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Bank First Corporation

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FY2023 Annual Report · Bank First Corporation
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Annual Report  
2023

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED  |  ANNUAL REPORT 2023

1

Contents

Our year – FY23 summary 

Letter from the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 

Review of Operations 

Executives 

Capital management 

Sustainability 

Risk Management 

Directors’ report 

Auditor’s independence declaration 

Financial report 

Directors’ declaration 

Independent auditor’s report 

ASX additional information 

Corporate directory 

2

4

12

18

21

22

28

30

44

45

80

81

87

88

2

FY23 key achievements

FY23 has been a year of extremes. In a testament of our resilience, we have 
managed volatility and continued to take actions to accelerate our profitable 
growth by investing in our hero product lines such as the expansion of lactoferrin 
production and discontinuing our Meat, Water and Technology business, which 
have impacted performance in the past.

Lactoferrin sales

UP172%

vs FY22

Dairy gross margins

UP175%

vs FY22

Trading EBITDA* 
significantly 
improved up

$14.5M 

vs FY22

Operating

CASH  
NEUTRAL 

in H2

(*) Trading EBITDA from continuing operations which includes Dairy and Corporate segments

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 20233

Resilient Results during 
Volatile Times FY23

$170M

Net Sales from 
Continuing Operations 
UP 34% vs FY22 (^)

($1.7M) 

Group Trading 
EBITDA from Continuing 
Operations (*^)

$4.1M 

Dairy Division 
Trading EBITDA (*)

$26M

Gross Margins from 
Continuing Operations 
UP 175% vs FY22 (^)

21.5MT

Lactoferrin Sales  
UP 172% vs FY22

$9.84/Kg MS
Record Actual 
Milk Price paid 
to Dairy Farmers

152ML 

Total milk collected 
stable vs FY22 despite 
national production 
decline

18.5MT

Record lactoferrin 
production fueled by 
record yields delivered

  Operations Streamlined

  Capital Plan on track 

  Divestments Underway

  Funding Secured

* EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure that the company believe is an important indicator of performance
* Trading EBITDA excludes non-recurring items.
^ Continuing Operations includes the Dairy Division and Corporate segments

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 20234

Letter from the  
Chairman and CEO

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 20235

Dear Valued Shareholder,

The 2022-23 financial year was a year characterised by strong continued growth 
in the face of challenging and volatile conditions in the Australian economy as 
well as in the Dairy Industry and the markets in which we operate. The events 
of the past twelve months have shown volatility, uncertainty, complexity and 
instability to be the new conditions of our time.
These conditions impacted heavily on the Company in the 
second half. We were heading towards a strong earnings 
result when the impact of a surge in gas and electricity prices, 
insurance costs, chemicals, logistics, packaging and milk 
costs derailed our momentum and caused a negative downturn 
in the financial performance of the Company.

Around the world, in contrast, milk production has grown over 
the 2022-23 period, notably in the United States, Europe and 
New Zealand as a result of favourable seasonal conditions 
and stimulatory supply policies in these major dairy production 
regions. As a consequence, Australian dairy production now 
has a marked “disconnect” with the rest of the world, with 
the cost of farmgate milk currently being significantly more 
expensive in Australia than elsewhere (e.g., milk prices in New 
Zealand are circa 20% below those in Australia).

The EBITDA results for FY23 however mask some significant 
operational achievements which can be observed in a number 
of critical key performance indicators; notably, total milk 
supplies, production numbers and sales results.

The following commentary is intended to provide shareholders 
with a “look through” to see how your Beston Global Food 
Company Limited (BFC) has been positioning to take 
advantage of the challenges and opportunities arising from the 
current market conditions.

Industry Outlook

The total supply of milk in Australia fell by around 6% over 
the twelve months to 30 June 2023, partly because of flood 
events during the period in conjunction with other extraneous 
drivers such as high beef prices and labour shortages but 
also because of the continuing exit of farmers from the dairy 
industry (as they age and are not as yet being replaced). This 
fall off in milk supply reflects a trend of year-on-year declines 
in raw milk production in Australia in recent years which is 
forecast to see total volumes fall to around 8 billion 
litres at the end of the 2022-23 season, the first 
time in more than 30 years.

The global oversupply of dairy products has placed downward 
pressure on the domestic Australian market. The volume of 
New Zealand dairy exports to Australia for example rose by 
14% in the twelve months to February 2023. Other international 
competitors have also been rushing to reallocate export 
volumes to the local Australian market, thereby creating even 
further competition and downward pressure on prices.

The Australian Dairy Products Federation (ADPF) has noted 
that the prices being paid for dairy commodities in Australia as 
at June 2023 was 29% lower than a year ago, while processors 
continue to pay historically high prices for milk: “Australian 
dairy processors are carefully managing a tough domestic 
environment marked by low volume growth, exorbitant 
overhead and input costs, a decline in global prices and rapid 
growth in import competition, leaving dairy processors with 
less margin than ever before” (ADPF, June 14, 2023).

The increases in prices paid for milk has re-set the dairy 
industry and has been a welcome development for dairy 

farmers, while exacerbating the inflationary pressures on 

dairy processors.

The cost/price pressures have caused many Australian 
dairy processors to review and simplify their business, 
as with the announcement by BFC on 22 June, 2023 
in relation to the discontinuance and divestment of 

non-core assets.

6

Letter from the Chairman and CEO

Navigating the Challenges

The Board and Management of BFC has always understood 
that navigating through “shocks” is part of doing business, as 
has been demonstrated on a number of occasions during the 
relatively short history of the Company.

Soon after starting out, BFC experienced the supply-reducing 
effects of two years of drought, and then from early 2020, 
nearly three years of the Covid-19 pandemic which proved to 
be the biggest economic disruption in generations and had 
significant negative impacts on both the demand side and the 
supply side of the business. The combination of challenges 
thrown at us over these periods were such that had not been 
faced by our much bigger competitors in the industry when 
they were starting out. But, we have proven the resilience of our 
business model and have come through each of the difficult 
times in an even stronger position.

The strong positive earnings trajectory which was demonstrated 
as we came out of Covid gave the Board and Management 
confidence to issue earnings guidance for FY23 of $8-10 
million EBITDA on the back of projected Group Sales of $150 – 
180 million.

The Company remained on track to deliver on this earnings 
guidance until March 2023 when it was hit with unprecedented 
inflationary pressures brought about by external factors. The 
cost of natural gas increased by around 300% as BFC came 
out of contract with its energy supplier and insurance costs 
also jumped up due to a rise in the premium charged by 
insurance companies in the wake of natural disasters around 
the world and in Australia (including the 1 in 100 year flooding 
event which caused the River Murray to break its banks in 
South Australia and spread across adjacent townships in 
the Murraylands region where BFC’s factories are located). 
The cost of insurance premiums paid by the Company have 
increased by around $1 million over the last three years. The 
cost of the Company’s other key production inputs, in particular 
electricity, chemicals, packaging and transport, also jumped 
up as the Reserve Bank embarked on monetary tightening and 
raised interest rates.

The uplift in the Company’s cost of goods came at a time when 
the price of milk (the largest of our production inputs) was at 
an all-time high and when the global prices of whey powder 
(one of our largest by-products) fell significantly (by around 20 
– 30%) due to increased competition across the world (and in 
particular from products sourced from Europe and the USA).

The sudden and dramatic escalation of input prices in Australia 
caused BFC to downgrade its earnings guidance on 30 March 
2023 and refresh its strategy from a growth ambition based 
around manufacturing and supplying a range of food and 
beverage products to an intense focus on profitability based 
around its value-add Dairy and Dairy nutraceuticals business. 
The refresh of its strategy has resulted in BFC announcing on 
22 June 2023, the discontinuance and divestment of its meat 
and plant-based meat processing operation in Shepparton, 
Victoria, its water bottling production assets, land and water 
licenses in Mt Gambier, South Australia and its Beston 
Technology business.

The refreshed focus on becoming “Australia’s leading 
sustainable and value-add Dairy Company” through the 
discontinuance and divestment of its Meat, Water and 
Technologies businesses, will enable BFC to concentrate on its 
most profitable and largest business segment and more easily 
weather the cost / price pressures impacting on the Company 
(as are also being experienced by most other companies in our 
supply chain).

While some $28 million of additional costs from inflationary 
and other external costs impacts on the business have been 
absorbed and offset by improvements in price and volume 
performance during FY23, we do not expect to see the 
abatement of these pressures in the near term.

As explained previously in various communications with 
shareholders, we have never told our shareholders of the 
problems or challenges faced by the Company without also 
delivering on solutions. Accordingly, the following provides 
a brief explanation of the actions which have been taken to 
address the “big ticket” cost pressures impacting on the 
business:

Natural Gas

•  Renegotiations undertaken with monopoly natural gas 
supplier on contract terms to bring prices paid more 
closely in line with the spot prices of natural gas. These 
renegotiations have resulted in savings of circa $225k being 
achieved for FY23.

•  The current gas price of $28 per gigajoule will remain in 
place until 30 September 2023 when a new contract will 
apply, taking the price from $18 per gigajoule through to 31 
March 2024.

•  Project planning is proceeding for the establishment of 

a biogas plant at Jervois to replace the use (and cost) of 
natural gas. A Project Development Agreement has been 
signed with a specialist contractor and the project has now 
advanced to the business planning phase.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 20237

Electricity

•  A new contract for the supply of electricity has been 

renegotiated which takes effect from 1 April 2024 and 
extends to 31 March 2025.

•  The current contract involves prices of 26.95 cents per KWH 

(peak) and 14.87 cents per KWH (off peak).

•  The new contract involves prices of 13.62 cents per KWH 

(peak) and 11.55 cents per KWH (off peak).

•  The annualised saving, from the date of the new contract is 

in excess of $1.0 million in a full year.

Insurance

•  A thorough review is being conducted of all insurances 
in conjunction with the Company’s insurance broker and 
utilising the services of an independent insurance expert to 
identify opportunities for premium savings.

Operational Update

Milk Supply

BFC has contracted all of its milk requirements for FY24. The 
total volume of milk supply under contract for FY24 is 155 
million litres, which represents a 2% increase on FY23 closing 
volumes. As such, BFC is running against the national trend 
explained above, whereby total milk production in Australia 
fell by 6% during FY23. This is no small achievement in one of 
the most challenging times on record when most other dairy 
processors in Australia have been scrambling to secure milk 
supplies for FY24.

We believe that part of the reason why we have been able to 
expand our milk supply while the overall milk pool is shrinking, 
is because of the investment we have made in building 
relationships with our contract dairy farmers, and particularly 
during the tough drought years of 2017 and 2018. These 
relationships were publicly recognised when BFC received 
the “Best Farmer/Processor Relationship” Award at the South 
Australian Dairy Awards on 4 August, 2023. (Along with 6 Gold 
Medals and 9 Silver Medals for the quality of our cheeses plus 
the top award for “Best Mature Cheddar”).

BFC views its relationship with dairy farmers as a partnership. 
Our BFC milk supply team acts as a conduit to communicate 
the needs of our farmers to our management and production 
staff and ensure that every possible assistance is provided 
to enhance the welfare of our farmers and their families. 
The strength of our partnership with farmers has also been 
demonstrated by the way in which our milk supply team 
engaged with farmers affected by the flooding of the River 
Murray. Consistent with our actions in previous periods of 

helping our farming communities to cope with times of adversity 
(such as the two year drought in 2017 and 2018), staff of BFC 
provided hands-on flood preparation and mitigation assistance 
to the owners of farming properties around the Murray Bridge 
/ Jervois flood-affected region. Staff of BFC also provided 
assistance to the wider community affected by the floods, such 
as by supplying unused milk crates to a number of households 
so that furniture could be placed off the floor in people’s 
homes. Some of these properties were subsequently inundated 
by the flood waters. Other assistance provided to farmers 
included helping farmers to shift their dairy herds to higher 
ground and/or adjacent properties so they could continue 
milking. BFC also supplied redundant pallets to the SA Dairy 
Farmers Association (SADA) for use in sand bagging activities.

As another way of assisting our farmers, BFC has been running 
methane abatement trials on some of our contract farms in 
conjunction with PIRSA (SA Government Department of Primary 
Industry and Regions) with a view to using on-farm collected 
data to generate carbon credits and create an additional source 
of income for our farmers.

We see our partnership with BFC’s contract dairy farmers, and 
the farming communities in which they live, as a symbiotic one, 
whereby we all help each other to thrive and prosper.

Milk Prices

BFC’s milk price for FY23 has now been increased to a 
weighted average of $9.84kgMS reflecting seasonal conditions 
and overall milk flows throughout the season. As a result of 
the extreme market conditions in FY23, this milk price payout 
represents the highest ever milk price paid by BFC to Australian 
Dairy Farmers. Total milk payouts of some $105 million have 
been paid and distributed from BFC to South Australian and 
Western Victorian Dairy Farmers throughout FY23.

The Company continues its commitment to a competitive 
milk price payout to our Dairy Farmers. All of BFC’s milk 
requirements are now contracted with Dairy Farmers for FY24.

Production and Supply Agreements

The production volumes for mozzarella and Lactoferrin 
closed within the operational guidance provided for FY23. 
Notwithstanding the intense competition in the markets in which 
we operate, BFC has been able to hold its prices at FY23 levels 
in negotiating new supply contracts for FY24. Pleasingly, all of 
the Company’s major supply contracts with food manufacturers 
and retail outlets have been renewed and signed for another 
two years at pricing mechanisms and pre-defined volumes 
which are at least the same, or better, than FY23.

8

Letter from the Chairman and CEO

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 20239

Beston is on track to deliver supply partnership with other 
Australian Dairy processors, as well as New Zealand and 
USA based Dairy companies. These partnerships have been 
developed to achieve portfolio synergies and milk solids 
optimisation. For example, Beston is now enhancing the 
usage of liquid micellar casein to capture greater yields on 
its production of mozzarella. The Company expects these 
initiatives to contribute to results in FY24 and beyond.

Beston is also on track to launch a new FARMERS TRIBUTE 
super premium range of hard and cream cheeses across 
the South Australian retail landscape, in October 2023. The 
inventories required for this launch (e.g., aged cheddar) have 
been built over the past 12-18 months.

Sales and Financial Performance Update

The underlying performance of Beston continues to strengthen 
with significant revenue growth of above 30% year on year. 
Thanks to an improved product mix and greater manufacturing 
stability, led by our award-winning Mozzarella and Lactoferrin 
businesses, the Company’s Group margins have significantly 
improved on FY22, (with margins achieved which were close to 
double the previous year). However, EBITDA performance was 
adversely impacted by significantly increased utility costs led 
by natural gas and electricity as well as chemical, logistics and 
insurance costs.

Lactoferrin sales closed at approximately 21MT in FY23 and 
substantially all the FY24 production of Lactoferrin has been 
contracted with local as well as international clients. Recent 
developments in the Chinese Infant Formula regulations 
(requiring a greater proportion of Lactoferrin to be used in on-
shelf formulations) are set to continue to drive demand as well 
as prices of Lactoferrin.

Group Trading EBITDA* in FY23 fell short of our expectations 
due to the unprecedented inflationary cost pressures brought 
by external factors, especially price increases in utilities (gas, 
electricity), chemicals, logistics and insurance which impacted 
heavily in H2, as noted above. Group Trading EBITDA*, as noted 
above also, has been impacted by significant volatility in the 
Whey Protein pricing portfolio across H2 FY23 and loss-making 
positions across our Water and Meat businesses.

The result, albeit disappointing, is a substantial improvement 
on FY22 (-$16 million) and is an encouraging portend. 
On a standalone basis, the Dairy Division achieved a 
Trading EBITDA* of $4.1 million, reflecting improved trading 
performance of our Dairy portfolio, which contributes to over 
90% of Group Sales.

In the face of very difficult operating conditions which prevailed 
during the year, the Company recorded a number of significant 
achievements against targets, these include:

•  Record Group Revenues of $182.6 million (up by 31% on 

FY22).

•  Gross Margins of $24.6 million (up by 132% on FY22).

•  Over 150 million litres of milk collected and processed (up 
by 2%, even though national production was down by 5% 
and the devastating River Murray floods in December 2022 
closed down milk supply from four of our contract dairy 
farmers).

•  Record breaking production of Lactoferrin at 18.4 tonnes 

(ahead of top end of guidance).

•  Total Lactoferrin sales of 21.5 tonnes (up 172% on FY22).
•  Mozzarella production of close to 15,000 tonnes (in line with 

guidance).

•  Cream Cheese sales at record levels (up by 165% on FY22).
•  Successful capital raise of $28 million completed and debt 

reduction delivered.

The milk price paid to dairy farmers reached record levels 
across the whole of the industry during FY23 with over $100 
million being paid by the Company to its farmers (and an 
estimated $450 to $500 million being injected into regional 
dairy communities as a result of the flow-on effects from milk 
cheque expenditures).

Debt Tender

Early in 2023, BFC announced that it intended to undertake an 
open tender for its debt facilities to ensure that the structure 
and tenor of our banking arrangements were appropriately 
matched with the objectives of the Company (ASX Release, 
30 January 2023). The existing debt facilities were put in place 
during the Covid-19 period. Until that time, BFC was largely 
funded with equity, along with some normal bank trading 
facilities (over draft accounts) and had not had a need to utilise 
core debt.

Given the circumstances in which the Company’s debt facilities 
were put in place, these facilities were not considered to be 
fit-for-purpose when BFC emerged from Covid-19 and resumed 
its growth trajectory.

BFC appointed an independent finance consultant, Berkeley 
Capital Partners (BCP) to assist in managing the public 
tendering of its debt facilities. The process involved the short-
listing of suitable banks and financial institutions and the 
presentation of detailed financing proposals to secure the best 
funding solution to meet the needs of BFC going forward.

The Company announced the completion of this tender process 
on 31 July, 2023.

We are pleased to advise that funding agreements have been 
reached with the National Australia Bank (NAB) and Scottish 
Pacific (Scot Pac) in relation to senior debt, working capital, 
trade finance and plant and equipment facilities.

BFC recognises that financial markets are extremely dynamic 
at present, and hence, in conjunction with BCP, the Company 
is taking an approach of continuous improvement and will work 
alongside the selected and new funding partners to reduce the 
size and cost of its debt funding over time.

*Trading EBITDA excludes non-recurring items.

10

Letter from the Chairman and CEO

Capital Management Initiatives

The completion in late November 2022 of the Placement and 
Non-Renounceable Entitlement offer undertaken by BFC raised 
a total of 28.2 million in equity funds and enabled the Company 
to reduce its gearing to around 38%, as forecast. Following 
the equity raising, an amount of $16.0 million was paid to the 
Company’s bank to reduce debt and plans were actioned to 
implement the other objectives of the raising; namely, investing 
in a third Lactoferrin extraction column and implementing a 
number of low risk, high returning initiatives to unlock cost 
savings, deliver a number of environmentally sustainable 
outcomes and accelerate profits.

The equity raise and balance sheet re-set was timely given the 
subsequent turmoil in financial and commodity markets and has 
better equipped the Company to deal prudently and effectively 
with the changing market conditions as well as positioning us 
to take advantage of any new opportunities as they arise. The 
strong sales and cash flows being achieved in the business are 
set to continue to improve our balance sheet position.

The Implementation of the capital development plan, utilising 
a portion of the proceeds from the capital raise, is in full swing 
with over $12 million of new investments now committed to 
our Dairy factories. This includes the commissioning of our 3rd 
Lactoferrin extraction column, a comprehensive water treatment 
plant for our Jervois facility, as well as several other high 
returning projects with less than 12 months pay back.

Looking Ahead

The principal objective of BFC, with its dairy operations, has 
been consistent throughout its journey: that is, to extract the 
maximum value from each drop of milk processed and doing 
so in the most sustainable manner (as is represented in our 
corporate logo, i.e., a drop of milk in a green and gold setting).

The progress made by the Company over the past 12 months 
can be attributed to our enhanced product mix and improved 
manufacturing stability. Our award-winning mozzarella and 
Lactoferrin businesses have played a pivotal role in the 
achievement of significantly higher revenues and margin 
growth. In testament to our product quality and standards, our 
Lactoferrin customer base now includes globally recognised 
Infant Formula brands and manufacturers.

BFC recently achieved the renewal of its CNCA (Certification 
and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of 
China) licence, and SAMR Registration (State Administration 
for Market Regulation) which are critical for the export of 
Lactoferrin and Lactoferrin-based products into China. The 
CNCA Licence (previously held only by the Jervois factory) has 
now also been extended to our Murray Bridge factory.

Looking forward, the Company will continue to build on the 
foundations which have been established and unlock value in 
the microbiology of milk. The installation and commissioning 
of our 3rd Lactoferrin extraction column is an important next 
step in further increasing our revenues and margins. All of our 
forecast FY24 volume of Lactoferrin production is essentially 
contracted to leading global infant formula customers.

Lactoferrin is a multifunction glycoprotein which occurs 
naturally in dairy milk (and human breast milk) and has been 
linked to a number of immune boosting health benefits due to 
its iron absorptions and anti-pathogenic properties. Its high 
bioavailability ensures easy absorption by the human body.

Lactoferrin has, to date, been mainly used for the production 
of infant formula (around 80% of all Lactoferrin produced 
globally has been used in the manufacture of infant formula, on 
account of its bioactive components which help support early 
development and growth). In recent years, markets have been 
opening up for Lactoferrin in a wide range of other applications, 
such as sports nutrition, adult nutrition, cosmetics, oral hygiene 
and even pet food. It is a highly prized health enhancing protein 
which will play a big role in BFC’s forward growth trajectory. 
The global demand for Lactoferrin is estimated to increase 
from around AUD 350 million per annum currently to over AUD 
1,000 million per annum by 2033.

In addition to expanding the production of Lactoferrin in FY24, 
BFC will exploit the unique chemistry and microbiology of milk 
by moving onto the production of other dairy nutraceutical and 
protein products. Pilot tests are already underway on a several 
such products.

The Board and Senior Management Team have been pleased 
to witness the material improvements which have been made 
in a number of areas of the Company’s operations during 
FY23 which has further strengthened our resilience and market 
positioning. The hard work of our people is paying off.

While the FY24 year has commenced with some deep volatility 
across dairy markets, especially outside of Australia. We remain 
positive about the many possibilities ahead.

The world (and the markets in which we operate) are in the 
grips of an economic polycrises (brought about by the war in 
Ukraine, rising inflation, rising interest rates and the after-shocks 
of Covid-19 etc). For BFC, this global polycrises has translated 
into a substantial lift in the Company’s operating costs, at a 
time when milk prices in Australia have risen to historically high 
levels and are “disconnected” from global dairy prices.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 202311

We are confident about our forward trajectory. The hard 
work of our people means that we have a business which is 
well positioned to capitalise on the market correction, when 
it occurs and to exploit any opportunities for both top line 
and bottom line growth that might emerge from the current 
abnormal market situation.

In closing, we would like to thank all of our employees for 
their tremendous efforts and hard work during the year. We 
would also like to thank our valued partners: our farmers, 
our suppliers, our customers and our shareholders for their 
continued support. The members of the Board have been 
unwavering in their commitment and we thank them for their 
significant contributions, guidance and support across a very 
challenging year.

Roger Sexton 
Chairman 

Fabrizio Jorge
Chief Executive

The significant disconnect with New Zealand milk prices (which 
are around 20% lower than Australian farmgate prices) has put 
enormous pressure on Australian Dairy Processors (imports of 
NZ dairy products to Australia have increased by 28% during 
FY23). A return to parity pricing would provide an immediate 
positive earnings impact of more than $20 million to BFC with 
the economies of scale and mix of product sales now being 
delivered on a consistent basis at our Company.

BFC has been positioning itself via the various achievements 
made to date, as detailed above, to weather the current 
negative pressures on the Company (and the industry) and to 
be able to capitalise on opportunities as they emerge from the 
current situation.

History shows that milk price corrections do happen – and 
have occurred twice in Australia over the past 60 years. The 
key focus of BFC is to continue to remain resilient (as we have 
demonstrated in recent years) and to continue to play the long 
game as outlined in our original business plan.

Times of industry disruption and economic polycrises as we are 
currently experiencing, will always flush out opportunities for 
industry consolidation and strategic growth.

BFC has instituted a number of specific actions to ensure that it 
remains resilient, including:

•  Reducing the cost of production inputs (e.g. via a water 

treatment plant to achieve savings of circa $1 million per 
annum; a business plan to reduce the cost of, and reliance 
on, natural gas; and overhauling our insurance arrangements 
to reduce annual premiums).

•  Re-launching a retail range of products into domestic 

markets (branded “Farmers Tribute”) which have less price 
elasticity than global markets.

•  Further expanding our Lactoferrin business (with the 

commissioning of the 3rd column).

•  Reducing the use of high cost domestic raw milk in favour of 

imported milk solids.

•  Discontinuing and divesting the non-core businesses of 

water, meat and technologies which hitherto, have been a 
drag on earnings.

•  Adopting a zero based budgeting approach to the financial 

management of our business

12

Review of operations

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 202313

Dairy Operations

Milk supply and prices

At the beginning of the financial year, we forecast milk supply to 
be around 155mL. The final milk supply totalled 152mL, broadly 
flat in comparison to the previous year and in the face of a 
national decline in the milk pool of 5% based on Dairy Australia 
statistics. The overall South Australian milk pool also decreased 
3.3% against the prior year based on Dairy Australia statistics.

The milk price paid to dairy farmers reached a record level 
with strong processor competition for the milk in the declining 
pool. This led to over $105 million paid to dairy farmers, largely 
across South Australia. 

Mozzarella

Mozzarella produced in FY23 was broadly in line with the FY22 
production at around 15,000MT on a relatively flat milk pool. 
Operational performance of the Jervois and Murray Bridge 
production facilities was not impacted by downtime issues as 
in previous years and saw ongoing productivity improvements. 
Mozzarella supply agreements with Woolworths and McCain 
Foods have been completed and extended beyond FY23. 
Our mozzarella export business also continued its momentum 
with several supply agreements also renewed with clients in 
Thailand, Philippines, and China. 

Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin sales closed at 21.5MT in FY23 vs 7.9MT in FY22. 
All our FY24 production of lactoferrin is contracted with local 
as well as international clients. Pricing for lactoferrin improved 
across the year. In a testament of our product quality and 
standards, our lactoferrin customer base now includes globally 
recognised Infant Formula brands. Recent developments in the 
Chinese Infant Formula regulations are set to continue to drive 
demand as well as the prices of lactoferrin. 

At a glance

FY23 results have been marked by our overall focus on 
controllables, significant strategic progress achieved and 
resilience on core companywide key leading indicators. FY23 
carried on the strong trajectory of top line revenue growth and 
consistency in milk and production fundamentals. 

Our total FY23 milk intake was broadly flat despite the overall 
Australian milk pool decreasing. National milk production 
declined 5% vs FY22 and in South Australia, 3.3% vs FY22. 
These solid results are a testament of our team’s ability 
to secure milk solids and our manufacturing flexibility to 
accommodate milk solids in other formats outside of fresh milk.

Our FY23 performance was marked by solid revenue and 
margin growth. Our Dairy business, which corresponds 
to over 90% of Group sales (prior to discontinuing certain 
operations), saw revenues increased by 34% over the prior 
year and operating margins lifted by 175% vs FY22. This has 
been achieved largely through price and improved product mix 
with 21.5MT of lactoferrin sales (172% increase on FY22). This 
improved product mix performance was offset however by a 
rapid decline of whey protein prices over the course of late Q3 
and Q4 of FY23, domestically and also internationally. 

Whilst operating margins lifted substantially vs FY22, milk 
prices in Australia also reached record high levels in FY23 
driven both by competition from other dairy processors and 
by significant decline in national production due to natural 
disasters (i.e., Murray River floodings and Northern Victoria 
floodings during Spring FY23). 

The high costs of milk were further exacerbated by the 
inflationary pressures seen in gas, electricity expired, 
chemicals, and insurance. When our legacy contracts for 
natural gas and electricity expired, some of the new variable 
rates for these inputs rose by up to 300% on the prices paid in 
FY22. 

On our controllables, our dairy production facilities continued 
to show improved production capability with all our operational 
guidance metrics achieved or over-achieved. The highlights 
have been the achievement of 15,000MT of mozzarella 
production and over 18MT of lactoferrin during FY23, despite 
no milk growth vs FY22.

14

Review of Operations

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 202315

Discontinued Operations

Beston Global Food Company Limited (ASX: BFC) (the Group) 
advised shareholders in an update on 22 June 2023 of its 
intention to discontinue and divest its Provincial Food Group 
(PFG) and plant-based meats secondary process business, 
its Aquaessence water assets business and its Technology 
business.

Beston’s Board and Management team have refreshed the 
Company’s strategy from a growth ambition based around 
manufacturing and supplying a range of food and beverage 
products to an intense focus on profitability based around 
its value-add Dairy and Dairy nutraceuticals business. The 
divestments will enable BFC to focus all its resources and 
efforts on its core business segment and more easily weather 
the cost/price pressures impacting on the Company. On a 
standalone basis, BFC’s Dairy business delivered sales of 
over $169.5 million and Trading EBITDA1 of approximately $4.1 
million in FY23.

The segments of Meat, Technology and Water have now been 
classified as Discontinuing operations and classified as held for 
sale within the balance sheet. BFC is currently in the process 
of divesting these businesses and assets. The proceeds of any 
divestments will be used to pay down debt.

Financial Summary

Delivering Resilient results

The FY23 financial performance of BFC resulted in the 
following:

•  Net Sales from continuing operations $169.5m, up 34% vs 

FY22.

•  Net sales from all of business $182.6m up 30.6% vs FY22
•  Gross Margins from continuing operations $26m, up 175% 

vs FY22.

•  Trading EBITDA from continuing operations at -$1.7m which 

is + $14.5m vs FY22 (see table below). 

•  EBITDA from continuing operations at -$4.1m which is up by 
$12.1m vs FY22. This includes $2.4m of non-recurring costs 
associated with capital raising, one off employee related 
costs and operating expenses. 

•  Loss before tax -$17.7m which is + $7m vs FY22 and 

includes $3.9m associated with a non-cash impairment 
of the PFG and Technology businesses together with an 
additional $2.8m of funding costs resulting from higher 
interest rates.

s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
D
U
A

-16.2

FY22 
Trading 
EBITDA

+14.5

1.8

-23.1

34.3

6.8

-5.6

0.3

-1.7

Volume/
Mix

Sales
Price

Operational 
Improvement

Milk
Price

Cost
Inflation

Other

FY23 
Trading 
EBITDA

1 

Trading EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure that the company believes is an important indicator of performance. Trading EBITDA excludes non-recurring items.

 
16

Review of Operations

•  Loss after tax -$47.5m which is - $21.7m vs FY22 and 

includes $29.8m associated with the derecognition of the 
deferred tax asset. This is a noncash adjustment, and the 
tax losses continue to be preserved for future use.

•  Operating cashflow at -$9.9m which is a $9.9m 

improvement on FY22. 

•  H2 FY23 was a neutral cashflow and $6.7m was spent on 

CAPEX being $0.9m higher than FY22. 

•  During the year BFC raised $26m via a share placement 
with $16m contributed towards debt reduction and a 
nominated $10m for capital projects.

The trading financial performance of the business went through 
a significant step change improvement in FY23 with the Trading 
EBITDA* from continuing operations at -$1.7 million which is up 
by $14.5 million vs FY22. This was achieved with strong price 
improvement and increased lactoferrin sales offset by a record 
milk price and significant inflationary pressure on costs.

The most significant driver of this improved performance was 
the sales product price increases which were put in place 
across many customers and channels during late FY22 and 
early FY23. These price increases contributed strongly to the 
uplift in trading EBIDTA results in this period together with the 
improved product mix via increased lactoferrin sales at 21.5MT 
vs 7.9MT in FY22. 

Beston Global Food Company Limited (ASX: BFC) (the Group) 
advised shareholders in an Update on 30 March 2023 that it 
was seeing unprecedented inflationary cost pressures brought 
about by external factors especially gas, electricity, chemicals, 
logistics, packaging and insurance which created a significant 
negative impact to FY23 earnings.

In addition, with the unprecedented levels of inflation, we saw 
a rapid decline and significant volatility in whey protein prices 
internationally, as well as domestically. 

The continuous improvement and capital initiatives which have 
been put in place across the Group in FY23 (via management 
changes, operational improvements, costs efficiencies, 
channel-led value creation etc.) can be expected to valorise our 
business model and be reflected in future financial results.

*Trading EBITDA excludes non-recurring items.

Other significant information

Going Concern

The Group incurred a statutory net loss after tax of $47.5 million 
and had net cash outflows from operating activities of $9.9 
million for the year ended 30 June 2023. On a pre-tax basis, 
the loss from continuing operations for the year was $11.6 
million. The financial statements have been prepared on the 
basis that the Group is a going concern which contemplates 
continuity of normal business activities and the realisation 
of assets and discharge of liabilities in the normal course of 
business.

In September 2022, the Group outlined several activities that 
were critical to supporting the going concern assumption 
being: successful completion of a capital raise, generation 
of sufficient cashflows from operations; meeting scheduled 
debt repayments and successfully renegotiating certain bank 
facilities with a facility expiry date of 31 August 2023. 

The Directors were pleased to report the successful completion 
of its capital raise of $28.3 million and debt repayments of $16 
million in the half year ended 31 December 2022. To continue 
as a going concern the Group requires continued operational 
results improvement as forecast, ongoing support of its 
bankers or other financiers and milk suppliers, and successful 
completion of the divestment of non-core operations, as 
described below.

Financing facilities

The Group successfully completed its debt tender process 
which has introduced an additional financier, and has increased 
facility limits of the Group’s Invoice Finance Facility. 

The Group’s financial liabilities of $45 million are primarily 
made up of three facilities at 30 June 2023: an Invoice Finance 
Facility of $10.0 million ($9.4 million drawn), Corporate Markets 
Loan of $18.5 million ($18.5 million drawn) and Business 
Overdraft Facility of $18.7 million ($9.8 million drawn). The 
expiry dates of these facilities were extended, effective 30 June 
2023, to 31 July 2024. In August 2023 the Group obtained 
approval and at the date of this report is in the final stages of 
establishing a new Invoice Finance Facility of up to $25 million 
(initially set at $18 million with step ups over time) and an Asset 
Finance Facility. The Invoice Finance Facility has a 3-year term, 
and can be drawn at any point in time for amounts of up to 82% 
of domestic receivables and 72% of export receivables, while 
the $3 million Asset Finance Facility also has a 3-year term. 
Proceeds will be used to extinguish the existing Invoice Finance 
Facility and fund scheduled debt repayments. 

The Group’s 12-month cashflow forecasts assume the 
continued availability of these or alternate facilities beyond 
31 July 2024. The Directors are confident of establishing or 
renewing sufficient debt facilities prior to expiry of the current 
facilities on 31 July 2024.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 202317

Cash flow from operating activities

A budget and cash flow forecast has been prepared for the 
twelve-month period from the date of signing the financial 
statements which forecasts an improved operating performance 
and cashflows. The cash flow forecast has been prepared 
based on managements’ and the Directors’ assessment of 
reasonable economic, operating and trading performance 
assumptions, including those achieved in Q4 of FY23. If this 
forecast is achieved, it will support the Directors’ going concern 
assertion. These forecasts are dependent upon the ability of 
the Group to secure the necessary milk volumes at the prices 
forecast by the Group. These volumes and prices are based 
on continuation of the Group’s existing milk purchases from 
suppliers. These forecasts are also dependent on the cash 
payment and collection profile being materially in line with the 
Group’s payment terms.

Divestment of non-core operations

The Group made the decision to divest or discontinue its non-
dairy operations (Meat, Technology and Water businesses) 
and is well advanced in this process. The proceeds from these 
divestments will be used to make required debt reductions.

In summary, having considered the foregoing matters and 
deliberated on the Group’s business plans and operating 
budgets, the Directors believe that the Group will continue as a 
going concern. 

To continue as a going concern the Group requires continued 
operational results improvement as forecast, ongoing 
support of its bankers or other financiers and milk suppliers, 
and successful completion of the divestment of non-core 
operations. However, in the unlikely event these conditions are 
not achieved this may cast significant doubt about the Group’s 
ability to continue as a going concern. In that case, the Group 
may be required to realise its assets and extinguish its liabilities 
other than in the normal course of business and at amounts 
different to those stated in the financial statements. 

The financial statements do not include adjustments relating to 
the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts 
or the amounts and classification of recorded liabilities that 
might be necessary should the consolidated entity not continue 
as a going concern.

18

Executives

Fabrizio Jorge
Chief Executive Officer

Fabrizio is a highly credentialed senior executive with over 25 years of global experience in the food and 
beverage industry and particularly in dairy products, across Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, 
Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Fabrizio started his working career with Nestlé in Brazil in 1997 and then worked with Nestlé in various 
executive positions across Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East. Fabrizio then joined Fonterra 
Cooperative Limited in 2009, working in a number of senior roles, based out of Auckland, Sao Paulo, 
Bangkok, Singapore and Melbourne. Most recently, Fabrizio has been the Chief Operating Officer of Bubs 
Australia Limited, overseeing significant growth into new markets in Asia and the USA.

Fabrizio holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Pontificia Catholic University in Sao 
Paulo, Brazil and is a graduate of the International Business School, University of California, USA and the 
Institute of Management Development (IMD), Lausanne, Switzerland.

Nick Martin
Chief Financial Officer

Nick joined BFC in February 2023 and has career spanning over 23 years spending time in various 
commercial, supply chain, FP&A and technical finance roles. He oversees the financial management of the 
BFC group of companies.

Before joining BFC Nick started his career in a Chartered Accounting environment with Edwards Marshall 
and then leveraged his skills into the food and beverage industry across both Australia and New Zealand 
including time with leading FMCG companies Arnott’s Biscuits, Heinz, Fonterra & McCormick Foods.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of South Australia and is a Fellow Certified 
Practicing Accountant.

Hamish Browning
Director, Agribusiness and Milk

Hamish’s career spans over 25 years in agriculture and food with Elders Ltd, Frontier International Agri 
Pty Ltd (Ruralco J/V, ASX:RHL), Thomas Foods International, and Beston Global Food Company. Senior 
management and administration roles held within these companies include Managing Director, Chief 
Operations Officer, General Manager, Senior Trader, and Chairman.

Hamish has a Graduate Diploma in Financial Services – AFMA, Cert IV in Frontline Business Management, 
Global Agribusiness Program - Harvard Business School and Executive Change Management Program – 
Aus Graduate School of Mgt.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 202319

David Isherwood
Chief Manufacturing Officer

David has 30 years of dairy experience with much of this centred around business growth and 
strategic change. His career was initially in commercial engineering, strategy and M&A.

David joined Beston in April from Fonterra where he led transformational manufacturing change 
in mozzarella and nutritional proteins for the Foodservice and Sports markets respectively. 
Most recently he has been globally based; driving sales, business partnerships and operational 
integration.

He holds Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) and Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degrees from 
Canterbury University, New Zealand and a Diploma in Business Administration (Finance and 
Marketing) from Massey University, NZ.

Adrian Bartsch
Director, People and Culture

Adrian joined Beston in 2019 as Human Resource Manager focusing on the Murray Bridge 
& Jervois plants, having previously been employed as a HR Manager within the meat 
industry for over 10 years, including roles with JBS Australia & Thomas Foods International.

During his time in HR, Adrian has been involved in a number of plant and operational 
expansions which has seen considerable growth in terms of operations and staffing.

Adrian holds a Bachelor of Management (Human Resource Management) from the 
University of South Australia.

Cameron Woods
Director, Food and Beverages

Cameron is a senior executive with a 20 year-career in marketing, sales, and general management 
across Australia, Asia, and the UK.

Cameron joined Beston from Leprino Foods Company, where he was Managing Director of the APAC 
region, based in Singapore. In this role, he had responsibility for the regional sales and operations of 
Leprino across the APAC region. Privately owned, Leprino is one of the largest dairy companies in the 
USA. Prior to moving into the food and beverage industry with Leprino, Cameron held senior marketing 
and brand management positions in Australia and overseas with the L’Oreal Group.

He holds a Bachelor of Business Marketing degree from Swinburne University, Melbourne and on 
completion of his studies in 2004, held post-graduate roles with both Ford Australia and Nestle Australia.

20

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 2023Capital Management

21

Beston has put in place a capital management strategy which aims to strengthen 
its balance sheet over time and accelerate transformational growth in the 
revenue and earnings of the Company, while consolidating our position as South 
Australia’s largest and leading dairy company.
During FY23 a number of activities were announced and 
undertaken towards this objective:

•  Restructuring the Group’s banking facilities to better match 

the needs of the business completed in August 2023.

•  Completion of the capital raise in November 2022.
•  Announcing the decision to divest the Meat, Technology and 

Water business (22 June 23).

The company has worked with BCP Finance during FY23 to 
complete its debt refinancing process which was completed 
and announced on the 24 August 2023. 

The expiry dates of these facilities were extended with effect on 
30 June 2023 to 31 July 2024. 

At the date of this report, the Group is in the final stages of 
establishing a new Invoice Finance Facility of up to $25 million 
(initially set at $18 million with step ups over time), which can 
be drawn at any point in time for amounts of up to 82% of 
domestic receivables and 72% of export receivables. 

The Group established a $3 million Asset Finance Facility 
also on a 3-year term. Proceeds will be used to extinguish 
the existing Invoice Finance Facility and fund scheduled debt 
repayments.

The following table summarises the liquidity position of the 
company as at 30 June 23.

 Facilities Types

Mortgage
Term Loan
Equipment Lease and Hire Purchase
Working Capital

Drawn

30 June 23

FY23 
facility 
limits

$m

 2.2 
 20.5 
 4.7
 9.8 
37.2

$m
 2.2
 20.5 
 4.7
 18.7 
46.1

Beston recognises that financial markets are extremely dynamic 
at present, and hence, in conjunction with BCP, the Company 
will work alongside the selected and new funding partners to 
reduce the size and cost of its debt funding over time.

As a consequence of the implementation of these capital 
management activities, including the revised banking 
arrangements, the Group believes it has sufficient funding to be 
able to execute its business plans.

During the financial year an amount of $26.4 million (after 
costs) was raised from investors.

The primary use of these equity funds was to:

•  Continue to increase the underlying cash generation 

of the dairy business through further investment in the 
bioactive protein and nutraceuticals space, to capture 
additional lactoferrin throughout the peak milk period, and 
to continue Beston’s leadership in the bioactive protein and 
nutraceuticals space ($3 million).

•  Invest in several high ROI manufacturing projects to 

accelerate profit and sustainability improvements including 
vertically integrating our cheese processing capabilities to 
capture lost margin.

•  Retire debt by $16 million to provide greater capacity to 

enhance profitability and to fund future growth opportunities, 
whilst providing a greater level of protection against 
unexpected or uncertain events such the impacts of 
Covid-19.

Beston Global Food Company Limited (ASX: BFC) (the Group) 
advised shareholders in an update on 22 June 2023 that it 
intended to discontinue and divest its Provincial Food Group 
(PFG) and plant-based meats secondary process business, 
its Aquaessence water assets business and its Technology 
business. The segments of Meat, Technology and Water have 
now been classified as Discontinuing operations and nominated 
as held for sale within the balance sheet. 

BFC is currently in the process of divesting these businesses 
and assets. The proceeds of any divestments will be used to 
pay down debt during FY24.

 
22

Sustainability

The Board of Directors and Management Team recognised the critical 
importance of protecting the planet that we live on. We have therefore 
implemented a number of policies and practices with the objective of positioning 
Beston as a leading sustainable dairy company in Australia. We have placed 
innovation and technology at the heart of our business and believe that the 
sustainability initiatives we have put in place will not only provide positive 
environmental benefits but will also lead to productivity improvements. 
Beston is a member of the Dairy Manufacturers Sustainability 
Council (DMSC). As such, Beston continually aims to reduce 
the environmental impact of its operations and tracks its 
performance against a scorecard of environmental and 
sustainability performance. 

Beston is targeting to have net zero emissions by 2050 and 
committed to halving its in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 
2030.

Targets in the scorecard include energy consumption, 
greenhouse gas emissions, efficiency of water use, wastewater 
production (and re-use) and diversion of packaging waste from 
landfill.

Beston appointed an Environment and Sustainability 
Manager in 2020 with responsibility for the development and 
implementation of the Company’s sustainability strategies 
and to ensure compliance with all environmental legislative 
requirements. The Work Health and Safety, and Maintenance 
Managers assist in ensuring compliance activities are 
completed and maintained.

To oversee the continuing progress in this area, the Board 
established an Environment and Sustainability Committee which 
comprises key members of the senior management team and is 
chaired by the Chairman of the Board, Dr Roger Sexton AM.

Sustainability Strategy

Beston Global Food Company processes around a third of 
South Australia’s milk through two cheese plants, one in Murray 
Bridge and one in Jervois, and collects milk from dairy farming 
families around the State. 

Beston owes its livelihood and operational reliability to the 
rural communities where it operates. We are committed to 
improving its protection of the environment, health and safety 
of employees and customers. For the Beston team, the 
sustainability strategy is about creating a positive enduring 
legacy for the communities where they operate, as well as for 
the broader national community. 

We recognise that the transition to a net zero economy requires 
that every Company sets and achieves its own carbon emission 
targets in order to achieve a whole-of-economy transformation. 
Hence, as part of its sustainability strategy, the Company is 
seeking to achieve aggressive, authentic, near term change in 
the way in which it uses renewable energy in its operations. 

To this end, we have established a Sustainability Work Plan 
(“Work Plan”) around eight primary technology streams; 
biogas, hydrogen, renewable electrification, heat pumps, 
energy storage (chemical and thermal), microgrid, membrane 
separation and heat exchanges. While there are multiple work 
streams with a high level of interdependence, the goal of the 
Work Plan is to produce an integrated technology and capital 
plan that identifies the optimal combination of technology to 
deliver energy transformation. 

The outcomes from the Work Plan will provide a roadmap for 
investment in the energy infrastructure at our dairy processing 
sites at Jervois and Murray Bridge to significantly reduce 
overall emissions. We anticipate that the results will not only be 
transformational for Beston, but impactful for the Australia Dairy 
Industry more broadly. 

During FY23 Beston commissioned an independent Carbon 
Audit, covering the company’s processing facilities and 
contract supply farms. Conducted to the Federal “Carbon 
Active” standards, this audit not only confirmed a reference 
point for measuring future emission improvements but also 
provided clarity on key priorities for Beston in attaining our 
climate objectives. Beston’s participation in feed supplement 
trials to abate farm methane (see below) is an example of one 
of the actions propagated from this Carbon Audit and study 
outcomes. 

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 202323

Driving alternate technologies such as reverse osmosis 
membranes from water removal can cut both cost and 
emissions in whey processing. Such a change would 
dramatically shift our energy balance from steam to electricity 
synergistic with the combined heat and power initiative above

Longer term, important areas to further reduce Beston’s 
emissions include:

•  Within site microgrid with solar PV and solar thermal water 

heating

•  Hot water thermal heat, ice banks and batteries
•  Investment in energy and thermal efficiency modifications 

(eg super insulation and variable speed drives) 

Several projects are underway on water usage and soil 
revitalisation while others have already been implemented 
and are on-going including around packaging and waste 
management.

Of the emissions produced by the Company’s two processing 
facilities, the Audit found that the Jervois factory accounted 
for 88% of these operational emissions. Whilst leading the 
dairy processing industry in some areas, such as the capture 
and isolation of milk delivered bioactives, our daily energy 
requirements for heating, cooling and cleaning are now a 
significant focus. Our Energy Action Plan sets priorities in three 
interdependent workstreams: energy source (environmentally 
friendly, alternative fuel sources), energy balance (alternative 
ways to use heat, recover it, or substitute out) and energy 
efficiency (reducing any heat waste and thermal losses). 

Initiatives have been ranked and prioritised to an integrated 
phased plan. Projects that have strong both emission and 
commercial benefit have been prioritised. 

Substitution of Natural Gas with Biogas, including options to 
use biogas fuelled combined heat and power systems is a 
leading example and priority that will not only dramatically 
reduce Beston’s emissions but also mitigate risks around 
supply continuity and price.

Beston FY2024 Energy Action Direction

Energy source

Biogas and other sustainable 
sources e.g. solar, hydrogen

Energy balance

Electrification e.g. heat pumps, 
RO instead of evaporation

Energy efficiency

Insulation, cool storage, heat 
storage e.g. hot water for CIP

PRIORITY 1

Near-term (0-2 years)

Energy source

Biogas (Anaerobic Digester)
Complete feasibility study for the 
installation of an onsite biogas plant 
with focus on immediate execution 
if practical

Energy balance

Heat Pumps
Detailed design for the installation of 
industrial heat pump technology to the 
milk reception and treatment area

Energy efficiency

Prioritised near-term energy efficiency 
opportunities identified in 2023 Type 
2 Energy Audit

PRIORITY 2

Mid-term (2-5 years)

Energy source

Combined Heat and Power 
+ Micro-grid
Assess the potential for Biogas input 
to a CHP plant and greater use of low-
grade process heat with feasibility of 
the interconnection with the grid

Energy balance

Heat Pumps
Detailed design for Bioactive and core 
utlity area

Membrane Separation
Investment decision for replacement 
of the gas fired evaporator with 
pumped membrane separation 
technology

Energy efficiency

Centralised CIP Kitchen
Feasibility and design of centralised 
Clean in Place kitchen using 
recovered heat

PRIORITY 3

Long-term (5-10 years)

Energy source

Hydrogen
Potential for hydrogen-fuelled pulse 
drying to be explored including 
analysis of methods to utilise 
hydrogen in the facility

Energy balance

Energy Storage
Feasibility for an integrated onsite 
thermal (hot water) storage buffer or 
Battery Energy Storage System

Energy efficiency

Heat Exchange and Recovery
Targeted installation of heat 
exchangers to optimise use of 
process heat

24

Sustainability

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 202325

Methane Abatement Program

Enteric methane, produced by cows, has been identified as a 
significant concern for climate change. The United Nations has 
estimated that methane is 86 times more impactful on global 
warming than CO2 emissions.

The methane from cow rumination (enteric) is estimated 
to account for 62% of on farm emissions (or around 4,000 
tonnes of CO2 equivalent per farm per annum). Methane 
emissions make up about 25% of Australia’s total greenhouse 
gas emissions. Beston entered into a study program with the 
Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia 
(PIRSA) in 2022 to consider the methane emissions impact 
of alternative feeding strategies for the cows owned by the 
Company’s contract dairy farmers. 

A pilot project was initiated in February 2023, in conjunction 
with Australian company Sea Forest to incorporate the use of 
alternate feed ingredients such as Asparagopsis Armata an 
abundant red seaweed native to Australian coastal waters (as 
SEAFEED™) in the feed, used by Beston’s dairy farmers. Sea 
Forest’s SEAFEED™ feed supplement is derived from farmed 
seaweed and contains bioactive compounds which prevent 
methane production in ruminant livestock. This is achieved 
by competitively inhabiting the enzymatic pathway which 
produces methane at the last stage of digestion. 

In the trial, the Asparagopsis enhanced forage was fed to 
600 cows over a period of 10 weeks from February to April 
2023, and their methane output was measured using specific 
industrial meters placed in dairy sheds. 

The results showed an average reduction of 20.8% enteric 
methane emissions at the prescribed feeding rate in 
comparison with a control group of traditionally fed cows.

The OZIRIS Sure Trace blockchain technology platform was 
used to create a chain of custody to enable verification and 
tracking of the methane emission savings (reductions) and 
carbon credit creation. The project demonstrated the potential 
to automate the data capture and analysis and connect 
the different components of the data to compute and verify 
carbon credits with an indisputable chain of custody for each 
cow on each farm to ensure compliance with all Government 
standards for carbon tracking.

Beston has been a “first mover” in establishing this methane 
abatement program for the dairy industry. The overall program 
was developed as a collaboration between Beston, South 
Australian dairy farmers, the SA Department of Primary 
Industries and Regions and scientists at the University of 
Adelaide and University of Technology, Sydney. Importantly, the 
research project showed that animal health was not affected 
by the use of the alternative feed, although milk production 
was marginally reduced. The end outcome established that the 
amount of methane produced per litre of milk was substantially 
less as a result of using feed additives and demonstrated the 
way in which dairy farming can become a lower carbon, more 
sustainable industry. 

The results of the project have important policy implications 
for the design of programs to proactively curtail emissions to 
reduce global warming. The significance of the results have 
been underscored by a recent announcement on August 9, 
2023 by the Californian Government that it will provide financial 
incentives (of up to USD 25.0 million) to livestock producers 
and dairy farmers who voluntarily adopt strategies (e.g., by the 
use of feed additives) to reduce enteric emissions on farms. 
The impetus of such measures is the 1.5 billion cows on the 
planet that produce 150 million tonnes of methane annually, by 
far the single largest source of methane globally.

26

Sustainability
Sustainability

Beston Technologies

Beston technologies was developed with the aim of providing 
traceability of the ingredients used by BFC and verification of 
the authenticity of our products. In large part, the rationale for 
the technology was based around our objective of exporting to 
China, on the back of the China Australia Free Trade Agreement 
(ChAFTA). As detailed in the Prospectus for the IPO, we wanted 
to incorporate technology onto our packaging which could both 
prevent counterfeiting of our products (a problem for food and 
beverage companies in China) and empower consumers so 
that they could verify the provenance of our product and track-
and-trace the ingredients. We looked around the world to find a 
suitable off-the-shelf technology for our needs and discovered 
that none actually existed.

We therefore set about to develop our own technology platform 
which turned out to be ground breaking, as demonstrated by 
the fact that it has been awarded 13 patents including a block 
chain patent from the USA. The OZIRIS technology platform 
(track, trace and verification) is embodied within BFC’s 100% 
owned subsidiary, Beston Technologies Pty Ltd.

The closing of the China market for BFC’s dairy products 
has meant, that the technology has not been utilised in the 
manner expected (i.e. for export products). Moreover, domestic 
consumers in Australia have shown that they are not prepared 
to pay a premium for being able to verify the provenance of 
products and variety of label claims.

As detailed in the 2022 Annual Report, Beston Technologies 
has undertaken a number of refinements over recent years 
to enable the technology to be evolved into a multifunctional 
device which has broader applications across food and 
beverage supply chains. These applications have been tested 
in proof-of-concept trials involving recycling of plastic waste, 
meat and food recall. For instance:

•  The OZIRIS technology has been successfully tested in 

waste transfer station to quickly and efficiently sort plastic 
packaging into recyclable and non-recyclable.

•  The OZIRIS technology has been used successfully in trials 
with a major supermarket chain to reduce food wastage via 
the data capture of food which is close to “use by” expiry 
dates or subject to food recalls by manufacturers.

Over the past 12 months, the Beston Technology platforms 
have been further refined for use in Software-as-a-Service 
(SaaS) applications and /or in Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) 
applications. Examples of the refinements made include:

•  Addition of Compact Raman technology

Beston technologies was successful in securing 
further Federal Government matched funding from the 
Entrepreneurs Innovation Connections program to complete 
software development for a Raman optical scanning 
solution. The innovation lies in simplifying existing industry 
platforms, enabling a more compact device to be placed 
on operating conveyor lines to scan individual units for 
authenticity. The scanning, (involving Machine Learning on 
the OZIRIS cloud server) being real time and non-contact 
was shown to be cheaper than conventional devices (which 
are often remote from the operational site and much more 
expensive to buy and operate). The proprietary Compact 
Raman device was developed with University of Adelaide’s 
Institute of Advanced Phonics and Remote Sensing.
•  Creation of GSI Australia compliant identifiers

GSI Australia compliant identifiers at critical nodes in supply 
chains were linked and placed on the OZIRIS Distributed 
ledger to create an “OZIRIS Sure Trace” module to provide 
a chain of custody to verify source of origin for carbon 
credits. This module was used by BFC in undertaking on-
farm methane abatement trials on dairy farms (refer to the 
sustainability section of this Report).

•  Integration of Near Infra-Red Scanning Device

In conjunction with satellite company, D-Cat, soil carbon 
consultancy, farm lab and analytical laboratory, Adelaide 
Microscopy, a trial project was put together to integrate 
a Near Infra-Red Scanning with the OZIRIS block chain 
technology to provide a relatively cheap and quick 
assessment of soil carbon on dairy farms as part of the 
National Soil Carbon Innovation Challenge.

This project followed on from the work done with a Singaporean 
Halal meat importer, as reported in last year’s Annual Report, 
where a portable OZIRIS Near-Infra-Red Scanner device was 
used to demonstrate the real time verification (and certification) 
of meat products, for cultural purposes. Beston Technologies 
was awarded a provisional patent for its real time near-infra-red 
(NIR) portable device, thereby further extending the Beston 
Technology patent portfolio.

In support of its previous successes in enabling faster sorting 
of plastic refuse into recycling and non-recycling bales for 
re-use, Beston Technologies has undertaken work with Dairy 
Australia’s sustainable packaging working group on the 
recycling of materials in the dairy industry and with the Dairy 
Manufacturers Sustainability Council (DMSC) in the preparation 
of its Environmental Scorecards (particularly in relation to 
plastic suited for circular use and food waste).

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 202327

Working with Australia Dairy Farmers (ADF), Beston 
Technologies has also participated in a project designed to 
track-and-trace perishable dairy goods. The project undertook 
an audit and gap analysis of the dairy supply chain against the 
“Australian Dairy Traceability Guideline” to improve efficiency 
and transparency in the supply chain.

As a result of the various refinements made to the IP and 
technology platforms, the OZIRIS technology now has 7 
modules which enable real time verification of products for 
authenticity and provenance at low cost and high precision:

•  OZIRIS Data Store

(In the cloud azure data base)
•  Sure Scan NIR (Near-Infra-Red)

(Infield hand held device for optical identification)

•  Sure Scan Raman

(Broad spectrum identification device)

•  Sure Scan Flor

(Specific spectrum florescence identification device)

•  Sure Trace

(Provenance verification using GSI Australia compliant 
identifiers)

•  Sure ID 

(Packaging traceability using GSI Australia barcodes)

•  Sure Smart Pay

(Financial payments using the OZIRIS distributed ledger)

Notwithstanding these considerable achievements, Beston 
Technologies has, to date, not been successful in securing 
Software-as-a-Service or licencing income for the use of the 
technology from other companies. A wide variety of potential 
customers have expressed interest in using the technologies 
but none have thus far been prepared to commit to a pay-
for-use contract. It is clear that insufficient pressure exists 
from consumers to force the adoption of our track-and-trace 
technologies.

Accordingly, the Company has made a decision to discontinue 
the business of Beston Technologies to conserve funds for 
further investment in our core dairy business while exploring 
prospects for the divestment of the business to appropriate 
parties who have an interest in taking the technology forward.

=

28

Risk Management

The risk profile of BFC is constantly evolving and the application of the risk 
register and framework ensures risks are identified and mitigation plans are 
developed. The development and implementation of risk mitigation plans ensures 
the business is delivering continual improvement, with resources deployed based 
on risk priority.
BFC’s executive team is responsible for ensuring an active and integrated risk management approach to ensure strategic 
and operational risks are identified, assessed and treated appropriately and in line with the approved risk appetite of the BFC 
Board. The management team reports regularly to the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and the Board on the risk profile of the 
organisation and the treatment plans to manage them. The ARC is also responsible for overseeing the Group’s risk management. 
The Board reviews the Group’s risk management framework to satisfy itself that this framework continues to be sound and that the 
Group is operating with due regard to the risk appetite set by the Board.

In October 2022 the Group commissioned a Risk Review report. This enterprise-wide risk report sought to provide 
recommendations to further mature the enterprise risks management, with an analysis of the major risks BFC is currently facing 
together with existing management controls. 

The key strategic risks include:

Risk

Description

Mitigation

Access to funding

To continue as a going concern, the Group 
requires the ongoing support of it’s bankers 
or other financiers.

•  Successfully completed debt tender process
•  Introduced an additional financier
•  Increased limit of Invoice Finance Facility and extended 

term to 3 years

•  Ongoing support from independent finance consultant

Workplace Health 
and Safety

The health, safety and wellbeing of our 
people remains our highest priority. BFC 
recognises the importance of ensuring our 
people stay safe through closely managing 
existing risks and being proactive with 
emerging risks.

•  Systems and processes in place to identify, report, 

investigate, control and monitor health and safety risks 
across the business

•  Capital initiatives to reduce safety risks
•  Safety performance is a Board priority and regular 

reporting is maintained

Business Model / 
Change Management

Business resilience and efficiencies are 
generated through plant transformation 
projects in order to meet business 
objectives.

•  Change management planning
•  Regular business wide communication
•  Adequate levels of project resourcing
•  Robust business plans and executional planning
•  Efficiency monitoring

Milk Pool

Continued decline in Australia’s overall 
milk pool creating heightened levels of 
competition and driving farmgate prices up, 
thus reducing profitability.

•  Strong farmer relationships in place
•  Active ongoing milk recruitment plans
•  Partnerships with local milk processors
•  Portfolio management with aim of premiumisation 

(retail vs. commodity)
•  Price review windows

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 2023=

29

Risk

Description

Mitigation

People Retention

Fail to attract and retain top talent.

•  Performance review process established
•  Activation of corporate values
•  Workplace surveys
•  Remuneration governance
•  Talent review and succession planning

•  Preventative maintenance programs in place
•  Factory spares program in place
•  Industry working groups
•  Annual maintenance plant shutdown

Potential for plant downtime or product 
wastage leading to reduced profitability.

Maintain 
manufacturing 
reliability and 
performance

Technology and 
cyber security

IT platforms become aged, not maintained 
and not upgraded on a regular basis and 
thus no longer able to support the business 
adequately.

Technology platforms across the business 
are breached.

•  Third party providers in place
•  IT roadmaps currently being developed
•  Third party monitoring of system threats
•  Several security focussed systems in place
•  Cyber security awareness training to be launched in 

Q2 FY24

Throughout FY24, the Company will continue to maintain the risk framework, regularly assessing existing and emerging risks to 
ensure resources for risk mitigation are applied to the highest priority risks.

30

Directors’ report

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 202331

The Directors present their report on the consolidated entity consisting of Beston 
Global Food Company Limited (’the Company’) and the entities it controlled at 
the end of, or during, the year ended 30 June 2023. Throughout the report, the 
consolidated entity is referred to as the Group.

Directors

The following persons were Directors of Beston Global Food 
Company Limited during the whole of the financial year and up 
to the date of this report unless otherwise stated:

•  R N Sexton
•  S Gerlach
•  N Longstaff 
•  C Hayman 
•  K Reid
•  J Andrew (resigned 19 August 2022)

Principal activities

During the year the principal activities of the Group 
consisted of:

1.  Production of dairy, meat and water products for sale into 

local and international markets.

2.  Development and production of health and well-being 
focused food, beverage and pharmaceutical products.
3.  Development and commercialisation of end-to-end food 

traceability and anti-counterfeit technology.

Dividends – Beston Global Food Company 
Limited

There were no dividends provided for during the year ended 30 
June 2023 (2022: nil).

Review of operations

Information on the operations and financial position of the 
Group and its business strategies and prospects is set out in 
the review of operations and activities on pages 12 to 17.

Significant changes in the state of affairs

There were no significant changes in the state of affairs of the 
consolidated entity during the year.

Events since the end of the financial year

No matter or circumstance has occurred subsequent to the 
period end that has significantly affected, or may significantly 
affect, the operations of the Group, the results of those 
operations or the state of affairs of the Group or economic 
entity in subsequent financial periods. 

Likely developments and expected results 
of operations

Refer to the Letter from the Chairman and CEO (page 4) 
and Review of Operations (page 12) for information on likely 
developments and future prospects of the Group.

Environmental regulation

The Group and its activities in Australia are subject to strict 
environmental regulations. The Group’s manufacturing facilities 
in Jervois, Murray Bridge and Shepparton operate under 
various licences and permits under state, federal and territory 
laws in Australia.

Beston Global Food Company regularly monitors its 
compliance with licences and permits in various ways, 
including through its own environmental audits as well as those 
conducted by regulatory authorities and other third parties, and 
to the best of the Directors’ knowledge all activities have been 
undertaken in compliance with or in accordance with a process 
agreed with the relevant authority. 

The Company has not incurred any significant liabilities under 
any environmental legislation during the financial year. There 
have been no significant known breaches of the Group’s 
licence conditions or any environmental regulations to which it 
is subject.

32

Directors’ report

Roger Sexton
AM B.Ec (Hons), M.Ec, PhD (Econ), 
FAICD, FAIM, S.F.Fin, C.Univ 
Chair – Non-executive

Dr Roger Sexton is an investment banker and a company director. 
He has extensive experience in the agricultural sector, having 
worked for the Australian Bureau of Agricultural Economics and 
Industries Assistance Commission, with a particular focus on the 
dairy industry. Roger also has had extensive experience overseas 
and particularly in China and the Asia Pacific, as a result of leading 
trade and investment missions to the region for more than 30 years 
and from working on investment banking transactions in the region. 
Roger is actively engaged in a number of community organisations, 
including as Chairman and Principal Patron of the Freemasons 
Centre for Men’s Health and Wellbeing at the University of Adelaide. 
Until recently, he served as President (SA/NT Division) of the 
Australian Institute of Company Directors and has been a member 
of the Australian Accounting Standards Board. 

Other current directorships

KeyInvest Ltd
MindChamps Preschool Ltd

Special responsibilities

Co-Founder of Beston Global Food 
Company Limited
Chair of the Board
Member of the audit and risk 
committee
Member of the remuneration and 
nomination committee

Kevin is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 
Australia and New Zealand and a Graduate of the AICD Company 
Directors Course. He is a former partner of PwC in Sydney and 
Adelaide practicing as an assurance and transaction services 
specialist, with extensive international and domestic exposure to 
the food retail and manufacturing sector. Kevin occupied many 
leadership positions in both Sydney and Adelaide. He has capital 
markets experience working with clients listed on ASX, NASDAQ 
and London’s AIM market. He has a passion for the for-purpose 
sector, and is president and chair of Meals on Wheels SA, a 
director of ACH Group and Can:Do Group. Kevin is an advisor and 
mentor to business leaders.

Former directorships in last 3 years

AML 3D Ltd (ASX: AL3)

Special responsibilities

Chair of the audit and risk committee

Kevin Reid FCA
GAICD  
Deputy Chair – Non-executive director

Stephen Gerlach is a corporate adviser and company director. He 
was formerly a Partner and the Managing Partner of Finlaysons 
Lawyers for 23 years. Stephen is the Chancellor of Flinders 
University. Stephen was a Director and Chairman of Santos Ltd, 
and Elders Limited, and Chairman of Equatorial Mining Ltd. Stephen 
has also been a Director of a number of other public companies 
including Southcorp Holdings Ltd and companies in the United 
Kingdom, the USA and Chile, and has been, and continues to be, 
involved in many not for profit organisations including the Australian 
Cancer Research Foundation, the General Sir John Monash 
Scholarship Foundation, and Chair, Psychosis Australia Trust.

Former directorships in last 3 years

Chairman, AML3D Ltd

Special responsibilities

Co-Founder of Beston Global Food 
Company Limited
Member of the remuneration and 
nomination committee

Stephen Gerlach
AM LL.B, FAICD 
Non-executive director 

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 202333

Neil Longstaff has had a career across a range of food categories. 
He has spent more than 20 years working at executive levels 
and consulting within the dairy industry, including roles as Chief 
Executive Officer of Kyvalley Dairy Group and General Manager, 
Commercial Group with Murray Goulburn Co-operative. His 
commercial experience in the dairy industry has included both 
branded and commodity products within domestic and export 
markets. 

Prior to his career in the dairy industry, Neil held marketing and 
sales roles with companies including Lanes Biscuits, SPC, Heinz, 
Nabisco and Nicholas Kiwi.

Special responsibilities

Member of the audit and risk 
committee
Member of the remuneration and 
nomination committee

Cheryl Hayman brings international experience including significant 
strategic and marketing expertise derived from a 20-year 
corporate career which spanned local and global consumer retail 
organisations, with an emphasis on personal products and food 
companies. Her skills include developing marketing and business 
strategy across diverse industry segments as well as understanding 
the manufacturing and production impact on growth orientated 
innovation and product development. Cheryl has expertise in 
traditional media and digital communications, and an ability to 
carve out a competitive edge for business development.

Cheryl is a Director of Ai Media Technologies Ltd (ASX:AIM) and 
Silk Logistics Holdings (ASX :SLH), as well as not-for-profits, 
Peer Support Australia and the Darlinghurst Theatre Company. 
She formerly served on the Digital Experts Advisory Committee for 
the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. 

Other current directorships

Ai Media Technologies Ltd (ASX: AIM)
Silk Logistics Holdings (ASX: SLH)

Former directorships in last 3 years

Clover Corporation Ltd (ASX: CLV)
Hancock and Gore Ltd (ASX: HNG)
Shriro Holdings Ltd (ASX: SHM)

Special responsibilities

Chair of the remuneration and 
nomination committee

Neil Longstaff
B.Bus, GAICD
Non-executive director

Cheryl Hayman B.Com
FAICD, FGIA
Non-executive director

Company Secretary 

Richard Willson, B.Acc, FCPA, FAICD

Richard Willson is an experienced, Non-executive Director, Company Secretary and CFO with more than 20 
years’ experience predominantly within the mining, technology and agricultural sectors for both publicly listed 
and private companies.

Richard has a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of South Australia, is a Fellow of CPA Australia, and a 
Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Richard is a Non-executive Director of Titomic Limited (ASX:TTT), Clara Resources Australia Limited (ASX:C7A), 
Thomson Resources Limited (ASX:TMZ), MedTEC Holdings Limited, and Unity Housing Company Limited; and 
Company Secretary of a number of ASX Listed Companies.

Richard is the Chairman of the Audit Committee of Titomic Limited, Clara Resources Australia Limited and Unity 
Housing Company, and is the Chairman of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee of Titomic Limited.

34

Directors’ report

Meetings of directors

Remuneration Report Audited

The numbers of meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors 
and of each Board committee held during the year ended 30 
June 2023, and the numbers of meetings attended by each 
Director were:

At the 2021 AGM 51% of votes cast were against the 
Remuneration Report constituting a ‘first strike’ under the 
Corporations Act 2001. 

Full meetings 
of directors

Meetings of committees

Audit  
and risk

Remuneration 
and nomination

At the 2022 AGM 45% of votes cast were against the 
Remuneration Report, constituting a ‘second strike’ under the 
Corporations Act 2001. The second strike triggers a conditional 
spill resolution. This resolution was not carried.

R N Sexton

S Gerlach

N Longstaff

J Andrew

C Hayman

K Reid

A

16

14

16

1

15

15

B

16

16

16

1

16

16

A

6

–

8

–

–

8

B

8

–

8

–

–

8

A

2

2

3

–

3

–

B

2

3

3

–

3

–

A = Number of meetings attended

1.  Remuneration report overview

The Directors of Beston present the Remuneration Report 
(the Report) for the Company and its controlled entities for 
the year ended 30 June 2023. This Report forms part of the 
Directors’ Report and has been audited in accordance with 
section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. The Report details 
the remuneration arrangements for Beston’s key management 
personnel (KMP):

B = Number of meetings held during the time the Director held 
office or was a member of the committee during the year

•  Non-executive directors (NEDs)
•  Senior executives

KMP are those persons who, directly or indirectly, have 
authority and responsibility for planning, directing and 
controlling the major activities of the Company and Group.

The table below outlines the KMP of the Group and their 
movements during FY23:

Name

Position

Term as KMP

Non-executive directors

R N Sexton Non-executive Chairman

Full financial year

S Gerlach

Non-executive Director

Full financial year

N Longstaff

C Hayman

K Reid

J Andrew

Independent Non-executive 
Director
Independent Non-executive 
Director
Independent Non-executive 
Director
Independent Non-executive 
Director

Senior executives

Full financial year

Full financial year

Full financial year

Ceased 19 August 2022

F Jorge

Chief Executive Officer

Full financial year

D Isherwood Chief Manufacturing Officer Full financial year

N Wagner

Chief Financial Officer

Ceased 31 January 2023

N Martin

Chief Financial Officer

Appointed 1 February 2023

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 202335

2.  Remuneration Framework

2.1  Determining executive remuneration policies and structures

At Beston, we reward executives with a level and mix of remuneration appropriate to their position, responsibilities and 
performance, in a way that aligns with the business strategy. 

Executives receive fixed and variable remuneration consisting of short and long term incentive opportunities. Executive 
remuneration levels are reviewed annually by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee (RNC) of the Board with reference to 
the remuneration guiding principles and market movements.

Our remuneration structures seek to:

•  Be competitive in the markets in which Beston operates to attract, motivate and retain high calibre employees.
•  Align with our short and long-term objectives.
•  Provide strong, transparent linkages between reward and business performance.

The table below provides a summary of the structure of executive remuneration FY23:

Remuneration element

Description

Total fixed remuneration

50% of total target opportunity

Total fixed remuneration (TFR) consists of base salary, allowances and superannuation 
contributions and is based on:

•  The scope and complexity of the executive’s role
•  The executive’s skills, experience and qualifications
•  Comparable roles in similar companies

Short-term incentive 

25% of total target opportunity, 
payable in cash

Executives have the opportunity to earn an annual incentive award, delivered in cash. The 
short-term incentive (STI) recognises and rewards executives for achieving a challenging set 
of annual performance goals as agreed by the Board. 

The Board retains discretion to vary STI payments outside of the set formula to recognise 
overall business performance and changes in the Company’s circumstances during the year.

Long-term incentive

25% of total target opportunity, 
settled in ordinary shares, options 
or performance rights

Executives have the opportunity to earn an annual incentive award in the form of performance 
rights, options, or shares. 

The objective of the long-term incentive (LTI) is to align remuneration with the creation of 
shareholder value over the long-term by:

•  Driving medium to long-term performance outcomes
•  Linking the interests of senior management to those of shareholders
•  Providing competitive rewards to attract, motivate and retain employees
•  Strengthening the link between remuneration and performance
•  Managing risk

Both the STI and LTI are assessed against a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are set for each Executive at the start 
of the financial year, in conjunction with the RNC. In line with the Employee Incentive Plan (EIP) there is a financial gateway of NPBT 
(i.e. positive net profit before tax) set for both the STI and LTI.

36

Directors’ report

3.  Performance and executive remuneration outcomes FY23

3.1  Actual remuneration earned by executives in FY23

The actual remuneration earned by executive KMP in FY23 is set out in section 7.1 below. 

3.2  Performance against STI measures

The objective of the STI is to motivate and reward achievement of annual performance against targets established by the RNC and 
approved by the Board. The EIP approved by shareholders at the 2021 AGM contains a financial gateway whereby no payments 
will be made under the EIP unless the Company is profitable (the “profit gateway”) and also specifies that the Board may add 
additional gates from time to time. 

All members of the executive team are eligible to participate in the STI award.

The KPIs are scaled with an 80%, 100% and 120% incentive for greater than expected performance.

The target STI awards that Executive KMP were eligible to receive in respect of FY23 objectives and the actual assessment for 
FY23 are set out in the table below. 

Measure

Milk supply

FY23

KPI

ML

155 - 175

@80%

150

STI Payment

@100%

@120%

Weight

Actual 
Measure 
Achieved

Actual 
Weighted % 
Achieved

155

180

Mozzarella production MT

15,000 - 16,000

14,000

15,500

16,000

Lactoferrin production MT

Group sales

EBITDA

Revenue/litre milk

Capex

$M

$M

$/l

$M

16 - 19

150 - 180

8 - 10

1.00 - 1.15

6

15

140

5

0.85

6

17

160

8

1.00

6-8

19

180

10

1.15

6-8

15%

15%

15%

20%

25%

5%

5%

152

15,000

18.4

183

-1.7

1.14

6.4

12%

12%

15%

24%

0%

5%

4%

Based on the profit gateway not being achieved, no STI awards were payable for FY23 under the terms of the EIP.

The Board nevertheless retains discretion to recognise the performance of executives outside of the set formula in the EIP. 
Accordingly, and taking into account the strong achievements made in a number of key areas of the Company’s operations 
(e.g. milk supply, production, sales and margins) as reflected in the table above, particularly against the challenging economic 
circumstances during the year, the Board resolved to pay the following cash bonuses to KMP executives. Based on a review of 
performance against KPIs, including the information above, the Board resolved to pay a bonus equivalent to 75% of the amount 
which would have been payable if the profit gateway had been met.

•  Fabrizio Jorge 
•  David Isherwood 
•  Nick Martin 

$84,560 
$61,875
$61,880

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 202337

3.3  Performance against LTI measures

The KPIs for the LTI are based on financial hurdles (60%), as 
below, and strategic hurdles (40%), which are currently divided 
between 4 key pillars:

•  People and safety
•  Planet (environmental objectives)
•  Partners
•  Operational performance

The financial hurdle for the current LTI plan has been linked to 
Beston’s Return on Equity (ROE). ROE measures how well the 
Group has used shareholder funds and reinvested earnings to 
generate additional earnings. ROE is defined as the net profit 
before tax (NPBT) divided by the fair market value of equity (as 
independently determined by the Company’s external valuers). 

Based on the profit gateway not being achieved, no LTI awards 
were awarded for FY23 under the terms of the EIP.

4.  Leadership Team

Over the past 18 months, BFC has put in place a new and highly 
experienced management team with over 120 years of combined 
global experience spanning dairy, FMCG, growth management 
and agribusiness.

Selecting and appointing a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is one 
of  the  most  important  responsibilities  of  a  Board  of  Directors. 
Choosing the right CEO is critical to future success. After coming 
out of the difficult years of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Board of 
BFC was methodical and deliberate in its approach to find the 
“right” person to be the CEO for the next stage of growth of the 
Company.

Fabrizio  Jorge  was  appointed  as  Chief  Executive  Officer  of 
Beston  effective  1  April  2022  following  a  stellar  career  in  the 
global  dairy  industry  with  Nestle,  Fonterra  and  Bubs.  The 
appointment of Fabrizio Jorge as CEO brought extensive global 
food  and  beverage  skills  and  experience  to  the  role,  as  well 
as an in-depth understanding of the market place in which we 
operate.

In addition to Fabrizio Jorge, BFC has made several additional 
appointments  to  Senior  Management  roles  which  have  further 
expanded  the  global  experience  of  the  Senior  Management 
Team:

•  David Isherwood was appointed as Chief Manufacturing 
Officer, effective 26 April 2022 having spent most of his 
career with Fonterra Ltd in various production, management 
and business development roles across the world. 
•  Nick Martin was appointed as Chief Financial Officer on 
1 February 2023. Nick is a Fellow Certified Practicing 
Accountant and joined BFC with over 23 years’ experience 
across senior executive roles in financial and strategic 
management with major FMCG companies, including most 
recently the giant American food company, McCormick 
and Co.

These  management  changes  have  driven  an  increased  focus 
on  operational  excellence  and  customer  service  and  have 
been  a  strong  endorsement  of  the  strategic  direction  of  BFC 
and  the  business  plans  put  in  place.  The  new  appointments 
to  the  leadership  team  hit  the  ground  running  as  the  world 
emerged from the debilitating era of Covid-19 and very quickly 
implemented  a  number  of  revised  go-to-market  strategies, 
business  development  and  supply  chain  priorities  to  secure  a 
focus  on  sustainable  and  profitable  growth  across  our  various 
product  portfolios.  The  Board  is  of  the  view  that  we  have  one 
of  the  most  competent  and  experienced  leadership  teams 
in  the  dairy  and  food  manufacturing  industry  in  Australia.  The 
team is totally focused and aligned on the forward objectives of 
the Company and is well equipped to ensure that the earnings 
momentum  which  is  in  train  is  not  only  continued,  but  can  be 
accelerated in future periods to realise benefits for shareholders. 

4.1  Remuneration for FY24 and beyond

In  order  to  ensure  the  continuing  service  of  the  Company’s 
senior executives, and that the Leadership Team remains intact 
over  the  next  two  years,  in  August  2023,  the  Board  approved 
and  resolved  to  issue  Service  Rights  as  a  retention  incentive 
under  the  provisions  of  the  BFC  EIP  for  no  consideration. 
The Board considers that this decision is in the best interests of 
the Company, and the best interests of shareholders.

38

Directors’ report

4.2  Service Rights for FY24 and beyond

The Service Rights to be issued, and the vesting conditions, are 
as follows: 

1.  Service Rights to vest if Executives remain employed at 30 

June 2024: 

•  Fabrizio Jorge 
•  David Isherwood 
•  Nick Martin 

1,510,000
1,470,000
1,470,000

2.  Service Rights to vest if Executives remain employed at 30 

June 2025:

•  Fabrizio Jorge 
•  David Isherwood 
•  Nick Martin 

1,510,000
1,470,000
1,470,000

The Board at its discretion may choose to satisfy conversion of 
the Service Rights by the issue of new shares or purchase on 
market at the time of vesting.

5.  Remuneration Governance

5.1  Remuneration decision making

The following diagram represents the Group’s remuneration 
decision making framework:

Board

Review and approval

Remuneration and Nomination Committee (RNC)

Executive & NED remuneration outcomes

Company Secretary, 
CEO, Director People 
and Culture

Reports and updates

Remuneration advisors

External and independent 
remuneration advice and 
information

The RNC is comprised solely of NEDs. During FY23, the 
members of the RNC were Ms Joanna Andrew (Chairperson 
until 19 August, 2022) Ms Cheryl Hayman (Chairperson from 
20 August, 2022), Dr Roger Sexton AM, Mr Stephen Gerlach 
AM and Mr Neil Longstaff.

The Board considers that the members of the RNC provide an 
appropriate mix of skills to undertake the terms of reference, 
having regard to qualifications, knowledge of the financial, 
agricultural and food service industries and experience in 
strategic remuneration management.

5.2  Use of remuneration consultants

To ensure that it is fully informed when making remuneration 
decisions, the RNC receives reports and updates from the 
Company Secretary, the CEO and Director, People and Culture. 
From time to time, external remuneration consultants may be 
used, enabling the RNC to obtain independent advice and gain 
access to benchmarking material and market analysis.

Remuneration consultants are engaged directly by, and report 
to the Remuneration Committee. In selecting remuneration 
consultants, the Remuneration Committee takes into account 
potential conflicts of interest and requires independence from 
Beston’s management. The advice and recommendations of 
external consultants are used as a guide, but do not serve as 
a substitute for thorough consideration of the issues by the 
RNC. Remuneration consultants were engaged during 2022 to 
assist with the design and structure of the Executive Incentive 
Scheme.

5.3  Share trading policy

The Group Securities Trading Policy, published on the 
Company’s website, provides information to all employees, 
directors, contractors and consultants as to the requirements 
in relation to dealing in the securities of the Company and the 
insider trading provisions of the Corporations Act 2001. Subject 
to prior approval, KMP are permitted to deal in BFC securities 
throughout the year, except during the ‘prohibited periods’ 
identified in the policy.

5.4  Executive employment agreements

Remuneration arrangements for executives are formalised in 
employment agreements. The following outlines the details of 
contracts with executives for FY23:

Executive 
KMP

Base 
salary 

Superannuation 
contributions

Rental  
allowance

Total fixed 
remuneration

CEO

CFO

CMO

451,000

330,000

300,000

47,355

30,000

34,650

25,292

–

30,000

528,355

364,650

355,292

CPI or other appropriate inflation indexes are applied to 
executive KMP base salaries annually as determined by the 
Board.

In addition to the above fixed remuneration, executives are 
entitled to participate in the STI and LTI plans described in 
section 3 of this report. They are also entitled to participate in 
any discretionary remuneration such as service rights and cash 
bonuses. 

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 202339

Termination provisions

The following termination provisions apply to executive KMP:

Executive KMP Resignation 

Termination 
for cause

CEO, CFO and 
CMO

3 months

No notice

Termination 
payment
With cause – nil
Without cause – 3 
months
In the event of a 
change of control, 
takeover or sale of 
the Company - 6 
months

6.  Non-executive remuneration

Beston’s NED remuneration policy is designed to attract and 
retain high calibre Directors who can discharge the roles and 
responsibilities required. The fees paid to Directors is limited 
by a pool approved by shareholders, as below which has 
remained unchanged since 2015. NEDs receive Director’s fees 
only and do not participate in any performance-related incentive 
awards. NEDs do not currently receive additional fees for 
participation in any committees.

The table below summarises Board fees payable to NEDs as at 
30 June 2023:

Board fees

Annual fee inclusive of superannuation

Chairman

NED

75,000

50,000

NEDs may be reimbursed for expenses reasonably incurred in 
attending to the Group’s affairs.

In addition to earning a Director’s fee, NEDs may also be paid 
for the performance of special duties or services outside the 
scope of the ordinary duties of a director. 

Maximum aggregate NED fee pool

NED fees are determined within an aggregate NED fee pool 
limit. The maximum aggregate amount that may be paid to 
NEDs for their services is currently $350,000 per annum in 
total, as approved by shareholders.

40

Directors’ report

7.  Statutory and share-based reporting

7.1  Executive KMP remuneration for the years ended 30 June 2023 and 30 June 2022 

Short-term benefits

Post-employment benefits

Incentives 
and bonuses 
$

Salary 
 $

*Allowances 
$ 

Movement in 
leave accruals 
$

Superannuation 
contributions 
$

Total  
$ 

Performance 
related %

451,000

110,000

300,000

54,615

137,500

–

280,574

178,692

–

230,026

84,560

100,000

61,875

75,000

61,880

–

–

30,000

7,500

30,000

5,462

–

–

–

68,750

24,000

–

–

–

–

7,153

11,565

8,032

4,568

10,578

–

(35,542)

14,870

–

–

47,355

620,068

11,000

240,065

25,292

425,199

3,928

143,573

14,437

224,395

–

–

25,728

270,760

13.64

41.65

14.55

52.23

27.58

–

–

20,447

306,759

22.41

–

–

16,940

246,966

–

–

Name
F Jorge

D Isherwood

N Martin

N Wagner**

D Flew

Year

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

* F Jorge and D Isherwood receive rental allowances. N Wagner received an allowance for acting in the role of CFO during FY22, 
prior to his appointment as CFO.

** N Wagner’s salary includes a termination payment of $63k and $35.5k of unused annual leave paid out.

7.2  NED remuneration for the years ended 30 June 2023 and 30 June 2022

Name

R N Sexton

S Gerlach

N Longstaff

C Hayman

K Reid

J Andrew

Year

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

Short-term benefits

Post-employment benefits

Board fees 
$

Superannuation contributions 
$

62,624

60,000

41,749

40,000

41,749

40,000

41,749

34,102

41,749

20,000

6,667

40,000

6,576

6,000

4,384

4,000

4,384

4,000

4,384

3,410

4,384

2,000

700

4,000

Total  
$

69,200

66,000

46,133

44,000

46,133

44,000

46,133

37,512

46,133

22,000

7,367

44,000

Cheryl Hayman was appointed on 5 August 2021 and Kevin Reid was appointed on 31 January 2022. Joanna Andrew resigned on 
19 August 2022. NED remuneration was increased effective 1 October 2022. Current annual amounts are disclosed in note 6.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 202341

7.3  Reconciliation of ordinary shares held by KMP

Shareholdings

2023

Current KMP 

R N Sexton

S Gerlach

N Longstaff

C Hayman

K Reid

F Jorge

D Isherwood

N Martin

Total

Former KMP 

J Andrew

N Wagner

Total

Balance at the start of 
the period on date of 
becoming KMP

Shares purchased 
during the period

STI shares 
awarded*

Shares sold/
transferred

Balance at the end of the
 period or date ceasing
 to be KMP

41,605,288

23,739,074

460,846

500,000

–

43,200

217,392

262,632

3,577,855

5,722,442

460,846

500,000

420,000

2,801,000

2,057,200

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,036,270

777,200

–

**(21,403,143)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

66,828,432

15,539,343

1,813,470

(21,403,143)

–

52,890

52,890

–

2,000,000

2,000,000

712,435

712,435

–

–

–

23,780,000

29,461,516

921,692

1,000,000

420,000

3,880,470

3,051,792

262,632

62,778,102

–

2,765,325

2,765,325

The balances also reflect the balance at the date of the Directors’ Report, with the exception of N Wagner who sold the balance of his shares on 26 May 2023.

*The shares issued during FY23 were in relation to the FY22 KMP bonus.

**As part of a family restructure, R N Sexton ceased to hold a relevant interest in the shares held by Blue Ridge Holdings Pty Ltd as disclosed in the Change of 
Director’s Interest Notice lodged with the ASX on the 8th of December 2022. The change in relevant interest did not involve the sale of these shares.

 
42

Directors’ report

7.4  Loans to key management personnel

(b)  Indemnity of auditor

No loans were made to KMP or their related parties during the 
year.

7.5  Other transactions with key management personnel

There were no other transactions with KMP or their related 
parties during the year.

This is the end of the remuneration report.

Shares under options and share rights

(a)  Unissued ordinary shares

As at the date of this report, there were no unissued ordinary 
shares under option.

Beston Global Food Company Limited has agreed to indemnify 
their auditors, Ernst & Young Australia, to the extent permitted 
by law, against any claim by a third party arising from Beston 
Global Food Company Limited’s breach of their agreement. 
The indemnity stipulates that Beston Global Food Company 
Limited will meet the full amount of any such liabilities including 
a reasonable amount of legal costs.

Proceedings on behalf of the company

No person has applied to the Court under section 237 of the 
Corporations Act 2001 for leave to bring proceedings on behalf 
of the Company, or to intervene in any proceedings to which the 
Company is a party, for the purpose of taking responsibility on 
behalf of the Company for all or part of those proceedings.

No options were granted to the Directors or any of the key 
management personnel of the Company since the end of the 
financial year. 

No proceedings have been brought or intervened in on behalf 
of the Company with leave of the Court under section 237 of 
the Corporations Act 2001.

There are unissued ordinary shares under share rights granted 
to key management personnel of the Company since the end of 
the financial year.

Insurance of officers and indemnities

(a)  Insurance of officers

During the financial year, Beston Global Food Company 
Limited paid premiums with respect to a contract to insure the 
Directors and secretaries of the Company and its Australian-
based controlled entities, and the general managers of each 
of the divisions of the Group. The insurance contract prohibits 
disclosure of the liability’s nature and the amount of the 
insurance premium.

The liabilities insured are legal costs that may be incurred in 
defending civil or criminal proceedings that may be brought 
against the officers in their capacity as officers of entities in the 
Group, and any other payments arising from liabilities incurred 
by the officers in connection with such proceedings. This does 
not include such liabilities that arise from conduct involving a 
wilful breach of duty by the officers or the improper use by the 
officers of their position or of information to gain advantage 
for themselves or someone else or to cause detriment to the 
Company. It is not possible to apportion the premium between 
amounts relating to the insurance against legal costs and those 
relating to other liabilities.

Non-audit services

The following non-audit services were provided by the entity’s 
auditor, Ernst & Young Australia. The directors are satisfied 
that the provision of non-audit services is compatible with 
the general standard of independence for auditors imposed 
by the Corporations Act 2001. The nature and scope of each 
type of non-audit service provided means that the auditor 
independence was not compromised.

Ernst & Young Australia received, or are due to receive, the 
following amounts for provisions of non-audit services:

Fees for non-audit services

Tax compliance services
Due diligence services
Blockchain services

Total remuneration for non-audit services

30 June

30 June

2023

$'000

2022

$'000

43
90
–
133

39
–
101
140

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 
 
 
 
43

Rounding of amounts

The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Corporations 
(Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 
2016/191, issued by the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission, relating to the ‘rounding off’ of amounts in the 
directors’ report. Amounts in the directors’ report have been 
rounded off in accordance with that Instrument to the nearest 
thousand dollars, or in certain cases, to the nearest dollar.

This report is made in accordance with a resolution of 
Directors.

R N Sexton
Chairman

Adelaide 
29 September 2023

44

Auditor’s independence declaration

Ernst & Young 
121 King William Street 
Adelaide  SA  5000  Australia 
GPO Box 1271 Adelaide  SA  5001 

  Tel: +61 8 8417 1600 
Fax: +61 8 8417 1775 
ey.com/au 

Auditor’s independence declaration to the directors of Beston Global 
Food Company Limited 

As lead auditor for the audit of the financial report of Beston Global Food Company Limited for the 
financial year ended 30 June 2023, I declare to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been: 

a)  No contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 

relation to the audit; 

b)  No contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit; and 

c)  No non-audit services provided that contravene any applicable code of professional conduct in 

relation to the audit. 

This declaration is in respect of Beston Global Food Company Limited and the entities it controlled 
during the financial year. 

Ernst & Young 

L A Carr 
Partner 
Adelaide 
29 September 2023 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
45

Beston Global Food Company Limited 
ABN 28 603 023 383

Annual 
financial  
report 

for the year ended 30 June 2023

Financial statements 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated balance sheet 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated statement of cash flows (direct method) 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Directors’ declaration 

These financial statements are the consolidated 
financial statements for the Group consisting of 
Beston Global Food Company Limited and its 
subsidiaries. A list of subsidiaries is included in 
note 13.

The financial statements are presented in the 
Australian currency.

Beston Global Food Company Limited is a company 
limited by shares, incorporated and domiciled in 
Australia.

Its registered office is:

Beston Global Food Company Limited
Ground floor, 84 Greenhill Road
Wayville SA 5034

Its principal place of business is:

Beston Global Food Company Limited
Ground floor, 84 Greenhill Road
Wayville SA 5034

46

47

48

49

50

80

A description of the nature of the consolidated entity’s 
operations and its principal activities is included in the 
review of operations on page 12 and in the directors’ 
report on page 30, both of which are not part of these 
financial statements.

The financial statements were authorised for issue 
by the Directors on the 29th September 2023. The 
Directors have the power to amend and reissue the 
financial statements.

Through the use of the internet, we have ensured that 
our corporate reporting is timely and complete. All 
press releases, financial reports and other information 
are available at our Investors’ Centre on our website: 
bestonglobalfoods.com.au

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 202346

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 30 June 2023

Continuing operations
Sale of goods
Other revenue

Other income

Expenses
Cost of goods sold
Other expenses from ordinary activities

Operating overheads
Selling and distribution
Corporate overheads and business support

Loss from operations

Finance income
Finance expenses
Net finance expense
Loss before income tax

Income tax (expense)/benefit
Loss after tax for the period from continuing operations

Discontinued operations
Loss after tax for the period from discontinued operations
Loss for the period 

Item that may be reclassified to the profit or loss
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Other comprehensive gain for the period, net of tax

Total comprehensive loss or the period

Loss is attributable to:
Owners of Beston Global Food Company Limited
Non-controlling interests

Total comprehensive loss for the period is attributable to:
Owners of Beston Global Food Company Limited
Non-controlling interests

Loss per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders

Basic loss per share from continuing operations
Basic loss per share from discontinued operations

Diluted loss per share from continuing operations
Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations

Notes

2
2

3(a)

3(b)

3(b)
3(b)
3(b)

3(c) 
3(c) 

5(a)

4(a)

9(b)

30 June
2023
$'000

169,538 
37 
169,575 

323 

30 June
2022
$'000 
Restated

126,771 
36 
126,807 

90 

(143,266)

(117,288)

(16,459)
(5,290)
(12,697)
(7,814)

136 
(3,962)
(3,826)
(11,640)

(29,795)
(41,435)

(14,349)
(4,216)
(10,867)
(19,823)

11 
(1,126)
(1,115)
(20,938)

2,998 
(17,939)

(6,056)
(47,491)

(3,786)
(21,726)

36 
36 

(21)
(21)

(47,455)

(21,747)

(48,857)
1,366 
(47,491)

(48,821)
1,366 
(47,455)

 Cents

(2.70)
(0.39)
(3.09)

(2.70)
(0.39)
(3.09)

(21,725)
(1)
(21,726)

(21,746)
(1)
(21,747)

 Cents

(2.09)
(0.44)
(2.53)

(2.09)
(0.44)
(2.53)

The above consolidated statement of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
47

Consolidated balance sheet
As at 30 June 2023

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Prepayments
Inventories 

 Assets held for sale

Non-current assets
Receivables
Right-of-use assets
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax assets
Intangible assets

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Unearned revenue
Financial liabilities
Employee benefit obligations

Liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale

Non-current liabilities
Financial Liabilities
Employee benefit obligations
Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Contributed equity
Other reserves
Accumulated losses

Non-controlling interests
Total equity

Notes

6(a)
6(b)
6(c)
7(c)

4(b)

6(b)
6(d)
7(a)
7(d)
7(b)

6(e)

7(f)
7(e)

4(b)

6(f)
7(e)
7(d)

9(a)
9(b)
9(c)

30 June

2023
 $'000 

230
20,896
1,209
18,397
40,732
12,821
53,553

–
630
48,878
–
1,195

50,703
104,256

20,607
348
20,619
1,359
42,933
3,467
46,400

24,404
68
–
24,472
70,872

33,384

203,272
(8,340)
(162,115)
32,817

567
33,384

30 June

2022
 $'000 

322
16,660
2,209
18,117
37,308
–
37,308

150
21
57,192
31,801
5,071

94,235
131,543

17,896
–
24,292
1,256
43,444
–
43,444

31,762
184
2,006
33,952
77,396

54,147

176,580
(8,376)
(113,258)
54,946

(799)
54,147

The above consolidated balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
48

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 June 2023

Notes

Attributable to the owners of Beston Global Food Company Limited

Balance at 1 July 2021

Loss for the period
Other Comprehensive Income
Total Comprehensive income for the period

9(b)

Issue of share capital

As at 30 June 2022

Share
capital
$'000

174,636 
– 
– 
– 

1,944 

Other 
reserves
$'000

(6,411)
– 
(21) 
(21) 

(1,944)

Accum 
losses
$'000

(91,533)
(21,725)
– 
(21,725)

Total
$'000

76,692 
(21,725)
(21) 
(21,746)

– 

– 

NCI
$'000

(798)
(1)
– 
(1)

– 

Total
equity
$'000

75,894 
(21,726)
(21) 
(21,747)

– 

176,580 

(8,376)

(113,258)

54,946

(799)

54,147

Balance at 1 July 2022
Loss for the period
Other Comprehensive Income
Total Comprehensive income for the period

Issue of share capital

As at 30 June 2023

9(b)

9(a)

176,580
–
–
–

26,692

(8,376)
–
36
36

–

(113,258)
(48,857)
–
(48,857)

–

203,272

(8,340)

(162,115)

54,946
(48,857)
36
(48,857)

26,692

32,817

(799)
1,366
–
1,366

–

567

54,147
(47,491)
36
(47,455)

26,692

33,384

The above consolidated statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 202349

Consolidated statement of cash flows
For the year ended 30 June 2023

Cash flows from operating activities
Receipts from customers
Payments to suppliers and employees
Interest paid
Net cash outflows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Payments for PP&E
Payments for intangibles
Proceeds on disposal of NBI
Net cash outflows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from the issue of shares
Proceeds from borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Payment of lease liabilities
Proceeds from government grants
Cash inflows from financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
Net foreign exchange differences
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period

Comprising
Cash included in assets held for sale
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period
Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

Notes

10(a)

7(a)
7(b)

9(a)

6(a)

 30 June 
2023
 $'000 

178,065
(183,823)
(4,157)
(9,915)

(6,032)
(732)
–
(6,764)

26,397
7,896
(17,497)
(442)
80
16,433

(246)
322
172
248

18
230
248

30 June
2022
$'000

139,143
(157,756)
(1,209)
(19,822)

(5,202)
(616)
1,200
(4,618)

–
23,060
(244)
134
900
23,850

(590)
922
(10)
322

–
322
322

The above consolidated statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 202350

Contents of the notes  
to the consolidated  
financial statements 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

Segment information 

Revenue 

Other income and expense items 

Discontinued operations 

Income tax benefit 

Financial assets and financial liabilities 

Non-financial assets and liabilities 

Impairment 

Equity 

Cash flow information 

Financial risk management 

Capital management 

Interests in other entities 

Contingent liabilities and contingent assets 

Commitments 

Events occurring after the reporting period 

Related party transactions 

Remuneration of auditors 

Earnings per share 

Parent entity financial information 

51

53

53

54

56

57

60

63

64

64

65

67

68

68

68

68

69

69

70

70

Summary of significant accounting policies 

71 

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2023

51

1 

a. 

Segment information

Description of segments

The Group’s executive management committee, consisting of the Chief 
Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, examines the Group’s 
performance both from a product and geographic perspective and 
has identified four reportable segments of its business. Two of those 
segments now form part of discontinued operations. The continuing 
segments of the business are:

•  The Australian Dairy segment which owns production plants and 

uses milk to produce cheese and other dairy products.

•  The Corporate segment provides business support to the operating 

segments.

b. 

Segment results

The segment information for the year ended 30 June 2023 and the year 
ended 30 June 2022 provided to the executive management committee 
for the reportable segments, including segment assets and liabilities, 
are as follows:

2023
Revenue
Contracts with domestic customers
Contracts with international customers
Other revenue
Other income
Finance income
Total revenue

Expenses
Cost of Sales
Other operating costs
Selling and distribution
Business support
Finance costs
Impairment expense
Total expenses

Australian 
Dairy
$'000

Corporate
$'000

Total 
Continuing 
Operations
$'000

Discontinued 
Operations
$'000

126,051
43,487
37
248
136
169,959

(143,266)
(16,389)
(5,290)
(5,113)
–

–
(170,058)

–
–
–
75

–
75

–
(70)
–
(7,583)
(3,963)
–
(11,616)

126,051
43,487
37
323
136
170,034

(143,266)
(16,459)
(5,290)
(12,696)
(3,963)
–
(181,674)

13,055

–
12
7
–
13,074

(11,316)
(2,262)
(171)
(1,227)
(194)
(3,960)
(19,130)

Total
$'000

139,106
43,487
49
330
136
183,108

(154,582)
(18,721)
(5,461)
(13,923)
(4,157)
(3,960)
(200,804)

Loss for the period before tax

(99)

(11,541)

(11,640)

(6,056)

(17,696)

Total segment assets including assets held for sale
Capital expenditure
Total segment liabilities

89,418
4,413
(61,872)

8,337
753
(5,533)

97,755
5,166
(67,405)

6,501
1,597
(3,467)

104,256
6,764
(70,872)

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Australian 
Dairy

Australian 
Meat

Australian 
Other

International 
Other

Corporate

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

Total 
Continuing 
Operations
$'000

52

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2023
Segment information (continued)
1 

b. 

Segment results (continued)

2022 Restated
Revenue
Contracts with domestic 
customers
Contracts with international 
customers
Other revenue
Other income
Finance income
Total revenue

Expenses
Cost of Sales
Other operating costs
Selling and distribution
Business support
Impairment
Finance costs
Total expenses

Loss for the period before 
tax

99,671

27,100

36
90
8
126,905

(117,288)
(14,118)
(4,216)
(5,207)
–
–
(140,829)

(13,924)

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

Discontinued 
Operations

Total

$'000

$'000

12,935

112,606

–

27,100

12
23
–
12,970

(11,843)
(2,171)
(149)
(1,493)
(2,000)
(83)
(17,739)

48
113
11
139,878

(129,131)
(16,709)
(4,365)
(12,171)
(2,000)
(1,209)
(165,585)

–

–

–
–
3
3

–
(420)
–
(5,471)
–
(1,126)
(7,017)

99,671

27,100

36
90
11
126,908

(117,288)
(14,538)
(4,216)
(10,678)
–
(1,126)
(147,846)

(7,014)

(20,938)

(4,769)

(25,707)

Total segment assets; including
Capital expenditure
Total segment liabilities

80,213
4,950
(65,898)

9,735
219
(5,065)

2,166
2
(422)

150
–
(32)

39,279
–
(5,979)

–
–
–

–
–
–

131,543
5,171
(77,396)

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
53

2 

Revenue

3  Other income and expense items    

30 June
2023
$’000

30 June
2022
$’000

Notes 

244 
79 
323 

76 
14 
90 

125,807

99,818 

21,924
3,712 
- 
3,803
2,015 
254 

106 
3,720 
3,423 
12,948 
177,712

20,052 
3,639 
553 
3,334 
1,591 
562 

171 
3,743 
2,775 
10,481 
146,720 

136 
(3,962)

11 
(1,126)

(3,826)

(1,115)

The Group derives the following types of revenue: 

Contracts with customers
Leasing income
Total revenue

30 June
2023
$’000
169,538 
37 
169,575 

30 June
2022
$’000
126,771 
36 

126,807 

(a) Other operating income

Other items
Government grants

(a)  Recognising revenue from major business activities

(b Breakdown of expense by nature

Revenue is recognised for the major business activities using the 
methods outlined below.

(i) 

Sale of goods

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised when control 
of the goods or services are transferred to the customer at an amount 
that reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled 
in exchange for those goods or services. The Group has generally 
concluded that it is the principal in its revenue arrangements because it 
typically controls the goods or services before transferring them to the 
customer.

Revenue from the sale of dairy and meat products is recognised at the 
point in time when control of the asset is transferred to the customer, 
generally on delivery of the goods to the customer’s location.

The Group considers whether there are other promises in the contract 
that are separate performance obligations to which a portion of the 
transaction price needs to be allocated (e.g. rebates, case deals). 

(b)  Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with 

customers

The Group derives revenue from the sale of goods in the following 
major geographical regions: 

7(a), 7(b)

Cost of inventories recognised as 
an expense
Employee benefits expense
Depreciation and amortisation
Management fee
Other expenses
Consultancy expenses
Short term & low value lease 
expense
Rates and taxes
Repairs and maintenance
Insurance expenses
Logistics and marketing expenses

(c) Finance income and costs

Net exchange gains
Finance charges paid for financial 
liabilities
Net finance costs

Sale of goods 

2023
Australia
Asia
Europe
North America
Total

30 June 
2023
$’000
Dairy
126,051
36,439 
4,196 
2,852 
169,538 

30 June 
2022
$’000
Total
99,671
22,169
2,001
2,930
126,771

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2023

4 

Discontinued Operations

On 22 June 2023, Beston Global Food Company Limited (ASX: BFC) (the Group) publicly announced the decision of its Board of Directors to 
discontinue and divest its Provincial Food Group (PFG) and plant-based meats secondary process business, its Aquaessence water assets 
business and its Technology business.The results of the discontinued businesses are presented below:

(a) The income statement amounts classified as discontinued operations are as follows:

2023
Sale of goods
Other revenue

Other income

Expenses:
Cost of goods sold
Operating overheads
Selling and distribution
Corporate overheads and business support
Loss from operations

Finance costs
Impairment of goodwill
Impairment of intangible assets
Loss before tax from discontinued operations
Tax benefit
Loss for the year from discontinued operations

2022
Sale of goods
Other revenue

Other income

Provincial Food 
Group
$'000
12,915
–
12,915

 Aquaessence  
Pty Ltd
$'000
140
12
152

 Beston 
Technologies  
Pty Ltd
$'000
–
–
–

7

(11,131)
(1,731)
(147)
(1,325)
(1,412)

(193)
(2,828)
–
(4,433)
–
(4,433)

–

(185)
(183)
(24)
213
(28)

(1)
–
–
(29)
–
(29)

–

–
(348)
–
(115)
(463)

–
 – 
(1,131)
(1,594)
–
(1,594)

Provincial  
Food Group 
$'000
12,782 
– 
12,782 

 Aquaessence  
Pty Ltd 
$'000
153 
12 
165 

 Beston 
Technologies  
Pty Ltd 
$'000
– 
– 
– 

– 

24 

– 

Expenses:
COGS
Operating overheads
Selling and distribution
Corporate overheads and business support
Loss from operations

Finance costs
Impairment of goodwill
Loss before tax from discontinued operations
Tax benefit
Profit/(loss for the year from discontinued operations

(11,749)
(1,870)
(121)
(1,441)
(2,399)

(83)
(2,000)
(4,482)
822 
(3,659)

(94)
(150)
(26)
(26)
(108)

(0)
– 
(108)
107 
(1)

– 
(150)
(2)
(27)
(179)

– 
– 
(179)
54 
(125)

Total
$'000
13,055
12
13,067

7

(11,316)
(2,262)
(171)
(1,227)
(1,902)

(194)
(2,828)
(1,131)
(6,056)
–
(6,056)

Total
$'000
12,935 
12 
12,947 

24 

(11,843)
(2,171)
(149)
(1,493)
(2,686)

(83)
(2,000)
(4,769)
983 
(3,786)

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
55

 Total 
$’000 

18 
549 
10,472 
207 
279 
1,295 
12,821 

814 
2,340 
196 
117 
3,467 
9,354

(b)   The major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale as at 30 June 2023 are as follows:

2023
Assets
Cash
Trade receivables
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Other receivables
Inventories
Assets held for sale

Liabilities
Creditors
Financial liabilities
Other payables
Employee benefits

Net assets directly associated with disposal group

Beston Technologies had no assets or liabilities as at 30 June 2023.

Provincial  
Food Group 
$’000 

 Aquaessence  
Pty Ltd  
$’000

11 
528 
9,520 
2 
274 
1,281 
11,617 

808 
2,340 
157 
115 
3,420 
8,196 

7 
21 
952 
205 
5 
15 
1,204 

6 
– 
38 
2 
47 
1,157 

(c)  The net cash flows incurred by Provincial Food Group Ptd Ltd are as follows:

2023
Operating
Investing
Financing
Net cash (outflow)

Provincial  
Food Group 
$’000 
(1,175)
(856)
1,852 
(179)

Aquaessence Pty Ltd and Beston Technologies Pty Ltd were funded by Beston Global Food Company Limited.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
56

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2023

30 June
2023
$’000

30 June
2022
$’000

Notes 

– 
– 

–
–
–

29,795

29,795

– 
– 

(4,295)
293
21

–

(3,981)

(c)   Tax losses

Unused tax losses for which 
no deferred tax asset has been 
recognised
Potential tax benefit @ 30.0%

30 June
2023
$’000

30 June
2022
$’000

Notes 

128,563

24,831

38,569

7,449

In FY23, due to challenging macro-economic conditions and inflationary 
cost pressures impacting on utilities (gas, electricity, chemicals) and 
insurance costs, as well as industry challenges impacting milk supply 
and consequently milk costs, the Company has reassessed and revised 
downwards its short to medium forecasts. As a result, the Company 
considers that it is less likely that sufficient future taxable income will be 
generated to support the recoverability of the deferred tax asset (DTA) 
that has been recognised, within the next 5 years in line with Company 
policy. The DTA therefore has been de-recognised, with the booked DTA 
being limited to the extent of available deferred tax liabilities (DTL).

5 

Income taxes 

(a) 

Income taxes 

Current tax
Current tax
Total current tax expense

Deferred income tax
Increase in deferred tax assets
Increase in deferred tax liabilities
Other adjustment
Derecognition of net deferred tax 
assets
Total deferred tax expense/(benefit)

7(d)
7(d)

Income tax expense/(benefit)

29,795

(3,981)

(b)   Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense/

(benefit) to prima facie tax payable

Loss from continuing operations 
before income tax
Tax at the Australian tax rate of 30.0% 
(2021 - 30.0%)

Tax effect of amounts which are not 
deductible (taxable) in calculating 
taxable income:

Impairment of Provincial Food 
Group
Impairment of intangible assets
Derecognition of foreign tax losses
Derecognition of current year tax 
losses
Derecognition of opening deferred 
tax assets
Sundry items
Income tax expense/(benefit)

Notes 

30 June
2023
$’000

30 June
2022
$’000

(17,696)

(25,707)

(5,309)

(7,712)

849 

339 
102

600 

– 
(233)

4,019

3,264

29,795

–
29,795

– 

100
(3,981)

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
57

6 

Financial assets and financial liabilities

(a)  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand

(b)  Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Provision for impairment

Other receivables
Goods and services tax (GST) receivable

 30 June 
2023
 $’000 

 30 June 
2022
 $’000 

230

322 

Current 
 $’000 
18,659
(57)
18,602

713 
1,581 
20,896

30 June 2023
Non-current
 $’000 
– 
– 
– 

–
– 
–

Total
 $’000 
18,659
(57)
18,602

713 
1,581 
20,896

Current 
 $’000 
14,270 
(143)
14,127 

883 
1,650 
16,660 

30 June 2022
Non-current
 $’000 
– 
– 
–

150 
– 
150 

Total
 $’000 
14,270 
(143)
14,127 

1,033 
1,650 
16,810 

(i) 

Trade and other receivables

If collection of the amounts is expected in one year or less they are 
classified as current assets. If not, they are presented as non-current 
assets. Trade receivables are generally due for settlement within 90 
days and therefore are all classified as current. The Group’s impairment 
and other accounting policies for trade and other receivables are 
outlined in note 21(n). This category generally applies to trade and other 
receivables.

(ii) 

Fair value of trade and other receivables

Due to the short-term nature of the current receivables, their carrying 
amount is assumed to be the same as their fair value. For non-current 
receivables, the fair values are also not significantly different to their 
carrying amounts.

(iii) 

Impairment and risk exposure

Information about the impairment of trade and other receivables, their 
credit quality and the Group’s exposure to credit risk, foreign currency 
risk and interest rate risk can be found in note 11.

(c)  Prepayments

Prepayments

30 June 2023

30 June 2022

Current 
 $’000 
1,209 

Total
 $’000 
1,209 

Current 
 $’000 
2,209 

Total
 $’000 
2,209 

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
58

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2023
6 

Financial assets and financial liabilities (continued)

(d)  Leases

Group as a Lessee

The group entered into a lease contract for the property used for its 
head office on 1 September 2022. The Group also has certain leases 
of machinery with lease terms of 12 months or less and leases of office 
equipment with low value. The Group applies the ‘short-term lease’ and 
‘lease of low-value assets’ recognition exemptions for these leases.

Set out below are the carrying amounts of right-of-use assets 
recognised and the movements during the period: 

As at 1 July 2021
Additions
Depreciation Expense
As at 30 June 2022

As at 1 July 2022
Additions
Depreciation Expense
As at 30 June 2023

Property
 $’000 
155
–
(134)
21

21
837
(228)
630

The following are the amounts recognised in the profit and loss:

Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Interest expense on lease liabilities
Short term lease expense (Corporate 
overheads and business support)

(e)  Trade and other payables

Current liabilities
Trade payables
Goods and service tax (GST) payable
Accrued expenses
Payroll liabilities
Other creditors

 30 June 
2023
 $’000 
228
52
254

 30 June 
2022
 $’000 
124
–
562

534

686

 30 June 
2023
 $’000 

 30 June 
2022
 $’000 

17,115
307 
2,932
191 
62
20,607

15,599 
536 
763 
610 
388 
17,896

Trade payables are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of 
recognition.

(i) 

Fair value of trade and other payables

The carrying amounts of trade and other payables are considered to be 
the same as their fair values, due to their short-term nature.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023(f) Financial liabilities

Notes

Current financial liabilities: loans and borrowings
Current financial liabilities: other
Current financial liabilities

Non-current financial liabilities: loans and 
borrowings
Non-current financial liabilities: other
Non-current financial liabilities

59

 30 June 
2023
 $’000 

 30 June 
2022
 $’000 

11,173 
9,445 
20,619 

23,650 

755 
24,404 

15,988 
8,304 
24,292 

31,762 

–
31,762 

Interest rate %

Maturity

 30 June 
2023
 $’000 

 30 June 
2022
 $’000 

Financial liabilities: loans and borrowings
Current
Overdraft
Hire purchase facility
Hire purchase facility
Hire purchase facility*
Term loan
Property mortgage

Non-current
Hire purchase facility
Hire purchase facility
Hire purchase facility*
Term loan
Term loan*
Property mortgage

Total financial liabilities: loans and borrowings

Financial liabilities: other
Current
Office lease liability
Insurance premium funding
Deposits on sale of trade debtors 

Non-current
Office lease liability

Total financial liabilities: other

8.47%
3.56%
4.91%
4.59%
BBSY + 2.15%
BBSY + 2.05%

July 2024
December 2025
September 2029
April 2028
July 2024
November 2024

3.56%
4.91%
4.59%
BBSY + 2.15%
BBSY + 2.05%
BBSY + 2.05%

December 2025
September 2029
April 2028
July 2024
November 2024
November 2024

6.00%
2.49%
9.46%

August 2027
October 2023
July 2024

6(g)

6.00%

August 2027

* Borrowings included in discontinued operations at 30 June 2023.

(g) 

 Transferred financial assets that are not derecognised in their entirety

Securitisations

Carrying amount of transferred assets within trade receivables

Carrying amount of associated liabilities

Net position

Notes

6(b)

6(f)

30 June  
2023

$'000 

8,498

(8,498)

– 

30 June 
2022

$'000 

7,459 

(7,459)

– 

9,830 
102 
823 
– 
– 
418 
11,173 

160 
3,247 
–
18,500 
–
1,743 
23,650 
34,823 

197 
751 
8,498 
9,445 

755 
755 
10,200 

2,990 
101 
957 
321 
11,200 
419 
15,988 

252 
3,742 
312 
23,300 
1,996 
2,160 
31,762 
47,749 

41 
805 
7,459 
8,305 

– 
– 
8,305 

A subsidiary company, Beston Pure Dairies Pty Ltd (BPD) , has entered into an arrangement to sell a portion of its trade debtors to a financial 
institution at a value that reflects a discount to the face value of the debtor amounts. The arrangement is part of the effective management of the 
Group’s working capital needs. 

Under the arrangement, BPD receives 80% of the face value of the debtors amounts on sale to the financial institution in the form of a deposit. 
The remainder, net of the fair value discount, is received from the financial institution typically 45-60 days after the sale of the debtors. The credit 
risk of the underlying trade debtors, and the ongoing customer relationship, is retained by BPD.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
60

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2023

7 

Non-financial asset and liabilities

(a)  Property, plant and equipment

Capital 
Work in 
Progress
$’000

Land & 
buildings
$’000

Buildings 
& property 
improvements
$’000

Plant and 
equipment
$’000

Furniture, 
fittings and 
equipment
$’000

Motor 
vehicles
$’000

At 1 July 2021
Cost or fair value
Accumulated depreciation
Net book amount
Year ended 30 June 2022
Opening net book amount
Additions
Disposals
Assets classified as held for sale and other 
disposals
Impairment charge
Depreciation charge
Closing net book amount
At 30 June 2022
Cost or fair value
Accumulated depreciation
Net book amount

At 1 July 2022
Cost or fair value
Accumulated depreciation
Net book amount
Year ended 30 June 2023
Opening net book amount
Additions
Disposals
Assets classified as held for sale and other 
disposals
Impairment charge
Depreciation charge
Closing net book amount
At 30 June 2023
Cost or fair value
Accumulated depreciation
Net book amount

– 
–
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
1,391 
– 

10,353 
– 
10,353 

10,353 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
10,353 

10,353 
– 
10,353 

10,353 
– 
10,353 

10,353 
– 
– 

– 

(6,925)

– 
– 
1,391 

1,391 
– 
1,391 

– 
– 
3,428 

3,428 
– 
3,428 

120 
(13)
107 

107 
51 
– 

– 

– 
(12)
147 

171 
(25)
147 

171 
(25)
147 

147 
757 
– 

(183)

– 
(86)
635 

746 
(111)
635 

50,981 
(6,751)
44,230 

44,230 
5,026 
– 

– 

– 
(3,392)
45,865 

56,007 
(10,143)
45,865 

56,007 
(10,143)
45,865 

45,865 
3,612 
(56)

(3,275)

–
(3,611)
42,534 

56,288 
(13,754)
42,534 

633 
(306)
327 

327 
124 
– 

– 

– 
(62)
389 

757 
(368)
389 

757 
(368)
389 

389 
91 
(1)

– 

– 
(26)
453 

785 
(332)
453 

Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less 
depreciation and impairment. Land is carried at cost.

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their 
cost amount, net of their residual values, over their estimated useful 
lives:

•  Buildings 

•  Plant and equipment 

20 - 50 years

5 - 40 years

•  Furniture, fittings and equipment 

3 - 10 years

•  Motor vehicles 

7 - 15 years

See note 21(q) for the other accounting policies relevant to property, 
plant and equipment.

Total
$’000

62,811 
(7,268)
55,543 

55,543 
5,202 
– 

– 

– 
(3,553)
57,192 

724 
(198)
526 

526 
– 
– 

– 

– 
(88)
438 

724 
(286)
438 

68,013 
(10,821)
57,192 

724 
(286)
438 

68,013 
(10,821)
57,192 

438 
180 
– 

57,192 
6,032 
(58)

(89)

(10,472)

– 
(93)
437 

– 
(3,816)
48,878 

815 
(379)
437 

63,453 
(14,575)
48,878 

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
61

Total
$’000

9,501 
(2,420)
7,081 

7,081 
616 
– 
(2,000)
(626)
5,071 

8,117 
(3,046)
5,071 

8,117 
(3,046)
5,071 

5,071 
732 
– 
(205)
(3,960)
(445)
1,193 

4,153 
(2,960)
1,193 

Internally 
generated 
software*
$’000

Goodwill
$’000

Customer 
contracts
$’000

Water 
licences
$’000

Trademarks 
& Patents
$’000

5,919 
– 
5,919 

5,919 
– 
– 
(2,000)
– 
3,919 

3,919 
– 
3,919 

3,919 
– 
3,919 

3,919 
–
–
– 
(2,828)
– 
1,091 

1,091 
– 
1,091 

1,619 
(972)
647 

647 
458 
– 
– 
(337)
768 

2,077 
(1,309)
768 

2,077 
(1,309)
768 

768 
710 
–
–
(1,131)
(317)
30 

1,655 
(1,625)
30 

1,758 
(1,448)
310 

310 
– 
– 
– 
(289)
21 

1,758 
(1,737)
21 

1,758 
(1,737)
21 

21 
–
–
–
–
(21)
– 

1,227 
(1,227)
– 

205 
– 
205 

205 
– 
– 
– 
– 
205 

205 
– 
205 

205 
– 
205 

205 
– 
– 
(205)
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
158 
– 
– 
– 
158 

158 
– 
158 

158 
– 
158 

158 
22 
– 
– 
– 
(107)
73 

180 
(107)
73 

(b) 

Intangible assets

At 1 July 2021
Cost or fair value
Accumulated amortisation
Net book amount
Year ended 30 June 2022
Opening net book amount
Additions
Disposals
Impairment charge
Amortisation charge
Closing net book amount
At 30 June 2022
Cost or fair value
Accumulated amortisation
Net book amount

At 1 July 2022
Cost or fair value
Accumulated amortisation
Net book amount
Year ended 30 June 2023
Opening net book amount
Additions
Net Disposals
Assets held for sale
Impairment charge
Amortisation charge
Closing net book amount
At 30 June 2023
Cost or fair value
Accumulated amortisation
Net book amount

* Software includes capitalised development costs being an internally 
generated intangible asset.

(i) 

Amortisation methods and useful lives

The Group amortises IT development and software from the date of first 
use, using the straight-line method over 3-5 years.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2023
7 

Non-financial asset and liabilities (continued)

(b) 

Intangible assets (continued)

(ii) 

Impairment tests for goodwill and other indefinite life 
intangibles

The Group

(ii) Deferred tax liabilities

The balance comprises temporary differences 
attributable to:
Property, plant and equipment
Other

(iii) Tax consolidation 

Members of the tax consolidated group

30 June
2023
$’000

30 June
2022
$’000

1,684
–
1,684 

1,971 
36 
2,006 

Beston Global Food Company Limited and its 100% owned Australian 
resident subsidiaries formed a tax consolidated group with effect from 
11 February 2015. Beston Global Food Company Limited is the head 
entity of the tax consolidated group.

Tax effect accounting by members of the tax consolidated group

Measurement method adopted under AASB Interpretation 1052 Tax 
Consolidation Accounting.

The head entity and the controlled entities in the tax consolidated 
group continue to account for their own current and deferred tax 
amounts. The Group has applied the stand-alone taxpayer approach 
in determining the appropriate amount of current taxes and deferred 
taxes to allocate to members of the tax consolidated group. These tax 
amounts are measured as if each entity in the tax consolidated group 
continues to be a separate taxable entity in its own right. The nature of 
the tax funding agreement is discussed further below.

In addition to its own current and deferred tax amounts, the head entity 
also recognises current tax liabilities (or assets) and the deferred tax 
assets arising from unused tax losses and unused tax credits assumed 
from controlled entities in the tax consolidated group.

Goodwill and other indefinite life intangibles have been tested for 
impairment. Based on valuations undertaken of the Dairy CGU to 
which the goodwill relates, goodwill relating to the meat segment was 
impaired by $2,828,442. Refer to note 8 for further discussion relating 
to impairment assessments.

(c) 

Inventories

Current assets
Raw material and stores
Finished goods

30 June
2023
 $’000 

30 June
2022
 $’000 

1,844 
16,553 
18,397 

2,799 
15,318 
18,117 

The Group recognised inventory at the lower of net realisable value 
or cost. The inventory balance comprises of $5.4m (2022 – $0) of 
inventory held at net realisable value with the remainder held at cost. 

(i) 

Assigning costs to inventories

The costs of individual items of inventory are determined using weighted 
average costs. See note 21(m) for the Group’s other accounting policies 
for inventories.

(ii) 

Amounts recognised in profit or loss

Inventories recognised as expense during the year ended 30 June 
2023 amounted to $125.8m - (2022 - $119.8m). There were write-downs 
of inventories during the year of $0.7m (2022 - $0.4m).

(d)  Deferred tax balances

(i) 

Deferred tax assets

The balance comprises temporary differences 
attributable to:
Tax losses and offsets
Employee benefits
Accruals
Tax only assets
Intangibles
Other
Total deferred tax assets

Significant estimates

30 June
2023
$’000

30 June
2022
$’000

347
428
214
111
584
–
1,684

30,944 
493 
56 
167 
269 
(128)
31,801 

As at 30 June 2023, the Group has derecognised the deferred tax asset 
(DTA) balance relating to carry forward losses of $29.8 million.  The 
balance of the DTA relating to carry forward losses is only recorded to 
the extent that it offsets the deferred tax liability arising from temporary 
differences.

The losses can be carried forward indefinitely and have no expiry date. 

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
 
 
 
 
63

(e)  Employee benefit obligations

(i) 

Australian Dairy CGU

The recoverable amount of the Australian Dairy CGU, $85.4 million as at 
30 June 2023, has been determined based on a fair value less cost to 
sell calculation using cash flow projections from financial budgets and 
forecasts covering a five year period, with input from an independent 
valuation specialist, and approved by senior management. The carrying 
value of goodwill allocated to the Australian Dairy CGU is $1.09 million, 
and the carrying value of indefinite life intangible assets allocated to the 
Australian Dairy CGU is $0.07 million.

Key drivers which impact the recoverable amount of the Australian Dairy 
CGU are detailed below.

Management have determined that a reasonable possible change in 
the key assumptions of the fair value less costs of disposal calculation 
would cause the carrying amount to exceed the recoverable amount of 
the Dairy CGU. 

(ii) 

Australian Meat CGU

On reclassification as an asset held for sale (refer note 4) the Australian 
Meat CGU was assessed for recoverability at the lower of carrying 
amount or fair value less costs to sell.

As a consequence of this assessment, an impairment of $2.83 million 
was recorded on the Australian Meat CGU.

(b)  Key assumptions – Dairy

The calculation of fair value of the Dairy operating CGU is most 
sensitive to the following assumptions:

•  Discount rates;

•  The price of milk paid to farmers and other suppliers;

•  The volume of milk obtained from farmers and other suppliers; and

•  The EBITDA margin.

(i) 

Discount rates

The pre-tax discount rate applied to the cash flow projections is 13.9% 
and the cash flows beyond the five-year period are extrapolated using a 
2.5% growth rate that is the same as the long-term average growth rate.

An increase of the pre-tax discount rate to 15.4% (i.e. +1.5%) in the Dairy 
CGU would result is a decrease in the recoverable amount of $17.8 
million. This decrease would result in impairment.

(ii) 

EBITDA margin

A change in milk price, or milk volume would have a direct effect on 
the EBITDA margin. A decrease in the EBITDA margin percentage of 
2.5% over the duration of the entire five-year period of the discounted 
cash flow model would result in a decrease in the recoverable amount 
of the Dairy CGU of approximately $33.9 million. This would lead to an 
impairment.

30 June 2023

30 June 2022

Current 
 $’000 
1,359 

Non-
current
 $’000 
68 

Total Current 
 $’000 
1,256 

 $’000 
1,427 

Non-
current
 $’000 
184 

Total
 $’000 
1,440 

Leave 
obligations (i)

(i) 

Leave obligations

The leave obligations cover the Group’s liability for long service leave 
and annual leave.

The current portion of this liability includes all of the accrued annual 
leave, the unconditional entitlements to long service leave where 
employees have completed the required period of service and also 
those where employees are entitled to pro-rata payments in certain 
circumstances. The entire amount of annual leave provision is 
presented as current, since the Group does not have an unconditional 
right to defer settlement for any of these obligations. However, based 
on past experience, the Group does not expect all employees to take 
the full amount of accrued leave or require payment within the next 12 
months. The following amounts reflect leave that is not to be expected 
to be taken or paid within the next 12 months.

30 June
2023
$’000

30 June
2022
$’000

136

310

Current leave obligations expected to be 
settled after 12 months

8 

Impairment

(a)  Management analysis

The Group performed its annual impairment test in June 2022 and 
2023. The Group considered the relationship between its market 
capitalisation and book value, among other factors, when reviewing for 
indicators of impairment. At 30 June 2023, the market capitalisation of 
the Group was below the book value of its equity, indicating a potential 
impairment of assets.

Goodwill which has been acquired through business combinations, 
and intangible assets with indefinite lives, are related to the Australian 
Dairy CGU. These assets have been tested for potential impairment 
using assumptions relevant for each of the CGU’s. Estimates have been 
applied to ensure each of the CGUs are robust in their assessment of 
future cash flows.

Discount rates represent the current market assessment of the risks 
specific to each CGU. The discount rates take into consideration the 
time value of money and the risk to achievement of the forecast. The 
discount rate calculation is based on market conditions and the specific 
circumstances of the Group and its CGUs, and is derived from the 
Group’s weighted average cost of capital (WACC).

The WACC takes into account both debt and equity. The cost of equity 
is derived from the expected return on investment by the Group’s 
investors. CGU-specific risk is incorporated by applying individual beta 
factors. The beta factors are evaluated annually based on publicly 
available market data. Adjustments to the discount rate are made to 
factor in the specific amount and timing of the future tax flows in order 
to reflect a pre-tax discount rate.

Rates are based on published industry research.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 202364

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2023

9 

Equity

(a)  Contributed equity

30 June
2023
Shares

30 June 30 June 30 June
2022
$’000

2022
Shares

2023
$’000

(i) 

Nature and purpose of other reserves

Financial assets at FVOCI

The financial assets at FVOCI reserve is used to revalue financial assets 
(equity instruments, as elected upon adoption of AASB 9 Financial 
Instruments) through other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on 
these financial assets are never recycled to the profit and loss.

Ordinary shares - 
fully paid

1,997,046,892

863,799,408

203,272

176,580

Foreign currency translation

(i) 

Movements in ordinary share capital

Balance 30 June 2022
Opening balance 1 July 2022
Share-based payment
Placement of shares
Capital raise costs

(ii) 

Ordinary shares

Number of shares
863,799,408
863,799,408
4,481,860
1,128,765,624
–
1,997,046,892

$’000
176,580
 176,580
295
28,219
(1,822)
203,272

Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the 
proceeds on winding up of the Company in proportion to the number of 
shares and amounts paid on the shares held.

On a show of hands every holder of ordinary shares present at a 
meeting in person or by proxy, is entitled to one vote, and upon a poll 
each share is entitled to one vote.

Ordinary shares have no par value and the Company does not have a 
limited amount of authorised capital.

(b)  Other reserves

The following table shows a breakdown of the balance sheet line item 
‘other reserves’ and the movements in these reserves during the year. 
A description of the nature and purpose of each reserve is provided 
below the table.

Financial assets at FVOCI
Unallocated shares
Share based payments
Foreign currency translation 

Movements
Financial assets at FVOCI
Opening balance
Revaluation - gross
Disposal of financial assets
Balance 30 June

Foreign currency translation
Opening balance
Currency translation differences arising 
during the year
Balance 30 June

 30 June 
2023
 $’000 

(7,793)

– 
(547)
(8,340)

(7,793)
– 
– 

(7,793)

(583)

36 

(547)

 30 June 
2022
 $’000 

(7,793)
– 
– 
(583)
(8,376)

(7,793)
– 
– 

(7,793)

(562)

(21)

(583)

Exchange differences arising on translation of the foreign controlled 
entity are recognised in other comprehensive income as described 
in note 21(d) and accumulated in a separate reserve within equity. 
The cumulative amount is reclassified to profit or loss when the net 
investment is disposed of.

(c)  Accumulated losses

Movements in accumulated losses were as follows: 

30 June
2023
$’000
(113,258)

30 June
2022
$’000
(91,533)

(48,857)

(21,725)

(162,115)

(113,258)

Opening balance
Net loss for the period attributable to equity 
holders of the parent
Balance 30 June

10  Cash flow information

(a)  Reconciliation of loss after income tax to net cash 

outflow from operating activities

Loss after tax for continuing operations

Loss after tax for discontinued operations
Loss after tax

Non-cash adjustments:
Depreciation & amortisation expense
Impairment of non-financial assets
Bad debts written off
Foreign exchange loss
Inventory write-off

Change in:
(Increase) in trade and other receivables
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
(Increase)/decrease in deferred tax assets
Increase/(decrease) in trade payables
Increase/(decrease) in deferred tax liabilities
Increase/(decrease) in other provisions
Net cash outflow from operating 
activities

30 Jun
2023
$’000

(41,435)

(6,056)
(47,491)

4,487
3,960
150
(136)
877

(4,214)
(2,451)
31,801
5,005
(2,006)
103

30 Jun
2022
$’000

(17,940)

(3,786)
(21,726)

4,313
2,000
758
(11)
382

(890)
375
(4,295)
(1,584)
293
563

(9,915)

(19,822)

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
65

11  Financial risk management

(ii) 

Interest rate risk

This note explains the Group’s exposure to financial risks and how these 
risks could affect the Group’s future financial performance. Current year 
profit and loss information has been included where relevant to add 
further context. Senior management oversees the management of these 
risks. The Board of Directors reviews and agrees policies for managing 
each of these risks.

(a)  Market risk

(i) 

Foreign exchange risk

Foreign exchange risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows 
of an exposure will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange 
rates. The Group’s exposure to risk of changes in foreign exchange 
rates relates primarily to the Group’s operating activities (when revenue 
or expense is denominated in a foreign currency) and the Group’s net 
investments in foreign subsidiaries.

Foreign exchange contracts are utilised as a short-term tool to mitigate 
some foreign exchange risk. These open contracts as at 30 June 2023 
are immaterial.

Exposure

The Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk at the end of the 
reporting period, expressed in Australian dollars, was as follows:

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a 
financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest 
rates. The Group’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest 
rates relates primarily to the Group’s external debt facilities and cash at 
bank held at variable rates.

Cash and cash equivalents
Borrowings (excluding fixed rate)

Sensitivity

30 June
 2023 
 $’000 
230
(30,491)
(30,261)

 30 June 
 2022 
 $’000 
322 
(42,065)
(41,743)

The following sensitivity analysis is based on the interest rate risk 
exposures in existence at balance date. At 30 June 2023, if interest 
rates had moved as illustrated in the table below, with all other variables 
held constant, post-tax loss and equity would have been impacted as 
follows: 

Trade receivables
Trade payables

30 June 
2023
CNY
$’000
- 
(28)

30 June 
2022
CNY
$’000
190 
- 

Interest rates - increase by 50 basis points
Interest rates - decrease by 50 basis points

(iii) 

Price risk

Exposure

Amounts recognised in profit or loss and other comprehensive 
income

During the year, the following foreign exchange related amounts were 
recognised in profit or loss:

30 June
2023
$’000

30 June
2022
$’000

136 

136 

11 

11 

Amounts recognised in profit or loss
Net foreign exchange gain included in 
finance income
Total net foreign exchange gains recognised 
in profit before income tax for the period

Sensitivity

The sensitivity of profit or loss to changes in the exchange rates is 
summarised below. Given the foreign currency balances included in 
the consolidated balance sheet at balance date, if the Australian dollar 
at that date strengthened by 10% with all other variables held constant, 
then the impact on post tax profit/(loss) arising on the balance sheet 
exposure would be as follows: 

Index
CNY/AUD exchange rate - increase 10%
CNY/AUD exchange rate - decrease 10%

Impact on post-tax profit
2022
$’000
(17)
21 

2023
$’000
(3)
3 

The Group is affected by the price volatility of certain commodities. 
Its operating activities require the ongoing purchase of milk and 
manufacture of cheddar and other cheese products, and therefore 
require a continuous supply of milk. The Group manages commodity 
risk by where possible entering into longer term relationships with key 
suppliers that create more certainty around key commodity prices.

(b)  Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not meet its obligations 
under a financial instrument or customer contract, leading to a financial 
loss. The Group is exposed to credit risk from its operating activities 
(primarily trade receivables) and from its financing activities, including 
deposits with banks and financial institutions, foreign exchange 
transactions and other financial instruments. The maximum exposure to 
credit risk before any credit enhancements at the end of each reporting 
period is the carrying amount of the financial assets (refer note 6(b)).

(i) 

Risk management

Customer credit risk is managed by each business unit subject to the 
Group’s established policy, procedures and control relating to customer 
credit risk management. Credit quality of a customer is assessed based 
on an extensive credit rating scorecard and individual credit limits are 
defined in accordance with this assessment.

Management have regular reporting and assessment of key customers 
credit risk in order to manage this.

 Impact on post-tax 
loss and equity 

 30 June 
 2023 
 $’000 
(357)
357 

 30 June 
 2022 
 $’000 
(344)
344 

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
66

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2023
11  Financial risk management (continued)

(b)  Credit risk (continued)

(ii) 

Trade receivables

Customer credit risk is managed by each business unit subject to the 
Group’s established policy, procedures and control relating to customer 
credit risk management. Credit quality of a customer is assessed based 
on an extensive credit rating scorecard and individual credit limits are 
defined in accordance with this assessment. Outstanding customer 
receivables and contract assets are regularly monitored and any 
shipments to major customers are generally covered by letters of credit 
or other forms of credit insurance obtained from reputable banks and 
other financial institutions.

An impairment analysis is performed at each reporting date based 
on the expected credit loss. The provision amounts are based on 
the expected recoverability risk for past due debtors. The provision 
reflects the probability-weighted outcome, the time value of money and 
reasonable and supportable information that is available at the reporting 
date about past events, current conditions, and forecasts of future 
economic conditions. Generally, trade receivables are written-off if past 
due for more than one year and are not subject to enforcement activity. 

Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss within other 
expenses. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are 
credited against other expenses. See note 21(n) for information about 
how impairment losses are calculated.

Movements in the provision for impairment of trade receivables that are 
assessed for impairment collectively are as follows:

At 1 July
Provision for impairment recognised during 
the year
Receivables written off during the year as 
uncollectable
At 30 June

(iii) 

Past due but not impaired

30 June
2023
$’000

30 June
2022
$’000

254 

–

(197)

57 

254 

335

(355)

254 

As at 30 June 2023, trade receivables of $3.47 million (2022 $3.97 
million) were past due but not impaired. These relate to a number of 
independent customers for whom there is no recent history of default.

Up to 3 months
3 to 6 months
6 to 9 months
At 30 June

(c) 

Liquidity risk

30 June
2023
$’000
3,291
120
66 
3,477

30 June
2022
$’000
3,697
8
260
3,965

The Group monitors its risk to a shortage of funds using a liquidity 
planning tool. The Group’s objective is to maintain a sufficient cash 
surplus in order to pay its debts as and when they fall due.

All financial liabilities of the Group are non-derivatives and have 
contractual maturities of up to 4 years.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
67

Total
$’000

16,961
31,828
4,737
53,526

16,597
54,685
6,310
77,592

(i) 

Maturities of financial liabilities

The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group’s financial 
liabilities based on contractual undiscounted payments. The carrying 
value approximates fair value. 

Contractual maturities of financial liabilities

On demand
$’000

Less than 3 
months
$’000

3 to 12 
months
$’000

At 30 June 2023
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Hire purchase liabilities
Total non-derivatives

At 30 June 2022
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Hire purchase liabilities
Total non-derivatives

3,014
9,830
– 
12,844

4,560 
2,990 
– 
7,550

13,947
320 
36 
14,303

12,037 
470 
43 
12,550 

– 
1,379
1,034
2,413

– 
21,449
1,555
23,004

1 to 5  
years
$’000

– 
20,299
3,667
23,966

– 
29,776
4,710
34,486

Over 5 
 years
$’000

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
2 
2 

12  Capital management

(a)  Risk management

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard their 
ability to continue as a going concern, so that they can continue to 
provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders.

In order to maintain the capital structure, the Group may adjust the 
amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders 
or issue new shares.

(b)  Dividends

There were no dividends provided for during the year ended 30 June 
2023 (2022: $nil). 

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 202368

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2023

13 

Interests in other entities

(a)  Material subsidiaries

The Group’s principal subsidiaries at 30 June 2023 are set out below. Unless otherwise stated, they have share capital consisting solely of ordinary 
shares that are held directly by the Group, and the proportion of ownership interests held equals the voting rights held by the Group. The country of 
incorporation or registration is also their principal place of business.

Name of entity

Country of 
incorporation 
and operation

Beston Global Food Company Limited
Beston Farms Pty Ltd
Beston Pure Dairies Pty Ltd
Beston Pure Foods (Australia) Pty Ltd
Beston Global Food (Thailand) Company Limited
Beston Global Food Company (Hong Kong) Limited
Beston Food (Shanghai) Co. Limited
Beston Technologies Pty Ltd
AQUAessence Pty Ltd
Provincial Food Group Pty Ltd
BFC Employee Share Holdings Pty Ltd

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Thailand
Hong Kong
China
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

Ownership interest 
held by the Group
2022
%
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
98.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
51.0
100.0
100.0

2023
%
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
98.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
51.0
100.0
100.0

14  Contingent liabilities and contingent assets

The Group had no contingent assets or liabilities at 30 June 2023 (2022 - nil).

15  Commitments

Principal activities

Ownership interest 
held by NCI
2022
%
Food services
–
Dairy farming
–
Dairy production
–
Sales and distribution
–
Sales and distribution
2.0
Sales and distribution
–
Sales and distribution
–
Technology developer
–
Water products
49.0
–
Protein processing
– Employee share scheme

2023
%
–
–
–
–
2.0
–
–
–
49.0
–
–

At 30 June 2023, the Group had commitments of $220.6m relating to milk supply purchases from farmers. These milk purchase commitments have 
terms of between 1 and 7 years. 

At 30 June 2023, the Group had commitments of $3.9m relating to equipment capital expenditure. 

16  Events occurring after the reporting period

Financing facilities

The Group successfully completed its debt tender process which has introduced an additional financier, and has increased facility limits of the 
Group’s Invoice Finance Facility. 

The Group’s financial liabilities of $45 million are primarily made up of three facilities at 30 June 2023: an Invoice Finance Facility of $10.0 million 
($9.4 million drawn), Corporate Markets Loan of $18.5 million ($18.5 million drawn) and Business Overdraft Facility of $18.7 million ($9.8 million 
drawn). The expiry dates of these facilities were extended, effective 30 June 2023, to 31 July 2024. In August 2023 the Group obtained approval 
and at the date of this report is in the final stages of establishing a new Invoice Finance Facility of up to $25 million (initially set at $18 million with 
step ups over time) and an Asset Finance Facility. The Invoice Finance Facility has a 3-year term, and can be drawn at any point in time for amounts 
of up to 82% of domestic receivables and 72% of export receivables, while the $3 million Asset Finance Facility also has a 3-year term. Proceeds 
will be used to extinguish the existing Invoice Finance Facility and fund scheduled debt repayments. 

The Group’s 12-month cashflow forecasts assume the continued availability of these or alternate facilities beyond 31 July 2024. The Directors are 
confident of establishing or renewing sufficient debt facilities prior to expiry of the current facilities on 31 July 2024. 

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 202369

17  Related party transactions

18  Remuneration of auditors

During the year the following fees were paid or payable for services 
provided by the auditor of the entity and its related practices:

Fees to Ernst & Young (Australia)
Fees for auditing the statutory financial report 
of the parent covering the group and auditing 
the statutory financial reports of any controlled 
entities

Fees for other services:
Tax compliance services
Due diligence services
Blockchain services
Total fees to Ernst & Young (Australia) [A]

Fees to other overseas member firms of 
Ernst & Young (Australia) [B]

Total auditor remuneration [A] + [B]

30 June
2023
$’000

30 June
2022
$’000

349

309

43
90
–
482

–

482

39
–
101
449

–

449

(a)  Subsidiaries

Interests in subsidiaries are set out in note 13(a).

(b)  Key management personnel compensation

Short term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

 30 June 
2023
 $’000 

 30 June 
2022
 $’000 

1,229 

113 

1,342 

854 

52 

906 

(c)  Transactions with other related parties

The following transactions occurred with related parties:

 30 June 
2023
 $’000 

 30 June 
2022
 $’000 

Sales of goods and services

Remuneration paid for directors services

Interest income from related parties

– 

– 

4 

248 

Purchases of goods and services

Management fee for Directors interests via 
the investment manager

– 

(553)

No transactions occurred with related parties during FY23.

(d)  Outstanding balances arising from sales/purchases 

of goods and services

There were no balances are outstanding at the end of the reporting 
period in relation to transactions with related parties.

(e)  Loans to/from related parties

Loans to other related parties

Beginning of year

End of year

 30 June 
2023
 $’000 

 30 June 
2022
 $’000 

– 

– 

33 

– 

There were no loans payable to or receivable from related parties as at 
30 June 2023.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
 
 
 
 
70

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2023

20  Parent entity financial information

(a)  Summary financial information

The individual financial statements for the parent entity show the 
following aggregate amounts: 

ASSETS
Current assets
Non-current assets
Total assets

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

EQUITY
Issued capital
Reserves
Accumulated losses
Total equity

Loss for the period
Total comprehensive loss

30 June
2023
$’000

30 June
2022
$’000

3,875
34,974
38,849

1,301 
4,164
5,465
33,384

5,186
57,572
62,758

848
4,998
5,847
56,911

203,272
(7,792)
(162,097)
33,384

176,580
(5,850)
(113,819)
56,911

(48,278)
(48,278)

(19,717)
(19,717)

(b)  Contingent liabilities of the parent entity

The parent entity did not have any contingent liabilities as at 30 June 
2023 or 30 June 2022.

19  Earnings per share

(a)  Basic loss per share

From continuing operations attributable to the 
ordinary equity holders 
From discontinued operations
Total basic loss per share attributable to the 
ordinary equity holders 

(b) Diluted loss per share

From continuing operations attributable to the 
ordinary equity holders 
From discontinued operations
Total diluted loss per share attributable to the 
ordinary equity holders 

30 June
2023
Cents

30 June
2022
Cents 
Restated

(2.70)

(0.39)

(3.09)

(2.09)

(0.44)

(2.53)

30 June
2022
Cents

30 June
2021
Cents

(2.70)

(0.39)

(3.09)

(2.09)

(0.44)

(2.53)

(c)  Reconciliation of earnings used in calculating 

earnings per share

Basic loss per share
Loss attributable to the ordinary equity holders 
used in calculating basic loss per share:
From continuing operations
From discontinued operations
Loss attributable to the ordinary equity 
holders of the parent for basic earnings
Effects of dilution
Loss attributable to the ordinary equity 
holders of the parent for diluted earnings

30-Jun

30-Jun

2023
$'000

2022
$'000

(42,801)
(6,056)

(17,939)
(3,786)

(48,857)

(21,725)

–

–

(48,857)

(21,725)

(d)   Weighted average number of shares used as the 

denominator

Weighted average number of ordinary 
shares used as the denominator in 
calculating basic and diluted loss per 
share

2023
Number

2022
Number

1,535,965,306 

860,268,929

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
71

21  Summary of significant accounting policies

Cash flow from operating activities

This note provides a list of the significant accounting policies adopted in 
the preparation of these consolidated financial statements to the extent 
they have not already been disclosed in the other notes above. These 
policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, 
unless otherwise stated. The financial statements are for the Group 
consisting of Beston Global Food Company Limited and its subsidiaries.

a. 

Basis of preparation

These general-purpose financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and interpretations 
issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the 
Corporations Act 2001. Beston Global Food Company Limited is a for-
profit entity for the purpose of preparing the financial statements.

(i) 

Going Concern

The Group incurred a statutory net loss after tax of $47.5 million and 
had net cash outflows from operating activities of $9.9 million for the 
year ended 30 June 2023. On a pre-tax basis, the loss from continuing 
operations for the year was $11.6 million. The financial statements have 
been prepared on the basis that the Group is a going concern which 
contemplates continuity of normal business activities and the realisation 
of assets and discharge of liabilities in the normal course of business.

In September 2022, the Group outlined several activities that were 
critical to supporting the going concern assumption being: successful 
completion of a capital raise, generation of sufficient cashflows from 
operations; meeting scheduled debt repayments and successfully 
renegotiating certain bank facilities with a facility expiry date of 31 
August 2023. 

The Directors were pleased to report the successful completion of its 
capital raise of $28.3 million and debt repayments of $16 million in the 
half year ended 31 December 2022. To continue as a going concern 
the Group requires continued operational results improvement as 
forecast, ongoing support of its bankers or other financiers and milk 
suppliers, and successful completion of the divestment of non-core 
operations, as described below.

Financing facilities

The Group successfully completed its debt tender process which has 
introduced an additional financier, and has increased facility limits of the 
Group’s Invoice Finance Facility. 

The Group’s financial liabilities of $45 million are primarily made up of 
three facilities at 30 June 2023: an Invoice Finance Facility of $10.0 
million ($9.4 million drawn), Corporate Markets Loan of $18.5 million 
($18.5 million drawn) and Business Overdraft Facility of $18.7 million 
($9.8 million drawn). The expiry dates of these facilities were extended, 
effective 30 June 2023, to 31 July 2024. In August 2023 the Group 
obtained approval and at the date of this report is in the final stages of 
establishing a new Invoice Finance Facility of up to $25 million (initially 
set at $18 million with step ups over time) and an Asset Finance Facility. 
The Invoice Finance Facility has a 3-year term, and can be drawn at 
any point in time for amounts of up to 82% of domestic receivables and 
72% of export receivables, while the $3 million Asset Finance Facility 
also has a 3-year term. Proceeds will be used to extinguish the existing 
Invoice Finance Facility and fund scheduled debt repayments. 

The Group’s 12-month cashflow forecasts assume the continued 
availability of these or alternate facilities beyond 31 July 2024. The 
Directors are confident of establishing or renewing sufficient debt 
facilities prior to expiry of the current facilities on 31 July 2024.

A budget and cash flow forecast has been prepared for the twelve-
month period from the date of signing the financial statements which 
forecasts an improved operating performance and cashflows. The 
cash flow forecast has been prepared based on managements’ and 
the Directors’ assessment of reasonable economic, operating and 
trading performance assumptions, including those achieved in Q4 of 
FY23. If this forecast is achieved, it will support the Directors’ going 
concern assertion. These forecasts are dependent upon the ability of 
the Group to secure the necessary milk volumes at the prices forecast 
by the Group. These volumes and prices are based on continuation of 
the Group’s existing milk purchases from suppliers. These forecasts 
are also dependent on the cash payment and collection profile being 
materially in line with the Group’s payment terms.

Divestment of non-core operations

The Group made the decision to divest or discontinue its non-dairy 
operations (Meat, Technology and Water businesses) and is well 
advanced in this process. The proceeds from these divestments will be 
used to make required debt reductions.

In summary, having considered the foregoing matters and deliberated 
on the Group’s business plans and operating budgets, the Directors 
believe that the Group will continue as a going concern. 

To continue as a going concern the Group requires continued 
operational results improvement as forecast, ongoing support of 
its bankers or other financiers and milk suppliers, and successful 
completion of the divestment of non-core operations. However, in 
the unlikely event these conditions are not achieved this may cast 
significant doubt about the Group’s ability to continue as a going 
concern. In that case, the Group may be required to realise its assets 
and extinguish its liabilities other than in the normal course of business 
and at amounts different to those stated in the financial statements. 

The financial statements do not include adjustments relating to 
the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or 
the amounts and classification of recorded liabilities that might be 
necessary should the consolidated entity not continue as a going 
concern.

(ii) 

Compliance with IFRS

The consolidated financial statements of the Beston Global Food 
Company Limited Group also comply with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board (IASB). 

(iii)  Historical cost convention

These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost 
basis, except for assets held for sale which are recognised at fair value 
less costs to sell.

(iv) 

New and amended standards adopted by the Group

There are no new standards, interpretations or amendments to existing 
standards that are effective for the first time that have a material 
impact in current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future 
transactions.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 202372

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2023
21  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

a. 

Basis of preparation (continued)

(v) 

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

Fair value assessments

Management uses their judgement in selecting an appropriate valuation 
technique for financial instruments and investments not quoted in an 
active market. Where assets are a carried at fair value, and where 
there are no observable market prices, the Group undertakes a fair 
value assessment utilising expected future cash flows less estimated 
costs of disposal. Wherever possible, future cash flow estimates are 
based on information obtained from the investee entity, and the Group 
assesses reasonableness of this information and applies judgement 
to ensure that the expected future cash flow estimates are appropriate. 
Such estimates and judgements are subject to change as a result of 
changing economic and operation conditions. Actual cash flows may 
therefore differ from forecasts and could result in the recognition of 
impairment charges in future periods.

Further details on assets held for sale are disclosed in note 4.

Assets held for sale

The Group classifies non-current assets and disposal groups as held 
for sale if their carrying amounts will be recovered principally through a 
sale transaction rather than through continuing use. Non-current assets 
and disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the 
lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Costs 
to sell are the incremental costs directly attributable to the disposal 
of an asset (disposal group), excluding finance costs and income tax 
expense. 

The criteria for held for sale classification is regarded as met only when 
the sale is highly probable, and the asset or disposal group is available 
for immediate sale in its present condition. Actions required to complete 
the sale should indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to 
the sale will be made or that the decision to sell will be withdrawn. 
Management must be committed to the plan to sell the asset and the 
sale expected to be completed within one year from the date of the 
classification. 

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are not 
depreciated or amortised once classified as held for sale. 

Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale are presented separately 
as current items in the statement of financial position. 

Discontinued operations are excluded from the results of continuing 
operations and are presented as a single amount as profit or loss after 
tax from discontinued operations in the statement of profit or loss. 

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been 
published that are not mandatory for 30 June 2023 reporting periods 
and have not been early adopted by the Group. The Group’s has 
assessed that none of these are relevant to the Group.

Standards not yet effective

There are no other standards that are not yet effective and that would be 
expected to have a material impact on the entity in the current or future 
reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions. None of these 
are expected to have a material effect on the financial statements.

(vi) 

Key judgements, estimates and assumptions

The preparation of financial statements requires the use of certain 
critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise 
its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting 
policies.

Financial forecasting

Management maintains a detailed financial model that it uses to 
forecast the future performance of each of its segments within the 
Group, and the Group. This model was updated for the latest available 
information as at 30 June 2023. Key uses of the financial model include 
understanding expected financial performance, capital expenditure, 
cash-flow and capital and debt management requirements of the 
Group. The financial model is also the key input for valuation purposes, 
including impairment assessments. Significant assumptions that drive 
the forecast outcomes are subject to detailed review for reasonableness 
by management, and approval by the Board.

By their nature, financial forecasts are inherently uncertain and 
dependent upon realisation of critical assumptions. Should expected 
future business conditions change, this could lead to a change in these 
critical assumptions which could have a material impact on the forecast 
financial performance of the Group, assessment of the recoverable 
amount of assets for impairment purposes, and recognition of deferred 
tax assets.

Impairment of non-financial assets

Impairment exists when the carrying value of an asset or cash 
generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of 
its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. The fair value 
less cost to sell calculation is based on the detailed financial model 
as discussed in note 7, with cash flows derived from the forecast for 
the next five years. The key drivers used to determine the recoverable 
amount for the different CGUs are disclosed and further explained in 
note 8.

Recoverability of deferred tax balances

Deferred tax assets are recognised for unused tax losses to the extent 
that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the 
losses can be utilised. Management judgement is required to determine 
the amount of deferred tax asset that can be recognised, based on the 
likely timing and the level of future taxable profits, together with future 
tax planning strategies. Further details on deferred tax balances are 
disclosed in note 7 and 21(g).

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 202373

Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign 
currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when 
the fair value was determined. Translation differences on assets and 
liabilities carried at fair value are reported as part of the fair value gain 
or loss. 

(iii)  Group companies

The results and financial position of foreign operations (none of which 
has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that have a functional 
currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the 
presentation currency as follows:

•  assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated 

at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet

•  income and expenses for each statement of profit or loss and 
statement of comprehensive income are translated at average 
exchange rates (unless this is not a reasonable approximation of the 
cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in 
which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the 
transactions), and

•  all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other 

comprehensive income.

When a foreign operation is sold, the associated exchange differences 
are reclassified to profit or loss, as part of the gain or loss on sale.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a 
foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign 
operation and translated at the closing rate.

(e)  Revenue recognition

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised when control 
of the goods or services are transferred to the customer at an amount 
that reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled 
in exchange for those goods or services. The Group has generally 
concluded that it is the principal in its revenue arrangements because it 
typically controls the goods or services before transferring them to the 
customer.

Revenue from the sale of dairy and meat products is recognised at the 
point in time when control of the asset is transferred to the customer, 
generally on delivery of the goods to the customer’s location.

The Group considers whether there are other promises in the contract 
that are separate performance obligations to which a portion of the 
transaction price needs to be allocated (e.g. rebates, case deals). 

Revenue for interest income is recognised on the following basis:

Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method. When 
a receivable is impaired, the Group reduces the carrying amount to its 
recoverable amount, being the estimated future cash flow discounted 
at the original effective interest rate of the instrument and continues 
unwinding the discount as interest income. Interest income on impaired 
loans is recognised using the original effective interest rate. 

(b)  Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and 
liabilities of all subsidiaries of Beston Global Food Company Limited 
(“Company” or “parent entity”) as at 30 June 2023 and the results of 
all subsidiaries for the year then ended. Beston Global Food Company 
Limited and its subsidiaries together are referred to in this financial 
report as the Group or the consolidated entity. 

(i) 

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which 
the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is 
exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with 
the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power 
to direct the activities of the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated 
from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are 
deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for business 
combinations by the Group (refer to note 21(i)).

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on 
transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Unrealised 
losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence 
of the impairment of the transferred asset. Accounting policies 
of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure 
consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries are 
shown separately in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated 
balance sheet respectively.

(c)  Segment reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the 
internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker.

The Board of Beston Global Food Company Limited has appointed 
an executive management committee which assesses the financial 
performance and position of the Group and makes strategic decisions. 
The executive management committee, which has been identified 
as being the chief operating decision maker, consists of the Chief 
Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer.

(d)  Foreign currency translation

(i) 

Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities 
are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment 
in which the entity operates (‘the functional currency’). The consolidated 
financial statements are presented in Australian dollars ($), which is 
Beston Global Food Company Limited’s functional and presentation 
currency.

(ii)  Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency 
using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. 
Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of 
such transactions and from the translation at year end exchange rates 
of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are 
recognised in profit or loss.

Foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the consolidated 
income statement on a net basis within other income or other expenses.

Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a 
foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date of 
initial transactions.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 202374

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2023
21  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(f)  Government grants

Grants from the government are recognised at their fair value where 
there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and the 
Group will comply with all attached conditions.

Current and deferred tax is recognised in profit or loss, except to the 
extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income 
or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognised in other 
comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

Government grants relating to costs are deferred and recognised in the 
profit or loss over the period necessary to match them with the costs 
that they are intended to compensate.

(h)  Leases

•  Group as a lessee

Government grants relating to the purchase of property, plant and 
equipment are included in non-current liabilities as deferred income and 
are credited to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the expected 
lives of the related assets.

(g) 

Income tax

The income tax expense or credit for the period is the tax payable on 
the current period’s taxable income based on the applicable income 
tax rate for each jurisdiction adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets 
and liabilities attributable to temporary differences and to unused tax 
losses.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax 
laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting 
period in the countries where the Group’s subsidiaries and associates 
operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically 
evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in 
which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes 
provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be 
paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on 
temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial 
statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they 
arise from the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred income tax is 
also not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or 
liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the 
time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or 
loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that 
have been enacted or substantially enacted by the end of the reporting 
period and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax 
asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognised only if it is probable that future 
taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences 
and losses.

Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognised for temporary 
differences between the carrying amount and tax bases of investments 
in foreign operations where the Group is able to control the timing of 
the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the 
differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally 
enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and when 
the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority. Current 
tax assets and tax liabilities are offset where the entity has a legally 
enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or 
to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Beston Global Food Company Limited and its wholly owned Australian 
controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation legislation. 
As a consequence, these entities are taxed as a single entity and the 
deferred tax assets and liabilities of these entities are set off in the 
consolidated financial statements.

The Group applies a single recognition and measurement approach for 
all leases, except short-term leases and leases of low-value assets. The 
Group recognises lease liabilities to make lease payments and right-of-
use assets representing the right to use the underlying assets.

•  Right-of use assets

The Group recognises right-of-use assets at the commencement date of 
the lease (i.e., the date the underlying asset is available for use). Right-
of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation 
and impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease 
liabilities. The cost of right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease 
liabilities recognised, initial direct costs incurred, and lease payments 
made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives 
received. Unless the Group is reasonably certain to obtain ownership 
of the leased asset at the end of the lease term, the recognised right-
of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter 
of its estimated useful life and the lease term. Right-of-use assets are 
subject to impairment.

•  Lease liabilities

At the commencement date of the lease, the Group recognises lease 
liabilities measured at the present value of lease payments to be 
made over the lease term. The lease payments include fixed payments 
(including in-substance fixed payments) less any lease incentives 
receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, 
and amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees. 
The lease payments also include the exercise price of a purchase 
option reasonably certain to be exercised by the Group and payments 
of penalties for terminating a lease, if the lease term reflects the Group 
exercising the option to terminate. The variable lease payments that 
do not depend on an index or a rate are recognised as expense in 
the period on which the event or condition that triggers the payment 
occurs. In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Group 
uses the incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement 
date if the Lessee’s incremental rate implicit in the lease is not readily 
determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease 
liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced 
for the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying amount of lease 
liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification, a change in the lease 
term, a change in the in-substance fixed lease payments or a change in 
the assessment to purchase the underlying asset.

•  Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets

The Group applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to its 
short-term leases of machinery and equipment (i.e., those leases that 
have a lease term of 12 months or less from the commencement date 
and do not contain a purchase option). It also applies the lease of 
low-value assets recognition exemption to leases of office equipment 
that are considered of low value (i.e., below $10,000). Lease payments 
on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised as 
expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 202375

(i) 

Business combinations

(j) 

Impairment of non-financial assets

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for all 
business combinations, regardless of whether equity instruments 
or other assets are acquired. The consideration transferred for the 
acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the following:

•  fair values of the assets transferred

•  liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquired business

•  equity interests issued by the Group

•  fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent 

consideration arrangement, and

•  fair value of any pre-existing equity interest in the subsidiary.

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities 
assumed in a business combination are, with limited exceptions, 
measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The Group 
recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity on an 
acquisition-by-acquisition basis either at fair value or at the non-
controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquired entity’s net 
identifiable assets.

Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

The excess of the

•  consideration transferred,

•  amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity, and

Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are not 
subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment, or more 
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might 
be impaired. Other assets are tested for impairment whenever events 
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not 
be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by 
which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The 
recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs of 
disposal and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, 
assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately 
identifiable cash inflows which are largely independent of the cash 
inflows from other assets or Groups of assets (cash-generating units). 
Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered an impairment 
are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at the end of each 
reporting period.

(k)  Cash and cash equivalents

For the purpose of presentation in the statement of cash flows, cash 
and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with 
financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with 
original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to 
known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk 
of changes in value, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown 
within borrowings in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

•  acquisition-date fair value of any previous equity interest in the 

(l) 

Trade receivables

acquired entity

over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired is recorded 
as goodwill. If those amounts are less than the fair value of the 
net identifiable assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is 
recognised directly in profit or loss as a bargain purchase.

Where settlement of any part of cash consideration is deferred, the 
amounts payable in the future are discounted to their present value 
as at the date of exchange. The discount rate used is the entity’s 
incremental borrowing rate, being the rate at which a similar borrowing 
could be obtained from an independent financier under comparable 
terms and conditions.

Contingent consideration is classified either as equity or a financial 
liability. Amounts classified as a financial liability are subsequently 
remeasured to fair value with changes in fair value recognised in profit 
or loss.

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date 
carrying value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the 
acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date. Any gains 
or losses arising from such remeasurement are recognised in profit or 
loss.

Trade receivables are recognised initially at the transaction price as 
determined under AASB 15, less provision for impairment. See note 
6(b) for further information about the Group’s accounting for trade 
receivables and note 8 for a description of the Group’s impairment 
policies.

(m) 

Inventories

Raw materials and stores, work in progress and finished goods

Raw materials and stores, work in progress and finished goods are 
stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises 
direct materials, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of variable 
and fixed overhead expenditure, the latter being allocated on the basis 
of normal operating capacity.

Costs are assigned to individual items of inventory on the basis of 
weighted average costs. Costs of purchased inventory are determined 
after deducting rebates and discounts. Net realisable value is the 
estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the 
estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to 
make the sale.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 202376

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2023
21  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(n) 

Investments and other financial assets

(i) 

Classification and measurement

With the exception of trade receivables, the Group initially measures a 
financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at 
fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs. Transaction costs of 
financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are expensed 
in profit or loss. Trade receivables are measured at the transaction price 
determined under AASB 15.

The classification of financial assets depends on the financial asset’s 
contractual cash flow characteristics and the Group’s business model 
for managing them. In order for a financial asset to be classified and 
measured at amortised cost or fair value through OCI (for a debt 
instrument), it needs to give rise to cash flows that are ‘solely payments 
of principal and interest (SPPI)’ on the principal amount outstanding.

This assessment is referred to as the SPPI test and is performed at an 
instrument level.

The Group’s business model for managing financial assets refers to 
how it manages its financial assets in order to generate cash flows. 
The business model determines whether cash flows will result from 
collecting contractual cash flows, selling the financial assets, or both.

Financial assets fair value through profit and loss

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include financial 
assets held for trading, financial assets designated upon initial 
recognition at fair value through profit or loss, or financial assets 
mandatorily required to be measured at fair value. Financial assets 
are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose 
of selling or repurchasing in the near term. Derivatives, including 
separated embedded derivatives, are also classified as held for trading 
unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments. Financial 
assets with cash flows that are not solely payments of principal and 
interest are classified and measured at fair value through profit or loss, 
irrespective of the business model.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are carried in the 
Consolidated balance sheet at fair value with net changes in fair value 
recognised in the statement of profit or loss. This includes convertible 
notes within the Trade and other receivables balance and certain 
investments within Investments in the Consolidated balance sheet.

Financial assets at amortised cost

This category is the most relevant to the Group. The Group measures 
financial assets at amortised cost if both of the following conditions are 
met:

•  The financial asset is held within a business model with the objective 
to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows; 
and

•  The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified 

dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest 
on the principal amount outstanding.

Financial assets at amortised cost are subsequently measured using 
the effective interest (EIR) method and are subject to impairment. 
Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the asset is 
derecognised, modified or impaired. The Group’s financial assets at 
amortised cost includes trade receivables and other receivables within 
the Trade and other receivables balance in the Consolidated balance 
sheet.

Financial assets designated at fair value through OCI 
(equity instruments)

Upon initial recognition, the Group can elect to classify irrevocably 
its equity investments as equity instruments designated at fair value 
through OCI when they meet the definition of equity under AASB 132 
Financial Instruments and are not held for trading. The classification 
is determined on an instrument-by-instrument basis. Gains and losses 
on these financial assets are never recycled to profit or loss. Dividends 
are recognised as other income in the statement of profit or loss when 
the right of payment has been established, except when the Group 
benefits from such proceeds as a recovery of part of the cost of the 
financial asset, in which case, such gains are recorded in OCI. Equity 
instruments designated at fair value through OCI are not subject to 
impairment assessment.

(ii) 

Recognition and derecognition

The Group initially recognises a financial asset when it becomes party 
to the contractual provisions of the instrument. A financial asset (or, 
where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar 
financial assets) is primarily derecognised (i.e., removed from the 
Group’s consolidated statement of financial position) when:

•  The right to receive cash flows from the asset have expired; or

•  The Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the 
asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows 
in full without material delay to a third party under a ‘pass-through’ 
arrangement; and either (a) the Group has transferred substantially 
all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) the Group has neither 
transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the 
asset, but has transferred control of the asset.

(iii) 

Impairment

The Group recognises an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) 
for all debt instruments not held at fair value through profit or loss. ECLs 
are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due 
in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the Group 
expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the original 
effective interest rate. The expected cash flows will include cash flows 
from the sale of collateral held or other credit enhancements that are 
integral to the contractual terms.

ECLs are recognised in two stages. For credit exposures for which there 
has not been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, 
ECLs are provided for credit losses that result from default events that 
are possible within the next 12-months (a 12-month ECL). For those 
credit exposures for which there has been a significant increase in 
credit risk since initial recognition, a loss allowance is required for credit 
losses expected over the remaining life of the exposure, irrespective of 
the timing of the default (a lifetime ECL).

For trade receivables and contract assets, the Group applies a 
simplified approach in calculating ECLs. Therefore, the Group does not 
track changes in credit risk, but instead recognises a loss allowance 
based on lifetime ECLs at each reporting date. The Group has 
established a provision matrix that is based on its historical credit loss 
experience, adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the debtors 
and the economic environment.

The Group considers a financial asset in default when contractual 
payments are 90 days past due. However, in certain cases, the Group 
may also consider a financial asset to be in default when internal or 
external information indicates that the Group is unlikely to receive the 
outstanding contractual amounts in full before taking into account any 
credit enhancements held by the Group. A financial asset is written off 
when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual 
cash flows.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 202377

Assets carried at amortised cost

(p)  Assets held for sale

For loans and receivables, the amount of the loss is measured as the 
difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value 
of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have 
not been incurred) discounted at the financial asset’s original effective 
interest rate. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced and the 
amount of the loss is recognised in profit or loss. If a loan or held-to-
maturity investment has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for 
measuring any impairment loss is the current effective interest rate 
determined under the contract. As a practical expedient, the Group may 
measure impairment on the basis of an instrument’s fair value using an 
observable market price.

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases 
and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after 
the impairment was recognised (such as an improvement in the debtor’s 
credit rating), the reversal of the previously recognised impairment loss 
is recognised in profit or loss.

The Group classifies non-current assets and disposal groups as held 
for sale if their carrying amounts will be recovered principally through a 
sale transaction rather than through continuing use. Non-current assets 
and disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the 
lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Costs 
to sell are the incremental costs directly attributable to the disposal 
of an asset (disposal group), excluding finance costs and income tax 
expense.

The criteria for held for sale classification is regarded as met only when 
the sale is highly probable, and the asset or disposal group is available 
for immediate sale in its present condition. Actions required to complete 
the sale should indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to 
the sale will be made or that the decision to sell will be withdrawn. 
Management must be committed to the plan to sell the asset and the 
sale expected to be completed within one year from the date of the 
classification.

Impairment testing of trade receivables is described in Note 6(b). 

(o)  Financial liabilities

(i) 

Initial recognition and measurement

Financial liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as financial 
liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans and borrowings, 
payables, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an 
effective hedge, as appropriate. All financial liabilities are recognised 
initially at fair value and, in the case of loans and borrowings and 
payables, net of directly attributable transaction costs. The Group’s 
financial liabilities include trade and other payables, and loans and 
borrowings.

(ii) 

Subsequent measurement

The measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification, 
as described below:

Loans and borrowings

This is the category most relevant to the Group. After initial recognition, 
interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at 
amortised cost using the EIR method. Gains and losses are recognised 
in profit or loss when the liabilities are derecognised as well as through 
the EIR amortisation process.

Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or 
premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the 
EIR. The EIR amortisation is included as finance costs in the statement 
of profit or loss.

This category generally applies to interest-bearing borrowings.

(iii)  Derecognition

A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the 
liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing 
financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on 
substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are 
substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as 
the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new 
liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised 
in the statement of profit or loss.

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are not 
depreciated or amortised once classified as held for sale.

Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale are presented separately 
as current items in the statement of financial position. 

(q)  Property, plant, and equipment

The Group’s accounting policy for land and buildings is explained in 
note 7(a). All other property, plant and equipment is stated at historical 
cost less depreciation and impairment. Historical cost includes 
expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. 
Cost may also include transfers from equity of any gains or losses on 
qualifying cash flow hedges of foreign currency purchases of property, 
plant, and equipment.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or 
recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is 
probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow 
to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The 
carrying amount of any component accounted for as a separate asset 
is derecognised when replaced. All other repairs and maintenance are 
charged to profit or loss during the reporting period in which they are 
incurred.

The depreciation methods and periods used by the Group are disclosed 
in note 7(a).

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted 
if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its 
recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its 
estimated recoverable amount (note 21(j)).

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds 
with carrying amount. These are included in profit or loss. When 
revalued assets are sold, it is Group policy to transfer any amounts 
included in other reserves in respect of those assets to retained 
earnings.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 202378

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 June 2023
21  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(r) 

Intangible assets

(i) 

Goodwill

Goodwill is measured as described in note 22(i). Goodwill on 
acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. Goodwill is 
not amortised but it is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently 
if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired, 
and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains 
and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of 
goodwill relating to the entity sold.

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of 
impairment testing. The allocation is made to those cash-generating 
units or Groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit 
from the business combination in which the goodwill arose. The units 
or Groups of units are identified at the lowest level at which goodwill 
is monitored for internal management purposes, being the operating 
segments (note 1).

(ii) 

Trademarks and licences

Separately acquired trademarks and licences are shown at historical 
cost. Trademarks, licences and customer contracts acquired in a 
business combination are recognised at fair value at the acquisition 
date. They have a finite useful life and are subsequently carried at cost 
less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses.

(iii) 

Software (e-commerce platform and other applications)

Costs associated with maintaining software programs are recognised 
as an expense as incurred. Development costs that are directly 
attributable to the design and testing of identifiable and unique software 
products controlled by the Group are recognised as intangible assets 
when the following criteria are met:

•  it is technically feasible to complete the software so that it will be 

available for use

•  management intends to complete the software and use or sell it

•  there is an ability to use or sell the software

•  it can be demonstrated how the software will generate probable 

future economic benefits

•  adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the 
development and to use or sell the software are available, and

•  the expenditure attributable to the software during its development 

can be reliably measured.

Directly attributable costs that are capitalised as part of the software 
include employee costs and an appropriate portion of relevant 
overheads.

Capitalised development costs are recorded as intangible assets and 
amortised from the point at which the asset is ready for use.

(iv) 

Amortisation methods and periods

Refer to note 8(b) for details about amortisation methods and periods 
used by the Group for intangible assets.

(s)  Trade and other payables

These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided 
to the Group prior to the end of financial year which are unpaid. 
The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days 
of recognition. Trade and other payables are presented as current 
liabilities unless payment is not due within 12 months from the reporting 
date. They are recognised initially at their fair value and subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

(t) 

Employee benefits

(i) 

Short-term obligations

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits and 
accumulating sick leave that are expected to be settled wholly within 
12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render 
the related service are recognised in respect of employees’ services 
up to the end of the reporting period and are measured at the amounts 
expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. The liabilities are 
presented as current employee benefit obligations in the consolidated 
balance sheet.

(ii) 

Other long-term employee benefit obligations

The liabilities for long service leave and annual leave are not expected 
to be settled wholly within 12 months after the end of the period in 
which the employees render the related service. They are therefore 
measured as the present value of expected future payments to be 
made in respect of services provided by employees up to the end of the 
reporting period using the projected unit credit method. Consideration 
is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of 
employee departures and periods of service. Expected future payments 
are discounted using market yields at the end of the reporting period 
of corporate bonds with terms and currencies that match, as closely 
as possible, the estimated future cash outflows. Remeasurements as a 
result of experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions 
are recognised in profit or loss.

The obligations are presented as current liabilities in the balance sheet 
if the entity does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for 
at least twelve months after the reporting period, regardless of when the 
actual settlement is expected to occur.

(iv) 

Share-based payments

Employees and Directors of the Group may receive remuneration in the 
form of share-based payments, whereby employees render services 
as consideration for equity instruments (equity-settled transactions). 
The cost of equity-settled transactions is determined by the fair value at 
the date when the grant is made using an appropriate valuation model. 
The cost is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in other 
capital reserves in equity, over the period in which the performance 
and/or service conditions are fulfilled in employee benefits expense.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 202379

The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions at 
each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which 
the vesting period has expired and the Group’s best estimate of the 
number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income expense or credit for a period 
represents the movement in cumulative expense recognised as at 
the beginning of the period and is recognised in employee benefits 
expense. No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately 
vest, except for equity-settled transactions for which vesting is 
conditional upon a market or non-vesting condition. These are treated 
as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market or non-vesting 
condition is satisfied, provided that all other performance and/or service 
conditions are satisfied.

When the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, the minimum 
expense recognised is the expense had that terms not been modified 
if the original terms of the award are not met. An additional expense 
is recognised for any modification that increases the total fair value of 
the share-based payment transaction or is otherwise beneficial to the 
employee as measured at the date of modification. The dilutive effect 
of outstanding options is reflected as additional share dilution in the 
computation of diluted earnings per share.

(u)  Contributed equity

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares 
or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the 
proceeds.

(v)  Dividends

Provision is made for the amount of any dividend declared, being 
appropriately authorised and no longer at the discretion of the entity, on 
or before the end of the reporting period but not distributed at the end 
of the reporting period.

(w)  Earnings per share

(i) 

Basic earnings per share

(x)  Rounding of amounts

The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Corporations (Rounding 
in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191, issued by the 
Australian Securities and Investments Commission, relating to the 
‘rounding off’ of amounts in the financial statements. Amounts in the 
financial statements have been rounded off in accordance with that 
instrument to the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, the 
nearest dollar.

(y)  Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of 
associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not recoverable from the 
taxation authority. In this case it is recognised as part of the cost of 
acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST 
receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or 
payable to, the taxation authority is included with other receivables or 
payables in the consolidated balance sheet.

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST components 
of cash flows arising from investing or financing activities which are 
recoverable from, or payable to the taxation authority, are presented as 
operating cash flows.

(z)  Parent entity financial information

The financial information for the parent entity, Beston Global Food 
Company Limited, disclosed in note 20 has been prepared on the same 
basis as the consolidated financial statements, except as set out below.

(i) 

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture 
entities

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture entities are 
accounted for at cost in the financial statements of Beston Global Food 
Company Limited. Dividends received from associates are recognised 
in the parent entity’s profit or loss when its right to receive the dividend 
is established.

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing:

(ii) 

Tax consolidation legislation

Beston Global Food Company Limited and its wholly owned Australian 
controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation legislation.

Refer to note 7 for further details.

•  the profit attributable to owners of the Company, excluding any costs 

of servicing equity other than ordinary shares

•  by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding 
during the financial year, adjusted for bonus elements in ordinary 
shares issued during the year and excluding treasury shares.

(ii) 

Diluted earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination 
of basic earnings per share to take into account:

•  the after income tax effect of interest and other financing costs 

associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares, and

•  the weighted average number of additional ordinary shares that 

would have been outstanding assuming the conversion of all dilutive 
potential ordinary shares.

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 202380

Directors’ declaration

In the Directors’ opinion:

(a) 

the financial statements and notes set out on pages 45 to 79 are in accordance with the 
Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

complying with Accounting Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and 
other mandatory professional reporting requirements, and
complying with International Financial Reporting Standards, as disclosed in note 
22(a)(ii), and
giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 
June 2023 and of its performance for the financial year ended on that date, and

(b) 

there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as 
and when they become due and payable.

This declaration has been made after receiving the declarations required to be made to the 
directors by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer in accordance with section 
295A of the Corporations Act 2001 for the financial year ended 30 June 2023.

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of Directors.

R N Sexton
Chairman

Adelaide 
29 September 2023

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 2023Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members  
of Beston Global Food Company Limited

81

121 King William Street 
Adelaide  SA  5000  Australia 
GPO Box 1271  Adelaide  SA  5001 

  Tel: +61 8 8417 1600 
Fax: +61 8 8417 1775 
ey.com/au 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Beston Global Food 
Company Limited 

Report on the audit of the financial report 

Opinion 
We have audited the financial report of Beston Global Food Company Limited (the Company) and its 
subsidiaries (collectively the Group), which comprises the consolidated statement of financial position 
as at 30 June 2023, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of 
changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, notes to the 
financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and the directors’ 
declaration. 

In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including: 

a.  Giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 30 June 2023 

and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 

b.  Complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional 
Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with 
the Code.  

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our opinion. 

Material uncertainty related to going concern 
We draw attention to Note 21(a)(i) in the financial report, which describes the principal conditions that 
raise doubt about the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. These events or conditions 
indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to 
continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
82

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members  
of Beston Global Food Company Limited

Key audit matters 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in 
our audit of the financial report of the current year.  In addition to the matter described in the Material 
uncertainty related to going concern section, we have determined the matters described below to be 
the key audit matters to be communicated in our report. These matters were addressed in the context 
of our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 

We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit 
included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of 
material misstatement of the financial report. The results of our audit procedures, including the 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the 
accompanying financial report. 

Impairment of non-current assets including goodwill and other intangibles 

Why significant 

The carrying value of property, plant and equipment 
(“PPE”) of $48.8 million and goodwill of $1.2 million 
as disclosed in Note 7 (a) and Note 7 (b) represent 
48% of the total assets of the continuing operations of 
the Group.   

As required by Australian Accounting Standards, the 
Group assesses at the end of each reporting period 
whether there is any indication that PPE may be 
impaired. In addition, goodwill is tested for 
impairment at least annually.  

The Directors obtained an independent valuation of 
the fair value less costs to sell (FVLCS) of the Group’s 
continuing cash generating unit (“CGU”) for 
impairment testing, calculated based on a discounted 
cash flow model comprising significant assumptions, 
as disclosed in Note 8. 

The Group’s impairment testing disclosures set out 
the key operating assumptions used and sensitivity of 
the FVLCS to changes in those key assumptions, 
including changes which could give rise to an 
impairment loss in the future. Refer to Note 8 of the 
financial report.  

The impairment testing of non-current assets 
including goodwill was considered a key audit matter 
due to the significance of the non-current asset 
balances and the complex judgements and 
assumptions in the impairment assessment process. 
These include discount rates, forecast revenue 
growth, product sales prices, margins, production 
costs, and milk supply volume and prices. These 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

We assessed whether the impairment testing 
methodology on continuing operations met the 
requirements of Australian Accounting Standards, 
including the Group’s identification of its CGUs. 

In conjunction with our valuation specialists, we 
performed the following procedures: 

► 

In respect of the independent valuations we: 
• 

Evaluated the competence, capability and 
objectivity of the external valuation expert. 
•  Assessed the valuation methodology used 
against generally accepted valuation 
practice. 

•  Assessed the discount rates applied by the 

expert through comparing the cost of capital 
for the Group with comparable businesses. 

•  Assessed the results of the expert’s 

comparable industry valuation multiples 
analysis over the five year forecast period 
and terminal value, and analysis of other 
market evidence, used as a valuation cross-
check.   

In respect of the cash flow forecasts provided to 
the independent valuer by the Group we: 
•  Assessed the key assumptions such as 
forecast revenue growth, product sales 
prices, net working capital needs, margins, 
production costs and milk supply volume and 
prices in comparison to external independent 
data, where relevant. 

► 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 
 
 
 
 
83

Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

assumptions are affected by future market or 
economic conditions. 

Discontinued operations 

Why significant 

In June 2023, the Group announced its intention to 
divest and discontinue its non-Dairy operations 
consisting of the Meat, Water and Technology 
businesses. 

Upon classifying assets and associated liabilities as 
held for sale, the Group performed an impairment 
assessment, and has recorded impairment of goodwill 
of $2.8 million and impairment on intangible assets of 
$1.1 million. 

The Group’s discontinued operations disclosures are 
included in Note 4 of the financial report. 

The presentation of the non-Dairy operations as 
discontinued, and associated assets and liabilities as 
held for sale, was considered a key audit matter due 
to the complex judgements required in meeting the 
highly probable recognition criteria under AASB 5 
Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued 
Operations. 

•  Assessed the allocation of corporate costs to 

operating CGUs in light of the Group’s 
decision to discontinue or divest its non-dairy 
businesses. 

•  Assessed the Group’s results in comparison 
to historical forecasts to assess forecast 
accuracy. 

•  Assessed whether the forecast cash flows 
used in the impairment testing model were 
consistent with the most recent Board 
approved cash flow forecasts. 
•  Assessed the adequacy of capital 

expenditure forecasts. 

• 

Tested the mathematical accuracy of the 
discounted cash flow model. 

We performed sensitivity analysis in respect of the 
assumptions which were considered to have the most 
significant impact on fair value less cost to sell, to 
ascertain the extent of changes in those assumptions 
which either individually or collectively would be 
required for there to be an impairment of the carrying 
value of the Dairy CGU. We assessed the likelihood of 
these changes in assumptions arising. 

We considered the adequacy of the financial report 
disclosures regarding the impairment testing 
approach, key assumptions and sensitivity analysis as 
disclosed in Note 8. 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

In assessing whether it was appropriate for the non-
Dairy operations to be recognised as a discontinued 
operation and associated assets and liabilities to be 
recorded as held for sale we performed the following 
procedures: 

►  Assessed evidence supporting the accounting 

treatment for the non-Dairy operations against 
the requirements under AASB 5 Non-Current 
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations. 

►  Evaluated the appropriateness of the impairment 
assessment performed to assets held for sale, 
and remaining recoverable amount.  

►  Evaluated the presentation and disclosure of the 
results from discontinued operations and its 
compliance with Australian Accounting 
Standards, as set out in Note 4 of the financial 
report. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
84

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members  
of Beston Global Food Company Limited

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Our audit procedures included an assessment of the 
Group’s forecasts of future taxable income by: 

•  Comparing the forecasts used for deferred 

tax asset recognition purposes for 
consistency with the cash flow forecasts 
utilised in the Group’s impairment testing. 

•  Considering, in conjunction with our tax 
specialists, the ability of the Group to 
generate, with sufficient reliability, taxable 
income against which to utilise the losses in 
accordance with regulatory restrictions. 

We assessed the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures 
in the financial report regarding the closing tax 
balances recorded at year end. 

Carrying value of deferred tax assets 

Why significant 

The Group’s deferred tax balances are subject to 
complexity and estimation risk around the utilisation 
of tax losses.  

In the prior year, the Group had net deferred tax 
assets of $29.8 million which included $30.9 million 
relating to carry forward tax losses, partially offset by 
temporary deferred tax liabilities. 

The recoverability of deferred tax assets is subject to 
the Group’s ability to generate future taxable profits 
against which the losses can be utilised, and 
compliance with relevant taxation legislative 
requirements.  As set out in Note 7(d), as a result of 
challenging macro-economic conditions and 
inflationary cost pressures, the Group has reassessed 
it’s short to medium term forecasts. These revisions 
have impacted on the Group’s assessment of the 
appropriate time frame to generate taxable income to 
support a conclusion the tax losses are probable of 
being recovered. As a result of these forecasts 
revisions and increased uncertainty, the Group has 
derecognised $29.8 million of the deferred tax asset.  

The carrying value of deferred tax assets was deemed 
to be a key audit matter given the degree of 
judgement in management’s forecast process, in the 
judgement associated with impact of increased 
uncertainty in short and medium term forecasts on 
the probability assessment of generating sufficient 
taxable income.  and the decision to derecognise 
deferred tax assets related to carried forward tax 
losses. 

The Group’s disclosures are included in Note 7(d) of 
the financial report. 

Information other than the financial report and auditor’s report thereon 
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the 
information included in the Company’s 2023 annual report, but does not include the financial report 
and our auditor’s report thereon. 

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon, with the exception of the Remuneration Report 
and our related assurance opinion. 

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information 
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial 
report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.  

If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this 
other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.   

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 
 
 
 
85

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial report 
The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a 
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 
and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the 
financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the 
going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that 
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an 
audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material 
if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report. 

As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional 
judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: 

► 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to 
fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit 
evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not 
detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from 
error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the 
override of internal control. 

►  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit 

procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an 
opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.  

►  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 

estimates and related disclosures made by the directors. 

►  Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting 
and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to 
events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going 
concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in 
our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are 
inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up 
to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to 
cease to continue as a going concern.  

►  Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the 

disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events 
in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

 
 
 
 
86

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members  
of Beston Global Food Company Limited

►  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or 

business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the financial report. We are 
responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit. We remain solely 
responsible for our audit opinion. 

We communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of 
the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we 
identify during our audit. 

We also provide the directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical 
requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other 
matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, actions 
taken to eliminate threats or safeguards applied. 

From the matters communicated to the directors, we determine those matters that were of most 
significance in the audit of the financial report of the current year and are therefore the key audit 
matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public 
disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter 
should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would 
reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication.  

Report on the audit of the Remuneration Report 

Opinion on the Remuneration Report 
We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 34 to 42 of the directors’ report for the 
year ended 30 June 2023. 

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Beston Global Food Company Limited for the year ended 
30 June 2023, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Responsibilities 
The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the 
Remuneration Report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in 
accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. 

Ernst & Young 

L A Carr 
Partner 
Adelaide 
29 September 2023 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
87

ASX additional 
information

Additional information required by the Australian Stock Exchange Ltd and not 
shown elsewhere in this report is as follows. The information is current as at 
31 August 2023.

Ordinary Share Capital

1,997,046,892 fully paid Ordinary Shares are held by 3,548 
individual Shareholders.

All Ordinary Shares carry one vote per share.

There are no restricted securities or securities subject to 
voluntary escrow

There is no current on-market buyback.

Distribution of Equity Securities

The number of shareholders, by size of holding, in each class 
are:

Range

Securities

100,001 and Over
10,001 to 100,000
5,001 to 10,000
1,001 to 5,000
1 to 1,000
Total
Unmarketable 
Parcels

1,930,866,206
61,961,726
3,187,222
1,008,536
23,202
1,997,046,892
36,347,315

% Number of 
holders
1,329
1,395
394
319
147
3,584
1,908

96.69
3.10
0.16
0.05
0.00
100
1.82

%

37.08
38.92
10.99
8.90
4.10
100
53.24

Substantial Shareholders

(As disclosed in substantial 
holding notices given to the 
Company)
Kunteng Pte Ltd
Australia Aulong Auniu Wang Food 
Holdings Pty Ltd
Allianz SE
Wilson Asset management Group

Number of 
Shares Held

%

64,051,111 14.99%
66,894,345 14.90%

55,469,040
56,388,613

9.21%
6.53%

Twenty largest holders of Quoted Equity 
Securities

Rank Name

1

2
3
4
5
6
7

8
9
10
11
12

13
14
15

16

17

18
19
20

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES 
(AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 
CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 
HISHENK PTY LTD 
BNP PARIBAS NOMS PTY LTD 
KUNTENG PTE LTD 
BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 
AUSTRALIA AULONG AUNIU WANG 
FOOD HOLDINGS PTY LTD 
MR PAUL AINSWORTH 
BLUE RIDGE HOLDINGS PTY LTD 
WILLOUGHBY CAPITAL PTY LTD 
BNP PARIBAS NOMS PTY LTD 
J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA 
PTY LIMITED 
MS SHERYL DENG 
ROSIANO PTY LTD 
BESTON PACIFIC ASSET 
MANAGEMENT PTY LTD 
MR BRETT PARTRIDGE & MRS 
CHRISTINE JOANNE PARTRIDGE 
MR MICHAEL LAWRENCE PINN & MRS 
GAY PINN 
GKCM INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 
CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 
PINN CAPITAL PTY LTD 
Total
Balance of register
Grand total

Number of 
Shares 
Held
125,532,149

107,863,991
99,000,000
78,216,194
64,051,111
58,184,273
54,449,834

44,000,000
42,806,286
33,746,304
28,415,470
21,955,178

20,181,214
19,999,999
18,000,000

%

6.29

5.40
4.96
3.92
3.21
2.91
2.73

2.20
2.14
1.69
1.42
1.10

1.01
1.00
0.90

14,050,000

0.70

13,500,000

0.68

0.65
12,968,975
0.64
12,800,917
0.63
12,500,000
44.18
882,221,895
1,114,824,997 55.82
1,997,046,892 100.00

88

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED | FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023Corporate 
directory

BESTON GLOBAL FOOD COMPANY LIMITED
ABN 28 603 023 383

Annual Report for the period ended 30 June 2023

INCORPORATION
Incorporated in Australia on 24 November 2014

DIRECTORS

Roger Sexton 
Stephen Gerlach 
Neil Longstaff 
Cheryl Hayman 
Kevin Reid 

CEO

Fabrizio Jorge

Chairman
Non-Executive Director
Independent Non-Executive Director
Independent Non-Executive Director 
Independent Non-Executive Director

COMPANY SECRETARY

Richard Willson

REGISTERED OFFICE

Ground Floor, 84 Greenhill Road 
Wayville, South Australia 5034 
+61 (0)8 8470 6500

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS

Ground Floor, 84 Greenhill Road 
Wayville, South Australia 5034 
+61 (0)8 8470 6500

SHARE REGISTER

Link Market Services
Tower 4, Collins Square, 727 Collins St, 
Melbourne, Victoria 3008 
+61 (0)3 9200 4555

Beston Global Food Company Limited shares are listed on the 
Australian Stock Exchange (ASX)

LEGAL ADVISORS

Minter Ellison

AUDITORS

Ernst & Young Australia

BANKERS

National Australia Bank

 
 
Beston Global Food Company Limited
Ground floor, 84 Greenhill Road
Wayville SA 5034

bestonglobalfoods.com.au