LT Foods

LT Foods Limited is an Indian fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company. It is the leading rice manufacturer and distributor in India. It engages in milling, processing and promoting both branded and unbranded basmati rice. It also manufactures rice-based food products for both local and international markets. LT Foods has grown to become India’s foremost processor of rice and specialised foods since it was founded in 1978. It is also the top specialty food brand in the US and is recognised as a trusted name across four continents, serving over 65 countries.

The market capitalisation of LT Foods Limited is over ₹7,000 crore as of January 10, 2024. The share price of LT Foods Limited has gained over 250% in the last three years.

Business operations

LT Foods specialises in basmati rice sold under brands like Daawat, Heritage, Orange, Devaaya, Gold Seal Indus Valley, 817 Elephant and Kari Kari. Its product range includes brown, white, steamed, parboiled and organic rice. With an extensive distributor network, the company caters to markets in India and globally, including US, Canada, UK, the European Union, Middle East and Africa. The brands Daawat and Royal hold dominant positions in the basmati rice market in India and North America with a market share of 30% and 50% respectively.

In the fiscal year 2022-23, the basmati rice segment contributed 79% to the total revenue. To broaden its global footprint, LT Foods acquired a 51% stake in Golden Star Trading Inc. This move is strategic as Golden Star holds over 10% of the jasmine rice market share under the brand name Golden Star.

The company operates five manufacturing plants in India, along with three advanced production facilities in the United States and one in Europe. It has a presence across various channels including General Trade, Modern Trade, HORECA (hotel, restaurant, and cafe/catering) and e-commerce. It utilises a network of over 1,200 distributors within India and more than 100 distributors internationally. Its products are available through 1,52,000 retail outlets in India.

LT Foods has seven certified facilities and a widespread presence through 23 distribution centres as of March 31, 2023. Its intellectual capital in FY23 included the acquisition of 23 patents and trademarks, accompanied by seven new products.

The company's subsidiary, Nature Bio Foods Limited (NBFL), leads the organic food segment based on ingredients. It's gained trust as a reliable brand, providing genuine organic ingredients to consumers in the US and European markets.

To tap into Europe, LT Foods Europe BV was established in 2017 as a new venture close to Rotterdam. Over the past six years, it has solidified its position as a major player in the EU's basmati rice market, catering to approximately 30% of the region's basmati consumption through sales across diverse food channels.

Financial Highlights

– LT Foods revenue from operations for FY23 stood at ₹6,936 crore, up by 28.03% compared to ₹5,427 crore in FY22. – The net profit after tax for FY23 was ₹423 crore compared to ₹309 crore during the previous year. – In FY23, the earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased to ₹744 crore from the previous year's ₹620 crore. – The company's earnings per share (EPS) stood at ₹12.50 in FY23 compared to ₹9.13 in FY22.