy any situation that might 
arise could lead to claims against the Company. These risks are 
believed to be limited.

The success of the Company’s brands depends upon the positive 
image that consumers have of those brands. Contamination of 
APL’s products, whether arising accidentally or through deliberate 
third-party action, or other events that harm the integrity or 
consumer support for those brands, could adversely affect their 
sales. Contaminants in raw materials purchased from third parties 
and used in the production of the Company’s products or defects 
in the fermentation process could lead to low product quality 
as well as illness among, or injury to, consumers of the products 
and may result in reduced sales of the affected brand or all of the 
Company’s brands.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and 
Procedures and Internal Control over 
Financial Reporting 

Compliance with National Instrument 52-109 (“NI 52-109”) 
provided the Company with a review and documentation of 
the processes and internal controls that were in place within 
the organization. As a result of the review, the Company found 
no material weaknesses and will continue to update the review 
and documentation of processes and internal controls on an 
on-going basis. 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide 
reasonable assurance that all relevant information required to be 
disclosed by the Company in reports filed with or submitted to 
various securities regulators is recorded, processed, summarized 
and reported within the time periods specified. This information is 
gathered and reported to the Company’s management, including 
the President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief 
Financial Officer (“CFO”), on a timely basis so that decisions can 
be made regarding the Company’s disclosure to the public. 

As at June 23, 2010, the Company’s management, under the 
supervision of, and with the participation of the CEO and CFO, 
have designed and evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls 
and procedures as required in Canada by “National Instrument 
52-109 – Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim 
Filings”. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have 
concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures 
are effective. 

Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

Internal controls over financial reporting are procedures designed 
to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are properly 
authorized, assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or 
improper use, and transactions are properly recorded and 
reported. A control system, no matter how well designed and 
operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance 
with respect to reliability of financial reporting and financial 
statement preparation.

Designing, establishing and maintaining adequate internal 
controls over financial reporting is the responsibility of 
management. Internal controls over financial reporting is 
a process designed by, or under the supervision of senior 
management and effected by the Board of Directors to 
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and preparation of the Company’s financial 
statements in accordance with Canadian GAAP. 

As at June 23, 2010, the CEO and CFO of the Company have 
evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls 
over financial reporting. Based on these evaluations, the CEO 
and CFO have concluded that the controls and procedures were 
operating effectively.

For the year ended March 31, 2010, there have been no 
material changes in the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting or changes to disclosure, procedures or controls 
that materially affected or were likely to affect, the Company’s 
internal control systems. 

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

25

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management and approved by the Board of Directors. 
Management is responsible for the integrity of the information contained in the financial statements and other sections of this annual 
report. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. To assist 
management in discharging its responsibilities, the Company maintains a system of internal controls designed to provide reasonable 
assurance that its assets are safeguarded; that only valid and authorized transactions are executed; and that accurate and timely financial 
information is prepared. The Board of Directors ensures that management fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting and internal 
controls. The Board exercises these responsibilities primarily through the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee (the “Committee”). The 
Committee meets periodically with management and the Company’s auditors to ensure that its responsibilities are properly discharged. 
The Committee also reviews the consolidated financial statements and recommends to the Board of Directors that the statements be 
approved for issuance to shareholders. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants, appointed by the shareholders as the 
Company’s auditors, have audited and expressed their opinion on the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company.

John E. Peller, President & CEO

Peter B. Patchet , CFO & Executive Vice President,  
Human Resources

AUDITORS’ REPORT

To the Shareholders of Andrew Peller Limited

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Andrew Peller Limited as at March 31, 2010 and 2009 and the consolidated 
statements of earnings (loss) and comprehensive earnings (loss), retained earnings and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial 
statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 
based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and 
perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing 
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement 
presentation.

In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as 
at March 31, 2010 and 2009 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Canadian 
generally accepted accounting principles.

Chartered Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants,  
Toronto, Ontario

June 23, 2010

 
26

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS AT MARCH 31, 2010 AND 2009 (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

  ASSETS 

  Current assets 

Accounts receivable 
Inventories (note 3) 
Prepaid expenses and other assets 
Income taxes recoverable 
Discontinued operation (note 16) 

  Property, plant and equipment (notes 2 and 4) 

  Intangibles and other assets (notes 2 and 5) 

  Goodwill (notes 2 and 7) 

  Discontinued operation – long-term assets (note 16) 

  LIABILITIES 

  Current liabilities 

Bank indebtedness (note 6) 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  
Dividends payable 
Current portion of derivative financial instruments (note 14) 
Current portion of long-term debt (note 6) 
Discontinued operation (note 16) 

  Long-term debt (notes 6 and 14) 

  Long-term derivative financial instruments (note 14) 

  Employee future benefits (note 7) 

  Future income taxes (note 8) 

  Discontinued operation – long-term liabilities (note 16) 

  SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

  Capital stock (note 9) 

  Retained earnings 

  Commitments and contingencies (note 11)

  Approved by the Board of Directors

John E. Peller, Director

Brian J. Short, Director

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

2010 

2009 

$ 

22,902 
89,693 
2,429 
1,327 
- 

116,351 

95,728 

14,164 

37,473 

- 

$ 

21,044 
100,883 
2,309 
6,318
4,264

134,818

98,234

14,838

35,684

9,933

$  263,716 

$ 

293,507

$ 

48,877 
28,229 
1,197 
1,922 
6,158 
- 

86,383 

47,633 

1,667 

4,530 

9,838 

- 

$ 

52,192 
38,512 
1,197 
2,719 
6,158
4,837

105,615

71,549

5,963

2,824

10,428

337

150,051 

196,716

7,375 

106,290 

113,665 

7,375

89,416

96,791

$  263,716 

$ 

293,507

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

27

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS) AND  
COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS) AND RETAINED EARNINGS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 AND 2009 (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

  Sales   

Cost of goods sold, excluding amortization 

  Gross profit 

Selling and administration 

  Earnings before interest and amortization 

Interest 
Amortization of plant, equipment and intangible assets 

  Earnings before other items 

  Net unrealized (gains) losses on derivative financial instruments (note 14) 

  Other expenses (note 12) 

  Earnings (loss) before income taxes 

  Provision for (recovery of) income taxes (note 8) 

Current 
Future 

  Net and comprehensive earnings (loss) for the year from continuing operations 
  Net and comprehensive earnings for the year from a discontinued operation (note 16) 

  Net and comprehensive earnings (loss) for the year 

  Retained earnings - Beginning of year 

  Impact of adoption of accounting pronouncement on April 1, 2008 (note 1) 

  Impact of adoption of accounting pronouncement on January 1, 2009 (note 1) 

  Dividends 

Class A and Class B shares 

  Retained earnings - End of year 

  Net earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations 

Basic and diluted 
  Class A shares 

  Class B shares 

  Net earnings per share from a discontinued operation 

Basic and diluted 
  Class A shares 

  Class B shares 

  Net earnings (loss) per share (notes 1 and 10) 

Basic and diluted 
  Class A shares 

  Class B shares 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

2010 

2009

$  263,151 
166,827 

$ 

251,136 
157,445

96,324 
68,970 

27,354 
7,873 
7,991 

11,490 

(3,224) 

1,627 

13,087 

3,503 
58 

3,561 

9,526 
12,135 

21,661 

89,416 

- 

- 

93,691 
70,332

23,359 
6,855 
7,847

8,657

9,496

1,275

(2,114)

1,935
(2,605)

(670)

(1,444)
1,319

(125)

95,305

(1,875)

898

(4,787) 

(4,787)

$  106,290 

$ 

89,416

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.66 

0.57 

0.83 

0.73 

1.49 

1.30 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.10)

(0.09)

0.09

0.08

(0.01)

(0.01)

   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
28

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 AND 2009 (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

  Cash provided by (used in)

  OPERATING ACTIVITIES 

Net earnings (loss) for the year 
Items not affecting cash 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Amortization of plant, equipment and intangible assets 
Employee future benefits 
Net unrealized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments 
Future income taxes 
Amortization of deferred financing costs 

    Write-off of deferred financing costs 

Impairment charges 

Change in non-cash working capital items related to operations (note 13) 

  INVESTING ACTIVITIES 

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Purchase of property and equipment 
Acquisition of businesses (note 2) 
Investment in product development 

  FINANCING ACTIVITIES 

Increase in deferred financing costs 
Decrease in bank indebtedness 
Increase in long-term debt 
Payment to partially unwind a derivative financial instrument 
Repayment of long-term debt 
Dividends paid 

  Decrease in cash during the year from continuing operations 

  Increase in cash during the year from discontinued operation (note 16) 

  Change in cash during the year 

  Cash - Beginning of year 

  Cash - End of year 

  Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information 

Cash paid during the year from continuing operations for 

Interest 
Income taxes 

Cash paid during the year from discontinued operation for 

Income taxes 

Cash paid during the year for 

Interest 
Income taxes 

  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

2010 

2009

$ 

9,526 

$ 

(1,444)

 175  
7,991 
 (866) 
(3,224) 
  58 
 371  
 267 
1,247 

15,545 
1,905 

17,450 

34 
(5,047) 
(825) 
- 

(5,838) 

(979) 
(3,315) 
- 
(1,600) 
(22,750) 
(4,787) 

(33,431) 

(21,819) 

21,819 

- 

- 

- 

7,819 
38 

602 

7,819 
640 

$ 

$ 

  11
7,847
 (343)
9,496
(2,605)
  75
 442
 148

13,627 
(5,420)

8,207

3
(10,002)
(13,665)
(116)

(23,780)

(340)
(7,217)
27,386
-

(4,748) 
(4,678)

10,403

(5,170)

5,170

-

-

-

6,990
4,808

656

6,990
5,464

$ 

$ 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

29

CONSOLIDATED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010 AND 2009 (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

1. 

Significant accounting policieS

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada. 
Significant accounting policies adopted by the Company are as follows:

a)  Basis of consolidation

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiary companies. The purchase method has 
been used to account for all acquisitions. The assets and liabilities of subsidiary companies acquired are included at their fair value on 
acquisition and the results of operation are included from the date of acquisition. 

During fiscal 2010, the Company disposed of its ownership interest in Granville Island Brewing Company Ltd. and Mainland Beverage 
Distribution Ltd. (collectively referred to as “GIBCO”), and presented this operation as a discontinued operation (note 16).

Classification as a discontinued operation occurs upon disposal or when the operation meets the criteria to be classified as held for 
sale, if earlier. When an operation is classified as a discontinued operation, the comparative income statement is re-presented as if the 
operation had been discontinued from the start of the comparative period.

b)  revenue

The Company records a sale when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists with a customer; delivery of goods and the transfer 
of title to the customer has occurred under the terms of the arrangement; the selling price is fixed or determinable; and collectibility is 
reasonably assured. For transactions with provincial liquor boards, licensee retail stores, licensees and wine kit retailers, the Company’s 
terms are “FOB shipping point”. Accordingly, sales are recorded when the product is shipped from the Company’s production facility. 
Sales to consumers through retail stores, winery restaurants and estate wineries are recorded when the product is purchased.

Excise taxes collected on behalf of the federal government, licensing fees paid on wine sold through the Company’s independent retail 
stores in Ontario, product returns, breakage and discounts provided to customers are deducted from gross revenues to arrive at sales.

c) 

inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined on an average cost basis.

The Company utilizes a weighted average cost calculation to determine the value of ending inventory (bulk wine and finished goods). 
Average cost is determined separately for import wine and domestic wine and is calculated by varietal and vintage year.

The Company includes interest costs in the cost of certain wine inventories that require a substantial period of time to become ready 
for sale.

d)  property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization of buildings, vineyards and equipment 
is calculated on the straight-line basis in amounts sufficient to amortize the cost of buildings, vineyards and equipment over their 
estimated useful lives as follows:

Buildings 
Vineyards 
Machinery and equipment 

2.5% per year 
5% per year 
7.5% to 20% per year 

Vineyard amortization commences in the year the vineyard yields a crop that approximates 50% of expected annual production.

e)  goodwill

Goodwill represents the cost of investments in subsidiaries in excess of the fair values of the net tangible and identifiable intangible 
assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if circumstances indicate 
that goodwill may be impaired. The Company determines an impairment of goodwill based on the ability to recover the balance from 
expected future discounted operating cash flows.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

f) 

intangible assets

Intangible assets include brands, customer contracts, contract co-packaging arrangements and customer-based relationships. 
These intangible assets are recorded at estimated fair value on the date of acquisition. Customer contracts, contract co-packaging 
arrangements and customer-based intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 - 20 years. Brands that have been 
assessed as having an indefinite life are not amortized but are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or 
circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.

g)  impairment of long-lived assets and definite life intangible assets

The Company reviews long-lived assets and definite life intangible assets for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the 
asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. When management determines that an impairment exists, the impairment loss will be 
determined by comparing the asset’s carrying amount to its fair value, which is determined using a discounted cash flow model (note 12).

h)  net earnings per share

Basic net earnings per share has been calculated using the weighted average number of Class A and Class B shares outstanding during 
the year; diluted net earnings (loss) per share has been calculated using the treasury stock method (note 10).

i)  Segmented information

The Company produces and markets wine products and other beverages in Canada. A significant portion of the Company’s sales are 
made to the liquor control boards in each province in which the Company transacts business. Management has concluded that based 
on the type of products sold and the fact that its customers are similar in nature, the Company operates in a single operating segment. 
In addition, a substantial portion of the Company’s sales are made in Canada. As a result, management has concluded that the 
Company operates in one geographic segment. During the year, the Company did have export sales of $10,181 (2009 - $9,279), which 
primarily relate to sales in the United States.

j)  measurement uncertainty

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles requires 
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of 
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and 
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may vary from current estimates. These estimates are reviewed periodically and, as 
adjustments become necessary, are reported in earnings in the year in which they become known.

k)  income taxes

The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes based on temporary differences. Future income taxes are 
provided for all temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Future income tax assets 
and liabilities are measured using enacted or substantially enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which 
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The future income tax expense represents the change during the year 
in future income tax assets and future income tax liabilities.

l)  asset retirement obligations

The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is recorded in the year in which it is incurred. When the liability is initially 
recorded, the cost is capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is increased to 
reflect an interest element considered in the initial measurement of fair value. The capitalized cost is amortized over the asset’s useful 
life.

m)  employee future benefits

The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans providing pension and other post retirement medical benefits to certain 
employees. The costs of the defined benefit pension plans and other post retirement benefits are actuarially determined and include 
management’s best estimate of expected plan investment performance (where applicable), salary escalation and expected retirement 
ages. For plans with active employees, adjustments arising from plan amendments or from actuarially determined gains or losses are 
amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of active employees. For plans where the majority of the 
plan members have retired, adjustments arising from plan amendments or from actuarially determined gains and losses are amortized 
on a straight-line basis over the average life expectancy of the remaining plan members.

n)  comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net earnings or loss and other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI). OCI represents the 
change in equity for a period that arises from unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and changes in the fair market 
value of derivative instruments designated as hedges.

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

31

o)  equity

This section requires separate presentation of changes in equity for the period arising from net income, OCI, contributed surplus, 
retained earnings, share capital and reserves. Accumulated OCI is included in the consolidated balance sheet as a separate component 
of shareholders’ equity. The Company does not currently have any accumulated OCI.

p)  transaction costs

Transaction costs related to financial liabilities are netted against the carrying value of the liability and are then amortized over the 
expected life of the instrument using the effective interest rate method.

q)  recently adopted accounting pronouncements

On April 1, 2009, the Company adopted the amendments to CICA Handbook Section 3862, Financial Instruments – Disclosures. 
In accordance with this section, the Company categorizes its fair value measurements according to a three-level hierarchy. The 
hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used by the Company’s valuation techniques. A level is assigned to each fair value measurement 
based on the lowest level input significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are 
defined as follows:

 Level 1 – fair value measurements that reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 Level 2 – fair value measurements include inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for identical or 
similar assets and liabilities, either directly or indirectly.

 Level 3 – fair value measurements include inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

The amended standard requires enhanced disclosures about the relative reliability of the data, or inputs, that the Company uses to 
measure the fair values of its financial instruments (note 14).

Effective April 1, 2008, the Company adopted the following new accounting standards that were issued by the Canadian Institute of 
Chartered Accountants (“CICA”):

a) 

b) 

 CICA Handbook Section 3031, “Inventories” replaces CICA Handbook Section 3030, “Inventories” and provides more guidance 
on the determination of cost and its subsequent recognition as an expense, including any write-down to net realizable value. It 
also provides guidance on the cost formulas that are used to assign costs to inventories and is effective for the Company’s fiscal 
years beginning on April 1, 2008. As required, this standard has been adopted prospectively and comparative amounts have not 
been restated. The change predominately relates to changes in the application of overhead cost allocations to bulk and finished 
goods inventory. As a result, on adoption of this standard, the Company recorded an adjustment on April 1, 2008 to reduce 
inventories by $2,725, reduce future income taxes by $850, and reduce opening retained earnings by $1,875.

 The Company adopted CICA Emerging Issues Committee 173, “Credit Risk and the Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial 
Liabilities” (“EIC 173”) that requires an entity’s own credit risk and the risk of the counterparty to be taken into account when 
determining the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including derivative amounts. As a result, on adoption, the 
Company recorded an adjustment on January 1, 2009 to increase the fair value of derivative financial instruments by $1,307, 
increase future income taxes by $409 and increase opening retained earnings by $898.

r)  recently issued accounting pronouncements

a) 

 Business Combinations, Consolidated Financial Statements and Non-Controlling Interests: CICA Handbook Section 1582, 
“Business Combinations”, CICA Handbook Section 1601, “Consolidated financial statements”, and CICA Handbook Section 
1602, “Non-controlling interests” replace the former CICA Handbook Section 1581, “Business Combinations” and CICA 
Handbook Section 1600, “Consolidated Financial Statements” and establishes a new section for accounting for a non-controlling 
interest in a subsidiary. These sections provide the Canadian equivalent to International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 3, 
“Business Combinations” and International Accounting Standard 27, “Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements”. CICA 
Handbook Section 1582 is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the 
first annual reporting period beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Section 1601 and Section 1602 apply to interim and annual 
consolidated financial statements relating to years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating 
the impact of adoption of these standards.

b) 

 CICA Emerging Issues Committee 175, “Multiple Deliverable Revenue Arrangements” was released and requires a vendor to 
allocate arrangement consideration at the inception of an arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method. 
The new requirements are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011 with early adoption permitted. The 
Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard.

 
 
 
32

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

2. 

acquiSitionS

During fiscal 2009, the Company made the following acquisitions:

On June 13, 2008, the Company acquired 50% of the outstanding shares of Rocky Ridge Vineyards Inc. (“Rocky Ridge”) for consideration 
of $3,927, including acquisition costs. The Company previously owned 50% of the shares of Rocky Ridge and as a result of this transaction 
Rocky Ridge is now a wholly-owned subsidiary. This transaction was accounted for using the purchase method. The results of operations 
have been fully consolidated effective June 14, 2008.

On June 30, 2008, the Company acquired 100% of the common shares of World Vintners Inc. for consideration of $9,629, including 
acquisition costs. This transaction was accounted for using the purchase method. The results of operations have been included in the 
consolidated financial statements effective July 1, 2008.

On July 31, 2008, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Camelot Cellars Ltd. for consideration of $154, including 
acquisition costs. This transaction was accounted for using the purchase method. The results of operations have been included in the 
consolidated financial statements effective August 1, 2009.

On October 8, 2008, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of The Small Winemakers Collection Inc. for consideration of 
$1,605, including acquisition costs. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, contingent consideration to a maximum of $333, measured on 
an annual basis, may be payable based on the pre-determined sales levels up to three years beginning March 31, 2009. Future payments 
under this agreement will be recorded as goodwill when the amount and outcome of the contingent consideration becomes determinable. 
There was no contingent consideration paid or payable at March 31, 2010. This transaction was accounted for using the purchase method. 
The results of operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements effective October 9, 2008.

The value assigned to goodwill in all of the acquisitions is not deductible for tax purposes.

Acquired intangible assets include brands in the amount of $1,700 that are not subject to amortization and customer-based relationships 
and contract packaging agreements in the aggregate amount of $7,790 which are subject to amortization. All acquired intangible assets are 
not deductible for income tax purposes.

The following table summarizes the amounts paid or payable at the dates of the acquisitions and the allocation of purchase prices based on 
management’s estimates of the fair values of assets and liabilities acquired:

  Purchase consideration 

Cash - net of cash acquired 
Note payable 

 Rocky Ridge 

  World 
Vintners Inc. 

 Camelot 
 Cellars, Ltd. 

The Small  
 Winemakers 
 Collection Inc.  

Total

$ 

2,277 
1,650 

$ 

9,629 
- 

$ 

154 
- 

$  1,605 
- 

$ 

13,665 
1,650

$ 

3,927 

$ 

9,629 

$ 

 154 

$  1,605 

$ 

15,315

  Allocation 

Accounts receivable 
Inventories 
Prepaid expenses and other assets 
Income taxes recoverable 

$ 

  Property, plant and equipment 
  Intangible assets and other assets 
  Goodwill 

  Bank indebtedness 
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
  Income taxes payable 
  Future income taxes 

27 
- 
- 
- 

27 
4,503 
- 
471 

5,001 

603 
- 
- 
471 

1,074 

$ 

1,144 
1,404 
72 
2,224 

4,844 
448 
8,681 
2,064 

16,037 

1,084 
3,797 
- 
1,527 

6,408 

$ 

- 
38 
3 
- 

 41 
34 
- 
134 

 209 

- 
55 
- 
- 

 55 

$ 

632 
- 
36 
- 

 668 
34 
890 
544 

$ 

1,803
1,442
 111
2,224

5,580
5,019
9,571
3,213

2,136 

23,383

- 
256 
5 
270 

 531 

1,687
4,108
5
2,268

8,068

  Net assets acquired 

$ 

3,927 

$ 

9,629 

$ 

 154 

$ 

1,605 

$ 

15,315

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

33

$ 

2010 

8,957 
50,787 
29,949 

$ 

2009

9,261 
56,501 
35,121

$ 

89,693 

$ 

100,883

3. 

inventorieS

  Packaging materials and supplies 
  Bulk wine 
  Finished goods 

The amount of interest included in the cost of inventories is $941 (2009 - $611).

Inventory write-downs recognized as an expense amounted to $1,743 (2009 - $1,459).

4. 

property, plant and equipment

  Land 
  Vineyards 
  Buildings 
  Machinery and equipment 

  Land 
  Vineyards 
  Buildings 
  Machinery and equipment 

$ 

Cost   

4,807 
38,627 
39,193 
86,654 

Accumulated 
amortization 

$ 

- 
5,547 
11,326 
56,680 

2010

Net

4,807
33,080 
27,867 
29,974

$ 

$   169,281 

$ 

73,553 

$ 

95,728

$  

Cost  

4,807 
37,379 
38,878 
83,963 

Accumulated 
amortization 

$ 

- 
4,850 
10,272 
51,671 

2009

Net

4,807
32,529 
28,606 
32,292

$ 

$  165,027 

$ 

66,793 

$ 

98,234

Included in vineyards are assets amounting to $11,731 (2009 - $10,498) that are under development and are not being amortized.

On May 25, 2010, the Company sold a portion of a vineyard with a net book value of $419 for proceeds of $833.

5. 

intangiBleS and other aSSetS

  Brands - indefinite lives 
  Customer-based intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization  

of $1,884 (2009 - $1,293) 

  Contract packaging, net of accumulated amortization of $192 (2009 - $82) 
  Other assets 

2010  

2009 

$ 

3,800 

$ 

3,800 

8,375 
908 
1,081 

8,966
1,018
1,054

$ 

14,164 

$ 

14,838

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
34

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

6. 

Bank indeBtedneSS and long-term deBt

  Term loan 
  Note payable 

  Less: Financing costs 

  Less: Current portion 

$ 

  2010 

53,611 
825 

54,436 
645 

53,791 
6,158 

$ 

 2009

76,361
1,650

78,011
304

77,707 
6,158

$ 

47,633 

$ 

71,549

The Company has established the following credit facilities:

On November 10, 2009, the Company modified the terms of its short-term loan facility to increase the borrowing limit to $75,000 (2009 - 
$65,000). The loan is a one-year committed facility incurring interest at the Royal Bank of Canada prime rate plus 2.75%. As at March 31, 
2010, the unused portion of this loan facility was $19,409 (2009 - $12,808).

On January 26, 2010, the Company modified its existing term loan. The term loan will continue to be repayable in monthly principal 
payments of $444 plus interest and matures on April 30, 2015. The Company maintains an interest rate swap which effectively fixes the 
interest rate on the term loan at 5.64%. Under terms of the modified loan, the Company currently pays additional interest of 0.95% based 
on certain leverage ratios and a funding premium, to be negotiated annually, of 1.05%.

For the year ended March 31, 2010, the change in fair value of the interest rate swap, which was calculated using year-end market rates, 
amounted to an unrealized gain of $3,937 (2009 - unrealized loss $9,022).

The Company and its subsidiaries have provided its assets as general security for these loan facilities.

On October 1, 2009, a payment in the amount of $17,500 was made to reduce the outstanding principal of the term loan and a payment 
of $6,000 was made to reduce the short-term loan facility as a result of the sale of Granville Island Brewing Company Ltd. and Mainland 
Beverage Distribution Ltd. (note 16).

As part of the acquisition of Rocky Ridge in fiscal 2009, the Company issued a promissory note to the vendor in the amount of $1,650. The 
note incurs interest at 6% compounded annually and the fixed annual instalment of principal and interest is due on June 13, 2010 (see also 
note 2). The outstanding balance of the note was $825 at March 31, 2010.

In 2009, a seven year variable rate term facility existed in the amount of $80,000 repayable in monthly principal payments of $444 plus 
interest and maturing on April 30, 2015.

Interest expense on long-term debt during the year was $5,272 (2009 - $4,270).

Annual principal repayments for the years ending March 31 are as follows:

2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 
Thereafter 

$ 

6,158 
5,333 
5,333 
5,333 
5,333 
26,946 

$  54,436 

   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

35

7. 

employee future BenefitS

The Company has defined benefit pension plans, providing pension and other post employment benefits, and defined contribution 
savings plans for its employees. The total expense for the defined contribution savings plans was $1,311 (2009 - $1,273). Information 
about the defined benefit pension plans and other post employment medical benefits are as follows:

  Plan assets 

Fair value - Beginning of year 
Actual return on plan assets 
Company’s contributions 
Employees’ contributions 
Benefits paid 

Fair value - End of year 

  Plan obligations 

Accrued benefit obligations - Beginning of year 
Post employment medical benefits 
Past service cost due to amendment 
Total current service cost 
Interest cost 
Benefits paid 
Actuarial losses (gains) 

Accrued benefit obligations - End of year 

  Funded status 

Plan deficits 
Unamortized actuarial losses (gains) 
Unamortized actuarial gain for post employment medical benefits 
Unamortized plan amendment asset for post employment medical benefits 

Accrued benefit liabilities 

  Benefit plan expense 

Current service cost 
Interest cost 
Expected return on plan assets 
Employee contributions 
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss, net of transition asset 

2010 

2009

$ 

11,910 
2,729 
1,436 
3 
(1,095) 

$ 

14,149
(2,383)
1,040
3
(899)

$ 

14,983 

$ 

11,910

$ 

14,361 
1,031 
130 
336 
1,000 
(1,095) 
3,269 

$ 

18,696
-
54
563
1,010
(899)
(5,063)

$ 

19,032 

$ 

14,361

$ 

$ 

$ 

(4,049) 
1,060 
(893) 
(648) 

(4,530) 

336 
1,000 
(846) 
(3) 
(47) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(2,451)
(373)
-
-

(2,824)

563
1,010
(1,058)
(3)
130

Net benefit plan expense 

$ 

 440 

$ 

 642

The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in measuring the Company’s accrued benefit obligations and benefit costs are as follows:

  Discount rate for expenses 
  Discount rate for obligation 
  Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 
  Rate of compensation increase 
  Retirement age 
  Expected average remaining service life 
  Expected health care cost inflation rate for post employment  
    medical benefits 

2010 

2009

5.0% 
7.0% 
7.0%
4 - 5% 
60 - 65 years 
7 - 14 years

7.0% 
5.5% 
7.0% 
4 - 5% 
60 - 65 years 
7 - 14 years 
10% next year  
decreasing to  
5% after five  
years -

On March 31, 2010, the Company recognized an obligation to provide post employment medical benefits to certain employees which 
arose as a result of the Company’s acquisition of Cascadia Brands Inc. (“Cascadia”). The obligation to provide post employment medical 
benefits was not identified at the time of the Cascadia acquisition and the recognition of the post employment medical benefit obligation 
has resulted in an increase to the employee future benefit liability of $2,572, an increase to goodwill in the amount of $1,924 and a 
reduction to future income tax liability in the amount of $648.

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
36

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

amortization of actuarial gains and losses

All actuarial gains and losses are amortized over the expected average remaining service life which is estimated to be between 7 - 14 years 
(2009 – 7 - 14 years). Amortization begins in the fiscal year immediately following the year in which the gains or losses are calculated.

plan assets 

The plan’s assets consist of the following:

  McLean Budden Balanced Fund 
  Trimark Income Growth Fund 
  JF Balanced Fund 

actuarial valuation

2010 

% %

33 
33 
34 

100 

2009

33 
33 
34

100

The most recent actuarial valuations for funding purposes were performed as at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008. The next 
actuarial valuations for funding purposes are scheduled for December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011. The date at which the Company 
measures its fair value of plan assets and accrued benefit obligation is as at March 31 of each year.

8. 

income taxeS

The significant temporary differences giving rise to the future income tax liability are comprised of the following:

  Property, plant and equipment 
  Intangible assets 
  Goodwill 
  Loss carry forward balances 
  Derivative financial instruments 
  Employee future benefits 
  Other   

The Company’s income tax expense (recovery) consists of the following:

  Provision for (recovery of) income taxes at blended statutory rate  

of 31.4% (2009 – 31.8%) 

  Permanent differences and non-deductible items 
  Future income tax rate changes 
  Other   

$ 

2010 

8,761 
2,975 
2,443 
(2,308) 
(949) 
(1,155) 
71 

$ 

2009

9,819 
3,537 
2,638
(2,082)
(2,632)
(794)
(58)

$ 

9,838 

$ 

10,428

2010 

2009

$ 

$ 

4,107 
290 
(589) 
(247) 

$ 

3,561 

$ 

(672)
439
(5)
(432)

(670)

As at March 31, 2010, the Company and its subsidiaries have available Canadian net operating losses of $8,566 (2009 - $6,873) for income 
tax purposes, which expire as follows:

2025 
2028 
2029 
2030 

 $

52 
93 
4,958 
3,463

In aggregate, the Company has recognized $2,308 (2009 - $2,082) of the benefit of the net operating losses. The amount of the benefit of 
these losses ultimately realized is subject to change.

   
 
 
   
 
 
   
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

37

9.  

capital Stock

Authorized 

2010 

Issued 

2009

Issued

Shares 

 Amount 

Shares 

  Amount

  Class A shares, non-voting 
  Class B shares, voting 

Unlimited 
Unlimited 

11,888,241 
3,004,041 

$ 

6,975 
400 

11,888,241 
3,004,041 

 $ 

6,975 
400

14,892,282 

$ 

7,375 

14,892,282 

 $ 

7,375

Class A shares are non-voting and are entitled to a dividend in an amount equal to 115% of any dividend paid or declared on Class B 
shares. Class B shares are voting and convertible into Class A shares on a one-for-one basis. 

The authorized share capital of the Company also consists of an unlimited number of preference shares, issuable in one or more series,  
of which 33,315 are designated as preference shares, Series A. As at March 31, 2010 and 2009, there were no preference shares issued  
or outstanding.

Stock purchase plan

The Company’s full-time salaried, certain hourly employees and directors participate in a Company-sponsored stock purchase plan. Under 
the terms of the plan, employees can purchase up to 200 Class A shares and directors can purchase up to 250 Class A shares on an annual 
basis. Employees are required to pay 67% of an established market price per Class A share, whereas directors are required to pay 50%. The 
Company is responsible for the remainder of the cost and, during 2010, expensed $215 (2009 - $210) related to this program. Officers of 
the Company also participate in a long-term incentive program, which is used to purchase Class A shares of the Company from the open 
market.

10.  net earningS (loSS) per Share

The following is a reconciliation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding for basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share 
computations:

  Net earnings (loss) for the year from continuing operations 

  Net earnings for the year from a discontinued operation 

  Net earnings (loss) for the year 

  2010 

$ 

9,526 

$  12,135 

$  21,661 

2009

(1,444)

1,319

(125)

$ 

$ 

$ 

Class A 

 Class B 

 Class A 

Class B

  Weighted average number of shares outstanding –  

Basic and diluted 

 11,888,241 

 3,004,041 

11,888,241 

3,004,041

  Net earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations 

Basic and diluted 

$ 

0.66 

$ 

0.57 

  Net earnings per share from a discontinued operation 

Basis and diluted 

  Net earnings (loss) per share 
Basic and diluted 

$ 

0.83 

$ 

0.73 

$ 

1.49 

$ 

1.30 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.10) 

$ 

(0.09)

0.09 

$ 

0.08

(0.01) 

$ 

(0.01)

The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options on net earnings per share is based on the application of the treasury stock method. As at 
March 31, 2010 and 2009, there were no items outstanding that impact the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
38

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

11.  commitmentS and contingencieS

a) Future minimum lease payments as at March 31, 2010 under long-term non-cancellable leases are as follows:

2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 
Thereafter 

$ 

3,878 
3,076 
2,379 
1,966
854 
8,502

$ 

20,655

b)  As at March 31, 2010, the Company held $16,450 in U.S. dollar-denominated foreign exchange forward contracts at rates ranging 
between $1.01 and $1.06 expiring at various dates to December 2010. The Company also held EUR 2,550 in Euro-denominated 
foreign exchange forward contracts at rates ranging between $1.41 and $1.47. Management has not elected to designate these 
contracts as hedges and as a result have recorded the change in fair value of $713 in the statement of earnings (loss) (see note 14).

c)  In the ordinary course of business activities, the Company may be contingently liable for litigation and claims. Management believes 
that adequate provisions have been recorded in the accounts where required. Although it is not possible to accurately estimate the 
extent of potential claims, if any, management believes that the ultimate resolution of such contingencies would not have a material 
adverse effect on the financial position of the Company.

12.  other expenSeS 

Other expenses are as follows:

  Impairment charges (i) 
  Write-off of deferred financing costs (ii) 
  Closure and integration costs related to Port Moody  

winery facility (iii) 

  Other (iv) 

$ 

2010 

1,247 
267 

113 
- 

$ 

2009

- 
442 

208 
625

$ 

1,627 

$ 

1,275

i)  During fiscal 2010, management performed an impairment analysis on the deferred costs and equipment related to Artful Winemaker 

and the long-lived assets and goodwill related to Camelot Cellars and determined that the respective assets were no longer 
recoverable based on revised forecasts. Accordingly, the Company has recorded a pre-tax impairment charge in the amount of $1,247 
(intangibles and other assets - $808, property, plant and equipment - $304 and goodwill - $135).

ii)  On January 26, 2010, the Company renegotiated the terms on the operating and long-term credit facilities. As a result, the carrying 
value of previously deferred financing costs related to the old credit facilities in the amount of $267 was written off. In 2009, the 
Company wrote off $442 in deferred financing costs related to four previous term loans.

iii)  During fiscal 2006, the Company closed its Port Moody winery facility and transferred production to its winery operations in Kelowna, 

British Columbia. The cost of maintaining this idle facility amounted to $113 in 2010 (2009 - $208). 

iv)  Other expenses include the costs to close the Quebec wine kit warehouse in the amount of $423, the write-off of an investment in an 

Ontario wine distributor in the amount of $148 and other costs of $54.

13.  non-caSh Working capital itemS

The change in non-cash working capital items related to operations is comprised of the change in the following items:

  Accounts receivable 
  Inventories 
  Prepaid expenses and other assets 
  Income taxes recoverable 
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 

$ 

2010 

(1,858) 
11,190 
(139) 
3,465 
(10,753) 

$ 

2009

665
(11,559)
263
(2,878)
8,089

$ 

1,905 

$ 

(5,420)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

39

14. 

financial inStrumentS

classification of financial instruments

Under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, financial instruments are classified into one of the following categories: held for 
trading, held to maturity, available for sale, loans and receivables, other financial liabilities and derivatives.

The classification and measurement of the financial assets and liabilities, as well as their carrying amounts and fair values are as follows:

Assets/liability 

Category 

Measurement 

  Accounts receivable 
  Bank indebtedness 
  Accounts payable and accrued  

liabilities 
  Dividends payable 
  Long-term debt – term loans 
  Interest rate swap liability 
  Foreign exchange forward 
contracts liability 

Loans and receivables 
Other liabilities 

Other liabilities 
Other liabilities 
Other liabilities 
Derivatives 

Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 

Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 
Fair value 

Derivatives 

Fair value 

Assets/liability 

Category 

Measurement 

  Accounts receivable 
  Bank indebtedness 
  Accounts payable and accrued  

liabilities 
  Dividends payable 
  Long-term debt – term loans 
  Interest rate swap liability 
  Foreign exchange forward  

contracts asset 
  Discontinued operation –  

Loans and receivables 
Other liabilities 

Other liabilities 
Other liabilities 
Other liabilities 
Derivatives 

Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 

Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 
Amortized cost 
Fair value 

Derivatives 

Fair value 

accounts receivable 

Loans and receivables 

Amortized cost 

Carrying 
amount 
$ 
22,902 
48,877 

28,229 
1,197 
53,791 
3,145 

444 

Carrying 
amount 
$ 
21,044 
52,192 

38,512 
1,197 
77,707 
8,682 

269 

1,386 

2010

Fair 
value
$
22,902 
48,877 

28,229 
1,197 
53,791 
3,145 

444

2009

Fair 
value
$
21,044 
52,192 

38,512 
1,197 
77,707 
8,682 

269 

1,386 

  Discontinued operation –  
accounts payable and  
accrued liabilities 

Other liabilities 

Amortized cost 

4,837 

4,837

The Company’s interest rate swap and foreign exchange contracts are derivatives and are recorded at fair value. As a result, unrealized 
gains and losses are included each period through earnings which reflect changes in fair value.

Embedded derivatives (elements of contracts whose cash flows move independently from the host contract) are required to be separated 
and measured at fair values if certain criteria are met. Under an election permitted by CICA Handbook Section 3862 “Financial Instruments 
– Disclosures”, management reviewed its contracts and determined that the Company does not currently have any embedded derivatives 
in these contracts that require separate accounting and disclosure.

Hedge accounting is optional. When hedge accounting is not applied, the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument is recorded 
directly into earnings. The Company has chosen not to designate any of its current hedging instruments as hedges for the purpose 
of this section and has recorded the fair value adjustments of these instruments through net unrealized gains or losses on derivative 
financial instruments.

Transaction costs related to long-term debt are netted against the carrying value of the liability and are then amortized over the expected 
life of the instrument using the effective interest method. The Company has elected to use “trade date” accounting for regular way 
purchases and sales of financial assets.

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
40

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

fair value

The fair value of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and dividends payable approximates their carrying values 
because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.

The fair value of long-term debt is equivalent to its carrying value since the interest rates are comparable to market rates. 

The fair value of the derivative financial instruments generally reflects the estimates of the amounts the Company would receive by way of 
settlement of favourable contracts or that the Company would pay to terminate unfavourable contracts at the consolidated balance sheet 
date. The fair value of the interest rate swap and foreign exchange contracts are calculated using the quotes obtained from major financial 
institutions. Unrealized gains or losses on derivative financial instruments are recorded in the net unrealized loss on derivative financial 
instruments in the consolidated statement of earnings (loss). 

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, using available information about the instrument. These estimates are subjective in 
nature and often cannot be determined with precision.

The fair value measurements of the Company’s financial instruments are classified in the hierarchy below according to the significance of the 
inputs used in making the fair value measurements.

Quoted prices  
in active  
markets for  
identical assets  
(Level 1) 
$ 

- 
- 

Quoted prices  
in active  
markets for  
identical assets  
(Level 1) 
$ 

- 
- 

Significant 
observable 
inputs other 
than quoted prices 
(Level 2) 
$ 

- 
- 

Significant 
observable 
inputs other 
than quoted prices 
(Level 2) 
$ 

2010

Significant 
unobservable 
inputs 
(Level 3)   

$

3,145  
444 

2009

Significant 
unobservable 
inputs 
(Level 3) 
$ 

- 
- 

8,682   
269

Asset/liability 

  Interest rate swap liability 
  Foreign exchange forward contracts liability 

Asset/liability 
  Interest rate swap liability 
  Foreign exchange forward contracts asset 

A reconciliation from the beginning balances to the ending balances of financial instruments with Level 3 fair value measurements is 
included below:

  Beginning of year 
  Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments 
  Net realized loss included in interest 
  Net realized loss included in selling and administration 
  Net settlements of contracts 
  Net settlement on reduction of term loan (note 6) 

$ 

Interest rate 
swap asset 
(liability) 

(8,682) 
3,937 
(2,717) 
- 
2,717 
1,600 

  End of year 

$ 

(3,145) 

$ 

2010

Foreign  
exchange  
forward 
 contracts asset 
 (liability)

$ 

269
(713)
-

(3,539) 
3,539 
-

(444) 

   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

41

objectives and policy relating to financial risk management

interest rate risk

The Company’s principal exposure to interest rate fluctuations is limited to long-term debt (as described in note 6) which bears interest at 
both fixed and floating interest rates. To mitigate the exposure to interest rate fluctuations, the Company uses interest rate swaps to fix 
the interest rate on a portion of the Company’s variable rate debt. The Company has elected not to use hedge accounting and as a result 
the interest rate swaps are measured at fair value. The resulting gains or losses are recorded in the statement of earnings (loss) and the fair 
value of the interest rate swap is recorded on the balance sheet. As a result, the Company recognized an unrealized gain of $3,937 (2009 – 
loss of $9,022) on the interest rate swap classified as net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments on the statement of earnings 
(loss). At March 31, 2010, there is one interest rate swap outstanding for a notional amount of $53,611 with a fixed interest rate of 5.64%. 
The fair value of the interest rate swap at March 31, 2010 was $3,145. 

The Company’s interest rate risk arises mainly from the interest rate impact on cash, floating rate debt and interest rate swap. The 
Company’s interest rate management policy is to borrow at fixed rates to match the duration of long lived assets. Floating rate funding is 
used for short-term borrowing.

The Company has fixed interest on long-term debt at 5.64% until April 2015 by entering into an interest rate swap. The Company 
currently pays additional interest of 0.95% based on certain leverage ratios and a funding premium, to be negotiated annually of 1.05%. 
The Company’s short-term borrowings are funded using a floating interest rate and as such are sensitive to interest rate movements. As 
at March 31, 2010, with other variables unchanged, a 1% change in interest rates would impact the Company’s net earnings (loss) by 
approximately $343 (2009 - $335), exclusive of the mark-to-market adjustments on the interest rate swap.

credit risk

The Company’s exposure to concentrations of credit risk is limited. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with major Canadian 
financial institutions of high creditworthiness, and the Company’s accounts receivable are not subject to high concentrations of credit risk. 
Maximum credit risk exposure represents the loss that would be incurred if all of the Company’s counterparties were to default at the same 
time.

The Company’s exposure to credit risk is very limited. Credit risk for trade receivables is monitored through established credit monitoring 
activities. Over 55% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance relates to amounts owing from Canadian provincial liquor boards. 
Excluding accounts receivable from Canadian provincial liquor board amounts, the Company does not have a significant concentration of 
credit risk with any single counterparty or group of counterparties. The maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of the 
financial assets.

Amounts owing from Canadian provincial liquor boards represents $12,629 of the $22,902 in total accounts receivables for which no 
allowance has been provided. Of the remaining non-provincial liquor board balances, $947 (2009 - $1,046) had aged over sixty days as of 
March 31, 2010. An allowance for doubtful accounts of $288 (2009 - $234) has been provided against these accounts receivable amounts 
which the Company has determined to represent a reasonable estimate of amounts that may be uncollectible.

liquidity risk

The Company manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate cash and cash equivalent balances and by appropriately utilizing its line of 
credit. Company management continuously monitors and reviews both actual and forecasted cash flows and matches the maturity profile 
of financial assets and financial liabilities. Accounts payable are generally due within 30 days and long-term debt payment requirements are 
disclosed in note 6.

The following table outlines the Company’s contractual obligations, including long-term debt repayments, operating leases and 
commitments on short-term forward foreign exchange contracts used to mitigate the currency risk on U.S. dollar purchases as at  
March 31, 2010:

Long-term debt 
Swap agreement 
Operating leases 
Foreign exchange contracts 
Pension obligations 
Long-term grape purchase contracts 

$ 

Total 

54,436 
15,665 
20,655 
20,655 
3,841 
269,919 

$ 

< 1 
year 

6,158 
3,911 
3,878 
20,655 
575 
20,190 

2 – 3 
years 

$  10,666 
6,609 
5,455 
- 
886 
42,141 

4 – 5 
years 

$  10,666 
5,145 
2,820 
- 
658 
41,342 

  $ 

> 5  

years

26,946 
- 
8,502 
- 
1,722 
166,246

Total contractual obligations 

$ 

385,171 

$  55,367 

$  65,757 

$  60,631 

  $  203,416

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
42

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

foreign exchange risk

Certain of the Company’s purchases are denominated in U.S. dollars or Euros. Any increases or decreases to the foreign exchange rates 
could increase or decrease the Company’s earnings. To mitigate the exposure to foreign exchange risk, the Company has entered into 
forward foreign currency contracts.

As at March 31, 2010, the Company has forward foreign currency contracts to buy U.S. $16,450 at rates ranging between $1.01 and $1.06 
and to buy EUR 2,550 at rates ranging between $1.41 and $1.47. The U.S. dollar forward contracts mature at various dates to December 
2010 and the Euro forward contracts mature at various dates to September 2010. The Company has elected not to use hedge accounting 
and as a result, has recognized $713 of unrealized foreign exchange losses (2009 – unrealized losses $474) in the consolidated statement 
of earnings (loss) as a component of net unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments and has recorded the fair value of $(444) in 
current portion of derivative financial instruments in the consolidated balance sheet (2009 - $269 in prepaid expenses and other assets).

The Company’s foreign exchange risk arises on the purchase of bulk wine and concentrate which are made in U.S. dollars and Euros. The 
Company’s strategy is to hedge approximately 50% - 80% of its foreign exchange requirements prior to or during the beginning of each 
fiscal year. The Company has entered into a series of foreign exchange contracts as a hedge against movements in U.S dollar and Euro 
exchange rates. These contracts are reviewed regularly. The balance of the Company’s foreign exchange requirements are not hedged, 
accordingly a one percent change in the value of the U.S. dollar and Euro would impact the Company’s net earnings (loss) by approximately 
$96 (2009 - $154) and $43 (2009 - $61), respectively.

15.  capital diScloSureS

The Company’s objective when managing capital is to safeguard the Company’s ability as a going concern, to provide an adequate return 
to shareholders and to meet external capital requirements on debt and credit facilities. Unfunded capital expenditures are limited to $5,000 
in fiscal 2010 and $10,000 thereafter. Capital expenditures are reviewed quarterly.

The Company’s capital consists of cash, bank indebtedness, long-term debt and shareholders’ equity. The Company’s primary use of capital 
is to make increases to non-cash working capital, fund maintenance and growth related capital expenditures, pay dividends and finance 
acquisitions.

As part of the existing debt agreement, the Company is subject to externally imposed financial covenants which consist of the following: 

• Funded debt to a rolling twelve month EBITDA

• Working capital ratio

• Fixed charge coverage ratio

Compliance with these covenants is monitored by management on a quarterly basis.

In order to facilitate management of its capital requirements, the Company prepares annual budgets that are updated as necessary 
depending on various factors including general industry conditions. The annual budget is approved by the Board of Directors. As at March 
31, 2010, the Company has remained in compliance with all external lending agreement covenants.

16.  diScontinued operationS

During 2010, the Company entered into an agreement to dispose of Granville Island Brewing Company Ltd. and Mainland Beverage 
Distribution Ltd. (collectively referred to as “GIBCO”) effective October 1, 2009. As a result, the Company has recognized a disposal gain of 
$11,859 (net of tax) classified with the results from discontinued operations.

In connection with the sale of GIBCO, the Company entered into certain agreements whereby the Company will operate the manufacturing 
facilities of GIBCO and provide certain administrative support services for a period of time to assist the purchaser in the transition of these 
businesses. Under these agreements, the Company will be reimbursed for costs incurred in providing the manufacturing and administrative 
support services.

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

43

Details of the gain recorded are as follows:

  Cash consideration 
  Deferred consideration 

  Proceeds of disposal 
  Less  

Net book value of assets sold 
Costs of disposal 

  Gain on sale of discontinued operation 
  Provision for income taxes 

  Gain on sale of discontinued operation (net of tax) 

Financial information relating to the discontinued operation is as follows:

$  24,992 
1,250

26,242 

12,178 
679

13,385 
1,526

$  11,859

Condensed balance sheet of discontinued operation 

2010 

2009

Current assets 

Accounts receivable 
Inventory 
Prepaid expenses and other assets 
Income taxes recoverable (payable) 

Long-term assets 

Property, plant and equipment 
Goodwill 
Intangible assets 

Current liabilities 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 

Long-term liabilities 

Future income taxes 

Condensed statement of net earnings from discontinued operation 

  Sales 
  Cost of goods sold 

  Gross profit 

  Selling and administration 
  Amortization 
  Gain on sale of discontinued operation 

  Earnings before income taxes 
  Provision for income taxes 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

$  1,386 
3,273 
30
(425)

$ 

4,264

$ 

4,133 
3,700 
2,100

$ 

9,933

$ 

4,837

$ 

337

2010 

2009

$  10,354 
5,438 

$  17,076 
9,056

4,916 

4,292 
239 
(13,385) 

(8,854) 

  13,770 
1,635 

8,020

5,544 
536
-

6,080

1,940 
621

  Net earnings from discontinued operation 

$  12,135 

$ 

1,319

Included in cost of goods sold is $2,055 (2009 - $3,513) for the year for costs relating to manufacturing services provided by a related 
company. The costs incurred by the Company for these activities are not expected to continue upon completion of the eventual disposition.

Condensed statement of cash flows from discontinued operation 

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities 
Cash provided by investing activities 
Cash used in financing activities 

Increase in cash during the year from discontinued operation 

2010 

(2,880) 
$ 
  24,699 
- 

$ 

2009

5,49
-
(325)

$  21,819 

$ 

5,170

 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
44

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

TEN-YEAR SUMMARY
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007 

2006 

2005 

2004 

2003 

2002 

2001

Restated (7) 

Restated (7)  

Restated (3)   

Restated (3) 

SALES AND EARNINGS 

Net sales  
Earnings before interest, 

income taxes and unusual items 

Net earnings (loss) 

FINANCIAL POSITION  
Working capital  
Total assets  
Shareholders’ equity  

PER SHARE  
Net earnings (loss) (5) 
  Basic & Diluted Class A  
  Basic & Diluted Class B  
Dividends (5) 
  Class A shares, non-voting 
  Class B shares, voting  
NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
(IN THOUSANDS OF SHARES) (5) 

  Class A shares, non-voting  
  Class B shares, voting 

OTHER INFORMATION
Return on average shareholders’ equity  
Return on average capital employed 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

263,151 (7) 

19,363 (6) (7) 
21,661 (8) 

29,968  
263,716  
113,665  

1.49 (8) 
1.30 (8) 

0.330  
0.288  

11,888 
3,004 

14,892 

7.2% (6) 
9.1% (6) 

251,136 (7) 

15,512 (6) (7) 
($125) 

29,203  
293,507  
96,791  

($0.01) 
($0.01) 

0.330  
0.288  

11,888 
3,004 

14,892 

6.0% (6) 
7.8% (6) 

228,056 (7) 

$ 

228,192  

$ 

211,775  

167,634  

155,910  

$ 

147,856  

$ 

139,008  

134,358 

20,703 (6) (7) 
11,381  

25,413  
259,744  
102,680  

0.78  
0.68  

0.300  
0.261  

11,888 
3,004 

14,892 

12.1% (6) 
10.6% (6) 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

19,680  
9,472  

25,316  
238,956  
95,522  

0.65  
0.57  

0.0253  
0.0220  

11,888 
3,004 

14,892 

10.2% 
10.3% 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

15,587 (4) 

6,054 (4) 

26,756  

222,087  

89,580  

0.42 (4) 

0.36 (4) 

0.215 

0.187 

11,888 

3,004 

14,892 

6.9% 

9.7% 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

16,418 (3) 

8,467 (3) 

29,410 (3) 

162,155 (3) 

86,504 (3) 

0.59 (3) 

0.51 (3) 

0.215 

0.187 

11,863 

3,005 

14,868 

10.1% 

12.4% 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

14,759 (3) 

8,977 (2) (3) 

29,288 (3) 

146,163 (3) 

80,715 (3) 

0.63 (2) (3) 

0.55 (2) (3) 

0.215 

0.187 

11,763 

3,006 

14,769 

10.2% 

12.3% 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

14,183  

6,929  

27,369  

132,006  

72,521  

0.50 (3) 

0.43 (3) 

0.215 

0.187 

11,223 

3,009 

14,232 

9.8% 

12.5% 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

11,673  

5,325  

24,622  

133,300  

68,560  

0.39  

0.34  

0.215 

0.187 

11,222 

3,009 

14,231 

7.9% 

10.3% 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

10,168

4,053 (1)

14,750 

132,967  

66,114 

0.29(1) 

0.26(1)

0.215

0.187

11,196

3,015

14,211

7.0%

9.2%

(1) Includes a pre-tax loss of $1.0 million on the settlement of a lawsuit for the co-packing of flavoured water in 1993. 
(2) Includes an after-tax gain of $1.699 million from the sale of the Alberta winery.  
(3) Includes a pre-tax loss of $1.2 million due to a misappropriation of funds by a former employee. 
(4) Includes costs related to the integration of Cascadia Brands Inc. and other items of $2.0 million. 
(5) After giving effect to a 3:1 split of Class A and Class B shares that occurred on October 31, 2006.   
(6) Excludes the after-tax impact of mark-to-market adjustments on an interest rate SWAP.   
(7) Excludes the net impact of discontinued operations. Including discontinued operations, net earnings before interest,  

income taxes and unusual items would be $19,748, $17,452, $21,906 for fiscal 2010, 2009, 2008 respectively.  

(8) Includes an after-tax gain of $11.9 million for the sale of Granville Island Brewing Company Ltd. and Mainland Beverage Distribution Ltd. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

45

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007 

2006 

2005 

2004 

2003 

2002 

2001

Restated (7) 

Restated (7)  

Restated (3)   

Restated (3) 

263,151 (7) 

251,136 (7) 

228,056 (7) 

$ 

228,192  

$ 

211,775  

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

15,587 (4) 
6,054 (4) 

26,756  
222,087  
89,580  

0.42 (4) 
0.36 (4) 

0.215 
0.187 

11,888 
3,004 

14,892 

6.9% 
9.7% 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

167,634  

16,418 (3) 
8,467 (3) 

29,410 (3) 
162,155 (3) 
86,504 (3) 

0.59 (3) 
0.51 (3) 

0.215 
0.187 

11,863 
3,005 

14,868 

10.1% 
12.4% 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

155,910  

$ 

147,856  

$ 

139,008  

14,759 (3) 
8,977 (2) (3) 

29,288 (3) 
146,163 (3) 
80,715 (3) 

0.63 (2) (3) 
0.55 (2) (3) 

0.215 
0.187 

11,763 
3,006 

14,769 

10.2% 
12.3% 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

14,183  
6,929  

27,369  
132,006  
72,521  

0.50 (3) 
0.43 (3) 

0.215 
0.187 

11,223 
3,009 

14,232 

9.8% 
12.5% 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

11,673  
5,325  

24,622  
133,300  
68,560  

0.39  
0.34  

0.215 
0.187 

11,222 
3,009 

14,231 

7.9% 
10.3% 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

134,358 

10,168
4,053 (1)

14,750 
132,967  
66,114 

0.29(1) 
0.26(1)

0.215
0.187

11,196
3,015

14,211

7.0%
9.2%

TEN-YEAR SUMMARY

(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

income taxes and unusual items 

SALES AND EARNINGS 

Net sales  

Earnings before interest, 

Net earnings (loss) 

FINANCIAL POSITION  

Working capital  

Total assets  

Shareholders’ equity  

PER SHARE  

Net earnings (loss) (5) 

  Basic & Diluted Class A  

  Basic & Diluted Class B  

Dividends (5) 

  Class A shares, non-voting 

  Class B shares, voting  

NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING

(IN THOUSANDS OF SHARES) (5) 

  Class A shares, non-voting  

  Class B shares, voting 

OTHER INFORMATION

Return on average shareholders’ equity  

Return on average capital employed 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

19,363 (6) (7) 

21,661 (8) 

15,512 (6) (7) 

($125) 

20,703 (6) (7) 

11,381  

29,968  

263,716  

113,665  

29,203  

293,507  

96,791  

25,413  

259,744  

102,680  

1.49 (8) 

1.30 (8) 

0.330  

0.288  

11,888 

3,004 

14,892 

7.2% (6) 

9.1% (6) 

($0.01) 

($0.01) 

0.330  

0.288  

11,888 

3,004 

14,892 

6.0% (6) 

7.8% (6) 

0.78  

0.68  

0.300  

0.261  

11,888 

3,004 

14,892 

12.1% (6) 

10.6% (6) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

19,680  

9,472  

25,316  

238,956  

95,522  

0.65  

0.57  

0.0253  

0.0220  

11,888 

3,004 

14,892 

10.2% 

10.3% 

(1) Includes a pre-tax loss of $1.0 million on the settlement of a lawsuit for the co-packing of flavoured water in 1993. 

(2) Includes an after-tax gain of $1.699 million from the sale of the Alberta winery.  

(3) Includes a pre-tax loss of $1.2 million due to a misappropriation of funds by a former employee. 

(4) Includes costs related to the integration of Cascadia Brands Inc. and other items of $2.0 million. 

(5) After giving effect to a 3:1 split of Class A and Class B shares that occurred on October 31, 2006.   

(6) Excludes the after-tax impact of mark-to-market adjustments on an interest rate SWAP.   

(7) Excludes the net impact of discontinued operations. Including discontinued operations, net earnings before interest,  

income taxes and unusual items would be $19,748, $17,452, $21,906 for fiscal 2010, 2009, 2008 respectively.  

(8) Includes an after-tax gain of $11.9 million for the sale of Granville Island Brewing Company Ltd. and Mainland Beverage Distribution Ltd. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

DIRECTORS & OFFICERS

directorS

MARK W. COSENS
Burlington, Ontario 
Managing Director 
Kilbride Capital Partners

LORI C. COVERT 
Rockwood, Ontario 
Marketing Consultant

C. WILLIAM DANIEL, O.C. 
Toronto, Ontario 
Corporate Director

RICHARD D. HOSSACK, PhD 
Toronto, Ontario 
Corporate Director

A. ANGUS PELLER, M.D. 
Toronto, Ontario 
Director of Medcan Health 
Management Inc.

JOHN E. PELLER 
Burlington, Ontario 
President and 
Chief Executive Officer 
Andrew Peller Limited

JOSEPH A. PELLER, M.D. 
Rockwood, Ontario 
Chairman 
Andrew Peller Limited

JOHN F. PETCH, Q.C. 
Toronto, Ontario 
Barrister & Solicitor 
Vice Chairman 
Andrew Peller Limited

BRIAN J. SHORT 
Ancaster, Ontario 
Corporate Director

honorary directorS

RALPH M. LOGAN 
Halifax, Nova Scotia

WILLIAM J. WALSH, M.D. 
Hamilton, Ontario

officerS

JOHN E. PELLER 
President and Chief Executive Officer

GREGORY J. BERTI 
Vice-President, Estate Wines 
(Eastern Canada) and Export

ANTHONY M. BRISTOW 
Chief Operating Officer

JAMES H. COLE 
Vice-President, Retail Division

SCOTT D. FRASER 
Vice-President, Estate Wines 
(Western Canada)

SHARI A. NILES 
Executive Vice-President, Marketing

PETER B. PATCHET 
Chief Financial Officer and 
Executive Vice-President,  
Human Resources

ROBERT P. VAN WELY 
President, Global Vintners Inc.

BRENDAN P. WALL 
Executive Vice-President, Operations

J. CHRISTOPHER ZARAFONITIS 
Executive Vice-President, Sales

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

47

inveStor relationS 
For additional information regarding the Company’s activities, 
please contact:

PETER B. PATCHET 
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice-President, Human 
Resources at the Head Office address or by email at: 
peter.patchet@andrewpeller.com

2010 annual ShareholderS’ meeting
The 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at:

Hillebrand Winery 
1249 Stone Road, RR#2 
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario 
on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

head office 
ANDREW PELLER LIMITED 
697 South Service Road 
Grimsby, Ontario L3M 4E8 
Tel: (905) 643-4131 
Fax: (905) 643-4944

Stock exchange 
TORONTO 
Symbols: ADW.A/ADW.B

regiStrar and tranSfer agent 
COMPUTERSHARE INVESTOR SERVICES INC.

auditorS 
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

BankerS 
ROYAL BANK OF CANADA 
BANK OF MONTREAL 
TORONTO DOMINION BANK 
RABOBANK

Shareholder inquirieS 
Computershare Investor Services Inc. operates services for 
inquiries regarding changes of address, stock transfers, 
registered shareholdings, dividends and lost certificates, 
which can be reached:

Phone:  1-800-564-6253 toll free North America 

(International 514-982-7555)

Fax:   

1-866-249-7775 toll free North America 
(International 416-263-9524)

Email:  

service@computershare.com

Internet:  www.computershare.com – the Investors section 
offers enrolment for self-service account 

  management for registered shareholders through 

Investor Centre.

Mail:  

Computershare Investor Services 
100 University Avenue, 9th Floor 
Toronto, Ontario 

  M5J 2Y1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
48

Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

VINEYARDS ESTATE WINES STORE LOCATIONS

AJAx

CAMBRIDGE

HAMILTON

180 Holiday Inn Drive 
(519) 651-1145

400 Conestoga Blvd. 
(519) 624-1103

980 Franklin Blvd. 
(519) 622-1187

50 Dundurn Street South 
(905) 528-4003

NEWMARKET

1111 Davis Drive 
(905) 853-0401

75 Centennial Parkway North 
(905) 561-4504

18200 Yonge Street North 
(905) 895-2412

1579 Main Street West 
(905) 522-8882

17725 Yonge Street North 
(905) 953-1269

COLLINGWOOD

KESWICK

12 Hurontario Street 
(705) 446-2237

24018 Woodbine Avenue 
(905) 476-8544

640 First Street Extension 
(705) 444-1730

EAST YORK

1015 Broadview Avenue 
(416) 467-7760

11 Redway Road 
(416) 696-9584

ETOBICOKE

380 The East Mall 
(416) 695-9567

FERGUS

KINGSTON

1048 Midland Avenue 
(613) 389-6139

KITCHENER

750 Ottawa Street South 
(519) 745-2183

39 – 875 Highland Road West 
(519) 742-5844

LONDON

1244 Commissioners Road 
(519) 657-7517

16640 Yonge Street 
(905) 830-3448

NORTH YORK

3501 Yonge Street 
(416) 481-7699

OAKVILLE

511 Maple Grove Drive 
(905) 338-3042

1500 Upper Middle Road West 
(905) 847-2944

ORANGEVILLE

50 – 4th Avenue 
(519) 942-8752

OSHAWA

800 Tower Street South 
(519) 787-7721

1030 Adelaide Street North 
(519) 679-3717

285 Taunton Road East 
(905) 571-6167

955 Westney Road South 
(905) 683-1705

260 Kingston Road East 
(905) 428-6500

ANCASTER

977 Golf Links Road 
(905) 648-1465

AURORA

15500 Bayview Avenue 
(905) 726-2454

BARRIE

201 Cundles Road East 
(705) 739-1553

11 Bryne Drive 
(705) 725-8121

BOLTON

487 Queen Street South 
(905) 857-4166

BRAMALEA

25 Peel Centre Drive 
(905) 793-4246

BRAMPTON

227 Vodden Street 
(905) 459-2386

930 North Park Drive 
(905) 793-9071

GEORGETOWN 

171 Guelph Street 
(905) 877-1815

GRIMSBY

BROCKVILLE

1972 Parkedale Avenue 
(613) 342-8477

361 South Service Road 
(905) 945-9982

GLOUCESTER (OTTAWA)

BURLINGTON

2025 Guelph Line 
(905) 336-3849

4025 New Street 
(905) 632-8580

1250 Brant Street 
(905) 319-8670

671 River Road 
(613) 822-3080

GUELPH

167 Silver Creek Parkway 
(519) 837-0540

297 Eramosa Road 
(519) 824-7922

3505 Upper Middle Road 
(905) 336-9101

160 Kortright Road West 
(519) 837-9293

5353 Lakeshore Road 
(905) 681-8282 

395 Wellington South 
(519) 649-7180

1385 Harmony Road North 
(905) 438-1800

MISSISSAUGA

1151 Dundas Street West 
(905) 276-7103

1240 Eglinton West 
(905) 819-0202

4099 Erin Mills Parkway 
(905) 607-6246

5602 – 10th Line West 
(905) 858-0123

1865 Lakeshore Road West 
(905) 823-5746

2150 Burnhamthorpe Road W 
(905) 820-9958

1300 King Street East 
Unit # 32 
(905) 438-0478

OTTAWA

2515 Bank Street 
(613) 523-5837

OTTAWA (NEPEAN)

59 Robertson Road 
(613) 820-7219

1460 Merivale Road 
(613) 723-5507

OTTAWA (STITTSVILLE)

1251 Main Street 
(613) 831-3837

OTTAWA (VANIER)

100 McArthur Road 
(613) 749-9618

 
 
Andrew Peller Limited  2010 Annual Report 

49

411 Louth Street 
St. Catharines, Ontario 
(905) 685-9779

50 Musgrave Street 
Toronto, Ontario 
(416) 693-6336

15 York St. 
Toronto, Ontario  
(416) 304-0358  
(opening in September 2010)

22 Fort York Blvd. 
Toronto, Ontario 
(416) 623-0793

ST. LAWRenCe WIne MARkeT

93 Front Street East 
Toronto Ontario 
(416) 364-1811

WIne COunTRY VInTneRS

27 Queen Street 
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario 
(905) 468-1881

OWen SOund

1150 Sixteenth Street East 
(519) 371-8664

RICHMOnd HILL

11700 Yonge Street 
(905) 770-2314

SCARBOROugH

3221 Eglinton Avenue East 
(416) 267-2795

SIMCOe

470 Norfolk Street South 
(519) 426-1033

ST. CATHARIneS

318 Ontario Street 
(905) 685-8898

285 Geneva Street 
(905) 646-7363

600 Ontario Street 
(905) 934-7430

ST. THOMAS

1063 Talbot Street 
(519) 633-6343

STOneY CReek

102 Highway #8 
(905) 664-3188

TOROnTO

228 Queens Quay 
(416) 598-8880

125 The Queensway 
(416) 201-8221

87 Avenue Road 
(416) 923-6336

2273 Bloor Street West 
(416) 766-8654

uxBRIdge

323 Toronto Street South 
(905) 852-5008

VAugHAn

9200 Bathurst Street  
(905) 707-6118

WATeRLOO

450 Erb Street West 
(519) 747-5897

315 Lincoln Road 
(519) 746-7226

WeLLAnd

821 Niagara Street 
(905) 714-9521

WHITBY

1615 Dundas Street East 
(905) 728-4118

200 Taunton Road 
(905) 668-7568

656 Eglinton Avenue East 
(416) 485-0093

617 Victoria Street West 
(905) 430-5314

3671 Dundas Street West 
(416) 762-8635

AISLe 43

30 Kingston Road West 
Ajax, Ontario 
(905) 428-7829

10970 Airport Road 
Brampton, Ontario 
(905) 793-9531

1605 Bayview Avenue 
East York, Ontario 
(416) 481-2333

3040 Wonderland South 
London, Ontario 
(519) 668-2224

500 Copper Creek Blvd.
Markham, Ontario 
(905) 471-3602  
(opening in September 2010)

250 Lakeshore Road West 
Mississauga, Ontario 
(905) 274-2280

5970 McLaughlin Road 
Mississauga, Ontairo 
(905) 507-1520

3090 Bathurst Street 
North York, Ontario 
(416) 256-0462

1300 King Street East 
Oshawa, Ontario 
(905) 728-3767

769 Borden Avenue 
Peterborough, Ontario 
(705) 740-2513

221 Glendale Avenue 
St. Catharines, Ontario 
(905) 688-4767

WInerY oF tHe Year

SanDH Ill

CanaDIan WIne 
aCCeSS aWarDS

Double Gold -  
all canadian wine championship 

pell e r estat es
Signature Series Ice Cuvée rosé

Double Gold - International  
eastern wine competition  

Hil lebr and
trius red 2007

Gold Medal -  
International Wine Challenge 

thirt y  Bench
riesling 2007

Gold Medal -  
Grand Harvest awards

red rooster winery
pinot Gris 2008

PEL2002-08-10