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Freedom Foods Group Limited

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FY2016 Annual Report · Freedom Foods Group Limited
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ANNUAL 
REPORT
2016 

PG 1

PG 2 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
date 24 November 2016 time 12:00 Noon
location DLA Piper Australia Level 22,  
1 Martin Place Sydney NSW 2000

CONTENTS

PG 04  Chairman’s letter

PG 80  Statement of cash flows

PG 06   Managing director’s  
review of operations

PG 81   Statement of changes  

in equity

PG 59  Directors’ report

PG 82   Notes to the financial 

PG 74   Corporate governance 

statements

statement

Pg 124  Directors’ declaration

PG 76    Auditor’s independence 

PG 126   Independent auditor’s report 

declaration

PG 78    Statement of profit  

and loss and other 
comprehensive income

PG 79   Statement of financial position

to the members of freedom 
foods group limited

PG 128 Shareholder information

PG 130  Corporate directory

FREEDOM FOODS GROUP LIMITED ABN 41 002 814 235 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2016

Chairman’s letter

Dear Shareholders

I am very pleased to report another successful year in 
building our Company’s unique positions in key food 
and beverage platforms in Australia, China, SE Asia 
and North America.

During the year, a number of significant initiatives 
were undertaken across our business activities, with 
the highlights including:
• Purchase of the Darlington Point Mill and Popina 
Foods which have accelerated our Cereal and 
Snacks business and provided value added  
scale benefits;

• An increase in the Company’s shareholding in the 

Shepparton UHT dairy operations to 50%, resulting 
in the consolidation of the Pactum Dairy Group 
(PDG) from January 2016. During the second half 
of FY 2016, PDG’s revenue contribution was  
$37 million;

• Commencement of the construction of a new UHT 
processing facility at Ingleburn in Sydney, to drive 
material ongoing earnings benefits from FY 2018;

• Australian Fresh Milk Holdings (AFMH) acquired 
Moxey Farms in July 2015, Australia’s largest 
single site dairy operation. The Company is a 10% 
shareholder in AFMH and this acquisition in the 
Lachlan Valley (NSW) is an important part of our 
future dairy milk supply chain;

• Acceleration of growth in sales of Australia’s Own 
Kid’s Milk in China in partnership with Shenzhen 
JLL, with the brand now the leading imported Kid’s 
Milk brand in China; and

Successful capital raising initiatives were also 
completed during the year including:

›  An entitlements issue and placement in November 
2015 to existing and new shareholders raising $65 
million; and

 ›  The sale of the Company’s investment in The a2 Milk 
Company (a2MC) to provide for reinvestment into 
core operating businesses, generating cash of $90 
million and a net profit of $25 million. Total net profit 
over the life of the investment from the realisation of 
our investment in a2MC has been $85 million. 

PG 4 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

 
 
The Company is developing a unique supply and 
manufacturing footprint in its key categories. 
Alongside this we also invested in people, quality  
and systems. 

The Company achieved an underlying Operating 
EBDITA of $21.5 million, 41% above the Previous 
Corresponding Period (PCP). 

The Reported Net Profit of $50.6 million included 
acquisition costs of $1.2 million relating to the 
purchase of the Darlington Point Mill and Popina 
Foods, a gain of $25 million (pre-tax) from the 
disposal of an investment of The a2 Milk Company 
and a fair value gain of $22.4 million on conversion  
of options in PDG. 

The Board has recommended payment of a final fully 
franked dividend of 2.25 cents per ordinary share in 
November 2016, taking total dividends for FY 2016  
to 4.0 cents per share fully franked. 

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank my 
fellow directors and all our employees for their 
dedication and hard work throughout the year. 

I retain a great deal of confidence about Freedom 
Foods Group prospects. 

The benefits of the Company’s growth strategy, 
our ability to control manufacturing inputs, and the 
significant capital investment program all contribute 
to an outlook of accelerated earnings and returns 
during FY 2017 and beyond.

I encourage you to read the Managing Director’s 
review of operations, which provides further 
background on the Company and its prospects.

Perry Gunner
Chairman

PG 5

Managing director’s  
review of operations

PG 6 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Operating highlights

Category Platforms

Markets

Plant Based Beverages 
Dairy (Beverages & Nutritionals)  
Specialty Cereal & Snacks

Australia, China,  
South East Asia 
North America

Category Brands

Freedom Foods 
Australia’s Own

•  Freedom Foods Group is well positioned to 

build scale in key food and beverage platforms 
with sales and earnings growth over the long 
term from Australia, China and other key 
international markets.

• Acquisitions totalling approximately 
$44.1 million comprising of the purchase 
of the Darlington Point Mill in September 
2015 for $8.5 million and Popina Foods, a 
recognised leader in cluster format cereal 
and snacks in Australasia, in December 2015 

for $35.6 million.

•   A successful year investing in the Company’s 

capabilities to deliver profitable growth consistent 
with its medium term plan, with net sales growth  
of 86%, reflecting:

 >  Sales growth across all key category platforms  

in Australia, China and North America;

 >  Strong growth in new value added Cereal and 

Bars, plant based beverages, including branded 
and non-branded sales in the growing Almond 
and value added plant milk categories;

 >  Acceleration of growth in sales of Australia’s Own 
Kid’s Milk in China in partnership with Shenzhen 
JLL, with the brand now the leading imported 
Kid’s Milk brand in China;

PG 7

 
 
 
Operating highlights

  >  Sales contribution from Darlington Point Mill 

and Popina Foods (now Freedom Foods Group 
Dandenong); and

  >  Consolidation of PDG Shepparton operations 

from 1 January 2016.

• Underlying operating EBDITA of $21.5 million, an 
increase of 41% on the previous corresponding 
period, including increased contribution from Cereal 
and Snacks operations, a part year contribution 
from the two acquisitions, consolidation of the PDG 
Shepparton operation from 1 January 2016, offset by 
a decrease in contribution from Specialty Seafood 
and marginal decrease in loss in North America.

• Significant progress in our investment in building 
world class manufacturing capabilities, people, 
new product development, quality and systems, 
including construction of a new UHT processing 
facility at Ingleburn in Sydney, to drive material 
ongoing earnings benefits over the medium term.

• Consolidation of Dairy operations at Shepparton 
(Pactum Dairy Group or PDG) from 1 January 
2016, reflecting an expected increase in sales 
and earnings contribution to the Company in the 

medium term. The Shepparton operations achieved 
sales for 6 months, since consolidation of $37 
million, reflecting new contracts and increasing 
demand in Australia, China and South East Asia.

• As part of our long term dairy milk supply strategy, 

the Company became a 10% shareholder in 
Australian Fresh Milk Holdings consortium (AFMH), 
with the acquisition of Moxey Farms, Australia’s 
largest single-site dairy operation, in July 2015. The 
business is profitable and made a contribution to 
earnings in the full year.

• Successful capital raising initiatives including an 

entitlements issue and placement in November 2015 
to existing and new shareholders raising $65 million, 
and the sale of the Company’s investment in The a2 
Milk Company (a2MC) to provide for reinvestment 
into core operating businesses, generating cash of 
$90 million and a net profit of $25 million. Total net 
profit over the last 4 years from the realisation of 
our investment in a2MC has been over $85 million 
before tax. At 30 June 2016, the Company had cash 
on hand of $63.9 million.

PG 8 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Financial summary

Plant Based beverage operations at Taren Point 
delivered increased sales, with operating contribution 
slightly ahead of the prior year period. The Taren 
Point facility is at capacity with increased cost of 
maintaining operations impacting earnings. The 
new facility at Ingleburn to replace Taren Point will 
materially reduce the cost of ongoing operations.

The Dairy operations at Shepparton, which were 
consolidated for the first time from 1 January 2016, 
achieved sales growth in second half of FY 2016, 
reflecting new contracts and increasing demand in 
Australia, China and South East Asia. The operation 
reported its first positive operating earnings contribution 
since commencing in 2014, reflecting increased sales 
and factory utilisation during the period.

Specialty Seafood’s revenue and operating earnings 
declined, reflecting impact of Sardine shortage and 
exchange rate impact on cost of goods sold.

The statutory net profit of $50.6 million, reflected a 
pre-tax gain of $25 million, arising from the sale of 
the investment in a2MC and a fair value gain of $22.4 
million on conversion of options in PDG. This profit 
also reflected one-off costs relating to expensing 
of transaction costs of $1.2 million relating to the 
Darlington Point Mill and Popina Foods acquisitions. 
The Company also expensed non operating amounts 
relating to costs of incomplete transactions and 
insurance claims that are not expected to be recovered.

The Company reported an operating net profit 
of $10.8 million, an increase of 118% from the prior 
corresponding period.

The Company achieved an underlying Operating 
EBDITA of $21.5 million, 41% above the previous 
corresponding period. The underlying Operating 
EBDITA and statutory result was also impacted 
by the expensing of an estimated $1.5 million of 
increased USA and Australian sourced Almond input 
costs (reflecting adverse market price movements 
and exchange rate), as compared to the previous 
corresponding period. While domestic Almond 
pricing reduced later in the second half, the Company 
continued to have an exposure to USD purchasing of 
Almond paste and requirements for Organic Almond 
flour for which pricing still remains high.

Each of the business units achieved increased sales 
growth, with the exception of Specialty Seafood, 
which was impacted by a shortage in Sardines supply 
in the second half.

The Cereal and Snacks operations delivered an 
increased operating earnings result, including a 
contribution from the acquisition of the Darlington 
Point Mill and Popina Foods businesses consistent 
with expectations.

PG 9

Financial summary

Set out below is a reconciliation of statutory EBDITA to underlying Operating EBDITA before significant items.

12 Months to 30 June  
(A$ Million)

2016

2015 

Underlying Operating EBDITA before significant items

23.0

16.4

Significant Items expensed to profit:

Market price and exchange rate impact on purchases of Almond inputs

Underlying Operating EBDITA(1)

Other costs not representing underlying performance costs of incomplete 
transactions, prior year insurance claims not expected to be recovered (2)

Employee Share Option Expense (non cash)

Statutory EBDITA(1) (3)

Note:

-1.5

21.5

-2.2

-0.4

18.9

-1.2

15.2

-2.8

-0.4

12.0

1.   Operating EBDITA is a non-IFRS measure as contemplated in ASIC Regulatory Guide 230 Disclosing non-IFRS financial 

information (RG230). Operating EBDITA is used by management and the directors as the primary measures of assessing the 
financial performance of the Group and individual segments.

2.   Other costs in FY 2015 comprised once off marketing costs associated with product launch and costs associated with the 

commissioning of the new nutritional snack equipment reducing manufacturing recoveries and gross margin during the period.

3.   Statutory EBDITA excludes gains from a2MC and Fair Value as well as Popina Foods and Darlington Point Mill Acquisition Costs.

PG 10 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

12 Months to  
30 June 2016  
(A$ Million)

Freedom 
Foods

Pactum 
Taren 
Point

Pactum 
Dairy 
Group(2)

Specialty 
Seafood

Freedom 
Foods  
NA

Other

Total

Net Sales Revenue(1)

Operating EBDITA

Investment and Other 
Income(3)

Equity Associates(4)

Corporate Costs(5)

Group Operating 
EBDITA

Net Sales Change  
(YOY %)

Net Sales Change  
(YOY $ Million)

Operating EBDITA 
Change (YOY %)

Operating EBDITA 
Change (YOY $ Million)

Operating EBDITA 
Margin (%)(6)

Operating EBDITA 
Margin Prior Year (%)

Notes:

86.7

10.6

-

-

-

56.0

11.3

-

-

-

10.6

11.3

+80.0%

+15.2%

36.6

2.0

0.2

-

-

2.2

NA

12.4

2.0

-

-

-

1.9

(23.2)

170.4

(0.9)

-

25.0

-

-

-

0.4

0.4

0.6

0.4

(4.5)

(4.5)

2.0

(0.9)

(3.7)

21.5

-3.1%

+21.0%

38.5

7.4

36.6

(0.4)

0.3

+217.4%

+8.6%

7.3

0.9

NA

2.0

-20.1%

+5.1%

(0.5)

0.05

12.3%

20.2%

5.5%

16.3%

7.0%

21.4%

NA

19.8%

NA

NA

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

14.7%

16.7%

1.   Net Sales Revenue Total is after intercompany elimination of sales (Pactum Taren Point to Freedom Foods $20.6m and 

Freedom Foods to Pactum Taren Point $2.5m).

2.   PDG Consolidated contribution was for 6 months from 1st January to 30th June 2016. PDG Operating EBDITA includes  

impact of consolidation adjustments and may differ from reported entity statutory reporting.

3.   Investment and Other Income is income from PDG convertible notes up to 31st December 2015 and Group related grant 

income related to EMDG.

4.   Equity Associates is share of NPAT of Australian Fresh Milk Holdings (10% equity interest held by Freedom Foods Group)  

and 1% of PDG Equity accounted NPAT for period 1st July 2015 to 31st December 2015.

5.  Corporate Costs excludes non cash employee share option expense of $448k.

6.   The reduction in the Operating EBDITA margin percentage in FY 2016 of the 2.0% over the prior year is due to a change  
in the business combination mix, reflecting the acquisition of Popina Foods and the consolidation of the PDG business  
from 1 January 2016.

PG 11

Financial summary

12 Months to  
30 June 2016

Net Sales Revenue

EBDITA (Underlying Operating before Significant Items)

EBDITA (Underlying Operating)

EBDITA (Statutory)

EBITA (Operating)(1)

Equity Associates Share of Profit(2)

Pre Tax Profit (Operating)(3)

Pre Tax Profit (Reported)

Income Tax (Operating)(3)

Net Profit (Operating)(3)

Net Profit (Reported)(3)

Final Ordinary Dividend (cps)

Final CRPS Dividend (cps)

EPS (cents per share) (Fully Diluted for CRPS)

EPS Operating (cents per share) (Fully Diluted)

Net Debt/Equity

Net Assets per Share (cents)

2016 
$’000 

170,444

23,026

21,526

18,926

15,087

372

13,691

57,114

2,873

10,818

50,631

2.25

1.35

28.54

6.06

14%

158

2015  
$’000

Change 
% 

91,460

16,420

15,237

12,086

9,092

(42)

9,240

61,980

5,349

4,970

56,631

1.50

1.35

86.4%

40.2%

41.3%

56.6%

65.9%

-

48.2%

(7.9%)

(46.3%)

117.7%

(10.6%)

50.0%

-

36.29

(20.7%)

3.17

27%

120

93.0%

-

31.7%

12.6%

Net Tangible Assets per Share (cents)

119.75

106.35

 Notes:

1.   Operating EBDITA and EBITA excludes pre-tax abnormal or non-operating charges and gains with an add back of non cash 
employee share option expense of $448k, elimination of the gain due to the disposal of a2MC investment and the share of 
profit from associates.

2.   Equity Associates is share of NPAT of Australian Fresh Milk Holdings (10% equity interest held by Freedom Foods Group) and 

1% of PDG Equity accounted NPAT for period 1st July 2015 to 31st December 2015.

3.   Operating Pre Tax Profit and Net Profit does not include the gain due to the sale of a2MC investment and the net share of 

profits from associate.

The Company’s income tax provision on operating profit (excluding impact of gain on a2MC) reflected the 
allowable portion of deductible capital works expenditure on income producing assets undertaken during the year.

PG 12 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Freedom Foods Group 
Employee FOCUS 2016

Renee Rogers

We are fortunate to have people within the Company  
that are committed to our mission and every day make  
an extraordinary contribution. With this year’s Annual 
Report and reports in future years, we will bring a focus 
to one of our employees, whom epitomises these 
extraordinary contributions. 

This year the employee focus is on Renee Rogers the 
National Business Manager for the Foodservice channel. 
Renee joined Freedom Foods 3 years ago and her energy 
and commitment has been a key part of the success the 
company is having in the very competitive channel.

If you speak to Renee you will soon realise how much 
she loves the Foodservice channel and especially the 
Café channel where Renee has played a crucial role 
in the development and execution of Freedom Foods 
focus brand MILKLAB. Renee’s role requires a very 
high level of commitment as relationships are the most 
important thing in developing a successful business. 
Renee is all over the country attending trade shows, 
door to door barista sessions and trainings where 
brands are built in this channel. 

Some of the success Renee has brought to the 
business includes barista milk ranging into RFG (Retail 
Food Group) Australia’s largest coffee franchise with 
brands including Gloria Jeans, Brumbys, Café2U and 
Michels Patisserie, winning contracts in the leisure 
space with dairy milk on P&O cruises and developing 
strategic relationships with key distributor partners 
including Countrywide, Bidvest, PFD, Parmalat and 
Fonterra to name a few. 

Renee’s contribution to the business means that 
MILKLAB is growing from strength to strength. After 
winning the award for best new foodservice product 
2015, MILKLAB is providing a total barista solution 
for Cafes around Australia. Renee lives the company 
values every day and will be one to watch as the 
Foodservice channel becomes a bigger contributor 
to the total company result.  

PG 13

Plant based beverages 
business group

Plant based or non dairy production 
volumes increased during the period to 
support the growth of the Australia’s Own 
brand, new branded product launches  
as well as an expansion of private  
label requirements.

PG 14 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Branded portfolio

Largest supplier of Almond  
Milk Beverages

Plant based branded beverage sales continued the 
upward trend from the 2015 financial year, with volume 
growth compared to the previous corresponding 
period, reflecting increased sales of Australia’s Own 
Almond blends and Blue Diamond Almond Breeze 
brands in retail, food service and convenience channels.

In retail grocery, the Company remains the largest 
supplier of Almond beverages, including products 
under the Australia’s Own brand, our licensed Blue 
Diamond Almond Breeze brands and private label 
offers. During the period, the Almond Milk category 
became the largest non-dairy category, accounting for 
39% of the retail non-dairy category, compared to 33%  
at July 2015. Soy declined further with total share at 38%, 
compared to +50% in prior years. It is expected that 
Almond and related blends will continue to grow share 
within retail and other channels, reflecting consumer 
trends comparable to developments in North America, 
where Plant based beverages continue to grow share.

As part of a focus on building beyond traditional retail 
channels, the Company launched new innovation in 
plant and dairy based products for food service and 
Petrol & Convenience channels, with a particular focus 
on coffee milk applications.

The increasing growth of food service channels  
(eg cafes and similar) and demand for plant based 
milks, consistent with the retail grocery trend, has 
seen increasing demand for coffee milk products.  

PG 15

Branded portfolio

The Company has targeted this channel opportunity 
with the development and launch of a range of Barista 
blend brands including the premium “MILKLAB” range, 
“Almond Breeze” Almond Barista and “So Natural” 
Barista Soy that incorporate process technology to 
deliver a product that “works” with coffee.

During the year, the Company increased investment 
in marketing and distribution of these brands, with 
a resulting strong growth in brand recognition 
and sales. The Company sees significant growth 
opportunity in the growing and higher margin food 
service channel, including in offshore markets.

The Company also developed products for application 
in the Petrol & Convenience channel, with the launch 
in the second half of 2016 of Breakfast Blends (a range 
 of premium breakfast drinks combining almond and 
oats). This launch, along with further innovation, is 
expected to lead to increased sales and profitability 
and build the Company’s distribution capabilities in 
this channel.

Financial returns in the Almond portfolio continued 
to be impacted during the year by increased Almond 
inputs (reflecting exchange rate and market pricing). 
A recent reduction in market prices globally for 
Almond is expected to provide an improvement in 
financial returns over the next 12 months, although 
limited by a requirement to source from the USA for 
Almond Breeze and limited supply of organic almonds 
for the Australia’s Own product range.

Australia’s Own UHT liquid stocks increased sales and 
distribution during the period. The business is also 
a significant supplier of liquid stocks to retailers and 
other brands.

PG 16 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Non-branded portfolio

Largest supplier of UHT  
Private Label products

The Company is a significant supplier of plant based 
beverages and liquid stock products to retailers and 
other brands, reflecting a total category approach 
that leverages our manufacturing platform and 
provides a strong base of earnings to further invest 
into our brands.

During the year, volumes for retailer and other 
branded products increased over the prior year 
period. Additional customers were also secured 
during the year including entering into medium  
term contracts for supply to retailers.

The Company believes its continued investment in 
product development and leading manufacturing 
capability in plant based beverages provides for 
significant long term growth in supporting retailer  
and other branded products.

PG 17

New UHT facility at Ingleburn, 
South West Sydney

dairy milk from the Company’s dairy farm operations. 
This capability is expected to be installed and 
operating from July 2017.

The new Ingleburn facility will provide for existing and 
new UHT carton and plastic packaging capabilities. 
The facility will also be capable of processing dairy 
products, to allow a two-way redundancy with the 
Shepparton facility, while providing opportunity to 
expand the Company’s base in dairy from multiple 
processing sites as required. The new facility will 
provide for significant expansion in capacity and 
efficiency improvements compared to current 
operations, including providing a materially more 
efficient and lower cost production, warehousing and 
logistics solution compared to current arrangements. 
This is expected to positively impact sales and 
earnings during FY 2018.

Largest investor in UHT 
technology and capacity  
in Australia

Our current plant based non-dairy capabilities are 
constrained in both production and distribution at our 
Taren Point operation, restricting growth and financial 
returns. While our overall profit in this segment grew, 
the potential additional profit from growing volumes 
was impacted at a contribution level by an increasing 
cost of plant reliability and outsourced distribution 
arrangements at our operationally constrained Taren 
Point facility.

The Company is well progressed on the construction 
of a new UHT facility at a site in Ingleburn in South 
West Sydney. The impacts of autumn and winter 
rains in Sydney has seen construction delayed, with 
completion of core building works expected by 
December 2016, with equipment installation now 
planned to occur during March 2017. The transfer of 
operations to the Ingleburn site from our existing 
Taren Point operation will be staged over a 6 month 
period to ensure continuity of supply.

1st stage installed UHT carton capacity is expected to 
be approximately 80 million litres, from current capacity 
at Taren Point of approximately 50 million litres.

The Company is also progressing installation into the 
Ingleburn facility of a state-of-the-art UHT PET plastic 
bottle capability that will facilitate expansion of our 
branded product range into retail, food service and 
Petrol & Convenience channels. It will also provide the 
capacity for domestic and export sales into China and 
South East Asia of premium dairy formats utilising 

PG 18 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

PG 19

Dairy beverages  
business group
Branded Portfolio

Dairy based branded beverage sales 
continued the upward trend from the 
2015 financial year with volume growth 
compared to the previous corresponding 
period, reflecting increased sales of 
Australia’s Own Kid’s Milk and the So 
Natural and Vitalife brands in domestic 
food service and export markets.

PG 20 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Australia’s Own

Largest imported Kid’s  
Milk brand in China

The Company commenced production of our 
“Australia’s Own” branded “Kid’s Milk” to support  
its launch in China in February 2015 under a long  
term brand licensing arrangement to our Chinese 
partner JLL.

The product has been launched in a small number of 
key provinces including Zhejiang, Hunan and Jiangsu, 
with considerable marketing investment JLL, including 
point of sale promotion and sampling, external 
promotion and TV commercials.

Volumes developed throughout the 2015 calendar year, 
with a strong momentum into the second quarter of 
FY 2016, as the product started to gain acceptance 
with consumers, particularly in large format retail 
supermarkets in the key provinces targeted. With 
significant ongoing marketing investment including 
point of sale promotion, sampling and sponsorship 
of leading children’s TV programmes, the growth 
trajectory has continued into the 2016 calendar year, 
with the product now the largest imported Kid’s Milk 
brand in China. From late 2016, the Kid’s Milk product 
will utilise milk sourced only from the Company’s 
Moxey Farm operation.

With a forecast significant increase in demand beyond 
2016, the Company will install additional high speed 
200ml capacity at the new Ingleburn site in 2017. 
Current capacity for the product format from the 
Company’s Taren Point facility is limited, given ongoing 
demand for other portion pack formats in Australia.

The Company intends to further build the Australia’s 
Own brand as a premium dairy brand into Australia and 
China through its partnership with JLL. In Australia, the 
brand will be used to anchor increased product format 
capabilities at both Ingleburn and Shepparton facilities 
to deliver innovative and differentiated products for 
retail and Petrol & Convenience channels.

PG 21

PG 22 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

So Natural & Vitalife

Fastest growing 1 Litre dairy 
product on JD.com

The Company has progressively developed the So 
Natural brand in the China market, commencing in 
2014 through offline specialty channel distributors. 
Since the launch of the cross border online trading 
market in 2015, the Company has partnered with 
JD.com and other distributors in offline channels to 
promote the So Natural brand as a high quality dairy 
product, initially launched in 1 Litre format.

Since September 2015, the So Natural brand, with 
marketing and promotional support, has become 
the fastest growing 1 Litre dairy product on JD.com’s 
cross border trading platform, establishing a strong 
consumer franchise based on quality, price and delivery.

With the ongoing support of JD.com, the Company 
generated further growth into the second half of 2016, 
although the rate of growth was impacted by the 
regulatory delays on the inclusion of UHT on the China 
cross border “positive list”, with delayed promotional 
plans impacting on order rates during May and June.

Since July, sales of “So Natural” and “Vitalife” UHT 
products have continued to grow through cross 
border e-commerce channels with the major online 
retailers JD.com and Tmall. The Company continues 
to build sales for these brands in general trade 
e-commerce, reflecting its position as the primary 
growth channel for e-commerce in China. Sales of 
these brands continue to grow in traditional retail 
distribution channels, having established initial 
distribution in 2014.

To build further brand capability, the Company has 
launched a portion pack variant and will introduce 
further dairy product formats into 2016. Other non- 
dairy products will also be launched under the brands, 
including Cereal variants.

PG 23

Shepparton UHT Operations 
(Pactum Dairy Group)

Largest supplier of Contract 
packed milk brands to China

PDG commenced operations in April 2014 to 
provide innovative UHT dairy milk capability for our 
own branded requirements as well as third party 
customers in domestic and export markets. PDG 
is a joint venture between Pactum and Australian 
Consolidated Milk (ACM), a major Australian dairy  
milk supply group.

With the PDG business moving into profitability in  
FY 2016, the Company increased its shareholding in 
PDG to 50% effective 1 January 2016 by converting  
its convertible notes issued to it as part of its  
original investment.

As part of this and reflective of the increasing 
integration of the Shepparton operation into the 
Company, the results of PDG have been consolidated 
into the Company for the period between 1st January 
and 30th June 2016. The Company expects PDG to 
make a significant contribution to Sales and Profits  
in future years aligned to the increased integration  
of PDG to the operations of the Company.

Dairy operations at Shepparton achieved sales in 
second half of FY 2016 of $37 million, with the business 
set to experience a significant step up in sales in the 
2017 financial year, reflecting the contribution from 
the new contracts entered into in 2016 and increasing 
demand in Australia, China and South East Asia.

In Australia, the Company has secured a number 
of long term retail customers that provide a strong 
base of underlying volume and earnings support. 
The customers include Woolworths Supermarkets 
and a growing major Australian retailer. Some of 
this volume commenced in second half of FY 2016, 
with the balance to commence later in calendar 
2016. The Company has invested in additional 

automated packaging capability to provide unique 
packaging formats for customers. During the second 
half of FY 2016, the Company experienced higher 
costs associated with the meeting these customer 
requirements ahead of the new packaging capability. 
Current demand for the 1 Litre format has exceeded 
current capacity, with the Shepparton operation 
having recently moved to 24/7 production. The 
capacity increase, along with increased processing 
capability and upgrades to downstream packaging, 
will significantly improve efficiencies.

In China, the Company has established key 
relationships with major dairy manufacturers and 
brand owners including Mengniu, Shenzhen JLL 
(Guangzhou), Bright Dairy (Shanghai), New Hope 
Dairy (Chengdu), Weigang Dairy, online retailers, 
Pinlive and a number of regional dairy manufacturers 
and distributors. Each of these relationships are 
complementary, as our customers in China recognise 
the level of regionalisation and hence diversification in 
local market distribution, product range and capability 
within that market. The recent addition of several new 
customers in China reflects an increasing recognition of 
PDG as a supplier of choice in UHT dairy ex Australia, 
based on our unique customer partnership model.

In South East Asia, the Company has also developed 
other customer relationships in markets such as Hong 
Kong, Philippines and Vietnam, including the recently 
announced relationship with International Dairy 
Products (IDP) in Vietnam.

It is anticipated that our customer requirements are 
expected to grow beyond their initial volumes as 
demand for milk increases in their respective home 
markets, with Australian milk products providing 
the highest quality and safety at a comparative cost 
advantage compared to locally sourced milk. The 
$AUD exchange rate depreciation and Free Trade 
Agreement with China provide further competitive 
advantage to the business in the medium to long term.

PG 24 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

PG 25

New capacity

Largest investor in UHT 
technology & capacity  
in Australia

During the half, the Shepparton operation finalised 
the installation of additional portion pack capacity in 
250ml Prisma and 200-330ml formats, taking total 
installed capacity to approximately 120 million litres  
or 290 million packs per annum.

To meet the increased demand for 1 Litre format from 
both domestic and export markets, the Company 
installed additional 1 Litre production capacity, 

with commissioning completed during July 2016. 
Current demand for the 1 Litre format has exceeded 
current capacity, with the Shepparton operation 
having recently moved to 24/7 production. The 
capacity increase, along with increased processing 
capability and upgrades to downstream packaging, 
will significantly improve efficiencies and provide for 
the operation to operate on a more efficient 24/6 
production cycle.

During the second half, the Company invested in  
new capabilities to process and package value add 
milk derivatives including cream in UHT formats.  
This format is expected to contribute to sales and 
earnings growth from FY 2017.

PG 26 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

The Company is also progressing installation of  
UHT drinking yoghurt processing capability that  
will provide for this product to be delivered in a 
range of UHT packaging formats currently installed 
at Shepparton. The UHT Drinking Yoghurt category 
is the fastest growing beverage category in China, 
with further growth anticipated including from 
other markets in South East Asia. The Company has 
significant demand for this product from its existing 
China based customers including opportunities to 
sell the product under the Australia’s Own and So 
Natural brands in China. This product is expected to 
contribute to sales and earnings growth from FY 2018.

PG 27

Dairy nutritionals

Australia’s Own Infant Formula

Nutritionals Platform

The Company will launch in late September 2016, a 
range of Infant Formula (IF) products segmented into 
everyday and premium offers. Australia’s Own “Gold” 
and “Diamond” for Step 1 to 3 will bring best of class in 
formulation and nutrition with product made in Australia 
from locally sourced ingredients where available.

The IF products will initially be offered in Australia and 
China through a direct to customer model, leveraging 
off the Company’s increasing cross border sales 
channel capabilities and integration with domestic 
Chinese distributors.

The IF strategy is being developed as part of a longer 
term plan to build the “Australia’s Own” brand as a 
leading high quality imported brand of choice for 
childrens nutrition in China. Building off the strong 
consumer uptake for the brand in China in the 3-7 
year age bracket, the Company and our partner JLL 
are developing plans for the launch of products for 
infant nutrition and in the 7-12 year age bracket.

With the launch of the IF range initially through 
e-commerce channels, the brand will be well positioned 
for a transition to a “Chinese regulated” product into 
offline market channels from 2018, through the JLL 
sales, marketing and distribution platform in China.

This IF range is expected to make a breakeven 
contribution in FY 2017, reflecting start up investment, 
with sales and earnings contribution from FY 2018.

Since the half year results announcement, the 
Company has progressed design and feasibility work 
for a specialised nutritionals platform aligned to our 
increasing dairy capabilities across the group.

The nutritionals platform will provide for protein 
standardisation and ability to separate milk into 
industrial grade protein components, including  
Casein, Lactoferrin, Alpha-lactalbumin and Whey 
protein isolate.

The market for dairy ingredients is projected to witness 
growth in the upcoming years due to increasing 
awareness about the health benefits of nutritional 
food products. Dairy nutritionals are increasingly used 
in segments such as bakery & confectionery, dairy 
products, convenience foods, infant milk formula, 
sports & clinical nutrition. It is envisaged that a number 
of dairy nutritional ingredients could be utilised in 
current and new product formats manufactured by 
the Company in Cereal, Snacks, Dairy and Plant based 
products for both our branded products and for other 
customers branded products. The Company’s Infant 
Formula product range would also utilise the Dairy 
nutritionals components.

The platform will be established adjacent to the 
existing UHT site at Shepparton in Victoria, providing 
synergies with the existing UHT operation and 
capability to build a more integrated dairy processing 
platform into the future, including partnership and 
collaboration with AFMH.

Subject to the requisite local government approvals, 
the Company is targeting an initial first stage 
capability to be in operation during calendar 2018, 
with the potential for a material contribution to sales 
and earnings from FY 2019.

PG 28 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

PG 29

Dairy nutritionals

Value Added Supply Chain - Dairy Milk

In July 2015, AFMH, comprising the Perich Group’s 
Leppington Pastoral Company Pty Limited (LPC), 
New Hope Dairy Holdings Co Ltd and Freedom Foods 
Group Limited acquired Moxey Farms, Australia’s 
largest single-site dairy operation. Collectively the 
combined Moxey and Perich Group’s Leppington 
Pastoral dairy milk production is the largest dairy 
milking operation in Australia.

Moxey Farms operates a fully integrated dairy farming 
operation located in the Lachlan Valley, New South 
Wales, 340 km west of Sydney. Moxey Farms land 

portfolio covers an area of 2,700 hectares and includes 
3,700 milking cows that produce approximately 50 
million litres of milk per year, with a large proportion of 
this milk from a2 cows. The Moxey family have retained 
a strategic stake in AFMH and will remain to manage 
Moxey Farms in a joint venture with the Perich family.

FNP has a 10% equity shareholding in AFMH, with the 
balance held by the other consortium members. The 
Company equity accounted 10% of the net profit of 
AFMH in the period.

PG 30 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Farm Expansion and New Sites

Participant in Australia’s  
top dairy farm delivering  
75 million litres of milk pa

Since acquisition, Moxey Farms has expanded from 
3,700 milking cows to 5,000 milking cows as part 
of a $40 million expansion including new state-of-
the-art rotary processing dairy, cow barns, effluent 
management and expansion of land holdings 
including water and irrigation capabilities.

With new milking having commenced in August 2016, 
the expansion will be fully completed in October 
2016, increasing milk production by 25 million litres. 
The additional milk output from Moxey Farms will 

be highly sought by fresh milk processors, given the 
ongoing decline in fresh milk production in NSW 
and QLD and requirement to ship milk from Victoria 
to meet production requirements in those markets. 
Notwithstanding, it is expected that the Company 
will use a growing proportion of this new output 
from Moxey Farm for its Australia’s Own Kid’s Milk 
and other dairy product formats, with production of 
such items to occur at Ingleburn with that facility’s 
completion in 2017.

A further expansion of Moxey Farms is being 
considered to take the farm to its expected  
maximum capacity of 7,000 milking cows.

AFMH is also considering acquisition of additional 
dairy farm sites to build more fully integrated dairy 
farming operations, allowing its customers to secure 
access to additional consistent and long-term supply 
of high quality milk.

PG 31

Cereal & snacks 
business group

PG 32 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Branded portfolio

Australia

Number 1 Health Food cereal 
brand and growing

Freedom Foods branded products delivered sales 
growth in its Cereal and Snacks segments compared 
to the prior year period. Alongside sales, marketing 
and specific product launch investments, the Company 
continued to invest in product development capability 
to drive further growth in retail and other channels 
such as food service and Petrol & Convenience in the 
medium term.

The business experienced growth in new format 
combination products such as Active Balance, Oat 
and Muesli products. The new Crafted Blends cereal 
range introduced with a flake based range in late  
2015 was expanded during the second half of FY 2016  
to include a range of cluster style combination cereals. 
Utilising components from our Leeton facility, the 
cluster formats were produced at the Company’s  
new facility at Dandenong.

Traditional format products (i.e. Corn Flakes, Rice 
Puffs) experienced declines against the prior 
corresponding period. To combat this decline and 
with a strategy to drive growth back into the Health 
category, the business along with our retail partners 
invested in additional promotions. The impact of this 
was to drive the Freedom Foods brand back into 
category growth as the business entered FY 2017.  
The business maintained category leadership in 
Health Cereal, with a +40% market share.

Significant additional ranging of an expanded  
Crafted Blends range will be in retail stores in the first 
half of FY 2017, as the business works on delivering 
more innovation and product differentiation to the 
Health category.

PG 33

PG 34 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Branded portfolio

Since the relaunch of our “nut free” nutritional snack 
bar range in 2015, the business has experienced 
growth in both health and mainstream supermarkets 
channels. In both our health and mainstream 
positioning for our “nut free” snack bars, the 
brand experienced strong growth in the 2nd half 
supported by more increasing consumer recognition 
and improved promotional frequency. Significant 
additional ranging of an expanded “nut free” range 
will be in retail stores in the 1st half FY 2017.

The Freedom Foods “Arnold’s Farm” brand achieved 
growth in its oat based cereal products through its 
exclusive distribution in Woolworths supermarkets. 
The brand offer will be expanded during FY 2017 with 
expanded range of cereals and a complementary 
snacking offer.

The Freedom Foods business is seen as the category 
leader in the Health Food section. Our expanding 
innovation, product range and format capability 
through our manufacturing capabilities provides a 
unique opportunity to build the Freedom Foods brand 
as a leading and trusted brand for healthier tasty 
cereal and snacks options.

We will utilise digital and social media as our  
primary communication medium to build our brand. 
We will integrate with brand ambassadors that align 
with our Company’s culture and identity to build 
consumer awareness.

Tasty, functional and combination format products,  
as well as portable and convenience options, will 
be key drivers of growth in the Cereal and Snacks 
business. These areas are also a key focus for our 
innovation investment, while ensuring our products 
achieve a 3.5 – 5.0 star rating within the Government 
health star rating system.

PG 35

Branded portfolio

China 

Fastest growing Australian 
cereal brand on Tmall

In November 2015, Freedom Foods launched an 
online flagship store to promote the “Freedom Foods” 
branded product portfolio to Chinese consumers. 
With the newly acquired Popina Foods product range 
and capabilities, Freedom Foods fast tracked the 
launch into China of Freedom Foods “Arnold’s Farm 
Full o’ Fruit”, “Freedom Foods Porridge” and oat 
cluster products to coincide with the Chinese New 
Year promotional periods.

The Company achieved notable early success, with its 
sales promotion for the Chinese New Year promotional 
period on Alibaba’s Tmall International site performing 
well above expectation. The Freedom Foods “Arnold’s 
Farm” brand was the No. 1 Cereal Product on Tmall 
International during the promotional period and one  
of the Top 3 selling products in Tmall International.

Following this early success, sales have progressed 
well, with further growth achieved and increasing 
brand recognition in this small but growing category 

PG 36 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Board members at Alibaba, the parent company of Tmall.

in China. The Company and Tmall International have 
built a joint business plan to accelerate development 
of a number of key products within the cluster cereal 
and oat porridge category under the Freedom Foods 
brands, specifically for the Chinese market. This includes 
focused promotional activity to coincide with key 
promotional periods during the calendar year including 
anniversary promotions and traditional promotional 
times including June, 11/11 and Chinese New Year.

The market for oat based cereal products in China, 
including cluster and premium muesli porridge 
formats, is expected to grow at a fast pace, driven 
by demand for better quality oats in existing 
consumption formats, and also changing consumption 
patterns. The demand for high quality Australian 
origin oats will also be further developed through 
consumers accessing product through China’s cross 
border free trade zones and the China Australia Free 
Trade Agreement, which will reduce tariffs on oat 
based products over the next 5 years.

With its growing dairy platform already established 
on key online channels in China, Freedom Foods will 
utilise this expanding sales and distribution capability 
to accelerate its Cereal platform to establish a leading 
position in this rapidly expanding retail channel.

PG 37

Branded portfolio

North America

Top 10 specialty and natural 
cereal brand in the USA

In North America, our 80% owned subsidiary invested 
in building sales and distribution capabilities for 
our Freedom Foods Allergen Free range of Cereals, 
increasing sales and store distribution within the 
Specialty and Natural Product Retailer markets. 
Considerable investment has been made in developing 
relationships with retailers including Sprouts, Whole 
Foods, Wegmens, Kroger and HEB.

A total of 5,000 distribution points were established 
by the end of August 2016. Freedom Foods is now 
ranked in the Top 10 cereal brands in Specialty and 
Natural channels in the USA. Significant new ranging 
has been achieved and has been rolling out through 
the middle of calendar 2016, including an additional 
800 Kroger stores (within the natural cereals section) 
and 350 Target stores, along with other incremental 
small retailers.

With current portfolio sales skewed to a small number 
of sweeter tasting products, new products reflective 
of demand, and that are better aligned to the North 
American consumer taste requirement have  
been introduced.

With the North American business having established 
a growing consumer profile within the Allergen Free 
and Non GMO categories, the business has focussed 
on developing a more localised sales and marketing 
resource over the past six months and expects this to 
significantly expand distribution over the medium term.

PG 38 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

This increased sales, marketing and distribution 
capability will be utilised to build more scale through 
expanded offering of Freedom Foods branded 
products that go beyond the Allergen Free base. 

The introduction of products under our Crafted Blends 
range and a further unique offering, in collaboration 
with CSIRO will also be launched in North America.  
The Company also intends to utilise its capabilities in 
this market to test its specialised MILKLAB “coffee 
milk” offering in targeted cities in the USA.

Sales increased 21% to A$1.9 million in FY 2016 with the 
net loss decreasing marginally (including $300k due 
to exchange rate impact) as the business continues to 
invest to build a sustainable market share within the 
retail and wholesale price point parameters available 
in the North American market. The North American 
business now contributes approximately 10% of Leeton 
Cereal production output.

The Company is actively considering options for 
increased scale in the North American market including 
the potential for partnerships and acquisitions that also 
include further utilisation of our expanding production 
base in Australia. The business is expected to move to a 
break even position in FY 2017, with a focus on delivering 
a profitable sales base within the medium term.

PG 39

Non-branded portfolio

The Company is a significant supplier of cereal, snack 
and grain based ingredients to retailers and other 
brands, reflecting a total category approach that 
leverages our manufacturing platform and provides 
a strong base of earnings to further invest into our 
brands. While the company is less developed in 
the execution of this strategy in cereal and bars as 
compared to plant and dairy milks, it represents a 
significant growth opportunity over the next few years.

During the year, volumes for brand owners and 
retailers increased over the prior year period. 
Additional customers were secured during the year 
including entering into medium term contracts for 
supply to key customers.

In recent months, the Company has secured its first 
significant supply of cereals and oat based products 
to a major brand owner in China. In this instance, the 

Company’s quality and manufacturing  
capabilities aligned to reducing tariffs  
under the China Australia Free Trade  
Agreement secured the opportunity  
against supply from European markets.

The Company believes its continued  
investment in product development  
and leading manufacturing  
capability in cereal and snacks  
provides for significant long term  
growth in supporting retailer and  
other branded products in Australia,  
China and North America.

PG 40 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Oats based cereal &  
snacks acquisition

Largest oat cluster supplier 
with over 60% share

As indicated at the half year, the Company completed 
the acquisition of Popina Foods, a major Australian 
manufacturer of oat based cereal and snacks during 
December 2015. Key customers include major brand 
owners and retailers, as well as manufacturing for its 
own brands.

Popina Foods (now Freedom Foods Group Dandenong) 
is a recognised leader in cluster format cereal and 
snacks in Australasia, with manufacturing operations 
based in Dandenong, Victoria. The acquisition has 
been a significant strategic addition to the Company 
allowing it to fast track its ability to expand our brand 
and category segment offering in oat based products 
in Australia and into Asia, and for the first time allow the 
Company to operate manufacturing capability in both 
allergen free (Leeton) and nut based capabilities (the 
new business) on a cost competitive basis. Additional 
integration opportunities in milling and ingredients 
supply to Dandenong have also been identified.

The purchase price for Popina Foods was 
approximately $35 million. The acquisition delivered 
sales and earnings for a 6 month period in FY 2016. 
It will be accretive to earnings in its first full year of 
operations in FY 2017 and is expected to provide 
further operational efficiencies in the medium term.

PG 41

Darlington point mill

quality and receival and dispatch systems. The 
Company has begun to expand the milling operations 
for internal use and external customers, to both 
grow sales and access cost efficiencies. Already the 
business is seeing increased demand for its Popping 
Corn and Maize flour products. Our sub scale milling 
operations at Leeton have been relocated to the 
Darlington Point Mill, with the equipment being used 
to allow the Mill to undertake smaller specialised 
runs. In addition the relocation has freed up space 
at Leeton, providing for increased finished goods 
warehousing capabilities.

With the significant increase in oats purchasing and 
processing requirements from the acquisition of the 
Popina Foods business, and a macro outlook for 
ongoing growth in demand for oats, the business is 
in the final stages of a feasibility study to process 
oats at the Darlington Point site. This would include 
procurement of oats through our own Freedom 
Farmers base, as well as storage and processing of 
all current and projected requirements. The Company 
is targeting an initial first stage capability to be in 
operation from calendar 2018.

Largest supplier of popping corn 
in Australia with over 40% share

In August 2015, the Company completed the 
acquisition of the business and assets of the Darlington 
Point Mill based in the Riverina district of New South 
Wales, approximately 32kms from Freedom Foods 
manufacturing facility at Stanbridge, near Leeton.

The Mill operates an established grain processing 
facility for the supply of milled flours and popping 
corn. It is a significant processor of popping corn, with 
a +40% share in Australia, while also processing gluten 
free and non GMO grains. The business has existing 
customers in food service and processing markets in 
Australia as well as export markets.

The acquisition price for the assets (excluding raw 
materials) was approximately $8.5 million. The 
acquisition comprised assets located at the site 
including 7.5 hectares of land, several modern large 
and medium sized grain silos, flour processing plants, 
other machinery and equipment and buildings 
including an export container facility.

The acquisition delivered a sales and earnings 
contribution in FY 2016. It will be accretive to  
earnings in its first full year of operations in  
FY 2017 and is expected to provide further  
operational efficiencies in the medium term.

Since acquisition, the Company has upgraded the 
Darlington Point Mill operations investing in particular 
in people and systems for managing production, 

PG 42 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

PG 43

Freedom farmers

During the half year, the Company managed, for the 
first time, seed and planting processes under contract 
with its Freedom Farmers for Popping Corn, Maize 
and Buckwheat to be delivered through calendar 2016. 
Additional contracts are being put in place for 2016 
plantings, for delivery in calendar 2017. The impact of 
these plantings and subsequent crops will see changes 
to working capital requirements in the coming years.

Aiming to be a fully integrated 
paddock to plate provider

As part of ensuring best quality and growth in  
supply of key grains to our Freedom Foods Group 
production facilities, the business expanded its 
Freedom Farmers platform, with a number of key 
farmer groups engaged to build the Company’s 
specialised grains supply platform over the coming 
years that will guarantee our strategy of being an 
integrated paddock to plate provider. Australian 
sourcing of all key grain based ingredients will  
be a key source of competitive advantage for 
the Company.

PG 44 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Cereal & snacks 
manufacturing base

The Company intends to maintain, in the medium 
term, an integrated cereal and snacks operation 
at Leeton and an oats and cluster format cereal 
processing and packaging operation at Dandenong.

Existing oat based manufacturing capabilities at our 
Dandenong facility are at capacity, reflecting 
increased market demand for cluster format 
cereal and snacks in Australasia and recognition of 
Dandenong as a leading manufacturer in this area. 
To provide additional capacity to meet the growing 
demands of existing customers and our branded 
portfolio as well as capability to grow into China 
and South East Asia, the Company has committed 
to a significant expansion of cereal oven and related 
packaging capabilities at the Dandenong facility. The 
capacity expansion is expected to be installed from 
September 2016 and will provide for growth in sales 
and earnings from FY 2017.

With increasing demand for snacking products 
in both allergen free and all purpose formats, the 
Company will maintain existing snacking capabilities 
at both sites. An upgrade to the Dandenong snacking 
capability to provide for increased throughput and 
DDP (paste extrusion) technology will be made prior 
to December 2016. This will allow the Company to 
meet all its branded and non branded customer 
requirements over the medium term.

PG 45

PG 46 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Cereal & snacks outlook

The Cereal, Snacks and Milling business is now 
strategically positioned to build a significant growth 
platform in multiple products, channels and distribution 
across Australia, China and North America.

The acquisitions of the Dandenong oats platform and 
the Darlington Point Mill has accelerated the business 
plan and provide further value adding scale benefits 
to the expanding sales, manufacturing and supply 
chain footprint of the Cereal and Snacks business.

The Company’s significant investment in product 
development capabilities will deliver an exciting 
innovation pipeline of new products in Cereal, 
Nutritional Snacks and new formats for convenience 
and food service channels.

The incremental capital expenditure in oats processing, 
bar processing and milling capability will assist in 
delivering an expanded and more relevant product 
suite, a lower cost base and capacity to enable 
the business to build sales through more effective 
throughput and efficiencies. The opportunity to build 
our state of the art facilities into significant value 
adding assets through processing high value added 
niche products will assist in building a leading Cereal 
and Snacks business across all segments of the market.

PG 47

Specialty foods

PG 48 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Number 1 Sardine brand  
in Australasia

Brunswick Sardines maintained its No. 1 brand 
leadership position in Australia and New Zealand.

During the second half of FY 2016, Sardine supply from 
Canada was constrained due to weather conditions 
that impacted fishing quotas. This had a significant 
impact on available supply and the Brunswick range 
was restricted in meeting normal sales promotions. 
Supply has recommenced since and the Company 
intends to maintain a dual supply base for Atlantic 
sourced Sardines to reduce exposure to a single 
fishing area.

Against this, the Paramount Salmon brand performed 
well during the period. While commencing Salmon 
inventory reduced our exposure to AUD/USD 
exchange rate decline, the last 9 months of the year 
was impacted by unfavourable exchange rate on 
the balance of purchasing in Salmon and Sardines. 
Tight management of sales promotions and reduced 
promotional spend negated some of the exchange 
rate impact on gross margin.

The business remains focused on positioning for 
growth through calendar 2016 through category 
leadership of the Specialty Seafood channel, including 
new product opportunities aligned to consumer 
demand for convenience and superior health benefits.

The business continued to utilise the procurement 
power of Bumble Bee Foods of North America,  
with Bumble Bee securing FY 2016 inventory 
requirements through priority access to salmon  
and sardine catch volumes.

PG 49

Corporate & group 
management

PG 50 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Talent & technology

The Company continued to make investments 
in people and capability. During the period, we 
significantly increased our talent and capability  
in our retail sales team in Australia and China, our 
marketing and innovation team across beverage,  
cereal and snacks capability, quality systems, 
operations, financial and compliance. For our 
expanding capital projects initiatives, we increased 
our capability to manage and install our key projects 
that will provide for ongoing capability at our sites, 
reducing reliance on 3rd party providers.

In our senior team, we have appointed a  
Chief Financial Officer who commenced  
on 1 September 2016.

We are developing our people and talent 
identification process to align with the Company’s 
rapidly expanding sales and operational platform.

The Company is well progressed on a complete 
transformation of its IT/ERP systems. From October 
through December 2016, the Company will upgrade 
from its existing 1st generation platform to a new 
cloud based ERP system. Integrated through all 
aspects of the Company including sales, marketing, 
operations, supply chain and quality, the Company 
will have a capability to further analyse its business, 
significantly increase productivity and provide for 
growth. The Company intends to be a leader in 
utilising digital technologies to further automate  
and streamline its operations.

PG 51

Diversity & inclusion

The Company embeds diversity and inclusion in the 
workplace and recognises the value that diversity 
plays in contributing to performance. The Company 
fosters inclusion regardless of age, gender, race, 
ethnicity or sexual orientation.

Female employees represent 35% of the Company’s 
workforce, which is an increase of 1% from 2015. 

Female employees represent 28% of senior 
management roles within the Company, which  
is an increase of 9% from 2015.

The Company endorses a flexible work environment to 
balance between work and family responsibilities and is 
committed to being an equal opportunity employer.

PG 52 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Quality & food safety

Quality and food safety training is provided through 
an induction training program and on going training 
of manufacturing and quality assurance teams. The 
Audit and Risk Committee monitors quality and food 
safety through regular risk management reports and 
scorecard reporting.

To ensure the integrity of the Company’s allergen free 
products, all suppliers go through a rigorous approved 
supplier program prior to engagement. Verification 
testing is completed on our raw materials and finished 
products to ensure quality is not compromised. The 
Company has an on site testing laboratory where 
products are tested for allergens using the best 
available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 
testing kits on the market. The Company also use 
external National Association of Testing Authorities 
(NATA) certified food laboratories to validate the 
Company’s testing methods.

At Freedom Foods Group our mission is Making Food 
Better. Quality and food safety is the foundation for 
the ongoing success of the Company. The Company 
strives to achieve quality across the business through 
the products, services and people. Quality and food  
safety is intrinsic to the business philosophy and 
culture. The quality and safety of the products, as  
well as meeting the requirements of the customers, 
are of the highest priority to the Company.

The Company is committed to the ongoing review  
of the food safety and quality objectives and has 
a focus on continuous improvement by constantly 
reviewing and challenging the Quality and Food 
Safety Management  Systems, as well as utilising 
improvement methodologies to ensure delivery  
on the Company’s quality commitment.

The Quality and Food Safety Systems are subject to 
regular audits by independent certification bodies 
with an emphasis on compliance to standards and 
regulations. All our sites are certified to globally 
recognised standards such as Safe Quality Food 
(SQF) or British Retail Consortium (BRC). Our  
newly acquired Mill in Darlington Point has  
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points 
(HACCP) certification with the objective  
of achieving globally recognised 
certification in FY 2017 for this Mill. 

We continue to build our Quality 
Management Systems with robust 
internal audit programs to monitor  
and drive improvements.

PG 53

Quality & food safety

• The Company has attracted top talent into our  
Quality team both into our sites and Company  
level such as in the regulatory compliance  
arena with the appointment of a regulatory 
specialist which will continue to develop  
robust systems around compliance.

• Reporting on quality performance  

and driving continuous improvement.

Some key initiatives the Company has undertaken 
during the year include:
• Moving onto a cloud based Quality Management 

System platform that will drive significant advantages 
in managing data, monitoring trends in real time 
and increase efficiencies with the quality function.

• As customer satisfaction is paramount to the 

Company, a customer service web based system  
has been implemented. This enables the Company  
to ensure enquiries are dealt with in an effective  
and efficient manner. Trending, reporting and 
response times have been incorporated as 
key measures to continually improve the  
customer service experience.

• The Quality and Food Safety  
policy has been revised and  
standardised across the  
Company to reinforce the  
commitment to quality  
and food safety.

PG 54 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Capital management 

Capital Raising

Cash & Liquidity

The Company completed a capital raising in 
November 2015 that comprised a pro-rata  
accelerated non-renounceable entitlement  
offer and institutional placement.

The offer raised a total of $65 million, with the 
institutional component being significantly 
oversubscribed with strong demand from a broad 
range of high quality institutional investors including 
existing institutional shareholders. The offer price  
was $2.85 per share, which represented a 2.4% 
discount to the average trading price over the 
preceding 30 day period.

The funds raised from the capital raising are being 
utilised in the funding of the Company’s growth 
strategy including the acquisition of Popina Foods, 
construction of a new UHT processing facility at 
Ingleburn as well as providing the Company with 
additional balance sheet flexibility for future  
growth opportunities.

Sale of The a2 Milk  
Company Shareholding

In October and November 2015, the Company 
disposed of its entire shareholding in The a2 Milk 
Company Limited (a2MC) in 2 block trades at an 
average price of A$0.77, generating approximate  
net proceeds of A$90 million.

The Company realised its investment in a2MC on 
the basis that the opportunity cost arising from the 
market value of the funds employed in the holding 
would be better utilised being applied to activities 
and businesses in respect of which the Company has 
either 100% ownership or significant ownership and 
control interests.

The total profit from investment in a2MC, since  
the original investment in 2007, was A$85 million,  
a return of 425% on the original investment.

The Company held cash of $63.9 million at 30th 
June 2016, with total borrowings of $103.8 million, 
comprising term facilities, equipment finance leases 
and working capital facilities. Net debt at 30th June 
2016 was $39.9 million, with a net debt to equity  
ratio of 13.9%.

Cash flow from operations was $13.4 million, an 
increase of $5 million from FY 2015, reflecting 
increased sales offset by increases in working capital 
requirements associated with inventory build for 
the changing mix of business in beverages and new 
product launches.

During the period, the Company invested $63.1 million 
in capital expenditure (relating to Leeton operations, 
Darlington Point Mill, Dandenong, Shepparton and new 
facilities being constructed at Ingleburn) funded by cash.

Dividends

Consistent with the improved profitability and positive 
outlook for group performance, the Company will 
pay a final fully franked dividend of 2.25 cents per 
ordinary share in November 2016, an increase of 0.75 
cents per ordinary share on the final dividend paid in 
FY 2015. The record date for determining entitlements 
is 2nd November 2016 and the payment date is 
30th November 2016. This brings the total dividend 
declared in FY 2016 to 4.0 cents per ordinary share  
(a 33% increase from 3.0 cents in FY 2015).

The Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) 
remains open.

The Company will pay a fully franked converting 
preference share dividend in accordance with the 
terms of the converting preference shares. The record 
date for determining entitlements is 2nd November 
2016 and the payment date is 30th November 2016.

There are 101,617 converting preference shares remaining 
on issue at 31st August 2016. 35,400 converting 
preference shares were converted to ordinary shares 
during the 12 months ending 30th June 2016.

PG 55

Group outlook

The Company is strategically well positioned to build 
scale in its key business platforms of plant based 
beverage, premium dairy and specialty cereal and 
snacks, with strong sales and earnings growth over 
the long term from Australia and key international 
markets in China, South East Asia and North America.

Increasingly our key brands “Australia’s Own” and 
“Freedom Foods” will be at the forefront of driving 
our returns from our innovation and manufacturing 
capabilities in Australia and international markets.

the medium to long term, particulary in value adding 
Australia’s unique agricultural base. While this requires 
significant capital investment and patience, we will 
continue to invest to achieve this outcome.

The expansion of our plant based beverage 
capabilities in Sydney in 2017 is expected to result in a 
material increase in sales and profitability, with further 
growth opportunities through meeting the increasing 
demands of our brands as well as our our private label 
and branded customer base.

Our commitment to servicing a broader category 
including retailers and other brand owners will remain, 
driving scale and generating earnings to support our 
brand strategy.

The Company is developing a unique supply and 
manufacturing footprint in its key categories. We 
believe the ability to control supply and manufacturing 
inputs and more quickly deliver innovation across 
a range of product formats for our brands and our 
key customers will be a key strategic advantage in 

The dairy platform being established provides a 
material opportunity to increase exposure to the 
growing demand for high quality and safe dairy 
products from China and South East Asia, aligned 
more closely through our brands as well as our 
strategic customers. With strong sales growth and 
increasing profitability into calendar 2017, the increase 
in the Company’s shareholding in PDG to 50% (from 
the conversion of convertible notes) and the resulting 
consolidation of PDG from 1 January 2016 will 

PG 56 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

contribute to sales and earnings. Our expansion into 
Dairy Nutritionals provides an opportunity to build a 
more integrated dairy processing platform into the 
future, with the potential for a significant increase in 
sales and earnings.

The Cereal, Snacks and Milling business is strategically 
well positioned to build a significant growth platform 
in multiple products, channels and distribution across 
Australia, China and North America. The business will 
deliver increasing sales and profit through innovation 
in new products, expansion of distribution channels 
in Australia and international markets, together with 
increasing manufacturing efficiencies from volume and 
cost efficiencies arising from the capital investment 
program at Leeton, Darlington Point Mill and 
Dandenong. This, aligned with investment in building 
awareness of the brand across a broader consumer 
market open to healthier products, is expected to 
provide a strong base for growth into future years.

We will evaluate acquisitions that add value to and 
significantly accelerate and or leverage our sales, 
marketing and operational platforms.

Our capital raising and realisation of the investment in 
a2MC, along with support from our banking partners, 
provides a strong balance sheet capability to execute 
our strategy.

Our operating profits will increase through the 
investment cycle, balanced against a requirement  
to invest in people, systems and process to manage  
a scaled and diversified business platform.

With the Company experiencing a strong start to 
the 2017 financial year across all business areas, 
the Company anticipates the ongoing benefits of 
the strategy and its multi stage capital investment 
programme to accelerate increased group profits  
and returns in FY 2017 and beyond.

PG 57

Financial report

PG 58 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Directors’ report

The Directors present their report, together with the financial statements, on the Consolidated Entity (referred 
to hereafter as the ‘Group’) consisting of Freedom Foods Group Limited (referred to hereafter as the ‘Company’ 
or ‘parent entity’) and the entities it controlled at the end of, or during, the year ended 30 June 2016.

Directors
The following persons were Directors of Freedom Foods Group Limited during the whole of the financial year 
and up to the date of this report, unless otherwise stated:

Perry R. Gunner - Chairman (Non-Executive)

Rory J.F. Macleod - Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (Executive)

Anthony M. Perich - Deputy Chairman and Director (Non-Executive)

Ronald Perich - Director (Non-Executive)

Melvyn Miles - Director (Non-Executive) (resigned on 14 August 2015)

Trevor J. Allen - Director (Non-Executive)

Michael R. Perich - Alternate Director for Anthony M. Perich and Ronald Perich (Non-Executive)

Principal activities
The principal activities of the Consolidated Entity during the financial year were:
• sourcing, manufacturing, selling, marketing and distribution of specialty cereal and snacks; 
• sourcing, manufacturing selling, marketing and distribution of plant and dairy based beverages;
• selling, marketing and distribution of canned specialty seafood;
• investment in large scale dairy farming operations.
The Company operates sales, marketing and distribution activities in Australia, New Zealand, China (South East 
Asia) and North America (USA).

There were no significant changes in the nature of the principal activities during the financial year.

Dividends
Dividends paid during the financial year were as follows:

Final fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 2015  
of 1.50 cents (2014: 1.50 cents) per ordinary share

Dividends reinvested: fully franked at 30% tax rate

Interim fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 2016  
of 1.75 cents (2015: 1.50 cents) per ordinary share

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $'000

2015 $'000

515 

1,807 

688 

556 

1,718 

595 

Dividends reinvested: fully franked at 30% tax rate

2,455 

1,705 

Final fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 2015  
of 1.35 cents (2014: 1.35 cents) per convertible redeemable preference share

Interim fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 2016  
of 1.35 cents (2015: 1.35 cents) per convertible redeemable preference share

1 

2 

2 

2 

5,468 

4,578

PG 59

On 31 August 2016, the Directors declared a fully franked final dividend of 2.25 cents per share to the holders 
of fully paid ordinary shares in respect of the financial year ending 30 June 2016, which is to be paid to 
shareholders on 30 November 2016. The record date for determining the entitlement to the final dividend is 
2 November 2016. The dividend has not been included as a liability in these financial statements. The total 
estimated dividend to be paid is $4,084,000.

On 31 August 2016, the Directors declared a fully franked final dividend of 1.35 cents per share to the holders 
of the convertible redeemable preference shares in respect of the financial year ending 30 June 2016, which is 
to be paid to shareholders on 30 November 2016. The record date for determining the entitlement to the final 
dividend is 2 November 2016. The dividend has not been included as a liability in these financial statements. The 
total estimated dividend to be paid is $1,372. 

Review of operations
The profit for the Group after providing for income tax and non-controlling interest amounted to $50,492,000 
(30 June 2015: $56,631,000).

Refer to the commentary in the Managing Director’s Review of Operations.

Significant changes in the state of affairs
There were no significant changes in the state of affairs of the Group during the financial year.

Matters subsequent to the end of the financial year
Apart from the dividend declared as discussed above, no other matter or circumstance has arisen since 30 
June 2016 that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect the Group’s operations, the results of those 
operations, or the Group’s state of affairs in future financial years.

Likely developments and expected results of operations
In future years, the Consolidated Entity expects to further grow through organic sales development and 
business acquisitions, leveraging its expanding capabilities in supply chain and manufacturing, product 
development, sales, marketing and distribution in its core business activities. Growth beyond Australia and New 
Zealand will be targeted through key export markets in Asia (China and South East Asia) and North America, 
either through company owned capabilities or through strategic alliances and partnerships.

Environmental regulation
The Consolidated Entity’s operations are subject to environmental regulation 
under the law of the Commonwealth, State and local council regulations.
• There were no breaches of environmental laws, regulations  

or permits during the year.

•  The Consolidated Entity is currently operating in accordance  
with local councils consent in regard to hours of operation. 

PG 60 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Directors’ reportInformation on Directors

Name:

Title:

Mr Perry R. Gunner.

Chairman and Non-Executive Director (Independent).

Qualifications:

B.Ag.Sc.

Experience and expertise:

Perry is a former Chairman and CEO of Orlando Wyndham Wine Group 
and was appointed Chairman in July 2006. 

Other current directorships:

Non-Executive Director of Australian Vintage Ltd.

Former directorships (last 3 years): None.

Special responsibilities:

Chairman of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee and member 
of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.

Interests in shares:

781,569.

Name:

Title:

Mr Rory J.F. Macleod.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Qualifications:

B.Econ (Hons).

Experience and expertise:

Other current directorships:

Rory has been with the group for the past 13 years with direct responsibility 
for and involvement in the Company’s strategic, operational and financial 
development during this time. He is a former Senior Director, corporate 
finance for SBC Warburg (now UBS) in Australasia and Europe where he 
gained extensive experience in strategy and commercial development, 
mergers and acquisitions and corporate analysis. Prior to his corporate 
finance background, Rory was an Equities Research Analyst with SBC 
Warburg (now UBS). Rory was appointed as an Executive Director in 2008 
and appointed Managing Director and CEO in August 2012.

Non-Executive Chairman, Australian Fresh Milk Holdings Pty Limited 
(AFMH) and its subsidiaries. A Director of operating subsidiaries of 
Freedom Foods Group Limited.

Former directorships (last 3 years): None.

Special responsibilities:

Interests in shares:

Interests in options:

None.

1,654,487.

Employee Share Options 2,500,000 @ $2.92.

PG 61

Name:

Title:

Experience and expertise:

Mr Anthony M. Perich AM.

Non-Executive Director.

Anthony is a Member of the Order of Australia. He is joint Managing 
Director of Arrovest Pty Limited, Leppington Pastoral Company, one of 
Australia's largest dairy producers and various other entities associated 
with Perich Enterprises Pty Limited. He is also a property developer, farmer 
and business entrepreneur. Outside of the Perich Group, Anthony holds a 
number of other Directorships which include Greenfields Narellan Holdings, 
East Coast Woodshavings Pty Limited, Breeders Choice Woodshavings Pty 
Limited, Austral Malaysian Mining Limited and Inghams Health Research 
Institute. Memberships include Narellan Chamber of Commerce, Narellan 
Rotary Club, Urban Development Institute of Australia, Urban Taskforce, 
Property Council of Australia, past President of Narellan Rotary Club and 
Past President of Dairy Research at Sydney University. He was appointed as 
a Director in July 2006.

Other current directorships:

None.

Former directorships (last 3 years): Austral Malaysian Mining Limited, Pulia Mining Sdn Bhd (Malaysia).

Special responsibilities:

Deputy Chairman.

Interests in shares:

99,107,422.

Name:

Title:

Experience and expertise:

Mr Ronald Perich.

Non-Executive Director.

Ronald is joint Managing Director of Arrovest Pty Limited, Leppington 
Pastoral Company, one of Australia's largest dairy producers and various 
other entities associated with Perich Enterprises Pty Limited. He is also a 
property developer, farmer and business entrepreneur. Former Director of 
United Dairies Limited. He was appointed as a Director in April 2005.

Other current directorships:

None.

Former directorships (last 3 years): None.

Special responsibilities:

Member of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and member  
of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

Interests in shares:

99,107,422.

Name:

Title:

Mr Melvyn Miles (resigned on 14 August 2015).

Non-Executive Director (Independent).

Qualifications:

B.Sc (Hons), F.I.B.D.

Experience and expertise:

Melyvn has extensive Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) experience 
throughout Australasia, North America and the UK over a period of 26 
years. Former Vice President of Carlton and United Breweries and Foster's 
Group, former Director of Carlton and United Breweries and its subsidiaries 
and former Chairman of South Pacific Distilleries, Fiji. He was appointed as 
a Director in November 2006 and resigned in August 2015.

Other current directorships:

None.

Former directorships (last 3 years): None.

Special responsibilities:

Former member of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.

Interests in shares:

None.

PG 62 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Directors’ reportName:

Title:

Mr Trevor J. Allen.

Non-Executive Director (Independent).

Qualifications:

B Comm (Hons), CA, FF, MAICD.

Experience and expertise:

Other current directorships:

Trevor has 38 years experience in the corporate and commercial sectors, 
primarily as a corporate and financial adviser to Australian and international 
public and privately owned companies. Trevor is an independent Non-
Executive Director of Peet Limited, where he chairs its Audit and Risk 
Management Committee and is a member of its Remuneration Committee. 
He is an independent Non-Executive Director of Eclipx Group Limited, where 
he also chairs its Audit and Risk Management Committee and is a member 
of its Remuneration Committee. He is also an independent Non-Executive 
Director of Yowie Group Limited and has recently been appointed Chair of 
Brighte Capital Pty Limited, a start-up company financing residential solar 
and batteries. He will be retiring from the board of Aon Superannuation 
Pty Ltd, the trustee of the Aon Master Trust, on 31 August 2016. He was 
also a member of FINSIA’s Corporate Finance Advisory Group Committee 
for ten years until December 2013. Trevor is a consultant to PPB Advisory. 
Prior to Trevor's Non-Executive roles, he had senior executive positions in 
the investment banking and corporate advisory sector, including Executive 
Director – Corporate Finance at SBC Warburg (now UBS) for over 8 years, 
Director at Baring Brothers Australia for one year and as a Corporate Finance 
Partner at KPMG for nearly 12 years. At the time of his retirement from 
KPMG in December 2011, he was the lead partner in its National Mergers 
and Acquisitions group. From 1997 – 2000 he was Director - Business 
Development for Cellarmaster Wines, having responsibility for the integration 
and performance of a number of acquisitions made outside Australia in that 
period. He was appointed as a Director in July 2013.

Non-Executive Alternate Director, Company Secretary and Public Officer of 
Australian Fresh Milk Holdings Pty Limited and Fresh Dairy One Pty Limited. 
Non-Executive Director of Peet Funds Management Limited, Yowie Hong 
Kong Holdings Pty Limited, Peet Flagstone Pty Limited and Brighte Capital 
Pty Limited.

Former directorships (last 3 years): Australian Childcare Projects Limited, Juvenile Diabetes Research Association.

Special responsibilities:

Chairman of the Audit Risk and Compliance Committee and a member of 
the Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

Interests in shares:

68,593.

PG 63

Name:

Title:

Mr Michael R. Perich.

Alternate Non-Executive Director.

Qualifications:

B AppSci (SysAg).

Experience and expertise:

Other current directorships:

Director of Arrovest Pty Limited, Leppington Pastoral Company, one of 
Australia's largest dairy producers and various other entities associated 
with Perich Enterprises Pty Limited. Former Director of Contract Beverages 
Packers of Australia Pty Limited, a joint venture controlled equally by 
the Company and Arrovest, Director of Australian Dairy Conference and 
Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors post 
nominals. He was appointed as an alternate Director in March 2009.

Non-Executive Director of Australian Fresh Milk Holdings Pty Limited, Milk 
Holdings Pty Limited, Fresh Dairy One Pty Limited, Australian Fresh Milk 
Pty Limited.

Former directorships (last 3 years): None.

Special responsibilities:

Interests in shares:

None.

99,107,422.

‘Other current directorships’ quoted above are current directorships for listed entities only and excludes 
Directorships of all other types of entities, unless otherwise stated.

‘Former directorships (last 3 years)’ quoted above are directorships held in the last 3 years for listed entities only 
and excludes Directorships of all other types of entities, unless otherwise stated.

Company secretaries
Managing Director, Mr Rory J.F. Macleod held the position of Company Secretary during and at the end of the 
financial year. Mrs Sharon Maguire is the Assistant Company Secretary.

The position of Company Secretary has been assumed by the Chief Financial Officer from 1 September 2016.

Meetings of Directors
The number of meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors (‘the Board’) and of each Board committee held 
during the year ended 30 June 2016 and the number of meetings attended by each Director were:

Perry R. Gunner
Rory J.F. Macleod (i)
Anthony M. Perich
Ronald Perich
Melvyn Miles (ii)
Trevor J. Allen
Michael R. Perich

FULL BOARD

AUDIT, RISK & COMPLIANCE

REMUNERATION & NOMINATION

ATTENDED

HELD

ATTENDED

HELD

ATTENDED

HELD

10
10
9
10
-
10
8

10
10
10
10
1
10
10

4
6
-
3
-
6
-

6
6
-
6
-
6
-

1
1
-
1
-
1
-

1
1
-
1
-
1
-

Held: represents the number of meetings held during the time the Director held office or was a member of the 
relevant committee.

(i)   R.J.F. Macleod attended the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee meetings at the invitation of the Audit, Risk  

and Compliance Committee.

(ii) Melvyn Miles resigned as Non-Executive Director on 14 August 2015.

PG 64 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Directors’ reportRemuneration report (audited)
The remuneration report details the key management personnel remuneration arrangements for the Group,  
in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and its Regulations.

Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing  
and controlling the activities of the entity, directly or indirectly, including all Directors.

The remuneration report is set out under the following main headings:
• Principles used to determine the nature and amount of remuneration
• Details of remuneration
• Service agreements
• Share-based compensation
• Group performance, shareholder wealth and Directors and key management personnel remuneration
• Additional disclosures relating to key management personnel
Principles used to determine the nature and amount of remuneration

Remuneration arrangements for key management personnel of the Company and Group (‘the Directors and 
Executives’) are set competitively to attract and retain appropriately qualified and experienced Directors and 
Executives. As part of its agreed mandate, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee obtains independent 
advice when required on the appropriateness of remuneration packages given trends in comparable companies 
and the objectives of the Consolidated Entity’s remuneration strategy. 

During the year, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee obtained independent advice from Crichton + 
Associates Pty Limited in relation to current and future remuneration policies and structures for the Company 
and the Group. 

The remuneration structures explained below are designed to attract suitably qualified candidates. The 
remuneration structures take into account:
• The capability and experience of the Directors and Executives;
• The Directors and Executives’ ability to control the relevant operational performance; and
• The amount of incentives within each Director and Executive’s remuneration.
Managing Director and Executives

Fixed remuneration consists of base remuneration (which is calculated on a total cost basis and includes any 
FBT charges related to employee benefits including motor vehicles), as well as employer contributions to 
superannuation funds.

The Managing Director and Executives remuneration levels are reviewed annually by the Remuneration and 
Nomination Committee through a process that considers the overall performance of the Group. 

Performance based remuneration

Performance based remuneration is at the discretion of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee. These 
can take the form of share options or cash bonuses although the Company’s preference is to link performance 
and service to a long term incentive arrangement through the Company’s Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP).

The ESOP allows the Company to grant options over shares to all Directors (excluding Mr Ronald and Anthony 
M. Perich) and permanent full time or part time employees, or their respective nominees, of a company in the 
Group (‘Group Companies’), which includes related bodies corporate of the Company and a body corporate in 
which the Company has voting power of 20% or more, whom the Board determines to be eligible to participate.

PG 65

The Board believes that options granted are appropriate to aligning key executive performance with long term 
performance and growth of the Company. The options on issue at 30 June 2016 that are unvested will vest over 
a period of 5 years and relate to an employee’s service period only with the exception to the performance  
based options detailed below. Each employee share option converts into one ordinary share of the Parent on 
exercise. No amounts are paid or payable by the recipient on receipt of the option. The options carry neither 
rights to dividends nor voting rights. Options may be exercised at any time from the date of vesting to the 
date of their expiry. There are no vesting conditions attached to the options issued at 30 June 2016 other than 
continuing employment within the Group. The vesting details for options issued to Mr Rory J.F. Macleod and Mr 
Amine Haddad are on page 69 under Share-based Compensation, Employee Share Options.

Non-Executive Directors

The maximum aggregate amount of fees that can be paid to Non-Executive Directors is subject to approval 
by shareholders at an Annual or Extraordinary General Meeting. Total fees for all Non-Executive Directors, last 
voted upon by shareholders in June 2013, was not to exceed $500,000 in total. Total fees paid to Non-Executive 
Directors for 2016 was $368,720 (2015: $443,475). To align Director interests with shareholder interests, the 
Directors are encouraged to hold shares in the Company.

For the year ended 30 June 2016, the Chairman receives approximately 1.2 times the base fee of Non-Executive 
Directors. The Deputy Chairman receives approximately 1.1 times the base fee of Non-Executive Directors.  
Non-Executive Directors do not receive performance related remuneration. Directors’ fees cover all main Board 
activities including Committee Fees. There are no termination or retirement benefits for Non-Executive Directors. 

During the year, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee obtained independent advice from Crichton + 
Associates Pty Limited in relation to current and future remuneration policies and structures for the Company 
and the Group. As a result, the fees for Directors in FY 2017 will be adjusted to reflect market practice for 
comparable listed companies. The fees will also include separate fees for the Chairman of the Audit, Risk and 
Compliance Committee.

Details of remuneration
Amounts of remuneration

Details of the remuneration of key management personnel of the Group are set out in the following tables.

The key management personnel of the Group consisted of the following Directors of Freedom Foods Group Limited:
• Perry R. Gunner - Chairman and Non-Executive Director
• Rory J.F. Macleod - Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
• Anthony M. Perich - Deputy Chairman and Non-Executive Director
• Ronald Perich - Non-Executive Director
• Melvyn Miles - Non-Executive Director (resigned on 14 August 2015)
• Trevor J. Allen - Non-Executive Director
• Michael Perich - Alternate Non-Executive Director for Anthony M. Perich and Ronald Perich
Executive Officers
• Amine Haddad - CEO, Commercial Operations Australasia
• Timothy Moses - Group General Manager, Group Operations

PG 66 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Directors’ reportIn making an assessment of the key management personnel, a review of the roles performed by various senior 
management was undertaken. This review took into consideration senior management members’ ability to plan, 
direct and control the principle activities of the Group. The result of this review is that Timothy Moses, Group 
General Manager, Group Operations, has been added to the key management personnel while Michael Bracka, 
CEO, Freedom Foods North America, is no longer considered key management personnel.

The benefits of each Director who held office and other key management personnel for the year ended  
30 June 2016 are as follows:

SHORT-TERM BENEFITS

POST-EMPLOYMENT 
BENEFITS

LONG-TERM 
BENEFITS

SHARE-BASED 
PAYMENTS

2016

SALARY $

DIRECTORS 
FEES $

SUPERANNUATION $

LONG SERVICE 
LEAVE $

OPTIONS $

TOTAL $

Non-Executive Directors:

Perry R. Gunner

Anthony M. Perich

Ronald Perich

Melvyn Miles (1)

Trevor J. Allen

Michael Perich (alternate)

Executive Directors:

-

-

-

-

-

-

86,758 

77,626 

68,493 

11,416 

68,493 

23,945 

Rory J.F. Macleod

400,692

Other Key Management 
Personnel:

Amine Haddad 

Timothy Moses

350,692 

233,192 

-

-

-

984,576 

336,731 

8,242 

7,374 

6,507 

1,084 

6,507 

2,275 

19,308

19,308 

19,308 

89,913 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

95,000

85,000

75,000

12,500

75,000

26,220

280,135

700,135

168,081 

538,081

-

252,500

448,216 

1,859,436

(1)  The Director fees for Melvyn Miles were paid up until his resignation date, 14 August 2015.

PG 67

SHORT-TERM BENEFITS

POST-EMPLOYMENT 
BENEFITS

LONG-TERM 
BENEFITS

SHARE-BASED 
PAYMENTS

2015

SALARY $

DIRECTORS 
FEES $

SUPERANNUATION $

LONG SERVICE 
LEAVE $

OPTIONS $

TOTAL $

Non-Executive Directors:

Perry R. Gunner

Anthony M. Perich

Ronald Perich

Melvyn Miles

Trevor J. Allen

Executive Directors:

-

-

-

-

-

95,000

85,000

75,000

75,000

75,000

Rory J.F. Macleod

389,550 

Other Key Management 
Personnel:

Amine Haddad 

Michael Bracka (1)

331,203

402,261

-

-

-

1,123,014

405,000

9,025

8,075

7,125

7,125

7,125

18,783

18,783

-

76,041

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

104,025

93,075

82,125

82,125

82,125

60,443

468,776

43,062

393,048

48,856

451,117

152,361

1,756,416 

(1) Michael Bracka was a resident in North America and his salary in USD was $335,000, the above is the converted AUD amount. 
  Superannuation contributions were not due or payable.

No bonus payments are payable to Executive Directors or other key management personnel with respect to the 
financial year ended 30 June 2016. The remuneration is fixed in the above tables.

Service agreements
Neither the Managing Director nor any other Executive has a fixed term contract. All senior executive 
management are employed under contract. The agreements outline the components of the remuneration 
paid to executives, including annual review. The agreements do not obligate the business to increase fixed 
remuneration, pay a short term incentive, make termination benefits or offer a long term incentive in any given 
year. The Company may terminate the contract at any time without notice if serious misconduct has occurred. 
Where termination with cause occurs, the executive is only entitled to that portion of remuneration that is fixed, 
and only up to the date of termination. The agreements may be terminated by written notice from either party 
or by the employing entity within the Group making a payment in lieu of notice. The notice periods are 9 months 
for the Managing Director, 6 months for CEO, Commercial Operations Australasia and 3 months for Group 
General Manager, Group Operations. Other notice periods for other executives are between 1 and 2 months.

PG 68 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Directors’ reportShare-based compensation
Employee Share Options 

GRANT DATE

30 August 2012

1 July 2013

1 July 2015

NUMBER OF SHARES 
UNDER OPTION

EXPIRY DATE

EXERCISE  
PRICE

FAIR VALUE PER  
OPTION AT GRANT DATE

350,000

30 August 2017

1,380,667

1 July 2018

4,000,000

30 June 2020

$0.60 

$1.65 

$2.92 

$0.066 

$0.181 

$1.195 

RECIPIENTS

NUMBER DURING THE YEAR 2016

FAIR VALUE ($) DURING THE YEAR 2016

Rory J.F. Macleod - Issued 1 July 2015

Amine Haddad - Issued 1 July 2015

2,500,000 

1,500,000 

2,987,500 

1,792,500 

There is no performance criteria that need to be met in relation to 30 August 2012 and 1 July 2013 series options 
granted above. The options detailed above vest over a period of 3 years and relate to an employee’s service 
period only.

The holders of these options do not have the right by virtue of the option, to participate in any share issue or 
interest issue of any other body corporate or registered scheme.

At the AGM on 30 October 2014, approval was granted for 2,500,000 options under the Employee Share Option 
Plan to be issued to Mr Rory J.F Macleod, Managing Director on 1 July 2015. Unlike the options on issue at 30 
June 2015, these options will have a 5 year exercise period and will vest based on the achievement of Group 
Company EBDITA performance within the 5 year exercise period per the below:
• 750,000 on achievement of audited Group EBDITA of A$38 million; 
• 750,000 on achievement of audited Group EBDITA of A$45 million; and 
• 1,000,000 on achievement of audited Group EBDITA of A$57 million. 
The audited Group EBDITA will be adjusted for any material acquisition or divestment. Since the grant of the 
options, the Company acquired Popina Foods and assets associated with the Darlington Point Mill (DP Mill).  
As a result, the Group EBDITA performance targets have been adjusted to the following: 
• 750,000 on achievement of audited Group EBDITA of A$42 million; 
• 750,000 on achievement of audited Group EBDITA of A$49 million; and 
• 1,000,000 on achievement of audited Group EBDITA of A$61 million. 
In the final year of the 5 year exercise period for the options granted to Mr Rory J.F. Macleod (and other 
options issued under the same conditions to Mr Amine Haddad), any options deemed vested on the basis of a 
preliminary Group EBDITA for 30 June 2020 will be allowed to be exercised based on achievement of an Group 
EBDITA at 30 June 2020 up and until the audited Group EBDITA at 30 June 2020 is confirmed no later than  
30 September 2020. 

The options have been valued using an independent valuation from Ian S. Crichton (BA, FCA, MFTA), Principal, 
Crichton + Associates Pty Limited. The valuation and annual expense has been reflected in the Statement of 
profit or loss and comprehensive income.

PG 69

Group performance, shareholder wealth and Directors and key management  
personnel remuneration
The remuneration policy of the Company and Group is at the discretion of the Remuneration and  
Nomination Committee

The earnings of the Group for the five years to 30 June 2016 are summarised below:

Gross sales revenue*

Operating EBITDA**

Operating net profit**

Profit after income tax

EPS (Fully Diluted for CRPS)  
on operating net profit

2016 $'000

2015 $'000

2014 $'000

2013 $'000

2012 $'000

213,833

129,502 

21,526

10,818

50,631

6.06

16,420 

4,970 

56,631 

3.14 

122,722 

15,289 

12,518 

12,132 

8.15 

115,514 

11,600 

6,351 

13,722 

5.40 

72,556 

5,447 

3,305 

3,012 

3.32 

*   Gross sales revenues in the table above differs from the reported revenue, as the gross sales revenue above includes 

intercompany sales eliminated from the statutory reported revenue from sale of goods figure. This treatment reflects the 
Group’s arm’s length trading policy between Group activities.

**  Operating EBITDA/Operating net profit excludes the non-operating charges and gains with an add back of the non-cash 

employee share option expense of $448,000, elimination of the gain on disposal of a2MC investment $25 million and fair value 
gain on conversion of convertible notes to shares of $22 million.

Share price at financial year end ($)

Total dividends declared (cents per share)

Basic earnings per share (cents per share)

Diluted earnings per share (cents per share)

2016

4.06 

3.25 

29.52 

28.54

2015

2.96 

3.00 

37.11

35.99

2014

2.76

2.50 

8.65

8.14

2013

1.65

2.00

14.73

11.96

2012

0.60 

0.50 

3.88 

3.03 

With regard to a rapidly expanding and growing Company, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee has 
undertaken a review of the Company’s remuneration strategy and framework that provides for alignment with 
the Company’s business and growth strategy. The review which included obtaining independent advice will 
focus on the mix of fixed versus variable remuneration and measures and targets for both short term and long 
term incentive plans. The new framework will be introduced from FY 2017.

PG 70 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Directors’ reportAdditional disclosures relating to key management personnel
Key management personnel equity holdings

The number of shares in the Company held during the financial year by each Director and other members of key 
management personnel of the Group, including their personally related parties, is set out below:

BALANCE AT  
THE START  
OF THE YEAR

RECEIVED ON 
EXERCISE OF 
OPTIONS

DIVIDEND 
REINVESTMENT 
PLAN

OTHER CHANGES 
DURING THE YEAR

BALANCE AT THE 
END OF THE YEAR

Ordinary shares

Perry R. Gunner***

853,157 

-

-

(71,588)

781,569 

Rory J.F. Macleod***

1,824,482 

966,667 

975 

(1,137,637)

1,654,487 

Anthony M. Perich*

Ronald Perich*

Melvyn Miles**

Trevor J. Allen

Michael Perich*

Amine Haddad

Timothy Moses

86,938,153 

86,938,153 

335,410 

61,178 

86,938,153 

669,999 

-

-

-

-

-

-

930,451 

930,451 

11,238,818 

99,107,422 

11,238,818 

99,107,422 

-

-

(335,410)

- 

7,415 

68,593 

930,451 

11,238,818 

99,107,422 

716,666 

100,000 

877 

(194,580)

-

-

1,192,962 

100,000 

264,558,685 

1,783,333 

2,793,205 

31,984,654 

301,119,877 

* 

 Anthony M. Perich, Ronald Perich and Michael Perich (as their alternate) are Joint Managing Directors of Arrovest Pty 
Limited, an entity holding direct interest in the Group.

**  Melvyn Miles ceased to be a key management personnel on 14 August 2016 due to his resignation as Director.

***   Perry R. Gunner disposed of 200,000 shares to satisfy trustee requirements to re-weight his superannuation portfolio.  

Rory J.F. Macleod disposed of 1,175,000 shares to fund income tax payments, portfolio management, employee share option 
exercise and repayment of loans relating to shareholdings. The disposals are included in other changes during the year.

Directors and key management personnel shareholdings increased during the year as a result of the Company 
issuing new shares under the Placement and Entitlement Offer during October 2015.

Employee share options in the Group

The number of options over ordinary shares in the Company held during the financial year by each Director  
and other members of key management personnel of the Group, including their personally related parties,  
is set out below:

BALANCE AT  
THE START  
OF THE YEAR

GRANTED

EXERCISED

EXPIRED/ 
FORFEITED/ 
LAPSED

BALANCE AT THE 
END OF THE YEAR

Options over ordinary shares

Rory J.F. Macleod

966,667

2,500,000 

(966,667)

Amine Haddad

Timothy Moses

716,666

175,000

1,500,000 

(716,666)

-

(100,000)

1,858,333 

4,000,000 

(1,783,333)

-

-

-

-

2,500,000 

1,500,000 

75,000 

4,075,000 

PG 71

Options over ordinary shares

Rory J.F. Macleod

Amine Haddad

Timothy Moses

VESTED AND 
EXERCISABLE

UNVESTED AND 
UNEXERCISABLE

BALANCE AT THE 
END OF THE YEAR

-

-

2,500,000 

2,500,000 

1,500,000 

1,500,000 

75,000 

-

75,000 

75,000 

4,000,000

4,075,000 

All share options issued to key management personnel were made in accordance with the provisions of the ESOP.

No Director or senior management personnel of the Group appointed during the year received a payment as 
part of his or her consideration for agreeing to hold the position.

Indemnity and insurance of officers
The Group has not, during or since the financial year, in respect of any person who is or has been an officer of 
the Company or a related body corporate:
• indemnified or made any relevant agreement for indemnifying against liability incurred as an officer, including 

costs and expenses in successfully defending legal proceedings; or

• paid or agreed to pay, a premium in respect of a contract insuring against a liability incurred as an officer for 

the costs or expenses to defend legal proceedings; with the exception of the following matter.

During the financial year the Group paid premiums to insure each of the Directors against liabilities for costs and 
expenses incurred by them in defending any legal proceedings arising out of their conduct while acting in the 
capacity of an officer of the Group. The contract of insurance prohibits disclosure of the nature of the liability 
and the amount of the premium.

Indemnity and insurance of auditor
The Company has not, during or since the end of the financial year, indemnified or agreed to indemnify the 
auditor of the Company or any related entity against a liability incurred by the auditor.

During the financial year, the Company has not paid a premium in respect of a contract to insure the auditor  
of the Company or any related entity.

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.

Non-audit services
Details of the amounts paid or payable to the auditor for non-audit services provided during the financial year 
by the auditor are outlined in Note 35 to the financial statements.

The Directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services during the financial year, by the auditor (or 
by another person or firm on the auditor’s behalf), is compatible with the general standard of independence for 
auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001.

PG 72 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Directors’ reportThe Directors are of the opinion that the services as disclosed in Note 35 to the financial statements do  
not compromise the external auditor’s independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 for the 
following reasons:
• all non-audit services were subject to the corporate governance procedures adopted by the Company and 
have been reviewed and approved to ensure that they do not impact the integrity and objectivity of the 
auditor; and

• the non-audit services provided do not undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence 
as set out in the Code of Conduct APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants issued by The 
Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board, including reviewing or auditing the auditor’s own work, 
acting in a management or decision making capacity for the Company, acting as advocate for the Company  
or jointly sharing economic risks and rewards.

Rounding of amounts
The Company is of a kind referred to in Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Corporations 
(Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191, dated 24 March 2016 and in accordance with 
that Corporations Instrument amounts in the Directors’ report are rounded off to the nearest thousand dollars, 
unless otherwise indicated. 

Auditor’s independence declaration
A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 
is set out immediately after this Directors’ report.

This report is made in accordance with a resolution of Directors, pursuant to section 298(2)(a) of the 
Corporations Act 2001.

On behalf of the Directors

___________________________ 

___________________________

Perry R. Gunner 
Chairman 

31 August 2016
Sydney

Rory J.F. Macleod
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

PG 73

Corporate governance 
Freedom Foods Group Limited (‘the Company’) continued to follow best practice recommendations as set out by 
the ASX Corporate Governance Council. Where the Company has not followed best practice for any recommendation, 
explanation is given in the Corporate Governance Statement which is available on the Company’s website at 
www.ffgl.com.au.

PG 74 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Corporate governance statementPG 75

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 
A.C.N. 74 490 121 060 

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 
A.C.N. 74 490 121 060 

Grosvenor Place 
225 George Street 
Sydney NSW  2000 
PO Box N250 Grosvenor Place 
Sydney NSW 1217 Australia 

Grosvenor Place 
225 George Street 
Sydney NSW  2000 
PO Box N250 Grosvenor Place 
Sydney NSW 1217 Australia 

DX 10307SSE 
Tel:  +61 (0) 2 9322 7000 
Fax:  +61 (0) 2 9322 7001 
www.deloitte.com.au 

DX 10307SSE 
Tel:  +61 (0) 2 9322 7000 
Fax:  +61 (0) 2 9322 7001 
www.deloitte.com.au 

The Board of Directors 
The Board of Directors 
Freedom Foods Group Limited 
Freedom Foods Group Limited 
80 Box Road 
Taren Point NSW 2229 
80 Box Road 
Taren Point NSW 2229 

31 August 2016 

31 August 2016 

Dear Board Members 

Dear Board Members 
Freedom Foods Group Limited 

In accordance with section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001, I am pleased to provide 
Freedom Foods Group Limited 
the  following  declaration  of  independence  to  the  directors  of  Freedom  Foods  Group 
Limited. 
In accordance with section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001, I am pleased to provide 
As  lead audit partner  for  the  audit  of  the  financial  statements  of  Freedom  Foods Group 
the  following  declaration  of  independence  to  the  directors  of  Freedom  Foods  Group 
Limited  for  the  financial  year  ended  30  June  2016,  I  declare  that  to  the  best  of  my 
Limited. 
knowledge and belief, there have been no contraventions of: 
As  lead audit partner  for  the  audit  of  the  financial  statements  of  Freedom  Foods Group 
Limited  for  the  financial  year  ended  30  June  2016,  I  declare  that  to  the  best  of  my 
knowledge and belief, there have been no contraventions of: 

(i)  the  auditor  independence  requirements  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001  in 

relation to the audit; and 

(ii)  any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.   

(i)  the  auditor  independence  requirements  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001  in 

relation to the audit; and 

Yours sincerely 

(ii)  any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.   

Yours sincerely 
DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU 

Andrew J Coleman 
DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU 
Partner  
Chartered Accountants 

Andrew J Coleman 
Partner  
Chartered Accountants 

16 

16 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 
A member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. 

PG 76 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 
A member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. 

Auditor’s independence declaration 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PG 77

Statement of profit or loss and 
other comprehensive income
For the year ended 30 June 2016

CONSOLIDATED

NOTE

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

Revenue
Revenue from sale of goods
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Other income
Gain from reclassification of a2MC investment
Other gains and losses
Gain from disposal of a2MC investment
Fair value gain on conversion of options in PDG

Expenses
Marketing expenses
Selling and distribution expenses
Administrative expenses
Depreciation
Acquisition costs
Other expenses
Net finance costs
Share of profits/(losses) of associates accounted for using the equity method

Profit before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Profit after income tax expense for the year

Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Gain on the revaluation of land and buildings, net of tax
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Revaluation of investment in a2MC, net of tax
Foreign currency translation
Fair value movement in a2MC investment, net of tax
Reclassification to profit or loss on disposal of a2MC investment
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year
Profit for the year is attributable to:
Non-controlling interest
Owners of Freedom Foods Group Limited

Total comprehensive income for the year is attributable to:
Non-controlling interest
Owners of Freedom Foods Group Limited

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

5

29
6
29
36

28

13

20

29
20
20
20

7
7

170,444 
(119,763)
50,681
307
-
658
24,529
22,353

(3,964)
(17,352)
(9,421)
(6,439)
(1,227)
(2,232)
(1,151)
372
57,114
(6,483)
50,631

91,460 
(58,385)
33,075 
896 
53,148 
- 
-
-

(4,264)
(12,221)
(5,040)
(3,354)
- 
- 
(218)
(42)
61,980 
(5,349)
56,631 

-

1,026

-
(279)
16,281
(22,122)
(6,120)
44,511

139
50,492
50,631

139
44,372
44,511

CENTS

29.52
28.54

5,841 
(193)
- 
- 
6,674 
63,305 

- 
56,631
56,631 

- 
63,305
63,305 

CENTS

37.11 
35.99 

The above Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

PG 78 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Statement of financial position
As at 30 June 2016

CONSOLIDATED

NOTE

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Derivative financial instruments
Other assets
Prepayments
Total current assets

Non-current assets
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Investment in a2MC
Property, plant and equipment
Intangibles
Deferred tax
Loans due from associated entities
Total non-current assets

Total assets
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Income tax
Provisions
Other liabilities
Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Payables
Borrowings
Deferred tax
Provisions
Other liabilities
Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities
Net assets
Equity
Issued capital
Non-controlling interest
Reserves
Retained profits

Total equity

21
8
10
9

28
29
11
12
14

16
23
17
15

24
14

18

20

63,908
45,661
46,213
92
1,053
3,281
160,208

6,163
-
224,351
70,435
2,920
61
303,930
464,138

49,577
32,437
381
11,568
3,148
938
98,049

52
71,393
-
591
6,235
78,271
176,320
287,818

169,106
(7,541)
(2,274)
128,527
287,818

The above Statement of financial position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

2,329 
25,303 
24,475 
- 
1,700 
2,094 
55,901

4,432 
72,618 
103,430 
21,488 
- 
13,136 
215,104
271,005 

18,779 
22,025 
- 
8,316 
1,776 
193 
51,089 

52 
30,890 
2,785 
260 
- 
33,987
85,076 
185,929 

99,028 
- 
3,398 
83,503 
185,929 

PG 79

Statement of cash flows

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers (inclusive of GST)

Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST)

Cash generated from operations

Interest received

Interest and other finance costs paid

Receipts of government grants

Income taxes paid

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Payment for purchase of business, net of cash acquired

Payments for property, plant and equipment

Purchase of shares in associated entity

Advances to associates

Repayment of loan by associate

Proceeds from disposal of associate shares

Investment in equity interest

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issue of equity instruments of the Company

Payment of share issue costs

Dividends paid

Proceeds from borrowings

Payment of related party balances

Net cash from financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year

CONSOLIDATED

NOTE

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

166,813

87,104 

(153,458)

(78,797)

22

36

11

28

18

19

13,355

1,216

(6,203)

-

(2,675)

5,693

(39,423)

(63,103)

-

(71)

100

90,229

(5,760)

8,307 

10 

(1,691)

371 

(960)

6,037 

-

(49,625)

(529)

(2,758)

1,200 

107 

-

(18,028)

(51,605)

66,800

(1,685)

(1,256)

10,362

(307)

73,914

61,579

2,329

1,264 

(77)

(1,155)

43,088 

(96)

43,024 

(2,544)

4,873

2,329 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year

21

63,908

The above Statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

PG 80 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

For the year ended 30 June 2016Statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 June 2016

CONSOLIDATED

Balance at 1 July 2014

Profit after income tax expense for the year

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Issue of ordinary shares under employee share  
option plan (Note 18)

Issue of ordinary shares in accordance with  
the dividend reinvestment plan (Note 18)

Share issue costs (Note 18)

Related income tax (Note 18)

Share-based payments (Note 20)

Dividends paid (Note 19)

Balance at 30 June 2015

CONSOLIDATED

ISSUED  
CAPITAL  
$’000

RESERVES 
$’000

NON-
CONTROLLING 
INTEREST 
$’000

RETAINED  
PROFITS  
$’000

TOTAL  
EQUITY  
$’000

94,419

(3,636)

-

-

-

-

6,674 

6,674

1,264

3,422 

(110)

33

-

-

-

-

-

-

360

-

99,028

3,398

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

31,450

122,233 

56,631

56,631 

-

6,674 

56,631

63,305 

-

-

-

-

-

1,264 

3,422 

(110)

33 

360 

(4,578)

(4,578)

83,503

185,929 

ISSUED  
CAPITAL  
$’000

RESERVES 
$’000

NON-
CONTROLLING 
INTEREST 
$’000

RETAINED  
PROFITS  
$’000

TOTAL  
EQUITY  
$’000

Balance at 1 July 2015

99,028

3,398

-

83,503

185,929 

Profit after income tax expense for the year

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

-

-

-

-

139

50,492

50,631 

(6,120)

(6,120)

-

-

(6,120)

139

50,492

44,511 

Issue of ordinary shares under employee share  
option plan (Note 18)

Issue of ordinary shares in accordance with  
the dividend reinvestment plan (Note 18)

Issue of ordinary shares from an entitlement  
offer (Note 18)

Share issue costs (Note 18)

Related income tax (Note 18)

Additional non-controlling interests arising  
on the acquisition of Pactum Dairy Group

Share-based payments (Note 20)

Dividends paid (Note 19)

Balance at 30 June 2016

1,420

4,262

65,466 

(1,185)

115

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

448

-

-

-

-

-

-

(7,680)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,420 

4,262 

65,466 

(1,185)

115 

(7,680)

448 

(5,468)

(5,468)

169,106

(2,274)

(7,541)

128,527

287,818 

The above Statement of changes in equity income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

PG 81

Note 1. General information
The financial statements of Freedom Foods Group Limited (‘Group’ or ‘Company’) for the year ended 30 June 
2016 was authorised for issue in accordance with resolution of Directors on 31 August 2016.

Freedom Foods Group Limited is a company incorporated in Australia whose shares are publicly traded on the 
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). The Company is trading under the symbol ‘FNP’.

The nature of the operations and principal activities of the Group are described in Note 3.

The financial statements were authorised for issue, in accordance with a resolution of Directors, on 31 August 
2016. The Directors have the power to amend and reissue the financial statements.

Note 2. Significant accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out either in 
the respective notes or below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless 
otherwise stated.

New and amended standards adopted by the Group

The Group has adopted all relevant new and amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the 
Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) which are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on 
or after 1 July 2015. None of the new standards or amendments to standards that are mandatory for the first 
time materially affected any of the amounts recognised in the current period or any prior period and they are 
not likely to significantly affect future periods.

The following accounting policies have been adopted in the preparation and presentation of the financial statements.

(a) Statement of compliance

These financial statements are general purpose financial statements which have been prepared in accordance 
with the Corporations Act 2001, Accounting Standards and Interpretations, and comply with other requirements 
of the law. The financial statements comprise the consolidated financial statements of the Group. For the 
purposes of preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Company is a for-profit entity. Accounting 
Standards include Australian Accounting Standards. Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards ensures 
that the financial statements and notes of the Company and the Group comply with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS).

(b) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain 
non-current assets and financial instruments. Cost is based on the fair values of the consideration given in 
exchange for assets.

The Company is of the kind referred to in the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Corporations 
(Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument, dated 24 March 2016, and in accordance with that 
Corporations Instrument amounts in the financial statements are rounded off to the nearest thousand dollars, 
unless otherwise indicated. 

The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars. 

(c) Basis of consolidation

The Consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of Freedom Foods Group Limited 
and its subsidiaries as at 30 June each year (‘the Group’). Control is achieved where the Company:
•  has power over the investee; 
•  is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and 
•  has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.

PG 82 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the Consolidated Statement 
of profit or loss and comprehensive income from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of 
disposal, as appropriate.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting 
policies into line with those used by other members of the Group.

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated in full on consolidation.

The non-controlling interests in the investments of Freedom Foods North America Inc. and Pactum Dairy Group 
Pty Limited are entitled to their proportionate share of that entity’s net assets, profits and losses and other 
comprehensive income during the period. The amounts attributable to the non-controlling interests are not 
separately disclosed as the financial statements are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars under Australian 
Securities and Investments Commission Corporations Instrument 2016/191.

(d) Business combinations

Acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of the 
business combination is measured as the aggregate of the fair values (at the date of exchange) of assets given, 
liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the Group in exchange for control of the 
acquiree. Acquisition related costs are recognised in the profit and loss as incurred. The acquiree’s identifiable 
assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition under AASB 3 ‘Business 
Combinations’ are recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date, except for non-current assets (or 
disposal groups) that are classified as held for sale in accordance with AASB 5 ‘Non-current Assets Held for Sale 
and Discontinued Operations’, which are recognised and measured at fair value less costs to sell.

Goodwill arising on acquisition is recognised as an asset and initially measured at cost, being the excess of the 
cost of the business combination over the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities 
and contingent liabilities recognised. If, after reassessment, the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the 
acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities exceeds the cost of the business combination, 
the excess is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

The interest of minority shareholders in the acquiree is initially measured at the minority’s proportion of the net 
fair value of the assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities recognised.

(e) Financial instruments

Recognition of investments

Investments are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs, except for those financial assets carried 
at fair value through profit and loss, which are initially measured at fair value when the related contractual rights 
or obligations exist. Subsequent to initial recognition these investments are measured as set out below.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and are 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less any impairment. Interest income is 
recognised by applying the effective interest rate.

Available for sale financial assets

Available for sale financial assets include any financial assets not included in the above categories. Available for 
sale financial assets are reflected at fair value. Unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are 
taken directly to equity.

Financial instruments held for trading

Derivative financial instruments such as forward foreign exchange contracts are included under this 
classification. The Group does not designate any derivatives as hedges in a hedging relationship.

PG 83

Note 2. Significant accounting policies (continued)

(f) Key estimates and judgement areas

In applying the Group’s accounting policies, the Directors are required to make estimates, judgements and 
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial report. 

The estimates, judgments and assumptions are based on historical experience, adjusted for current conditions 
and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and reviewed on a regular basis. 
The actual results may differ from these estimates. 

The estimate and judgements which involve a higher degree of complexity or that have a higher likelihood of 
causing adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities are included in the following Notes: 
• Note 11: Estimates of useful life’s of assets 
• Note 12: Determining the recoverable amounts of assets 
• Note 36: Business combinations and the application of the requirements of control 
Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised.

Issued Standards and Interpretations not early adopted

The below lists the Standards and amendments to Standards that were available for early adoption and were 
applicable to the Group. The reported results and financial position of the Group are not expected to change on 
adoption of any of the amendments to current standards listed below as they do not result in any changes to 
the Group’s existing accounting policies.

AASB 9 (2014) ‘Financial Instruments’, and the relevant amending standards.

This Standard is applicable to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. The Standard 
replaces all previous versions of AASB 9 and completes the project to replace IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: 
Recognition and Measurement’. AASB 9 introduces new classification and measurement models for financial 
assets. New simpler hedge accounting requirements are intended to more closely align the accounting 
treatment with the risk management activities of the entity. New impairment requirements will use an ‘expected 
credit loss’ model to recognise an allowance. The Group will adopt this standard from 1 July 2018 but the impact 
of its adoption is yet to be assessed.

AASB 2015-1 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Annual Improvements to Australian Accounting 
Standards 2012-2014 Cycle’; AASB 2014-10 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Sale or 
Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture’; AASB 2014-9 ‘Amendments to 
Australian Accounting Standards – Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements’; AASB 2014-4 ‘Amendments 
to Australian Accounting Standards – Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation’

These Standards are applicable to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016.

AASB 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ and AASB 2014-5 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting 
Standards arising from AASB 15’

This Standard is applicable to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. The Standard 
provides a single Standard for revenue recognition. The core principle of the Standard is that an entity will 
recognise revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects 
the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Group 
will adopt this Standard from 1 July 2018 but the impact of its adoption is yet to be assessed.

AASB 16 ‘Leases’

This Standard is applicable to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. AASB 16 provides 
a comprehensive model for the identification of lease arrangements and their treatment in the financial 
statements of both lessees and lessors. The accounting model for lessees will require lessees to recognise all 
leases on balance sheet, except for short-term leases and leases of low value assets. The Group will adopt this 
standard from 1 July 2019 but the impact of its adoption is yet to be assessed.

PG 84 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016Note 3. Operating segments
The Group is organised into five segments which is the basis on which the Group reports and the principal 
products and services of each of these operating segments are as follows: 

Freedom Foods -  
Cereal, Snacks and Branded  
Plant Based Beverages 

A range of products for consumers including allergen free (ie. gluten 
free, wheat free, nut free), nutritional oat based, low sugar or salt, highly 
fortified or functional. The product range covers breakfast cereals, snack 
bars, soy, almond and rice beverages and other complimentary products. 
These products are manufactured and sold in Australia and overseas.

Pactum -  
Plant Based Beverages 

A range of UHT (long life) food and beverage products including liquid 
stocks, soy, rice, almond and dairy milk beverages. These products are 
manufactured and sold in Australia and overseas.

Pactum Dairy Group -  
Dairy Beverages

A range of UHT (long life) dairy milk beverage products. These products 
are manufactured and sold in Australia.

Paramount -  
Specialty Seafood

A range of canned seafood covering sardines, salmon and specialty 
seafood. These products are manufactured overseas and sold in  
Australia and overseas.

Freedom Foods North America - 
Cereal and Snacks

A range of products for consumers including allergen free (ie. gluten free, 
wheat free, nut free) low sugar, or salt, or highly fortified or functional. 
These products are manufactured in Australia and sold in North America.

The ‘Unallocated Shared Services’ group consists of the Group’s other operating segments that are not 
separately reportable as well as various shared service functions.

Operating segments are identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are 
regularly reviewed by the Board of Directors in its capacity as the chief operating decision maker of the Group 
in order to allocate resources to the segments and assess their performance. 

Intercompany sales are eliminated in the Group’s statutory results, however are included in the segment analysis 
as this is how the Group conducts its business operations. 

In the year ending 30 June 2017 and consistent with upgrades  
to the Company’s Information Technology platform, the Company  
will change its segmented reporting to reflect  
its core business categories: 
• Cereal and Snacks (including branded and non branded);
• Plant Based Beverages (including branded  

and non branded); 

• Dairy Beverages; 
• Specialty Seafood; and 
• Other.

PG 85

Note 3. Operating segments (continued)
The following is an analysis of the Group’s revenue and results by reportable operating segment for the periods 
under review, together with prior year comparatives:

Depreciation and amortisation

(2,859)

(1,700)

(911)

CONSOLIDATED - 2016

Revenue
Sales to external customers
Intercompany sales elimination

Total revenue

EBDITA
Convertible loan note &  
interest income
Share of associates profit

Shared services including ESOP

Other income

Net finance costs

Gain on a2MC investment (net costs)

Acquisition costs re Popina Foods

Acquisition costs re DP Mill

Other expenditure

Fair value uplift in conversion options
Profit/(loss) before income  
tax expense
Income tax expense

Profit after income tax expense

Assets
Unallocated assets:

Shared services

Investment in associate

Total assets
Acquisition of businesses

Segment assets

Liabilities*

Unallocated liabilities:

Shared services

Total liabilities
Acquisition of businesses

Segment liabilities

FREEDOM 
FOODS 
$’000 

PACTUM 
$’000

PACTUM 
DAIRY 
GROUP  
$’000

SPECIALTY 
SEAFOOD 
$’000

FREEDOM 
FOODS 
NORTH 
AMERICA 
$’000

UNALLOCATED 
SHARED 
SERVICES  
$’000

TOTAL 
$’000

84,250
2,494

35,402
20,594

36,500
70

86,744

55,996

36,570

12,404
-

12,404

1,888
-

1,888

-
(23,158)

170,444
-

(23,158)

170,444

10,632

11,296

2,002

2,025

(857)

-

25,098

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

22,353

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

157

372

157

372

(4,339)

(4,339)

150

150

(969)

(6,439)

(1,308)

24,529

(835)

(392)

(1,308)

24,529

(835)

(392)

(2,232)

(2,232)

-

22,353

7,773

31,949

1,091

2,025

(857)

15,133

57,114

(6,483)

50,631

184,852

141,084

93,140

17,461

1,448

-

437,985

184,852
(56,112)

141,084
-

93,140
(92,695)

128,740

141,084

445

17,461
-

17,461

1,448
-

1,448

19,990

19,990

6,163

6,163

26,153

464,138
- (148,807)

26,153

315,331

35,649

25,965

62,998

274

316

-

125,202

35,649
(12,046)

25,965
-

62,998
(69,437)

23,603

25,965

(6,439)

274
-

274

316
-

316

51,118

51,118
-

51,118

51,118

176,320
(81,483)

94,837

*   The segment liabilities include finance leases, debtor finance facilities and multi advance facilities relevant to the  

appropriate operating segment.

PG 86 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016CONSOLIDATED - 2015

FREEDOM 
FOODS 
$’000 

PACTUM 
$’000

SPECIALTY 
SEAFOOD 
$’000

FREEDOM 
FOODS  
NORTH 
AMERICA 
$’000

UNALLOCATED 
SHARED 
SERVICES  
$’000

TOTAL  
$’000

Revenue
Sales to external customers

Intercompany sales elimination

46,934

1,229

30,164

18,436

Total revenue

EBDITA

Convertible loan note interest

Share of associates profit

Shared services including ESOP

Other income

Net finance costs

Gain on a2MC investment

Profit/(loss) before income  
tax expense

Income tax expense

Profit after income tax expense

Assets

Unallocated assets:

Shared services

Investment in associates

Investment in a2MC

Total assets

Total assets includes:

12,802

1,560

-

91,460

-

-

48,163

48,600

12,802

1,560

3,350

10,457

2,535

(903)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(19,665)

(19,665)

-

525

(42)

-

91,460

15,439

525

(42)

(3,889)

(3,889)

371

(118)

(218)

53,148

371

(3,354)

(218)

53,148

1,430

9,141

2,535

(903)

49,777

61,980

(5,349)

56,631

86,622

67,272

19,141

1,707

-

174,742

86,622

67,272

19,141

1,707

96,263

271,005

19,213

4,432

72,618

19,213

4,432

72,618

Depreciation and amortisation

(1,920)

(1,316)

Acquisition of non-current assets

15,160

29,933

-

-

4,530

49,623

Liabilities*

Unallocated liabilities:

Shared services

Total liabilities

24,398

38,232

5,494

2,491

-

70,615

24,398

38,232

5,494

2,491

14,461

14,461

14,461

85,076

*   The segment liabilities include finance leases, debtor finance facilities and multi advance facilities relevant to the  

appropriate operating segment.

PG 87

Note 3. Operating segments (continued)
All operating segments are conducted in Australia, with the exception of Freedom Foods North America, which 
operates in North America. 

Revenue generated by equity accounted associates from external sales is not consolidated, instead under 
the equity method of accounting, the carrying amounts of interest in joint venture entities are increased or 
decreased to recognise the Group’s share of post-acquisition profits or losses and other changes in net assets  
of the joint venture/minority interest.

As a consequence of gaining control over Pactum Dairy Group (PDG) on 1 January 2016, the results of PDG have 
been shown as a separate segment of the Group, refer to Note 36 for further details. 

86% of total external sales of the Consolidated Group are generated in Australia (2015: 94%) and 40% of total 
external sales (2015: 56%) are through major Australian retailers.

Total profit/(loss) from equity accounted associates for the period totalled $(1,384,141) (2015: $(4,200,000)). 
The Group’s share of these profits/(losses) was $372,000 (2015: $(42,000)).

Information about major customers

Included in revenues arising from external sales of $170.4 million (2015: $91.5 million) (see segment revenue above) 
are revenues of approximately $114.9 million (2015: $51.5 million) which arose from sales to the Group’s two largest 
customers. No other single customers contributed 10% or more to the Group’s revenue for both 2016 and 2015.

Note 4. Expenses

Profit before income tax includes the following specific expenses:

Research and development costs expensed

Superannuation expenses

Share-based payments expense

Employee benefits expense excluding superannuation  
and share-based payment expense

Note 5. Revenue

Revenue

Revenue from sale of goods

Significant accounting policies 

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

1,073 

1,914 

448 

500 

1,254 

360 

14,231 

6,860 

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

170,444

91,460

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Revenue is reduced for terms, 
rebates and other similar allowances.

Sale of goods 

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when all the following conditions are satisfied: 
• the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have been transferred; 
• the amount of revenue can be measured reliably; 
• it is probable the revenue will be received; and 
• the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

PG 88 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016Note 6. Other gains and losses

Net foreign exchange gains

Net gains on financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss

Net losses on financial liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss

Other losses

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

660 

76 

(63)

(15)

658 

-

-

-

-

-

Other gains and losses in 2015 were reported in revenue from sale of goods in the amount of $95,477.

Note 7. Earnings per share

Profit after income tax

Non-controlling interest

Profit after income tax attributable to the owners of Freedom Foods Group Limited

Share-based payments expense

Profit after income tax attributable to the owners of Freedom Foods Group 
Limited used in calculating diluted earnings per share

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic 
earnings per share

Adjustments for calculation of diluted earnings per share:

CRPS

ESOP

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating diluted 
earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

50,631

(139)

50,492

448

56,631 

- 

56,631 

360 

50,940

56,991

NUMBER

NUMBER

171,052,844

152,587,346 

114,217

141,205 

7,333,740

5,637,970 

178,500,801

158,366,521 

CENTS

29.52 

28.54 

CENTS

37.11 

35.99 

At 30 June 2016, there were 181,527,335 ordinary shares (2015: 154,624,900) on issue and 101,627 convertible 
redeemable preference shares (2015: 137,027).

At 30 June 2016, there were nil unlisted ordinary share options (2015: nil). There were 5,662,333 employee share 
options outstanding (2015: 4,316,669), nil exercisable at $0.40 per share (2015: 1,416,667), 350,000 exercisable 
at $0.60 per share (2015: 1,375,002), 1,312,333 exercisable at $1.65 per share (2015: 1,525,000) and 4,000,000 
exercisable at $2.92 per share (2015: nil).

PG 89

Note 7. Earnings per share (continued)
Basic earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to the owners of Freedom Foods Group 
Limited, 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 financial year.

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, as well as the weighted average number of shares assumed to have been issued for no 
consideration in relation to dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Note 8. Current assets - trade and other receivables

Trade receivables

Less: provision for impairment of receivables

Other receivables

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

39,978 

21,935 

(69)

- 

39,909 

21,935 

5,752 

45,661 

3,368 

25,303

The average credit period on sale of goods is 39 days (2015: 45 days). No interest is charged on trade receivables. 
No allowance has been made for estimated irrecoverable trade receivable amounts arising from past sale of 
goods, determined by reference to past default experience. During the current financial year, the allowance for 
doubtful debts increased by $69,000 (2015: decreased by $59,000) in the Group. The allowance for doubtful 
debts/impaired trade receivables as at 30 June 2016 is $69,000 (2015: nil). The Group does not hold any 
collateral over these balances.

Customers with balances past due but without provision for impairment of receivables amount to $10,359,000 
(2015: $2,228,000). 

The current receivables for the Group have a weighted average of 35 days (2015: 33 days). Management considers 
that there are no indications as of the reporting date that the debtors will not meet their payment obligations.

The past due but not impaired receivables for the Group have a weighted average of 77 days (2015: 33 days). These 
relate to a number of customers for whom there is no recent history of default and other indicators of impairment.

The Group does not have significant risk exposure to any one debtor; however 52% (2015: 56%) of sales and 
46% (2015: 68%) of year end receivables are concentrated in major supermarkets throughout Australia.

Note 9. Current assets - derivative financial instruments

Forward foreign exchange contracts

Refer to Note 25 for further information on financial instruments.

PG 90 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

92

-

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016Note 10. Current assets - inventories

Raw materials - at cost

Finished goods - at cost

Less: provision for impairment

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

26,921 

19,242 

50 

10,436 

14,039 

- 

46,213 

24,475

All inventories of the Group are expected to be recovered within a 12 month period.

The cost of inventories recognised as an expense during the year in respect of continuing operations was 
$119,763,486 (2015: $58,384,951).

Significant accounting policies 

Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Costs incurred in bringing each product to its present location and condition are accounted for as follows: 
• Raw materials: purchase cost on a first in, first out basis.
• Manufactured finished goods: cost of direct materials, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of 

manufacturing variable and fixed overheads based on normal operating capacity but excluding borrowing costs. 

• Purchased finished goods: purchase cost on a weighted average cost basis.
• Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs of 

completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.

Note 11. Non-current assets - property, plant and equipment

Freehold land - at independent valuation

Buildings - at independent valuation

Less: accumulated depreciation

Plant and equipment - at cost

Less: accumulated depreciation

Add: capital work in progress - at cost

Motor vehicles - under lease

Less: accumulated depreciation

Note 11. Non-current assets - property, plant and equipment (continued)

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

5,379

10,840

(891)

9,949

126,392

(31,746)

114,212 

208,858 

416

(251)

165

254 

5,446 

-

5,446 

64,150 

(16,643)

50,154 

97,661 

109 

(40)

69 

224,351

103,430

PG 91

Movements in the carrying amounts of each class of property, plant and equipment between the beginning and 
the end of the current financial year:

CONSOLIDATED 

Balance at 1 July 2014

Additions*

Revaluation adjustment

Depreciation write back on revaluation

Additions through capital work in progress

Depreciation expense

Balance at 30 June 2015

Additions*

Additions through business combinations (Note 36)

Additions through capital work in progress

Disposals

Depreciation expense

Balance at 30 June 2016

FREEHOLD 
LAND  
$’000

BUILDINGS 
$’000

PLANT & 
EQUIPMENT 
$’000

MOTOR 
VEHICLES 
$’000

TOTAL  
$’000

254 

4,102 

-

-

-

-

-

254

4,336

789

-

-

-

50,712

12,658 

-

-

-

596

869

-

37,496

(121)

(3,205)

5,446

5

4,829

-

-

97,661

2,700

50,517

64,058

(17)

(331)

(6,061)

5,379

9,949

208,858

9

88

-

-

-

(28)

69

143

-

-

-

(47)

165

55,077

12,746

596

869

37,496

(3,354)

103,430

7,184

56,135

64,058

(17)

(6,439)

224,351

*  Included in additions is $949,000 (2015: $617,192) of capitalised interest.

Significant accounting policies 

The Leeton site is carried at fair value as at 30 June 2016, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation. Fair 
value is determined on the basis of an independent valuation which is carried out regularly by an external 
valuation expert, based on discounted cash flows or capitalisation of net income, as appropriate.

Plant and equipment, motor vehicles and equipment under finance lease are stated at cost less accumulated 
depreciation and impairment. 

Capital work in progress is stated at cost.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight line basis so as to write off the net cost of each asset over its expected 
useful life to its estimated residual value. The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation method are 
reviewed at the end of each annual reporting period, with the effect of any changes recognised on a prospective 
basis. Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as 
owned assets or, where shorter, the term of the relevant lease.

The gain or loss arising on disposal or retirement of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the 
difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in profit or loss.

Accounting estimates

The following depreciation rates are used in the calculation of depreciation:

Buildings 
Plant and equipment 
Leased plant and equipment 
Motor vehicles 
Leased motor vehicles 

2-6%
4-25%
4-20%
15-33%
15-33%

PG 92 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016Note 12. Non-current assets - intangibles

Goodwill*

Brand names

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

54,161 

16,274 

70,435

5,214 

16,274 

21,488 

*  Goodwill increased by $48,947,000 due to acquisitions during the year. Refer to Note 36 for further details.

Significant accounting policies

Goodwill has been allocated for impairment testing purposes to the following cash generating units: 
• Specialty Seafood 
• Freedom Foods 
• Popina Foods 
• Pactum Dairy Group
The Consolidated Entity carries an amount of $16,274,000 for brand names with indefinite useful lives allocated 
between the Specialty Seafood and Freedom Foods cash generating units. The brand names relate to established 
major brands purchased as part of business combinations and are considered to be market leaders within their 
market segment. The brand names operate in a stable industry with a strong positioning in the consumer functional 
foods market. There was no goodwill associated to the Group’s acquisition of Pactum Australia Pty Limited. Refer 
to Note 36 Business combinations, for the goodwill recognised on consolidation of PDG, Popina Foods and 
Darlington Point Mill after deducting deemed consideration from fair value of PDG’s identifiable net liabilities.

The carrying amount of goodwill has been allocated to the identified cash-generating units as follows:

Specialty Seafood

Freedom Foods

Popina Foods

Darlington Point Mill

Pactum Dairy Group

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

1,982

3,232

16,832

1,178

30,937

54,161

1,982 

3,232 

- 

- 

- 

5,214

PG 93

Note 12. Non-current assets - intangibles (continued)
Accounting estimates

The recoverable amounts of the cash generating units are determined based on a value in use calculation which 
uses cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management covering a five year period, a 
terminal value and a discount rate range between 8.80% - 15.00% pa post tax and between 12.57% - 21.43% pa 
pre-tax (2015: 8.55% - 9.02% pa post tax and 12.21% - 12.85% pre-tax). 

Key assumptions used in the value in use calculations for cash generating units are: 
• Budgeted market share - average market share in the period immediately before the budget period plus a 
growth percentage of market share per year. Management believes that the planned market share growth  
per year for the next four years is reasonable.

• Budgeted gross margin - average gross margins achieved in the period immediately before the budget period 

is consistent with that used by management.

The recoverable amount for PDG, given its development nature, is determined using a fair value less costs to sell 
calculation which uses cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management covering a 
five year period and a terminal value. Cash flow projections during the budget period for the cash generating 
units are also based on the same expected gross margins during the budget period. The Group has used a 
discount rate of 12% pa post tax and 17.14% pa pre-tax. The discount rate is based on the weighted average cost 
of capital determined by prevailing or benchmarked market inputs and includes a risk premium considered 
appropriate to a newly established business in a development phase.

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets

Determining whether goodwill or other intangible assets are impaired requires an estimation of the value  
in use of the cash generating units to which the goodwill or other intangible assets have been allocated. The 
value in use calculation requires the Directors to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from the  
cash generating unit and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value.

The value of the goodwill as at the end of the financial year was $54,161,000 (2015: $5,214,000), with no 
impairment loss charged against goodwill.

The value of other intangible assets as at the end of the financial  
year was $16,274,000 (2015: $16,274,000), with no impairment  
loss charged against the other intangible assets. 

PG 94 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016Note 13. Income tax expense

Income tax expense

Current tax

Adjustments recognised in the current year in relation to the current tax of prior years

Deferred tax expense/(income) relating to the origination and reversal  
of temporary differences

Aggregate income tax expense

Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense and tax at the statutory rate

Profit before income tax expense

Tax at the statutory tax rate of 30%

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

Effect of revenue/expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit

Effect of tax concessions (research and development)

Tax impact on investment in a2MC

Fair value gain on conversion of options in PDG

Franking deficit tax

Prior year research and development claim

Income tax expense

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

10,170

- 

(3,687)

4,357 

1,066 

(74)

6,483 

5,349 

57,114 

17,134 

61,980 

18,594 

(334)

(50)

(4,264)

(6,706)

5,780 

703 

- 

6,483 

209 

(50)

(14,470)

- 

4,283 

1,255 

(189)

5,349

The tax rate used in the above reconciliation is the corporate tax rate of 30% payable by Australian corporate 
entities on taxable profits under Australian tax law. There has been no change in the corporate tax rate when 
compared with the previous reporting period.

Deferred tax balances

Deferred tax assets/(liabilities) comprises temporary differences attributable to:

Property, plant and equipment

(2,164)

(633)

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

Provisions

Other

Deferred tax assets related to recognised tax losses

Withholding tax paid

Investments

Finance facilities in PDG

Total deferred tax assets/(liabilities)

1,158 

793 

5,545 

- 

- 

(2,412)

2,920

605 

(78)

- 

38 

(2,717)

- 

(2,785)

PG 95

Note 13. Income tax expense (continued)
Significant accounting policies

The Company and its wholly-owned Australian subsidiaries have formed a tax consolidated group and are 
therefore taxed as a single entity. The head entity within the tax consolidated group is Freedom Foods Group 
Limited. Income tax expense/benefit, deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets arising from temporary 
differences of the members of the tax consolidated group are recognised in the separate financial statements  
of the members of the tax consolidated group using the ‘separate taxpayer within group’ approach by reference 
to the carrying amounts in the separate financial statements of each entity and the tax values applying under 
tax consolidation. Current tax liabilities and assets and deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and 
relevant tax credits of the members of the tax consolidated group are recognised by the Company (as head 
entity in the tax consolidated group).

Entities within the tax consolidated group have entered into a tax funding arrangement and a tax sharing 
agreement with the head entity. Under the terms of the tax funding arrangement, Freedom Foods Group 
Limited and each of the entities in the tax consolidated group has agreed to pay a tax equivalent payment  
to or from the head entity, based on the current tax liability or current tax asset of the entity.

The tax sharing agreement entered into between members of the tax consolidated group provides for the 
determination of the allocation of income tax liabilities between the entities should the head entity default on 
its tax payment obligations or if an entity should leave the tax consolidated group. The effect of the tax sharing 
agreement is that each member’s liability for tax payable by the tax consolidated group is limited to the amount 
payable to the head entity under the tax funding arrangement.

Current tax

Current tax is calculated as the expected amount of income taxes payable or recoverable in respect of the 
taxable profit or loss for the period. It is calculated using tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or 
substantively enacted by the end of the reporting date. 

Deferred tax

Deferred tax is accounted for on the basis of temporary differences between the tax base of an asset or liability 
and it’s carrying amount in the statement of financial position. The tax base of an asset or liability is the amount 
attributed to that asset or liability for tax purposes.

In principle, deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets 
are recognised to the extent that it is probable that sufficient taxable amounts will be available against which 
deductible temporary differences or unused tax losses and tax offsets can be utilised. However, deferred tax 
assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary differences giving rise to them arise from the initial 
recognition of assets and liabilities (other than as a result of a business combination) which affects neither 
taxable income nor accounting profit. Furthermore, a deferred tax liability is not recognised in relation to taxable 
temporary differences arising from the initial recognition of goodwill.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in branches 
and associates and interests in joint ventures except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the 
temporary differences and it’s probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 
Deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences associated with these investments and interests 
are only recognised to the extent that it is probable that there will be sufficient taxable profits against which to 
utilise the benefits of the temporary differences and they are expected to reverse in the foreseeable future. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period(s) when 
the asset and liability giving rise to them are realised or settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have 
been enacted or substantively enacted by reporting date. The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets 
reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Group expects, at the reporting 
date, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

PG 96 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation 
authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Current and deferred tax for the period

Current and deferred tax is recognised as an expense or income in profit or loss, except when it relates to items 
credited or debited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also recognised directly in equity, or 
where it arises from the initial accounting for a business combination, in which case it is taken into account in 
the determination of goodwill or excess.
Note 14. Non-current assets/(liabilities) - deferred tax

Deferred tax asset/(liability)

Movements:

Opening balance

Provisions

Doubtful debts

Property, plant and equipment

Other

Investments

Tax losses recognised in PDG since 1 January 2016

Deferred tax liabilities acquired

Deferred tax assets related to losses acquired

Closing balance

Note 15. Current liabilities - income tax

Income tax payable attributable to: entities in the tax consolidated group

Note 16. Current liabilities - trade and other payables

Trade payables

Other payables and accruals

Refer to Note 25 for further information on financial instruments.

Amounts not expected to be settled within the next 12 months

Payables to related parties - refer Note 32 Related party transactions

Trade payables are paid on average within 60 days of invoice date (2015: 60 days).  
No interest is charged on trade payables.

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

2,920 

(2,785) 

(2,785)

553 

- 

(1,531)

833

2,717

75

(2,412)

5,470

2,920

385 

82 

(18)

384 

95 

(2,717)

(996)

- 

- 

(2,785)

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

11,568 

8,316

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

36,316 

13,261 

49,577 

14,724 

4,055 

18,779 

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

938 

193

PG 97

Note 17. Current liabilities - derivative financial instruments

Forward foreign exchange contracts

Refer to Note 25 for further information on financial instruments.

Note 18. Equity - issued capital

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

381

-

Ordinary shares - fully paid

181,527,335 154,624,900

169,090

98,995 

Convertible redeemable preference shares - fully paid

101,627

137,027

16

33 

181,628,962

154,761,927

169,106

99,028 

2016 SHARES 

2015 SHARES

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

CONSOLIDATED

Movements in ordinary share capital

DETAILS

Balance

Employee share options exercised

Employee share options exercised

Employee share options exercised

Convertible redeemable preference shares  
(CRPS) conversions

Dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) shares

Dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) shares

Transaction costs

Balance

Employee share options exercised

Employee share options exercised

Employee share options exercised

Convertible redeemable preference shares  
(CRPS) conversions

Dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) shares

Dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) shares

Shares issued under the entitlement offer

Transaction costs

Balance

DATE

SHARES

ISSUE PRICE

1 July 2014

150,645,371

2,350,000 

$0.40 

333,332

$0.60

75,000 

$1.65 

15,100 

$0.30 

604,193

601,904 

$2.85

$2.83 

-

$0.00

$’000

94,378 

940 

200 

124 

5 

1,717 

1,705 

(74)

30 June 2015

154,624,900 

98,995 

1,416,667 

1,025,002 

144,333 

$0.40 

$0.60 

$1.65 

35,400 

$0.30 

645,194 

665,298 

22,970,541 

$2.80 

$3.69 

$2.85 

-

$0.00

30 June 2016

181,527,335 

567 

615 

238 

11 

1,807 

2,455 

65,466 

(1,064)

169,090 

PG 98 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016Movements in convertible redeemable preference shares

DETAILS

Balance

Conversion to ordinary shares

Transaction costs

Balance

Conversion to ordinary shares

Transaction costs

Balance

Ordinary shares

DATE

SHARES

ISSUE PRICE

$’000

1 July 2014

152,127 

(15,100)

-

30 June 2015

137,027 

(35,400)

-

30 June 2016

101,627

$0.30 

$0.00

$0.30 

$0.00

41 

(5)

(3)

33 

(11)

(6)

16 

Fully paid ordinary shares carry one vote per share and carry the right to dividends. Changes to the then 
Corporation Law abolished the authorised capital and par value concept in relation to share capital from 1 July 
1988. Therefore, the Company does not have a limited amount of authorised capital and issued shares do not 
have a par value.

The DRP provides shareholders with the opportunity to receive ordinary shares, in lieu of cash dividends, at a 
discount (set by the Directors) from the market price at the time of issue. 

Convertible redeemable preference shares (CRPS)

The CRPS are perpetual with no maturity, but redeemable after 3 years at the option of the Company. The CRPS 
are transferable and are convertible at the option of the CRPS holder. The dividend rate is 9.0% p.a. on the issue 
price of $0.30. It is a preferred, discretionary and non-cumulative dividend and CRPS holders have no claim or 
entitlement in respect of a non-payment.

Dividends are to be payable half-yearly in arrears. CRPS holders who convert their CRPS prior to a dividend 
payment date will not be entitled to any dividend for that part period in respect of that CRPS. However upon 
conversion to ordinary shares a holder who is on the register on the record date for a dividend payable in 
respect of ordinary shares will be entitled to the full ordinary dividend for that period. Dividends on the CRPS 
will be payable in April and November each year until converted or redeemed. CRPS holders are entitled to 
receive dividends in priority to holders of ordinary shares and equally with the holders of other CRPS that may 
be issued by Company on these terms.

CRPS are convertible into fully paid ordinary shares in the Company on the basis that each CRPS is convertible at 
the election of the CRPS holder into one ordinary share, subject to any restrictions imposed by the Corporations 
Act and ASX Listing Rules. There is no time limit within which CRPS must be converted. No additional 
consideration is payable on conversion. 

Notwithstanding the right of holders of CRPS to convert at any time, all CRPS will convert into ordinary shares 
automatically on the occurrence of certain trigger events including certain transactions involving a change in 
control of Company, such as a takeover of Company or a scheme or merger between Company and another body.

PG 99

Note 18. Equity - issued capital (continued) 
The Company may redeem the CRPS, 3 years from the date of issue of the CRPS, being 16 December 2013, at its 
option for the payment per CRPS of the higher of: 
• the issue price of $0.30; and 
• an amount determined by the Board of the Company with reference to the value of a CRPS as determined by 

an independent expert appointed by the Board.

The Company at this time has no plans to redeem the remaining CRPS still on issue due to the expense of the 
process of redemption being significantly more than the current value of the CRPS on issue.

Share options granted under the employee share option plan (ESOP) 

For information relating to the Freedom Foods Group Limited ESOP, including details of options issued, 
exercised and lapsed during the financial year and the options outstanding at year end, refer to Note 34.

Capital is regarded as total equity, as recognised in the statement of financial position, plus net debt. Net debt  
is calculated as total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents.

Note 19. Equity - dividends
Dividends

Dividends paid during the financial year were as follows:

Final fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 2015  
of 1.50 cents (2014: 1.50 cents) per ordinary share

Dividends reinvested: fully franked at 30% tax rate

Interim fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 2016  
of 1.75 cents (2015: 1.50 cents) per ordinary share

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

515 

1,807 

688 

556 

1,718 

595 

Dividends reinvested: fully franked at 30% tax rate

2,455 

1,705 

Final fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 2015  
of 1.35 cents (2014: 1.35 cents) per convertible redeemable preference share

Interim fully franked dividend for the year ended 30 June 2016  
of 1.35 cents (2015: 1.35 cents) per convertible redeemable preference share

1 

2 

2 

2 

5,468 

4,578 

On 31 August 2016, the Directors declared a fully franked final dividend of 2.25 cents per share to the holders 
of fully paid ordinary shares in respect of the financial year ending 30 June 2016, which is to be paid to 
shareholders on 30 November 2016. The record date for determining the entitlement to the final dividend is 
2 November 2016. The dividend has not been included as a liability in these financial statements. The total 
estimated dividend to be paid is $4,084,000.

On 31 August 2016, the Directors declared a fully franked final dividend of 1.35 cents per share to the holders 
of the convertible redeemable preference shares in respect of the financial year ending 30 June 2016, which is 
to be paid to shareholders on 30 November 2016. The record date for determining the entitlement to the final 
dividend is 2 November 2016. The dividend has not been included as a liability in these financial statements.  
The total estimated dividend to be paid is $1,372.

PG 100 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016Franking credits

Franking credits available for subsequent financial years based on a tax rate of 30%

- 

- 

Franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends declared 
subsequent to the reporting date based on a tax rate of 30%

Net franking credits available based on a tax rate of 30%

(1,225)

(1,225)

(696)

(696)

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

Note 20. Equity - reserves

Land and buildings revaluation reserve

Investment revaluation reserve

Foreign currency translation reserve

Equity-settled employee benefits reserve

Common control reserve

Land and buildings revaluation reserve

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

1,499 

-

(468)

2,159

(5,464)

(2,274)

1,499 

5,841 

(189)

1,711 

(5,464)

3,398 

The land and buildings revaluation reserve arises on the revaluation of land and buildings. Where a revalued 
land or building is sold that portion of the asset revaluation reserve which relates to the asset, and is effectively 
realised, is transferred directly to retained earnings.

Investment revaluation reserve

The investment revaluation reserve is used to recognise increments and decrements in the fair value of the 
Group’s investments in a2MC. This investment was disposed of during the year causing the reserve to be nil.

Foreign currency translation reserve

The foreign currency translation reserve is used to recognise exchange differences arising from the translation of 
the financial statements of foreign operations to Australian dollars. It is also used to recognise gains and losses 
on hedges of the net investments in foreign operations.

Equity-settled employee benefits reserve

The equity-settled employee benefits reserve arises on the grant of share options to executives and senior 
employees under the Employee Share Option Plan. Amounts are transferred out of the reserve and into issued 
capital when the options are exercised. Further information about share-based payments to employees is made 
in Note 34 to the financial statements.

Common control reserve

The common control reserve is used to account for acquisition of Pactum Australia by the Group. As a 
consequence, the difference between the fair value of the consideration paid and the existing book values of 
assets & liabilities of Pactum Australia has been debited to a common control reserve ($5,464,000). Upon 
disposal of all interests in Pactum Australia by the Group this reserve would be transferred to retained earnings.

PG 101

Note 20. Equity - reserves (continued)
Movements in reserves

Movements in each class of reserve during the current and previous financial year are set out below:

CONSOLIDATED 

LAND AND 
BUILDINGS 
REVALUATION 
RESERVE $’000

INVESTMENT 
REVALUATION 
RESERVE 
$’000

FOREIGN 
CURRENCY 
TRANSLATION 
RESERVE 
$’000

EQUITY-
SETTLED 
EMPLOYEE 
BENEFITS 
RESERVE $’000

COMMON 
CONTROL 
RESERVE 
$’000

TOTAL  
$’000

Balance at 1 July 2014

Land and building revaluation

Revaluation of a2MC investment

Foreign currency translation

Share-based payments

473 

1,026 

-

-

-

-

-

5,841 

-

-

Balance at 30 June 2015

1,499 

5,841 

Foreign currency translation

Fair value movement in a2MC 
investment, net of tax

Reclassification of profit or loss  
on disposal of a2MC investment

Share-based payments

-

-

-

-

Balance at 30 June 2016

1,499 

-

16,281 

(22,122)

-

-

4 

-

-

(193)

-

(189)

(279)

-

-

-

(468)

Note 21. Current assets - cash and cash equivalents

Cash

1,351 

(5,464)

(3,636)

-

-

-

360 

1,711 

-

-

-

448 

2,159 

-

-

-

-

(5,464)

-

-

-

-

1,026 

5,841 

(193)

360 

3,398 

(279)

16,281 

(22,122)

448 

(5,464)

(2,274)

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

63,908 

2,329

PG 102 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016Note 22. Reconciliation of profit after income tax to net cash from operating activities

Profit after income tax expense for the year

Adjustments for:

Depreciation and amortisation

Foreign exchange differences

Fair value gain on conversion of options in PDG

Gain on sale of a2MC disposal

Business combination acquisition costs

Share-based payments

Interest received

Interest on associates loan

Interest capitalised

Share of loss/(profit) of associates

Fair value gain on a2MC

Movement for provision in employee entitlements

Movements in working capital:

Increase in trade and other receivables

Increase in inventories

Decrease in deferred tax assets

Decrease in other operating assets

Increase in trade and other payables

Increase in provision for income tax

Increase in other operating liabilities

Net cash from operating activities

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

50,631 

56,631 

6,439 

3,354 

13

(22,353)

(24,529)

1,227 

448 

- 

(567)

(949)

(372)

- 

- 

- 

- 

360 

(10)

(1,086)

(617)

42 

- 

(53,148)

1,703 

(429)

(20,358)

(21,738)

(5,727)

(5,508)

- 

647

31,454

3,252

745 

5,693

3,170 

95 

4,749 

4,161 

- 

6,037 

Details of credit standby arrangements available and unused loan facilities are shown in Note 24 to the  
financial statements.

Non-cash financing and investing activities

In accordance with the Company’s DRP, $4,262,530 was reinvested in the year to 30 June 2016 (2015: $3,422,483).

PG 103

Note 23. Current liabilities - borrowings

Loan payable

Finance facilities

Bank bill facilities

Equipment financing liabilities

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

18,082 

- 

9,100 

5,255 

5,698 

12,143 

1,650 

2,534 

32,437 

22,025 

Refer to Note 24 for further information on assets pledged as security and financing arrangements.

Refer to Note 25 for further information on financial instruments.

Note 24. Non-current liabilities - borrowings

Loan payable

Bank bill facilities

Equipment financing liabilities

Refer to Note 25 for further information on financial instruments.

Total secured liabilities

The total secured liabilities (current and non-current) are as follows:

Loan payable

Finance facilities

Bank bill facilities

Equipment financing liabilities

Assets pledged as security

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

3,023 

37,529 

30,841 

71,393 

- 

16,500 

14,390 

30,890 

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

21,105 

- 

46,629 

36,096 

103,830 

5,698 

12,143 

18,150 

16,924 

52,915 

The Company’s primary bank facilities are arranged with HSBC Bank Australia Limited with general terms 
and conditions. The facilities include debtor finance, trade finance and other term facilities. The bank facilities 
with HSBC are secured by a first equitable mortgage over the whole of the Group’s assets and undertakings 
(including uncalled capital), (except items specifically discharged under equipment finance arrangements for 
assets held at Leeton, Dandenong and Taren Point facilities), and a first registered mortgage over the Group’s 
Leeton and Ingleburn properties.

PG 104 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016The equipment finance facilities relate to:

1.  specific equipment operating at the Company’s Leeton, Dandenong and Taren Point facilities, arranged 

with both National Australia Bank and Westpac. These facilities are secured over the assets financed under 
the facility, which have been specifically discharged from the first registered mortgage held over the entire 
Group’s property. The leases are over a period of 2 to 6 years and the final residual on the current leases will 
be due in 2020; and 

2.  specific equipment operating at the Pactum Dairy Group Shepparton facility, arranged with National Australia 

Bank. These facilities are secured over the assets financed under the facility, which have been specifically 
discharged from the first registered mortgage held over the entire Group’s property. The leases are over a 
period of 5 years and the final residual on the current leases will be due in 2019;

Pactum Dairy Group has term facilities from National Australia Bank relating to trade finance and working 
capital requirements. These facilities are secured by a first equitable mortgage over the whole of Pactum Dairy 
Groups assets and undertakings (including uncalled capital), with guarantees provided by the shareholders of 
Pactum Dairy Group.

Financing arrangements

Total facilities

Loan payable

Finance facilities

Bank bill facilities

Equipment financing liabilities

Used at the reporting date

Loan payable

Finance facilities

Bank bill facilities

Equipment financing liabilities

Unused at the reporting date

Loan payable

Finance facilities

Bank bill facilities

Equipment financing liabilities

Unused financing facilities

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

35,500 

19,000 

47,400 

41,003 

9,700

14,000

18,150

21,050

142,903 

62,900

21,105 

- 

46,629 

36,096 

103,830 

14,395 

19,000 

771 

4,907 

39,073 

5,698

12,143

18,150

16,924

52,915 

4,002

1,857

- 

4,126

9,985

The Company given its significant cash position has reduced its drawdown of short term debtor finance 
and trade finance financing. Fixed financing relating to specific assets such as land and buildings has been 
maintained. The Company has unused bank facilities relating to bank bills, trade finance, working capital and 
equipment finance requirements totalling $39 million.

Interest rates are variable and subject to adjustment.

PG 105

Note 25. Financial instruments
Capital Risk Management

The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern 
while maximising the return to stakeholders through the optimisation of debt and equity balances.

The Group’s overall strategy remains unchanged from 2015. The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, 
which includes the borrowings, cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders of the 
parent comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in their respective notes.

Operating cash flows are used to maintain and expand the Group’s manufacturing and distribution assets, as well 
as to make the routine outflows of tax, dividends and repayment of maturing debt. The Group’s policy is to borrow 
centrally; using a variety of capital market issues and borrowing facilities, to meet anticipated funding requirements.

Market risk

The Group’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risk of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and 
interest rates. The Group enters into forward exchange contracts to manage exposure to foreign currency risk 
for its imports and exports. There has been no change to the Group’s exposure to market risks or the manner in 
which it manages and measures the risk.

Significant accounting polices 

Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the 
basis of measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of 
financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in Note 2 to the financial statements.

Forward foreign exchange contracts

The Group enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to buy specified amounts of foreign currencies in the 
future at stipulated exchange rates. The objective of entering into the forward exchange contracts is to protect 
the Group against unfavourable exchange rate movements for the contracted purchases and sales undertaken in 
foreign currencies.

The Group had entered into contracts (for terms not exceeding 12 months) to purchase finished goods from 
suppliers in the United States and Canada equipment from Europe and for sales receipts denominated in 
United States dollars from export customers. The contracts related to highly probable forecasted transactions 
for the purchase of inventory for the Specialty Seafood business (Salmon - USD and Sardines - CAD) and the 
Freedom Foods business (Spreads - USD and Almond paste - USD) with the purchase consideration being 
settled in the above currencies and on sales orders from export customers. The Group’s objective in entering 
into forward foreign exchange contracts is to provide certainty to the income and cash flow implications for the 
designated foreign currency purchase, relating to purchase of inventory or other capital assets. The Group had 
USD 4,456,994 (Buy), USD 3,619,219 (Sell), CAD 377,640 (Buy) and EUR 4,130,144 (Buy) outstanding foreign 
exchange contracts as at 30 June 2016. 

The Group does not adopt hedge accounting.

PG 106 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016The following table details the forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding as at reporting date in  
Australian dollars:

Buy US dollars

Maturity:

0 - 3 months

3 - 6 months

Buy Canadian Dollars

Maturity:

0 - 3 months

Buy Euros

Maturity:

0 - 3 months

3 - 6 months

6 - 12 months

Buy Australian dollars

Maturity:

0 - 3 months

3 - 6 months

SELL AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS

AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATES

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

2016

2015

5,513 

485 

1,252 

-

0.7422 

0.7294

0.7777 

-

390 

337 

0.9678 

0.9457 

4,487 

1,838 

158 

520 

-

-

0.6389 

0.6313 

0.6276 

0.6212 

-

-

SELL US DOLLARS

AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATES

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

2016

2015

3,422

197

1,715

906 

0.7380

0.7347

0.8640

0.8401

The following table details the forward foreign exchange contracts at fair value as at reporting date in  
Australian dollars:

Buy US dollars - less than 3 months

Buy CAD dollars - less than 3 months

Buy Euros - less than 3 months

Buy US dollars - 3-6 months

Buy Euros - 3-6 months

Buy Euros - 6-12 months

Sell US dollars - less than 3 months

Sell US dollars - 3-6 months

Net fair value

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

(65)

1

(123)

(20)

(90)

(9)

17

-

(289)

17 

(1)

(49)

- 

- 

-

(152)

(162)

(347)

PG 107

Note 25. Financial instruments (continued)
Foreign currency risk management

The carrying amount of the Group’s foreign currency denominated financial assets and financial liabilities at the 
reporting date were as follows (in the respective foreign currency):

CONSOLIDATED

US dollar

Canadian dollar

Euro

New Zealand dollar

Chinese Yuan

ASSETS

LIABILITIES

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

5,136 

58 

-

-

9

5,203

3,358 

450

-

-

122

3,930

2,319

3,063 

283

998

94

-

260 

120 

10 

-

3,694

3,453

There have been no changes to the Group’s exposure to foreign currency risks or the manner in which it 
manages and measures the risks from the previous period.

Foreign currency sensitivity analysis

The following table details the sensitivity to an increase/decrease in the Australian dollar against the relevant 
currencies in relation to foreign exchange exposures. Sensitivity rates of 5% (USD), 5% (CAD), 4% (NZD), 3% 
(EUR) and 5% (CNY) have been used as these represent management’s assessment of a likely maximum change 
in foreign exchange rates.

A positive number indicates an increase in profit where the Australia Dollar strengthens against the respective 
currency. For a weakening of the Australia Dollar against the respective currency there would be an equal and 
opposite impact on the profit and the balances below would be negative.

CONSOLIDATED - 2016

% CHANGE

AUD 
STRENGTHENED 
EFFECT ON PROFIT 
BEFORE TAX

EFFECT ON 
EQUITY

% CHANGE

AUD  
WEAKENED 
EFFECT ON PROFIT 
BEFORE TAX

EFFECT ON 
EQUITY

US dollar

Canadian dollar

New Zealand dollar

Euro

Chinese Yuan

5% 

5% 

4% 

3% 

5% 

(169)

10 

4 

52

-

(103)

169 

(10)

(4)

(52)

-

103 

5% 

5% 

4% 

3% 

5% 

185 

(11)

(4)

(55)

-

115 

(185)

11 

4 

55 

-

(115)

PG 108 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016CONSOLIDATED - 2015

% CHANGE

AUD 
STRENGTHENED 
EFFECT ON PROFIT 
BEFORE TAX

EFFECT ON 
EQUITY

% CHANGE

AUD  
WEAKENED 
EFFECT ON PROFIT 
BEFORE TAX

EFFECT ON 
EQUITY

US dollar

Canadian dollar

New Zealand dollar

Euro

Chinese Yuan

10% 

3% 

11% 

5% 

6% 

(57)

2

1 

5 

(1)

(50)

10% 

3% 

11% 

5% 

6% 

57 

(2)

(1)

(5)

1 

50 

69 

(2)

(1)

(5)

2 

63 

(69)

2 

1 

5 

(2)

(63)

This is mainly attributable to the exposure outstanding on foreign currency receivables and payables at year end 
in the Consolidated Entity and the parent.

Interest rate risk management 

Group is exposed to interest rate risk as it borrows funds at both fixed and floating interest rates. The Group 
manages this risk by maintaining an appropriate mix between fixed and floating rate borrowings.

Exposures to interest rate risk, which is the risk that a financial instrument’s value, its borrowing costs and 
interest income will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest rates and the effective weighted average 
interest rates on those financial instruments are set out below:

CONSOLIDATED

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans due from related parties*

Loan payable

Finance facilities

2016

WEIGHTED 
AVERAGE 
EFFECTIVE 
INTEREST 
RATE %

BALANCE  
$’000

2015

WEIGHTED 
AVERAGE 
EFFECTIVE 
INTEREST 
RATE %

BALANCE  
$’000

-

-

63,908 

-

-

8.00% 

2,329 

14,836 

4.10% 

(67,734)

4.77% 

(23,848)

-

-

4.80%

(12,143)

Equipment financing facilities

5.45%

(36,096)

5.76% 

(16,924)

(39,922)

(35,750)

*  Loans due from related parties are now owed by a subsidiary, refer to Note 36.

During the financial year there has been no change to the Group’s interest rate risk exposure or the manner in 
which it manages and measures risks.

Interest rate sensitivity analysis

The sensitivity analysis below has been determined based on the impact of 150 basis point increase in interest 
rates on exposure to interest rates as detailed in the above table.

The impact of a 150 basis point interest rate movement during the year with all other variables being held 
constant would be: 
•  an increase on the Consolidated Entity’s net profit of $642,045 (2015: decrease of $116,340).
This is attributable to the Consolidated Entity’s exposure to interest rates on its variable borrowings.

A 150 basis point movement represents management’s assessment of the possible change in interest rates.

PG 109

Note 25. Financial instruments (continued)
Credit risk management

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial 
loss to the Group. The Group has adopted the policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties as a 
means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. The Group’s exposure and the credit ratings of its 
counterparties are continuously monitored and the aggregate values of transactions concluded are spread 
amongst approved counterparties. 

Credit risk from balances with banks and financial institutions is managed in accordance with a Board approved 
policy. Investments of surplus funds are made only with approved counterparties and within credit limits 
assigned to each counterparty. Counterparty credit limits are reviewed by the Board on an annual basis and 
may be updated throughout the year subject to approval of the Board. The limits are set to minimise the 
concentration of risks and therefore mitigate financial loss through potential counterparty failure. The credit risk 
on liquid funds is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by international 
credit rating agencies. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk, excluding the value of any collateral or other security, at statement 
of financial position date, to recognised financial assets of the Group which have been recognised on the 
Statement of financial position is the carrying amount, net of any allowance for doubtful debts.

Liquidity risk management

Liquidity risk arises from the possibility that the Group may be unable to settle a transaction on the due date. 
The ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board of Directors, who has built an 
appropriate liquidity risk management framework for the management of the Group’s short, medium and 
long-term funding and liquidity management requirements. The Group manages risk by maintaining adequate 
reserves, banking facilities and reserve borrowing facilities by continuously monitoring forecasts and actual cash 
flows and matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities.

Included in Note 24 is a listing of additional undrawn facilities that the Company and the Consolidated Entity 
has at their disposal to further reduce liquidity risk.

Unused borrowing facilities at the reporting date:

Loan payable

Finance facilities

Bank bill facilities

Equipment financing liabilities

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

14,395 

19,000

771 

4,907 

39,073 

4,002 

1,857 

- 

4,126 

9,985 

PG 110 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016The following table details the Consolidated Entity’s remaining contractual maturity for its financial liabilities. 
The table has been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest 
date on which the Consolidated Entity can be required to pay. The table includes both interest and principal 
cash flows.

CONSOLIDATED - 2016

Non-derivatives

Non-interest bearing

Trade payables

Other payables

Interest-bearing - variable

Loan payable

Interest-bearing - fixed rate

Bank bill facilities

Equipment financing liabilities

Total non-derivatives

CONSOLIDATED - 2015

Non-derivatives

Non-interest bearing

Trade payables

Other payables

Interest-bearing - variable

Loan payable

Finance facilities

Interest-bearing - fixed rate

Bank bill facilities

Equipment financing liabilities

Total non-derivatives

WEIGHTED  
AVERAGE EFFECTIVE 
INTEREST RATE %

LESS THAN 1 
YEAR $’000

BETWEEN 1 
AND 5 YEARS 
$’000 

REMAINING 
CONTRACTUAL 
MATURITIES $’000

-

-

41,030 

13,261 

-

52 

41,030 

13,313

4.80% 

18,082 

3,023 

21,105 

3.83% 

5.45% 

9,100

6,970

37,529

34,055

88,443 

74,659 

46,629 

41,025 

163,102 

WEIGHTED  
AVERAGE EFFECTIVE 
INTEREST RATE %

LESS THAN 1 
YEAR $’000

BETWEEN 1 
AND 5 YEARS 
$’000 

REMAINING 
CONTRACTUAL 
MATURITIES $’000

-

-

5.29%

4.80%

4.61% 

5.76% 

14,724 

4,055

5,698

12,143

1,650

3,557

41,827 

-

52 

-

-

16,500

15,680

32,232 

14,724 

4,107 

5,698 

12,143 

18,150 

19,237 

74,059 

PG 111

Note 25. Financial instruments (continued)
Fair value of financial instruments

The carrying amount of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the financial statements approximates 
their fair values.

The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are determined as follows:
• the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities with standard terms and conditions and traded on 

active liquid markets are determined with reference to quoted market prices; and

• the fair value of other financial assets and financial liabilities (excluding derivatives instruments) are determined 

in accordance with generally accepted pricing models based on discounted cash flow analysis; and

• the fair value of derivative instruments are calculated using quoted prices. Where such prices are not available 
use is made of discounted cash flow analysis using applicable yield curve for the duration of the instruments 
for non-optional derivatives and option pricing models for optional derivatives.

The Group enters into a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to foreign exchange 
rate risk, including forward foreign exchange contracts. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the 
date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each reporting 
date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss immediately unless the derivative is designated 
and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event, the timing of the recognition in profit or loss depends on 
the nature of the hedge relationship. The Group has not adopted hedge accounting during the financial year or 
previous corresponding period. 

Financial risk management objectives 

The Group’s financial management team provides services to each of the group businesses, co-ordinates  
access to domestic and international financial markets, monitors and manages the financial risks relating to  
the operations of the Group through internal risk reports which analyse exposures by degree and magnitude  
of risks. These risks include market risk (including currency risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Group seeks to minimise the effects of these risks, by using derivative financial instruments to hedge these 
risk exposures. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the Group’s policies approved by the Board of 
Directors, which provide written principles on foreign exchange risk, credit risk and the investment of excess 
liquidity. The Group does not enter into or trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, 
for speculative purposes.

Gearing ratio

CONSOLIDATED

Debt(i)

Cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

Equity(ii)

Net debt to equity ratio

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

103,830 

52,915 

(63,908)

(2,329)

39,922 

50,586 

287,818 

185,929 

14% 

27%

(i) Debt is defined as long and short-term borrowings, as detailed in the notes to the financial statements. 
(ii) Equity includes all capital and reserves.

PG 112 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016Note 26. Capital and leasing commitments

Lease commitments - operating

Committed at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities, payable:

Within one year

One to five years

More than five years

Lease commitments - finance

Minimum future lease payments:

Within one year

One to five years

Total commitment

Less: Future finance charges

Net commitment recognised as liabilities

Representing:

Equipment financing liabilities - current (Note 23)

Equipment financing liabilities - non-current (Note 24)

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

803 

2,108 

- 

2,911 

6,970 

34,055

41,025 

(4,929)

36,096 

5,255 

30,841 

36,096 

746 

1,841 

834 

3,421 

3,557 

15,680 

19,237 

(2,313)

16,924 

2,534 

14,390 

16,924 

PG 113

Note 27. Interests in subsidiaries
The Consolidated Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income and Statement of financial 
position of the entities party to the deed of cross guarantee is the Consolidated Statement of profit or loss  
and other comprehensive income and Statement of financial position included in the 2016 financial statements.

NAME

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS/ 
COUNTRY OF INCORPORATION

Paramount Seafoods Pty Limited*

Freedom Foods Group Operations Pty Ltd  
(Formerly Nutrition Ventures Pty Limited)*

Nutrition Ventures Financing Pty Limited*

Freedom Foods Pty Limited*

Pactum Australia Pty Limited*

Pactum Dairy Group Pty Limited**

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australian Natural Foods Holdings Pty Limited*

Australia

Thorpedo Foods Group Pty Limited

Thorpedo Foods Pty Limited

Thorpedo Seafoods Pty Limited

Australia

Australia

Australia

Freedom Foods North America Inc

North America

Popina (Vic) Pty Limited*

Australia

*  These companies are members of the tax consolidated group.

OWNERSHIP INTEREST

2016 %

2015 %

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00%

100.00% 

100.00%

100.00% 

50.00%

1.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00%

100.00% 

75.00%

75.00% 

75.00%

75.00% 

80.00% 

80.00% 

100.00% 

-

**  The investment in Pactum Dairy Group Pty Limited by Pactum Australia Pty Limited changed from 1% to 50% on  

1 January 2016. Refer to Note 36.

Note 28. Investments accounted for using the equity method
Interests in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Information relating to 
associates that are material to the Group are set out below:

NAME

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS/ 
COUNTRY OF INCORPORATION

Pactum Dairy Group Pty Limited (PDG)

Australia

Australian Fresh Milk Holdings Pty Limited (AFMH) Australia

Pactum Dairy Group Pty Limited (PDG)

OWNERSHIP INTEREST

2016 %

2015 %

50.00% 

1.00% 

10.00% 

-

PDG was established in 2013 for the purpose of supplying high speed low cost liquid products to the domestic 
and international market. PDG is a joint venture between Pactum Australia Pty Limited, a wholly owned 
subsidiary of the Group and Australian Consolidated Milk Pty Limited (ACM), a major Australian dairy milk 
supply group.The facility was established in the northern Victorian city of Shepparton, for a total investment of 
approximately $45 million, with initial capacity for 100 million litres of dairy milk production, with capability to 
be increased up to 300 million litres in the longer term. The facility was completed over a construction period of 
approximately 9 months, with the project largely on budget. As at 31 December 2015, FNP equity accounted 1% 
of the loss in line with the ownership structure at that time. The Group converted its investment of convertible 
notes in January 2016 obtaining a 50% interest in PDG.

PG 114 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016Under the guidance of AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements a conclusion was reached that control 
was deemed to be gained on 1 January 2016 by the Group over PDG. Subsequently, PDG will form part of the 
consolidated Group. Details on the business combination is outlined in Note 36. 

Australian Fresh Milk Holdings Pty Limited (AFMH) 

The Group acquired 10% of the consortium Australian Fresh Milk Holdings Pty Limited (AFMH) on 17 June 2015, 
with 25% voting rights along with the two other shareholders, resulting in significant influence over AFMH. 
The consortium acquired Moxey Farms on 3 August 2015. Moxey Farms is one of Australia’s largest single-site 
dairy operations. The consortium comprises Leppington Pastoral Company Pty Limited (LPC), New Hope Dairy 
Holdings Co Ltd (New Hope Dairy) and Freedom Foods Group Limited. The Group acquired its 10% of the 
consortium for $5.7 million. 

The completion of the acquisition ensures AFMH has in place a scalable operating platform to invest in additional 
greenfield dairy sites, enabling the consortium to become a significant player in the Australian dairy industry.

Summarised financial information

AFMH

PDG

A2MC

2016 $’000

 2015 $’000 

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

Summarised Statement of financial position

Current assets

Non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets/(liabilities)

Summarised Statement of profit or  
loss and other comprehensive income

Revenue

Expenses

Profit/(loss) before income tax

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Reconciliation of the Group’s carrying amount

Opening carrying amount

Share of profit/(loss) after income tax

Equity investment

Transfer to available-for-sale financial asset

De-recognition of investment and reclassification 
as subsidiary

Closing carrying amount

29,494 

85,675 

115,169

8,395

49,824

58,219

56,950 

37,521 

(33,066)

4,455 

-

4,455

-

433 

5,730 

-

-

6,163 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

16,426

4,184 

34,496

34,373

50,922

38,557

10,348

4,742

61,403

41,045

71,751

45,787

(20,829)

(7,230)

27,763

48,779

(30,203)

(52,983)

(2,440)

(4,204)

-

-

(2,440)

(4,204)

4,432 

4,474 

(61)

(42)

-

-

(4,371)

-

-

-

-

4,432

Equity accounted gain for the year to 30 June 2016 was $372,000 (2015: $(42,000)).

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

10,587 

-

538 

(11,125)

-

-

PG 115

Note 28. Investments accounted for using the equity method (continued)
Related party transactions

Current receivables and loans due from associates - refer to Note 32 to the financial statements.

PDG receivable

PDG loan

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

- 

- 

- 

1,700 

13,136 

14,836 

The loan to PDG attracts interest at 8% pa. 

As at 1 January 2016, PDG was no longer deemed to be an associate to the Group, forming part of the 
consolidated Group.

The Group’s interest in joint ventures represent jointly controlled entities which have been measured by applying 
the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting the carrying amounts of interests in 
joint venture entities are increased or decreased to recognise the Group’s share of the post-acquisition profits or 
losses and other changes in net assets of the joint ventures.

Note 29. Non-current assets - investment in a2MC

Investment in The a2 Milk Company Limited

Reconciliation

Reconciliation of the fair values at the beginning and end  
of the current and previous financial year are set out below:

Opening fair value

Reclassification of investment

Gain on reclassification

Revaluation increments

Net proceeds on sale

Closing fair value

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

- 

72,618 

72,618 

- 

- 

17,611

(90,229)

- 

11,125 

53,148 

8,345 

- 

- 

72,618 

The Group holds zero ordinary shares (2015: 117,699,229 17.8%) in The a2 Milk Company Limited (a2MC). The 
Group sold its remaining shareholding in a2MC in October and November 2015. The shares were sold at a price 
of $AU0.68 and $AU0.85 respectively, realising a gain after transaction costs of $24,529,000.

The Group reclassified the investment to an available for sale on 18 November 2014 following the resignation  
of Mr Perry R. Gunner from the board of a2MC at the conclusion of their AGM. Significant influence was  
deemed to be lost at the conclusion of the a2MC AGM and therefore on this date the Group reclassified the 
investment to an available for sale investment under the requirements of AASB 139 Financial Instruments: 
Recognition and Measurement.

PG 116 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016Note 30. Deed of cross guarantee
The following have entered into a deed of cross guarantee as a condition to obtaining relief under ASIC Class 
Order 98/1418 from the Corporations Act 2001 requirements to prepare and lodge audited financial statements 
and a Directors’ report.

Freedom Foods Group Limited
Paramount Seafoods Pty Limited
Freedom Foods Group Operations Pty Ltd (Formerly Nutrition Ventures Pty Limited)
Nutrition Ventures Financing Pty Limited
Freedom Foods Pty Limited
Pactum Australia Pty Limited
Australian Natural Foods Holdings Pty Limited
Thorpedo Foods Group Pty Limited
Popina (Vic) Pty Limited

Each party to the deed of cross guarantee, guarantees to each creditor in the Group payment in full of any 
debt upon winding up under the provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 or, in any other case, if six months 
after a resolution or order for winding up, any debt of a creditor that has not been paid in full. The consolidated 
financial statements of the closed Group would not be materially different from the report of the Group as a 
whole. The main difference is the Freedom Foods North America result which is disclosed in Note 3 above.

Note 31. Parent entity information
Set out below is the supplementary information about the parent entity.

Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income

Profit after income tax

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Total current assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Issued capital

Reserves

Retained Profits

Total equity

PARENT

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

17,996 

48,406 

- 

- 

17,996 

48,406 

PARENT

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

1,355 

626 

247,714 

174,310 

249,069 

174,936 

(1,860) 

(1,860) 

3,240 

3,240 

250,929 

178,176 

169,108 

3,186 

78,635 

250,929 

98,855 

8,578 

70,743 

178,176

PG 117

Note 32. Related party transactions

Subsidiaries

Interests in subsidiaries are set out in Note 27.

Associates

Interests in associates are set out in Note 28 and Note 29.

Key management personnel

Disclosures relating to key management personnel are set out in Note 33 and the remuneration report included 
in the Directors’ report.

Transactions with related parties

Other related parties include: 
• entities with joint control or significant influence over the Group; 
• joint ventures in which the entity was a venturer; 
• subsidiaries; and 
• other related parties. 
The following transactions occurred with related parties:

Sale of goods and services:

Sale of goods to subsidiaries

Sale of services to Pactum Dairy Group Pty Limited*

Payment for goods and services:

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

23,158,133 

19,665,000 

- 

500,000 

Purchase of goods from Australian Consolidated Milk Pty Limited

Purchase of goods and services from Leppington Pastoral Company

39,541,637 

2,045,000 

1,352,000 

410,000 

Payment for other expenses:

Payment for rent and outgoings under a lease commitment  
with Perich Property Holdings

2,270,000 

1,011,000 

*  Pactum Dairy Group Pty Limited has been consolidated into the Group in 2016, refer to Note 36.

These services are provided under normal terms and conditions.

Note 33. Key management personnel disclosures
Compensation

The aggregate compensation made to Directors and other members of key management personnel of the 
Group is set out below:

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share-based payments

PG 118 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $’000

2015 $’000

1,321,307

1,528,014

89,913

448,216

76,041

152,361

1,859,436

1,756,416

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016Note 34. Share-based payments
Senior employees are eligible to participate in the share scheme under which executives are issued options to 
acquire shares in the Parent. Each employee share option converts into one ordinary share of the Parent on 
exercise. No amounts are paid or payable by the recipient on receipt of the option. The options carry neither 
rights to dividends nor voting rights. Options may be exercised at any time from the date of vesting to the date 
of their expiry. There are no vesting conditions attached to these options other than continuing employment 
within the Group with the exception to the performance based options detailed in the Directors’ report.

The options granted below expire within five years of their issue, or one year after the resignation of the senior 
employee, whichever is the earlier. In relation to options issued during the financial year ended 30 June 2014, the 
options vest in three equal tranches over a period of 3 years.

The following reconciles the outstanding share options granted under the employee share option plan at the 
beginning and end of the financial year:

2016

GRANT DATE

EXPIRY DATE

EXERCISE  
PRICE

BALANCE AT  
THE START  
OF THE YEAR

GRANTED

EXERCISED

EXPIRED/ 
FORFEITED/
LAPSED

BALANCE AT  
THE END OF  
THE YEAR

01/02/2012

01/02/2017

$0.40 

1,416,667

30/08/2012

30/08/2017

$0.60 

1,375,002 

01/07/2013

01/07/2018

$1.65 

1,525,000 

-

-

-

(1,416,667)

(1,025,002)

-

-

- 

350,000 

(144,333)

(68,334)

1,312,333 

01/07/2015

30/06/2020

$2.92 

-

4,000,000 

-

-

4,000,000 

4,316,669  4,000,000  (2,586,002)

(68,334)

5,662,333 

Weighted average exercise price

$0.91 

$2.92 

$0.55

$1.65 

$2.48 

2015

GRANT DATE

EXPIRY DATE

EXERCISE  
PRICE

BALANCE AT  
THE START  
OF THE YEAR

GRANTED

EXERCISED

01/02/2012

01/02/2017

$0.40 

3,766,667

- (2,350,000)

30/08/2012

30/08/2017

$0.60

1,708,334 

01/07/2013

01/07/2018

$1.65 

1,600,000 

7,075,001 

-

-

-

(333,332)

(75,000)

(2,758,332)

EXPIRED/ 
FORFEITED/
LAPSED

-

-

-

-

BALANCE AT  
THE END OF  
THE YEAR

1,416,667 

1,375,002 

1,525,000 

4,316,669 

Weighted average exercise price

$0.73 

$0.00

$0.46 

$0.00

$0.91 

Set out below are the options exercisable at the end of the financial year:

GRANT DATE

EXPIRY DATE

01/02/2012

01/02/2017

30/08/2012

30/08/2017

01/07/2013

01/07/2018

2016 NUMBER

2015 NUMBER

-

1,416,667 

350,000 

641,669

779,000 

458,333

1,129,000 

2,516,669

The weighted average exercise price during the financial year was $0.55 (2015: $0.46).

The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at the end of the financial year was  
3.4 years (2015: 2.3 years).

PG 119

Note 34. Share-based payments (continued)
Expected volatility is based on historical share price volatility over the past two years. It is expected that options 
will be exercised only in the event of the market price exceeding the exercise price.

GRANT DATE

EXPIRY DATE

SHARE PRICE AT 
GRANT DATE

EXERCISE  
PRICE

EXPECTED 
VOLATILITY

DIVIDEND  
YIELD

RISK-FREE 
INTEREST RATE

FAIR VALUE AT 
GRANT DATE

02/02/2012

02/02/2017

$0.46 

$0.40 

20.00%

30/08/2012

30/08/2017

01/07/2013

01/07/2018

01/07/2015

30/06/2020

$0.65

$1.80

$2.94

$0.60

$1.65

$2.92

5.00%

5.00%

50.00%

2.50%

2.50%

2.50%

0.49%

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

2.25%

$0.122 

$0.066 

$0.181 

$1.195 

Equity-settled share-based payments with employees and others providing similar services are measured at  
the fair value of the equity instrument at the grant date. Fair value is measured by use of a binomial model.  
The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects  
of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a 
straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of shares that will eventually vest.

At each reporting date, the Group revises its estimate of the number of equity instruments expected to vest.  
The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognised in profit or loss over the remaining 
vesting period, with corresponding adjustment to the equity-settled employee benefits reserve.

Note 35. Remuneration of auditors
During the financial year the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by Deloitte Touche 
Tohmatsu, the auditor of the Company:

CONSOLIDATED

2016 $

2015 $

406,550 

260,000 

60,000

23,500

47,363

81,268 

197,204 

24,790 

- 

44,009 

63,579 

- 

409,335 

132,378 

815,885 

392,378

Audit services - Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Audit or review of the financial statements

Other services - Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Other assurance services

Stamp duty advice

Research and development advice

Tax compliance services

Tax consulting services

PG 120 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016Note 36. Business combinations
Over the course of the year, the Group acquired two businesses. Each acquisition was for 100% of the respective 
enterprises. Details of the businesses acquired as at the date of each acquisition were as follows:

On 1 December 2015, the Group acquired 100% of the ordinary shares of Popina (Vic) Pty Limited (Popina 
Foods) for the total consideration transferred of $35.6 million. Popina Foods is a major Australian manufacturer 
of oat based cereals and snacks. It is a recognised leader in cluster format cereal and snacks in Australasia, with 
manufacturing operations based in Dandenong, Victoria.

On 31 August 2015, the Group acquired the business and assets of Darlington Point Mill (DP Mill) based at 
Darlington Point in the Riverina District of New South Wales for a total consideration of $8.5 million. The DP 
Mill operates an established grain processing facility for the supply of milled flours and popping corn. It is a 
significant processor of popping corn in Australia and processes gluten free and non GMO grains. The DP Mill 
supplies customers in food service and processing markets in Australia as well as in export markets.

Details of the Popina Foods acquisition are as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade receivables

Inventories

Property, plant and equipment

Other liabilities

Net assets acquired

Goodwill

Acquisition date fair value of the total consideration transferred

Cash used to acquire business, net of cash acquired:

Acquisition date fair value of the total consideration transferred

Non cash consideration - lease refinance

Less: cash and cash equivalents

Net cash used

Details of the DP Mill acquisition are as follows:

Inventories

Property, plant and equipment

Net assets acquired

Goodwill

Acquisition date fair value of the total consideration transferred

Cash used to acquire business, net of cash acquired:

Acquisition date fair value of the total consideration transferred

FAIR VALUE $’000

471 

7,591 

5,807 

16,911 

(12,046)

18,734 

16,832 

35,566 

35,566 

(5,262)

(471)

29,833 

FAIR VALUE $’000

2,652 

4,670 

7,322 

1,178 

8,500 

8,500 

PG 121

 
Note 36. Business combinations (continued) 
On 1 January 2016, the Group elected to convert its convertible notes held in PDG into ordinary shares which 
resulted in the Group’s interest in PDG increasing to 50%. The increase in equity holding along with additional 
factors, which occurred in January 2016, led to the reassessment of the accounting treatment for the Group’s 
investment in PDG. After taking into consideration the guidance contained in AASB 10 Consolidated Financial 
Statements (AASB 10), the Group concluded that control was deemed to be gained on 1 January 2016. In 
reaching this conclusion, the Group considered its power to direct relevant activities under its Management 
Services Agreement with PDG along with the Group’s provision of specialised knowledge in sales capability 
and infrastructure management, the Group’s acquisition of additional processing equipment in January 2016 for 
PDG to meet demand, the provision of significant funding and acting as guarantor for PDG to secure additional 
financing in January 2016. Under AASB 10, from the date that control is obtained, the transaction is seen as a 
stepped acquisition achieved without the transfer of consideration.

Details of the PDG step acquisition are as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade receivables

Inventories

Property, plant and equipment

Other assets

Other liabilities

Net liabilities acquired

Non-controlling interests share of net liabilities(1)

Previously held equity interest at fair value(2)

Goodwill

Acquisition-date fair value of the total consideration transferred

FAIR VALUE $’000

670 

9,307 

5,983

34,554 

3,564 

(69,437)

(15,359)

7,679 

(456)

30,937 

22,801 

(1)  The non-controlling interest in PDG has been determined using the proportionate share in the recognised amounts of the 

acquiree’s identifiable net liabilities at 1 January 2016.

(2)  The equity accounted investment in PDG was fair valued to $456,027 at 1 January 2016. The resulting gain on revaluation has 

been recognised in the Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

In a business combination achieved without the transfer of consideration, goodwill is determined by using the 
acquisition date fair value of the acquirer’s interest in the acquiree rather than the acquisition date fair value of 
the consideration transferred (Deemed Consideration). The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow 
(DCF) include the achievement of cash flow projection during the budget based on financial budgets approved 
by management covering a five year period. In applying the DCF, the Group has used a discount rate of 12% pa 
post tax and a terminal growth rate of 2%. The discount rate is based on the weighted average cost of capital 
determined by prevailing or benchmarked market inputs and includes a risk premium considered appropriate to 
a newly established business in a development phase. 

The consolidated revenue and profit before tax include $36,569,000 revenue and $398,000 profit before tax 
which was generated by PDG since control was achieved on 1 January 2016. 

PG 122 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Notes to the financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016Accounting policy for business combinations

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for business combinations regardless of whether 
equity instruments or other assets are acquired.

The consideration transferred is the sum of the acquisition date fair values of the assets transferred, equity 
instruments issued or liabilities incurred by the acquirer to former owners of the acquiree and the amount of 
any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. For each business combination, the non-controlling interest in the 
acquiree is measured at either fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets.  
All acquisition costs are expensed as incurred to profit or loss.

On the acquisition of a business, the Group assesses the financial assets acquired and liabilities assumed for 
appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic conditions, the 
Group’s operating or accounting policies and other pertinent conditions in existence at the acquisition-date.

Where the business combination is achieved in stages, the Group remeasures its previously held equity interest 
in the acquiree at the acquisition date fair value and the difference between the fair value and the previous 
carrying amount is recognised in profit or loss.

Contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer is recognised at the acquisition date fair value. 
Subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration classified as an asset or liability is 
recognised in profit or loss. Contingent consideration classified as equity is not remeasured and its subsequent 
settlement is accounted for within equity.

The difference between the acquisition date fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-
controlling interest in the acquiree and the fair value of the consideration transferred and the fair value of any 
pre-existing investment in the acquiree is recognised as goodwill. If the consideration transferred and the pre-
existing fair value is less than the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired, being a bargain purchase to 
the acquirer, the difference is recognised as a gain directly in profit or loss by the acquirer on the acquisition-
date, but only after a reassessment of the identification and measurement of the net assets acquired, the non-
controlling interest in the acquiree, if any, the consideration transferred and the acquirer’s previously held equity 
interest in the acquirer.

Business combinations are initially accounted for on a provisional basis. The acquirer retrospectively adjusts 
the provisional amounts recognised and also recognises additional assets or liabilities during the measurement 
period, based on new information obtained about the facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition-
date. The measurement period ends on either the earlier of (i) 12 months from the date of the acquisition or (ii) 
when the acquirer receives all the information possible to determine fair value.

Note 37. Events after the reporting period
Apart from the dividend declared as disclosed in Note 19, no other matter or circumstance has arisen since  
30 June 2016 that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect the Group’s operations, the results of 
those operations, or the Group’s state of affairs in future financial years.

PG 123

Directors’ declaration

In the Directors’ opinion: 
• the attached financial statements and notes comply with the Corporations Act 2001, the Accounting 

Standards, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional reporting requirements;

• the attached financial statements and notes comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued 

by the International Accounting Standards Board as described in Note 2 to the financial statements;

• the attached financial statements and notes give a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at  

30 June 2016 and of its performance for the financial year ended on that date;

• there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they 

become due and payable; and

• at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the Extended 
Closed Group will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to which they are, or may become, subject  
by virtue of the deed of cross guarantee described in Note 30 to the financial statements.

The Directors have been given the declarations required by section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of Directors made pursuant to section 295(5)(a) of the  
Corporations Act 2001.

On behalf of the Directors

___________________________ 

___________________________

Perry R. Gunner 
Chairman 

31 August 2016
Sydney

Rory J.F. Macleod
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

PG 124 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

PG 125

Independent auditor’s report to the  
members of Freedom Foods Group Limited

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 
ABN 74 490 121 060 

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 
ABN 74 490 121 060 

Grosvenor Place 
225 George Street 
Sydney NSW  2000 
Grosvenor Place 
PO Box N250 Grosvenor Place 
225 George Street 
Sydney NSW 1220 Australia 
Sydney NSW  2000 
PO Box N250 Grosvenor Place 
Sydney NSW 1220 Australia 

DX: 10307SSE 
Tel:  +61 (0) 2 9322 7000 
Fax:  +61 (0) 2 9322 7001 
DX: 10307SSE 
www.deloitte.com.au  
Tel:  +61 (0) 2 9322 7000 
Fax:  +61 (0) 2 9322 7001 
www.deloitte.com.au  

Independent Auditor’s Report 
to the Members of Freedom Foods Group 
Independent Auditor’s Report 
Limited 
to the Members of Freedom Foods Group 
Limited 

Report on the Financial Report  

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  financial  report  of  Freedom  Foods  Group  Limited  (the
Report on the Financial Report  
“Company”),  which  comprises  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial  position  as  at
30 June 2016, the consolidated statement of profit and loss and other comprehensive income,
We  have  audited  the  accompanying  financial  report  of  Freedom  Foods  Group  Limited  (the
the consolidated statement of cash flows and the consolidated statement of changes in equity
“Company”),  which  comprises  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial  position  as  at
for  the  financial  year  ended  on  that  date,  notes  comprising  a  summary  of  significant
30 June 2016, the consolidated statement of profit and loss and other comprehensive income,
accounting  policies  and  other  explanatory  information,  and  the  directors’  declaration  of  the
the consolidated statement of cash flows and the consolidated statement of changes in equity
consolidated entity comprising the company and the entities it controlled at the year’s end or
for  the  financial  year  ended  on  that  date,  notes  comprising  a  summary  of  significant
from time to time during the financial year as set out on pages 78 to 124.
accounting  policies  and  other  explanatory  information,  and  the  directors’  declaration  of  the
consolidated entity comprising the company and the entities it controlled at the year’s end or
Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Report 
from time to time during the financial year as set out on pages 78 to 124.

The directors of the company  are responsible for the preparation of the financial report  that 
Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Report 
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 
The directors of the company  are responsible for the preparation of the financial report  that 
enable the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from 
gives  a  true  and  fair  view  in  accordance  with  Australian  Accounting  Standards  and  the 
material  misstatement,  whether  due  to  fraud  or  error.  In  the  basis  of  preparation,  the 
Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to 
directors  also  state,  in  accordance  with  Accounting  Standard  AASB  101  Presentation  of 
enable the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from 
Financial  Statements,  that  the  consolidated  financial  statements  comply  with  International 
material  misstatement,  whether  due  to  fraud  or  error.  In  the  basis  of  preparation,  the 
Financial Reporting Standards. 
directors  also  state,  in  accordance  with  Accounting  Standard  AASB  101  Presentation  of 
Financial  Statements,  that  the  consolidated  financial  statements  comply  with  International 
Auditor’s Responsibility 
Financial Reporting Standards. 
Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  the  financial  report  based  on  our  audit.  We 
Auditor’s Responsibility 
conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  Australian  Auditing  Standards.  Those  standards 
require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and 
Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  the  financial  report  based  on  our  audit.  We 
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free 
conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  Australian  Auditing  Standards.  Those  standards 
from material misstatement.   
require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and 
An  audit  involves  performing  procedures  to  obtain  audit  evidence  about  the  amounts  and 
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free 
disclosures  in  the  financial  report.  The  procedures  selected  depend  on  the  auditor’s 
from material misstatement.   
judgement,  including  the  assessment  of  the  risks  of  material  misstatement  of  the  financial 
report,  whether  due  to  fraud  or  error.  In  making  those  risk  assessments,  the  auditor 
An  audit  involves  performing  procedures  to  obtain  audit  evidence  about  the  amounts  and 
considers internal control,  relevant  to  the  company’s  preparation  of  the  financial  report  that 
disclosures  in  the  financial  report.  The  procedures  selected  depend  on  the  auditor’s 
gives  a  true  and  fair  view,  in  order  to  design  audit  procedures  that  are  appropriate  in  the 
judgement,  including  the  assessment  of  the  risks  of  material  misstatement  of  the  financial 
circumstances, but  not  for  the  purpose  of expressing  an  opinion  on  the  effectiveness  of  the 
report,  whether  due  to  fraud  or  error.  In  making  those  risk  assessments,  the  auditor 
company’s internal control.  
considers internal control,  relevant  to  the  company’s  preparation  of  the  financial  report  that 
gives  a  true  and  fair  view,  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 
company’s internal control.  

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 
A member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 
A member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. 

PG 126 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditor’s report to the  

members of Freedom Foods Group Limited

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 
ABN 74 490 121 060 

An  audit  also  includes  evaluating  the  appropriateness  of  accounting  policies  used  and  the 
reasonableness  of  accounting  estimates  made  by  the  directors,  as  well  as  evaluating  the 
overall presentation of the financial report. 

Grosvenor Place 
225 George Street 
Sydney NSW  2000 
PO Box N250 Grosvenor Place 
Sydney NSW 1220 Australia 

DX: 10307SSE 
Tel:  +61 (0) 2 9322 7000 
Fax:  +61 (0) 2 9322 7001 
www.deloitte.com.au  

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a 
basis for our audit opinion. 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

Independent Auditor’s Report 
In  conducting  our  audit,  we  have  complied  with  the  independence  requirements  of  the 
to the Members of Freedom Foods Group 
Corporations  Act  2001.  We  confirm  that  the  independence  declaration  required  by  the 
Corporations  Act  2001,  which  has  been  given  to  the  directors  of  Freedom  Foods  Group 
Limited 
Limited, would be in the same terms if given to the directors as at the time of this auditor’s 
report.  

Opinion 
Report on the Financial Report  

Corporations Act 2001, including: 

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  financial  report  of  Freedom  Foods  Group  Limited  (the
In our opinion: 
“Company”),  which  comprises  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial  position  as  at
30 June 2016, the consolidated statement of profit and loss and other comprehensive income,
(a) the  financial  report  of  Freedom  Foods  Group  Limited  is  in  accordance  with  the 
the consolidated statement of cash flows and the consolidated statement of changes in equity
for  the  financial  year  ended  on  that  date,  notes  comprising  a  summary  of  significant
accounting  policies  and  other  explanatory  information,  and  the  directors’  declaration  of  the
consolidated entity comprising the company and the entities it controlled at the year’s end or
from time to time during the financial year as set out on pages 78 to 124.

(i) giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 

2016 and of its performance for the year ended on that date; and 

(ii) complying  with  Australian  Accounting  Standards  and  the  Corporations  Regulations 

Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Report 

2001; and 

Standards as disclosed in Note 2. 

The directors of the company  are responsible for the preparation of the financial report  that 
(b) the  consolidated  financial  statements  also  comply  with  International  Financial  Reporting 
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 
Report on the Remuneration Report 
material  misstatement,  whether  due  to  fraud  or  error.  In  the  basis  of  preparation,  the 
directors  also  state,  in  accordance  with  Accounting  Standard  AASB  101  Presentation  of 
We  have  audited  the  Remuneration  Report  included  in  pages  65  to  72  of  the  Directors’  re
Financial  Statements,  that  the  consolidated  financial  statements  comply  with  International 
port for  the  year  ended  30  June  2016.  The  directors  of  the  company  are  responsible 
Financial Reporting Standards. 
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  Re
Auditor’s Responsibility 
muneration Report,  based  on  our  audit  conducted  in  accordance  with  Australian  Auditing 
Standards.
Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  the  financial  report  based  on  our  audit.  We 
conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  Australian  Auditing  Standards.  Those  standards 
Opinion
require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and 
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free 
In  our  opinion  the  Remuneration  Report  of  Freedom  Foods  Group  Limited  for  the  financial
from material misstatement.   
year ended 30 June 2016, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.
An  audit  involves  performing  procedures  to  obtain  audit  evidence  about  the  amounts  and 
disclosures  in  the  financial  report.  The  procedures  selected  depend  on  the  auditor’s 
judgement,  including  the  assessment  of  the  risks  of  material  misstatement  of  the  financial 
report,  whether  due  to  fraud  or  error.  In  making  those  risk  assessments,  the  auditor 
DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU 
considers internal control,  relevant  to  the  company’s  preparation  of  the  financial  report  that 
gives  a  true  and  fair  view,  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 
company’s internal control.  
Andrew J Coleman
Partner
Chartered Accountants
Sydney, 31 August 2016

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 
A member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. 

PG 127

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder information

The shareholder information set out below was applicable as at 31 July 2016.

Distribution of ordinary shareholders

1 to 1,000

1,001 to 5,000

5,001 to 10,000

10,001 to 100,000

100,001 and over

Holding less than a marketable parcel

NUMBER OF HOLDERS  
OF ORDINARY SHARES

NUMBER OF HOLDERS  
OF OPTIONS OVER  
ORDINARY SHARES

1,518 

1,519 

357 

354 

12 

3,760 

208 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

20 largest shareholders as at 31 July 2016
Stock exchanges that have granted quotation to the securities of the Parent quoted in Australia: 

All Member Exchanges.

Ordinary shareholders

1. Arrovest Pty Limited

2. RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited

3. Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

4. J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited

5. HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

6. Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited

7. National Nominees Limited

8. Netwealth Investments Limited

9. Mirrabooka Investments Limited

10. BPC Custody Pty Ltd

11. HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

12. BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd

13. Amcil Limited

14. Mr Perry Richard Gunner & Mrs Felicity Jane Gunner

15. Mr Michael Andris Bracka

16. BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd

17. UBS Nominess Pty Ltd

18. Maynel Haddad

19. Goldacre Investments Pty Limited

20. RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited

PG 128 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

NUMBER  
HELD

% OF TOTAL ORDINARY  
SHARES ISSUED

99,107,422 

21,719,845 

5,621,336 

5,106,959 

4,762,540 

4,506,585

3,829,228 

2,816,194 

1,946,612 

1,551,315 

1,400,678 

1,287,238 

887,870 

800,395 

753,303 

574,626 

616,348 

583,333 

568,466 

430,680 

158,870,973 

54.60 

11.97 

3.10 

2.81 

2.62 

2.48 

2.11 

1.55 

1.07 

0.85 

0.77 

0.71 

0.49 

0.44 

0.41 

0.32 

0.34 

0.32 

0.31 

0.24 

87.51 

Convertible Redeemable Preference Share (CRPS) shareholders

1. R & M Gugliotta Pty Limited

2. Lewis Little River Pty Limited

3. Mr Hugh Middendorp & Mr Peter Charles

4. Alan Ong Enterprises Pty Limited

5. Est John William Hartigan & Mrs Enid May Hartigan

6. Mr Craig Sargent

7. GWG Investments Pty Limited

8. Lokit Investments Pty Limited

9. Mr Robert William Russell

10. Mr Robert David Napier Nicholls

11. Palatine Holdings Pty Limited

12. Mr Gerald Millman

13. Mr Tjeerd Veenstra & Mrs Susan Lesley Veenstra

14. Mrs Michelle Louise Farrell

15. Mr Andrew Jonathon Achilles

16. Mr Stuart William McDonald

17. Mr Neville Thiele

18. Mrs Dianne Joan Thiele

19. Mr Andrew Macfarlane

20. Mr Kim Wigram Jones

Distribution of CRPS shareholders

1 to 1,000

1,001 to 5,000

5,001 to 10,000

10,001 to 100,000

NUMBER  
HELD
30,000 

23,438 

16,664 

8,000 

5,000 

3,394 

3,125 

2,214 

1,924 

1,736 

1,697 

1,000 

963

640 

500 

497 

273 

219 

200 

133 

% OF TOTAL  
CRPS ISSUED
29.52 

23.06 

16.40 

7.87 

4.92 

3.34 

3.07 

2.18 

1.89 

1.71 

1.67 

0.98 

0.95 

0.63 

0.49 

0.49 

0.27 

0.22 

0.20 

0.13 

101,617 

99.99 

NUMBER OF HOLDERS  
OF CRPS SHARES
10 

7 

1 

3 

21

Substantial shareholders
The number of shares held by substantial shareholders as listed in the Parent’s register as at 31 July 2016 are:

Arrovest Pty Limited

RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

ORDINARY SHARES

NUMBER HELD % OF TOTAL SHARES ISSUED

99,107,422 

21,719,845 

5,621,336 

54.60 

11.97 

3.10 

The Parent’s listed ordinary shares are of one class with equal voting rights and all are quoted on a Member 
Exchange of the Australian Stock Exchange Limited (the home exchange being the Australian Stock Exchange 
(Sydney) Limited).

PG 129

Corporate directory

Directors
Perry R. Gunner -  
Chairman and Non-Executive Director
Rory J.F. Macleod -  
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Anthony M. Perich -  
Non-Executive Director, Deputy Chairman
Ronald Perich - Non-Executive Director
Trevor J. Allen - Non-Executive Director
Melvyn Miles -  
Non-Executive Director (Resigned 14th August 2015)

Alternate Director
Michael R. Perich  
(for Anthony M. Perich and Ronald Perich)

Company Secretaries
Campbell Nicholas
Sharon Maguire - Assistant Company Secretary 

Notice of annual general meeting
The details of the Annual General Meeting  
of Freedom Foods Group Limited are:
24 November 2016 at 12:00 noon
DLA Piper Australia
Level 22, 1 Martin Place
Sydney NSW 2000

Registered office
80 Box Road
Taren Point NSW 2229
Tel: +61 2 9526 2555
Fax: +61 2 9525 5406

Principal place of business
80 Box Road
Taren Point NSW 2229
Tel: +61 2 9526 2555
Fax: +61 2 9525 5406

Share register
Link Market Services Limited
Level 12, 680 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: +61 2 8280 7111
Fax: +61 2 9287 0303

PG 130 | Freedom Foods Group Limited | Annual Report 2016

Auditor
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Grosvenor Place, 225 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: +61 2 9237 1171
Fax: +61 2 9237 1400

Solicitors
DLA Piper 
Level 22, 1 Martin Place
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: +61 2 9286 8000
Fax: +61 2 9286 8007

Gilbert + Tobin
2 Park Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: +61 2 9263 4000
Fax: +61 2 9263 4111

Bankers
HSBC Australia Limited
Level 32, 580 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: +61 1300 308 188 (toll free)
Fax: +61 2 9255 2647

National Australia Bank Limited
Level 3, 255 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: +61 2 9237 1171
Fax: +61 2 9237 1400

Stock exchange listing
Freedom Foods Group Limited shares  
are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange 
(ASX code: FNP)

Website
www.ffgl.com.au

ABN
41 002 814 235

Insurance Brokers
GSA Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd
‘The Old Presbytery’ 137 Harrington St
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: +61 2 8274 8100

PG 131

Jen Hawkins has signed 
as Freedom Foods Brand 
Ambassador for the  
next 3 years.

Discover us in the health food aisle.HEALTHY tastes BETTER freedomfoods.com.au