Agthia Group, the region’s leading food and beverage company, has posted y-o-y net revenue rise of 34% to AED2.1 billion ($570 million) during the first nine months of 2021.

 

Group net revenue for the third quarter rose 62% to AED795 million. The group's net profit for the 9-month period came in at AED103 million, which is the net of M&A and business integration associated costs of AED31 million, compared to AED10 million during the same period last year.

 

Khalifa Sultan Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Agthia Group, said: “Agthia’s new strategy has been effective in creating a more resilient business as evidenced by the strong financial results of the first nine months of 2021. Our growth has been skillfully supported by an institutionalised modular approach to integration of new units to our business - driven by seamless transitions, productivity and value creation – reiterating the three pillars of growth, efficiency and capability of Agthia’s 2025 Strategy to become an F&B leader in the Menap region. We expect to see continued robust activity over the remaining months of the year, providing further opportunity for us to demonstrate the durability of our results and increased market leadership." 

 

Alan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Agthia Group, said: “Agthia continues to deliver positive performance with year-on-year growth, thanks to the teams’ commitment and focus on performance and delivery. Our portfolio transformation and integration are fully on track and have helped us unlock cost synergies and productivity with Al Foah. With Al Faysal, our priority has been to ensure that routine business remains undisturbed, while seizing new cross-distribution opportunities and unlocking potential commercial synergies. Meanwhile, the smooth consolidation of Nabil and Atyab has helped us create one integrated protein business unit, with significant synergies and value creation potential.”

 

He added: “While integration is a continuous journey that requires time to realise its full potential, the early results look promising. We will continue to adopt a disciplined approach that will include mutual best practices, talent management and maintenance of good work culture.”

 

Over the 9-month period of 2021, the consumer business division almost doubled from the previous year, with revenues reaching AED1.4 billion. The division now encompasses 67% of total group sales, which is 13% higher contribution versus same period in 2020. Meanwhile, the protein segment contributed AED373 million over the same period. 

 

On the snacking front, the business units recorded net revenues of AED334 million in top-line, with an improved profitability owing to favourable sales mix, cost optimisation initiatives and synergies. 

 

Other food items, including dairy and trading items reported higher margins at the net income level, even though their sales of AED122 million in the first 9 months of 2021 was 15% lower y-o-y compared to the same period in 2020. 

 

The water & beverage division recorded slightly lower sales in 9M 2021, compared to the same period in the previous year, driven by the discontinuation of the beverages business since January 2021. Meanwhile, higher sales were recorded in the UAE bottled water category, in both Q2 and Q3 2021 versus respective periods last year on the back of higher volumes specifically in the food service channel post opening of hotels and restaurants. The group’s bottled water portfolio – Al Ain Water, Al Bayan, Voss and Alpin - sustained their market leadership in the UAE in both volume and value share at 26% and 23%, respectively.

 

The agri-business division revenues were down 4% over the 9-month period in 2021, compared to the previous year, largely driven by a one-time World Food Programme order in Q1 2020 and lower wheat trading.

 

The group’s total assets as of 30th September 2021 stood at AED5.5  billion, up 76% versus year-end 2020. Group shareholders’ equity stood at AED2.7 billion for the same period, post issuing additional 191.6 million shares to complete Al Foah and Nabil Foods acquisitions.

 

In line with the semi-annual dividend distribution policy announced at the beginning of the year, shareholders approved Agthia Board of Directors recommendation of 8.25fils cash dividends per share, equivalent to AED65.31 million for the first half of 2021. The approved dividend distribution marks Agthia Group’s first interim dividend.

 

In the third quarter, Agthia’s Board of Directors also approved for a strategic acquisition of a 100% stake in BMB Group, the GCC’s leading innovative healthy snacks and food company, marking the group’s second sizeable investment in the snacking and healthy food market following Al Foah transaction earlier this year. The transaction is subject to satisfying customary closing conditions, including obtaining relevant regulatory approvals.-- TradeArabia News Service