TIDMHFG

RNS Number : 3829V

Hilton Food Group PLC

05 April 2023

5 April 2023

Hilton Food Group plc

International Food and Supply Chain Services Partner of Choice

Volume and revenue growth against volatile backdrop during 2022; well positioned for year ahead

Hilton Foods today announces its preliminary results for the 52 weeks ended 1 January 2023. The business has also published a separate announcement this morning regarding a change of leadership.

Strategic overview:

   1.   Outstanding Protein Products 

o Strength and resilience in core meat category, underpinned by strong commercial partnerships

o Challenging seafood performance, with robust recovery plans in place to restore profitability

o Further vegan and vegetarian growth through branded partnerships and private label expansion

o Double digit growth in easier meals, with launch of award-winning new products

   2.   Growing across international markets 

o Strong performance in APAC including first full year of trading in New Zealand

o New partnership formed in Singapore with Country Foods, a wholly owned subsidiary of SATS, Asia's leading provider of food solutions and gateway services

o Growth through geographical diversification with Foppen acquisition

   3.   Industry-leading technology 

o Increased ownership of Foods Connected supply chain management platform to 65%

o Agito joint venture reinforcing automation and engineering capabilities

   4.   Delivered through The Sustainable Protein Plan 

o Introduction of stretching ESG performance metrics into our LTIP Scheme including targets for Scope 1 & 2 energy efficiency, packaging recycled content and food waste

o Progress across people, planet and product pillars, including exceeding 2025 target for women in leadership positions and A- rating from CDP on Climate Change

Financial overview:

-- Group revenue up 16.5% to GBP3.8bn (2021: GBP3.3bn), underpinned by contribution from newly acquired businesses, first full year of trading in New Zealand and inflationary impact

   --    Volume growth of 4.3% to 513,816 tonnes (2021: 492,588 tonnes) 
   --    Adjusted operating profit down 3.3% to GBP71.1m (2021: GBP73.6m) 

-- IFRS operating profit down 14.8% to GBP54.0m (2021: GBP63.4m) after exceptional items of GBP11.9m, relating predominantly to 2021 fire at Belgium site

   --    Adjusted basic earnings per share down 26.4% at 45.1p (2021: 61.3p) 
   --    IFRS basic earnings per share down 56.0% at 19.8p (2021: 45.0p) 
   --    Strong cash flows from operating activities of GBP98.3m (2021: GBP121.3m) 

-- Net bank debt GBP211.6m (2021: GBP84.6m) following GBP83.6m investments in acquisitions/JVs and GBP56.8m capex investment with a strong balance sheet following refinancing

   --    Proposed final dividend of 22.6p, taking total dividend for 2022 to 29.7p (2021: 29.7p) 

Outlook and current trading

Against the backdrop of a challenging environment, with global uncertainties impacting supply chains and inflation, Hilton's trading performance since the beginning of 2023 has been in line with the Board's expectations and the business is well positioned for the year ahead. We continue to explore opportunities with existing and new customers for further expansion in our domestic and overseas markets.

Our short and medium term growth prospects are underpinned by the acquisitions of Foppen, Dalco and Fairfax Meadow, the new partnership in Singapore and recovery in our UK Seafood business as well as further opportunities arising across our markets by the development of our cross-category business and the application of our supply chain management expertise.

Commenting on the results Chief Executive Philip Heffer said:

"After the challenges we faced last year in our seafood business, we took a series of steps to rebuild profitability and we are now well placed for the year ahead. Meanwhile we have continued to deliver on our strategic priorities and to set the business up for long-term, sustainable growth.

"Our meat category has performed well and we have continued to innovate with new and award winning products. We have continued to grow in new and emerging markets following the acquisitions of Foppen and Fairfax Meadow with both these businesses performing well, while also expanding in Asia with Country Foods. Despite the significant macro-economic challenges, we have continued our record of growing our volumes every year since Hilton Foods became a publicly listed company in 2007.

"Hilton Foods today is a completely different business from the company we started in 1994. Over 75% of our sales volumes are now outside the UK; we offer a wide range of protein products and categories; and we have built a technology services offer which is best-in-class in the industry. The global economy today is more uncertain than at any time in the past thirty years, but Hilton Foods is well set for long-term success."

Financial performance - overview:

 
                                    2022            2021               Change 
                                  52 weeks        52 weeks      Reported   Constant 
                                 to 1 January    to 2 January               currency 
                                     2023            2022 
 
 Volume (tonnes)                   513,816         492,588        4.3%       4.3% 
 Revenue                         GBP3,847.6m     GBP3,302.0m     16.5%       16.0% 
 
 Adjusted results (1) 
 Adjusted operating profit        GBP71.1m        GBP73.6m       -3.3%       -3.2% 
 Adjusted profit before 
  tax                             GBP55.5m        GBP67.2m       -17.4%     -17.2% 
 Adjusted basic earnings 
  per share                         45.1p           61.3p        -26.4% 
 
 Adjusted EBITDA                  GBP119.9m       GBP119.5m       0.3%       0.1% 
 
 IFRS results 
 Operating profit                 GBP54.0m        GBP63.4m       -14.8% 
 Profit before tax                GBP29.6m        GBP47.4m       -37.5% 
 Basic earnings per share          19.8.p           45.0p        -56.0% 
 Cash flows from operating 
  activities                      GBP98.3m        GBP121.3m      -18.9% 
 Other measures 
 EBITDA                           GBP131.8m       GBP139.0m      -5.3% 
 Net bank debt (2)                GBP211.6m       GBP84.6m 
 Dividends paid and proposed 
  in respect of the year            29.7p           29.7p         0.0% 
 
 

Notes

1 Adjusted results represent the IFRS results before deduction of acquisition intangibles amortisation, depreciation of fair value adjustments to property, plant & equipment, exceptional items and also IFRS 16 lease adjustments as detailed in the Alternative performance measures note 17. Unless otherwise stated financial metrics in the Chairman's statement, Chief Executive's summary and Performance and financial review refer to the Adjusted results

   2    Net bank debt represents borrowings less cash and cash equivalents excluding lease liabilities 

Enquiries

   Hilton Foods                                                             Tel: +44 (0) 1480 387214 

Philip Heffer, Chief Executive Officer

Matt Osborne, Chief Financial Officer

   Headland Consultancy Limited                                Tel: +44 (0) 20 3805 4822 

Edward Young Email: hiltonfood@headlandconsultancy.com

Will Smith

Joanna Clark

This announcement contains inside information.

About Hilton Foods

Hilton Foods is a leading international multi-protein producer, serving customers and retail partners across the world with high quality meat, seafood, vegan and vegetarian foods and meals. We are a business of over 7,000 employees, operating from 24 technologically advanced food processing, packing and logistics facilities across 19 markets in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. For almost thirty years, our business has been built on dedicated partnerships with our customers and suppliers, many forged over several decades, and together we target long-term, sustainable growth and shared value. We supply our customers with high quality, traceable, and assured food products, with high standards of technical excellence and expertise.

Chairman's introduction

Strategic progress

This has been a year of unprecedented global and economic challenges, but Hilton Foods has continued to make strategic progress. We manufacture high quality multi-protein products utilising industry leading technology in our highly automated facilities, including advanced robotics. Together with leveraging our expertise we can offer improved supply chain efficiencies to our customers whilst committed to our sustainable protein plan. The depth of our partnerships is illustrated through physical air bridges installed in facilities in Australia and New Zealand that link our processing facilities directly to our customers' distribution centres. Use of these fully automated conveyor air bridges further optimises the supply chain process bringing significant logistics efficiency savings with lower carbon emissions.

During the year we acquired Foppen, a specialist smoked salmon business, with facilities in the Netherlands and Greece, which enhances our existing fish portfolio and is an entry point into the North American retail market. We also agreed a joint venture with Agito, an Australian automation and technology solutions business with ambitions for European expansion, which brings together excellence in automation and food supply chain expertise. This JV, together with an increased stake in Foods Connected, fits neatly into a newly created Hilton Food Services division to leverage supply chain solutions to meet our customers' needs. Additionally we invested in Cellular Agriculture, a leading cultivated protein tech business and formed a new partnership with Country Foods in Singapore.

We continue to explore opportunities to develop our cross-category business in both domestic and overseas markets as well as applying our state-of-the-art skills and experience to deliver value to our customers.

Group performance

In 2022 we increased our overall volumes maintaining a trend of continuous growth achieved in every year since Hilton's flotation in 2007. However this was overshadowed by significant challenges in our UK Seafood business including the impact of unprecedented inflation levels with price recovery taking longer than anticipated. There was also further disruption through automation investments which will deliver longer term efficiency benefits.

We have taken steps to rebuild sustainable profitability in this business and we remain confident in the opportunities which the seafood category will present for Hilton Foods over the coming years, serving a range of domestic and international customers with market-leading salmon, white fish, shellfish, coated fish, prawn cocktails and other added value fish products

Hilton Foods generated strong operating cash flows during 2022 enabling further significant investment in our facilities to increase capacity, improve operational efficiency and offer innovative solutions to our retailer partners. Hilton Foods remains financially strong with significant cash balances, undrawn committed bank facilities and operating well within our banking covenants.

Dividend policy

The Group has maintained a progressive dividend policy since flotation and despite the impact of the challenges faced in 2022 remain confident that this approach continues to be appropriate. With the proposed final dividend of 22.6p per ordinary share , total dividends in respect of 2022 will be 29.7p per ordinary share, maintaining the dividend compared to last year.

Our Board, purpose and governance

The Hilton Board is responsible for the long-term success of the Group and establishing its purpose, values and strategy aligned with its desired culture. Our purpose is to create efficiency and flexibility in the food supply chain whilst maintaining high quality through innovative and sustainable food manufacturing and supply chain solutions with the ambition to be the first choice partner for food retailers seeking excellence, insight and growth.

To achieve this the Board has an appropriate mix of skills, depth and diversity and a range of practical business experience, which is available to support and guide our management teams across a wide range of countries as well as having in place succession planning and maintaining a talent pipeline. We remain committed to achieving good governance balanced against our desire to preserve an agile and entrepreneurial approach. I would like to thank my colleagues on the Board for their support, counsel and expertise during the year. During the year Patricia Dimond joined the Board as an independent Non-Executive Director and subsequently became Audit Committee chair when John Worby stepped down. Angus Porter then became the Senior Independent Director. Nigel Majewski also stepped down as CFO and was replaced by Matt Osborne, formerly the Group Financial Controller, who has made a strong start in the role.

Philip Heffer advised the Board that he wished to step down from his role as CEO in 2023. I am delighted that Steve Murrells, CBE has accepted our invitation to join Hilton as its next CEO and that Philip will remain in the business in a new role of Co-Founder and Board Advisor. Steve has an outstanding record as a leader within the food industry working in senior positions with Tesco plc and more recently at Tulip Ltd 2009 - 2012 as CEO and Co-operative Group Ltd 2012 - 2022 as CEO Retail and from 2017 as Group CEO. Steve was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to the food supply chain. Steve will join the Board in July 2023. Philip has spent almost 30 years with Hilton Foods, including the last five years as Group CEO and will support Steve ensuring a smooth transition. I would like to thank Philip for everything he has contributed to Hilton Foods. He has been instrumental to the growth of the business we founded together in 1994 and I am extremely pleased that we will continue to benefit from his experience and expertise in his new advisory role.

The Board takes its responsibilities very seriously to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its stakeholders as a whole. We take the interests of our workforce and other stakeholders fully into account in Board discussions and decision making. Details of the Group's policies and procedures that have been implemented to enhance stakeholder and workforce engagement, which explain how these interests have influenced our decisions, are set out in the governance section of our Annual report.

Sustainability

2022 marks the first full year of our new Sustainable Protein Plan strategy. This gives added focus and energy to the work we are doing to make our business more sustainable and become a core part of the wider growth strategy for the business. This Plan includes a range of stretching targets aligned closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals including setting Science Based Targets on the way to achieving net zero emissions before 2050 and net negative thereafter.

Our position in the food supply chain means that we have opportunities working with partners from farm to fork to make a positive difference and innovate across the value chain. We recognise the commercial benefits of highly traceable, sustainably sourced proteins. For us, growing our business and supporting the planet go hand in hand. During the year we introduced ESG performance metrics into our long term incentive plan including emissions, packaging recycling and food waste targets to align our senior leaders with supporting the delivery of the Sustainable Protein Plan.

Annual General Meeting

This year's AGM will be held at Hilton's offices at 2-8 The Interchange, Latham Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 6YE in a hybrid format on Tuesday 23 May 2023 at noon. Please refer to our website at www.hiltonfoods.com/investors/agm/ for further guidance.

Robert Watson OBE

Chairman

4 April 2023

Chief Executive's summary

Business development

The Group's expansion is based on its established and proven track record, international reputation and experience and the recognised success of the close partnerships we have forged and maintained with successful retail partners over many years. Hilton's business model has proved successful in Europe and APAC supplemented by targeted acquisitions. We have demonstrated that this business model is capable of being successfully applied to both new proteins and transferred to new countries, adapted with our local customers to meet their specific requirements.

2022 Performance overview

2022 saw continued year-on-year sales growth driven by higher raw material prices and volume growth including through the acquisition of Foppen, full year volumes from Fairfax Meadow and Dalco acquired in 2021 and the New Zealand facility which opened in 2021 where there was strong trading. We have demonstrated strength and resilience in our core meat category with award winning products across the categories in which we operate. We continue to remain focused on responding to consumer needs in our development of new products and leveraging our industry leading technology to support our core protein business.

Overall volume increased by 4.3% to 513,816 tonnes (2021: 492,588 tonnes). In 2022 over 75% of the Group's volumes were produced in countries outside the UK. Adjusted operating profit fell by 3.3% and the overall operating margin decreased to 1.8% (2021: 2.2%) due to challenges in our UK Seafood business including the impact of unprecedented inflation levels with price recovery taking longer than anticipated. There was also further disruption through automation investments which will deliver longer term efficiency benefits.

A new leadership team is in place in our UK Seafood business which is performing well to implement a series of steps to rebuild profitability in this category. We are working in partnership with our customers to recover inflation, reduce costs and optimize the ranges we produce as well as leveraging the benefits which will come through our investment in industry-leading automation and other initiatives. The margin per kg decreased to 13.8p (2021: 14.9p). Our customer service level remains best in class at 95.9% (2021: 96.4%).

The wide geographical spread of the Group increases its resilience by minimising its reliance on any one individual economy. Hilton's results are reported in Sterling and are therefore sensitive to changes in the value of Sterling compared to the range of overseas currencies in which the Group trades. During 2022 the impact of average exchange rates on our results compared with 2021 was marginal.

Sustainability

Despite the current global instability we have maintained our focus on sustainability. Our strategy is to build a platform to create sustainable value over the long-term part of which is our Sustainable Protein Plan which is a blueprint for social and environmental progress across three pillars being product, planet and people. Through partnerships, we can help to create a more circular and sustainable food system that provides healthy and affordable proteins for consumers who have seen the cost of cooking double, and who worry about the health of their families and the future of our planet.

Through product innovation, we are working to decarbonise cattle, deliver zero emission factories and eliminate deforestation. We are committed to achieving fully recyclable retail plastic packaging and have achieved 70% recycled content plastic packaging across the Group. The investment in the meat technology business Cellular Agriculture can help Hilton become a leader in the emerging market for cultured meat. I am pleased with our progress on our planet targets. Hilton Foods was awarded a score of A- in this year's climate assessment by the Carbon Disclosure Project achieving recognition as a Supplier Engagement Leader. However we need to go further. We will, during 2023, submit even more ambitious targets to the Science Based Targets initiative. These will be consistent with achieving 1.5degC and see us commit to reach net zero well before our current 2050 target. The third part of our plan is about our people. Our commitment is to protect human rights, employee wellbeing and support career development and we are participants in the UN Global Compact.

Segment performance

Europe

Adjusted operating profit of GBP49.7m (2021: GBP 61.8 m) on turnover of GBP 2,254.7 m (2021: GBP1,987.4m)

This operating segment covers the Group's businesses and joint ventures in the UK, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal and Central Europe. Our products are sold in 14 countries across Europe. Our food service business Fairfax Meadow and our vegan/vegetarian business Dalco were acquired in 2021. During 2022 we acquired Foppen which completed in March as well as increasing our stake in Foods Connected from 50% to 65% and in Hilton Food Solutions from 55% to 65%.

Volumes increased by 4.1% attributable to the newly acquired businesses and there was good growth in convenience volumes in Central Europe and at Dalco. Sales grew by 13.4% due to raw material price inflation and the higher volumes. However adjusted operating profit fell by 19.6% due to the impact of the performance in our UK Seafood business. Operating margins decreased to 2.2% (2021: 3.1%) and operating profit margin per kg decreased to 13.4p (2021: 18.5p).

APAC

Adjusted operating profit of GBP26.7m (2021: GBP22.4m) on turnover of GBP1,592.9m (2021: GBP1,314.6m)

In Australia the Group operates facilities in Bunbury, Western Australia, Melbourne, Victoria and Brisbane, Queensland. A new food park facility in New Zealand opened in July 2021 to supply beef, lamb, pork, chicken, seafood and added-value products.

Volumes for the year increased by 4.7% through the full year of trading at the New Zealand facility. Sales increased by 21.2% driven by inflation in Australia and the new facility in New Zealand. Adjusted operating profit increased by 19.4% given the higher volumes as well as benefitting from recovery of increased interest costs. Operating margins were steady at 1.7% (2021: 1.7%) and the operating profit margin per kg increased to 16.1p (2021: 14.1p).

Past and future trends

Over recent decades major retailers have progressively rationalised their supply base through large scale, centralised packing solutions capable of producing private label packed fresh food products. This achieves lower costs with consistent high food safety, food integrity, traceability and quality standards allowing supermarket groups to focus on their core retail business whilst addressing consumers' continuing requirement for quality and value. This trend towards increased use of centralised packing solutions is likely to continue, albeit at different speeds across the world, representing potential future geographical expansion opportunities for Hilton. In addition consumer buying patterns are evolving with more seafood and vegetarian proteins being eaten. Through Hilton's diversification into these proteins we are well placed to grow our business.

Philip Heffer

Chief Executive Officer

4 April 2023

Performance and financial review

Summary of Group performance

This performance and financial review covers the Group's financial performance and position in 2022. Hilton's overall financial performance saw continued strong growth in volumes and sales although profitability and basic earnings per share on an adjusted basis were adversely impacted by the challenges faced in our UK Seafood business. Cash flow generation was strong, supporting our ongoing significant investment in facilities.

Basis of preparation

The Group is presenting its results for the 52 week period ended 1 January 2023, with comparative information for the 52 week period ended 2 January 2022. The financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and UK adopted International Accounting Standards.

Hilton uses Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) to monitor the underlying performance of the Group. Management use these APMs to monitor and manage the business's performance day-to-day and therefore believe they provide useful additional information to shareholders and wider users of the financial statements.

2022 Financial performance

Volume and revenue

Volumes grew by 4.3% in the year reflecting the acquisition of Foppen, full year volumes from Fairfax Meadow and Dalco which were acquired in 2021 and the New Zealand facility which opened in 2021. Additional details of volume growth by business segment are set out in the Chief Executive's summary. Revenue increased 16.5% and by 16.0% on a constant currency basis reflecting higher raw material prices and volume growth.

Operating profit and margin

Adjusted operating profit of GBP71.1m (2021: GBP73.6m) was 3.3% lower than last year and 3.2% lower on a constant currency basis due to challenges in our Seafood business. IFRS operating profit was GBP54.0m (2021: GBP63.4m) after charging GBP11.9m in exceptional costs (2021: GBP7.1m) reflecting costs relating to the Belgium fire, acquisition and reorganisation costs offset by a gain on the acquisition of 100% of Foods Connected. The operating profit margin in 2022 declined to 1.8% (2021: 2.2%) and the operating profit per kilogram of packed food sold fell to 13.8p (2021: 14.9p) attributable to the Seafood business challenges.

Net finance costs

Adjusted net finance costs excluding exceptional items and lease interest increased to GBP15.7m (2021: GBP6.4m) reflecting higher borrowings that financed our acquisition and expansion programme and the impact of higher market interest rates. Interest cover as a proportion of adjusted operating profit in 2022 reduced to 4.5 times (2021: 11 times). IFRS net finance costs were GBP24.4m (2021: GBP16.0m).

Taxation

The adjusted taxation charge for the period was GBP13.5m (2021: GBP14.5m). The effective tax rate was 24.3.% (2021: 21.6%). The IFRS taxation charge was GBP10.1m (2021: GBP8.1m) with an effective tax rate of 34.2% (2021: 17.1%).

Net income

Adjusted net income, representing profit for the year attributable to owners of the parent, of GBP40.2m (2021: GBP50.5m) was 20.4% lower than last year and 20.0% lower on a constant currency basis. IFRS net income was GBP17.7m (2021: GBP37.1m).

Earnings per share

Adjusted basic earnings per share 45.1p (2021: 61.3p) was 26.4% lower than last year and 26.3% on a constant currency basis. IFRS basic earnings per share were 19.8p (2021: 45.0p). Diluted earnings per share were 19.7p (2021: 44.5p).

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA)

Adjusted EBITDA, which is used by the Group as an indicator of cash generation, increased marginally to GBP119.9m (2021: GBP119.5m). IFRS EBITDA was GBP131.8m (2021: GBP139.0m).

Free cash flow and net debt position

Operating cash flow was strong in 2022 with cash flows from operating activities of GBP98.3m (2021: GBP121.3m) reflecting planned inventory increases. IFRS free cash outflow, after capital expenditure of GBP56.8m and investments in acquisitions and joint ventures GBP83.6m but before dividends and financing, was GBP79.4m (2021: outflow GBP8.1m restated).

The Group closing net bank debt comprising borrowings less cash and cash equivalents excluding lease liabilities, was GBP211.6m (2021: GBP84.6m) reflecting bank borrowings of GBP298.8m net of cash balances of GBP87.2m. Net bank debt increased following investments in acquisitions/JVs GBP83.6m and capex investment GBP56.8m. Net debt including lease liabilities was GBP457.7m (2021: GBP328.0m).

At the end of 2022 the Group had undrawn committed bank facilities under its syndicated banking facilities of GBP106.4m (2021: GBP96.8m). These banking facilities are subject to covenants comprising net bank debt to EBITDA and EBITDA interest cover. Headroom under these covenants at the end of the year was at least 66% for these metrics. During the year the Group renewed its banking facilities with a GBP424m five year revolving credit and term loan facility agreed with a syndicate of lenders which is due to expire in January 2027.

The resilience of the Group has been assessed by applying significant downside sensitivities to the Group's cash flow projections. Allowing for these sensitivities and potential mitigating actions the Board is satisfied that the Group has adequate headroom under its existing committed facilities and will be able to continue to operate well within its banking covenants.

Dividends

The Group has maintained a progressive dividend policy since flotation and has recommended a final dividend of 22.6p per ordinary share in respect of 2022. This, together with the interim dividend of 7.1p per ordinary share paid in December 2022, maintains the full year dividend, as compared with last year at 29.7p per ordinary share. The final dividend, if approved by shareholders, will be paid on 30 June 2023 to shareholders on the register on 2 June 2023 and the shares will be ex dividend on 1 June 2023.

Key performance indicators

How we measure our performance against our strategic objectives

The Board monitors a range of financial and non-financial key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the Group's performance over time in building shareholder value and achieving the Group's strategic priorities. The nine headline KPI metrics used by the Board for this purpose, together with our performance over the past two years, is set out below:

 
                                2022            2021         Definition, method of calculation 
                                                             and analysis 
                              (52 weeks)      (52 weeks) 
 Financial KPIs 
                           -------------  ---------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
                                                            Year on year revenue growth expressed 
                                                             as a percentage. The 2022 increase 
                                                             reflected higher raw material prices 
 Revenue growth (%)            16.5%           19.0%         and volume growth. 
                           -------------  ---------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
 Adjusted operating             1.8%            2.2%        Adjusted operating profit expressed 
  profit margin (%)                                          as a percentage of turnover. The operating 
                                                             profit margin % in 2022 was lower 
                                                             due to challenges in our Seafood business. 
                           -------------  ---------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
 Adjusted operating             13.8            14.9        Adjusted operating profit per kilogram 
  profit margin (pence                                       processed and sold in pence. The decrease 
  per kg)                                                    in 2022 compared with 2021 reflects 
                                                             the challenges in our Seafood business. 
                           -------------  ---------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
 Adjusted earnings             119.9           119.5        Adjusted operating profit before depreciation 
  before interest,                                           and amortisation which increased marginally 
  taxation, depreciation                                     year on year. 
  and amortisation 
  (EBITDA) (GBPm) 
                           -------------  ---------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
 Free cash flow (GBPm)         (79.4)      (8.1) restated   IFRS cash (outflow) before minorities, 
                                                             dividends and financing. Operating 
                                                             cash flow generation in 2022 was higher 
                                                             due to increased investments in acquisitions 
                                                             and joint ventures, adverse working 
                                                             capital movements and higher interest 
                                                             payments. 
                           -------------  ---------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
 Net debt / EBITDA              1.8             0.7         Year end net bank debt as a percentage 
  ratio (times)                                              of adjusted EBITDA. The increase is 
                                                             due to the Foppen acquisition which 
                                                             completed during the year and the 
                                                             distorting impact of the related equity 
                                                             raise GBP75m in 2021. 
                           -------------  ---------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
 Non-financial KPIs 
                           -------------  ---------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
 Growth in sales volumes        4.3%            5.0%        Year on year volume growth. Volume 
  (%)                                                        growth in 2022 comprised Foppen acquired 
                                                             in the year and full year volumes 
                                                             from Fairfax Meadow and Dalco acquired 
                                                             in 2021 and the New Zealand facility 
                                                             opened in 2021. 
                           -------------  ---------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
 Employee and labour            65.7            60.9        Labour cost of producing food products 
  agency costs (pence                                        as a proportion of volume. The increase 
  per kg)                                                    reflects relatively greater labour 
                                                             complexity in the recently acquired 
                                                             businesses including Foppen, Fairfax 
                                                             Meadow and Dalco. 
                           -------------  ---------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
                                                            Packs of product delivered as a % 
 Customer service                                            of the orders placed. The customer 
  level (%)                    95.9%           96.4%         service level remains best in class. 
                           -------------  ---------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
 

In addition, a much wider range of financial and operating KPIs are continuously tracked at business unit level.

Going concern statement

The Directors have performed a detailed assessment, including a review of the Group's budget for the 2023 financial year and its longer term plans, including consideration of the principal risks faced by the Group. The resilience of the Group has been assessed by applying significant downside sensitivities to the Group's cash flow projections. Allowing for these sensitivities and potential mitigating actions the Board is satisfied that the Group is able to continue to operate well within its banking covenants and has adequate headroom under its new committed facilities which do not expire until 2027. The Directors are satisfied that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue to operate and meet its liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future, a period considered to be at least 12 months from the date of signing these financial statements. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis for preparing the financial statements.

The Group's bank borrowings as detailed in the financial statements and the principal banking facilities, which support the Group's existing and contracted new business, are committed. The Group is in full compliance with all its banking covenants and based on forecasts and sensitised projections is expected to remain in compliance. Future geographical expansion which is not yet contracted, and which is not built into our internal budgets and forecasts, may require additional or extended banking facilities and such future geographical expansion will depend on our ability to negotiate appropriate additional or extended facilities, as and when they are required. During the year the Group renewed its banking facilities with a GBP424m five year revolving credit and term loan facility.

The Group's internal budgets and forward forecasts, which incorporate all reasonably foreseeable changes in trading performance, are regularly reviewed by the Board and show that it will be able to operate within its current banking facilities, taking into account available cash balances, for the foreseeable future.

Viability statement

In accordance with provision 31 of the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code, the Directors confirm that they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will continue to operate and meet its liabilities, as they fall due, for the three years ending in December 2025. A period of three years has been chosen for the purpose of this viability statement as it is aligned with the Group's three year plan, which is based on the Group's current customers and does not incorporate the benefits from any potential new contract gains over this period.

The Directors' assessment has been made with reference to the Group's current position and strategy taking into account the Group's principal risks, including those in relation to Covid-19, and how these are managed. The strategy and associated principal risks, which the Directors review at least annually, are incorporated in the three year plan and such related scenario testing as is required. The three year plan makes reasoned assumptions in relation to volume growth based on the position of our customers and expected changes in the macroeconomic environment and retail market conditions, expected changes in food raw material, packaging and other costs, together with the anticipated level of capital investment required to maintain our facilities at state-of-the-art levels.

Cautionary statement

This Strategic report contains forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risk factors and uncertainties which we believe are reasonable. Accordingly Hilton's actual future results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Matt Osborne

Chief Financial Officer

4 April 2023

Risk management and principal risks

Risks and risk management

In accordance with provision 28 of the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code, the Directors confirm that they have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks facing the Group that might impede the achievement of its strategic and operational objectives as well as affect performance or cash position. As a leading food processor in a fast-moving environment it is critical that the Group identifies, assesses and prioritises its risks. The result of this assessment is a statement of the principal risks facing the Group together with a description of the main controls and mitigations that reduce the effect of those risks were they to crystallise. This, together with the adoption of appropriate mitigation actions, enables us to monitor, minimise and control both the probability and potential impact of these risks.

How we manage risk

The Group takes a proactive approach to risk management with well-developed structures and a range of processes for identifying, assessing, prioritising and mitigating its key risks, as the delivery of our strategy depends on our ability to make sound risk informed decisions. The Group's internal audit function derives its risk-based assurance plan on the controls after considering the risk assessment and reports its findings to the Audit Committee. For more detail please see Who is responsible for risk at Hilton?

Risk management process and risk appetite

The Board believes that in carrying out the Group's businesses it is vital to strike the right balance between an appropriate and comprehensive control environment and encouraging the level of entrepreneurial freedom of action required to seek out and develop new business opportunities; but, however skilfully this balance between risk and reward is struck, the business will always be subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, as outlined below.

All types of risk applicable to the business are regularly reviewed and a formal risk assessment is carried out to highlight key risks to the business and to determine actions that can reasonably and cost effectively be taken to mitigate them.

Not all the risks listed are within the Group's control and others may be unknown or currently considered immaterial, but could turn out to be material in the future. These risks, together with our risk mitigation strategies, should be considered in the context of the Group's risk management and internal control framework, details of which are set out in the Corporate governance statement. It must be recognised that systems of internal control are designed to manage rather than completely eliminate any identified risks.

Risk management during 2022

Cost of living crisis and the Russia-Ukraine War

The macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape, exacerbated by the Ukrainian War, is having an unprecedented impact on our supply chains, operations, consumers and customers. Energy price volatility and an acute cost of living crisis is impacting consumer spending and eating habits. This has resulted in high-profile food price inflation and extreme cost volatility.

Our continued focus on cost control, innovation and factory efficiency is enabling us to manage the inflationary pressures the industry is currently facing. Through our strong customer relationships we are able to support consumers to navigate through these challenging times.

Brexit

Hilton's exposure is generally mitigated through our predominantly local sourcing and operating model. Impacts are likely to continue through 2023 as the UK and EU regulatory and trade environments evolve. The Group is ensuring compliance through ongoing engagement with the appropriate authorities and regulatory forums. We continue to monitor policy changes and amend processes and operations as required. Our labour recruitment and retention strategies are evolving in line with this changing landscape and our continued focus on technology and automation further reduce risk exposure in this area.

Principal risks

The most significant business risks that the Group faces, together with the measures we have adopted to mitigate these risks, are outlined in the table below. This is not intended to constitute an exhaustive analysis of all risks faced by the Group, but rather to highlight those which are the most significant, as viewed from the standpoint of the Group as a whole.

 
 Description of                Its potential impact                     Risk mitigation measures and 
  risk                                                                   strategies adopted 
 Risk 1 
  The progress of                No business is immune to                 Our strong and diversifying growth 
  the Group's business           difficult economic climates.             model, based on successful diversification 
  is affected by                 The current macroeconomic                across different proteins, expanding 
  the macroeconomic              environment is placing                   as a technology-led supply chain 
  and geopolitical               extraordinary financial                  partner and built on our strong 
  environment and                pressures on businesses                  ESG credentials underpins our 
  levels of consumer             and consumers. The inflationary          business resilience. 
  spending.                      pressures resulting from 
                                 the Covid-19 pandemic,                   We continue to broaden product 
  movement                       the Ukrainian conflict                   ranges with our strong retail 
                                 and wider economic and                   partners, maintaining a single-minded 
                                 political instability are                focus on minimising unit packing 
                                 exacerbating the challenging             costs, whilst continuing to deliver 
                                 market conditions.                       high levels of product quality 
                                                                          and integrity. 
                                 Consumers are changing 
                                 their shopping and eating                The Group is able to harness 
                                 habits and our retail customers          its innovative and agile approach 
                                 are under immense pressure               with its class-leading technology 
                                 to deliver value and are                 and systems to respond quickly 
                                 therefore sharing that                   and effectively to macroeconomic 
                                 pressure with supplier                   challenges and opportunities. 
                                 partners. 
                              ---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------- 
 Risk 2 
  The Group's growth             The Group's products predominantly       The Group plays a very proactive 
  potential may                  carry the brand labels                   role in enhancing its customers' 
  be affected by                 of the customer to whom                  brand values, through providing 
  the success of                 packed food is supplied                  high quality, competitively priced 
  its customers                  and it is accordingly dependent          products, high service levels, 
  and the growth                 on its customers' success                continuing product and packaging 
  of their packed                in maintaining or improving              innovation and category management 
  food sales.                    consumer perception of                   support. It recognises that quality 
  No movement                    their own brand names and                and traceability assurance are 
                                 packed food offerings.                   integral to its customers' brands 
                                 Consumer perception is                   and works closely with its customers 
                                 increasingly influenced                  to ensure rigorous quality assurance 
                                 by environmental, social                 standards are met. It is continuously 
                                 and governance (ESG) considerations.     measured by its customers across 
                                                                          a very wide range of parameters, 
                                                                          including delivery time, product 
                                                                          specification, product traceability 
                                                                          and accuracy of documentation 
                                                                          and targets demanding service 
                                                                          levels across all these parameters. 
                                                                          The Group works closely with 
                                                                          its customers to identify continuing 
                                                                          improvement opportunities across 
                                                                          the supply chain, including enhancing 
                                                                          product presentation, extending 
                                                                          shelf life and reducing wastage 
                                                                          at every stage in the supply 
                                                                          chain. 
                                                                          Our ESG strategy underpins the 
                                                                          growth of our product sectors 
                                                                          for our customers, and supports 
                                                                          them to reach their goals. Our 
                                                                          ambitious 2025 Sustainable Protein 
                                                                          Plan is in partnership with our 
                                                                          customers and suppliers as we 
                                                                          engage in the key collaborative 
                                                                          initiatives that drive sustainability 
                                                                          for our sectors and raise the 
                                                                          bar together. 
                                                                          We have set stretching goals 
                                                                          that drive impactful actions 
                                                                          that become integrated into our 
                                                                          core business practices. Our 
                                                                          data collection platform, Foods 
                                                                          Connected, demonstrates the assurance 
                                                                          of standards across our supply 
                                                                          chains, and allows us to measure 
                                                                          progress towards our 2025 targets. 
                                                                          The detail of our strategy and 
                                                                          its impact are described within 
                                                                          the Sustainability section of 
                                                                          this report. 
                              ---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------- 
 Risk 3 
  The Group strategy             The Group has a relatively               The Group is progressively widening 
  focuses on a small             narrow, but expanding,                   its customer base and maintaining 
  number of customers            customer base, with sales                a high level of investment in 
  who can exercise               to subsidiary or associated              state-of-the-art facilities, 
  significant buying             companies of the Tesco,                  which together with management's 
  power and influence            Ahold and Woolworths groups              continuous focus on reducing 
  when it comes                  still comprising the larger              costs, allow it to operate very 
  to contractual                 part of Hilton's revenue.                efficiently at very high throughputs 
  renewal terms                  The larger retail chains                 and price its products competitively. 
  at 5 to 15-year                continue to focus on strengthening 
  intervals.                     their market share of protein            Hilton operates a decentralised, 
  movement                       products in the countries                entrepreneurial business structure, 
                                 in which we operate, creating            which enables it to work very 
                                 an increasingly competitive              closely and flexibly with its 
                                 retail environment. This                 retail partners in each country, 
                                 has increased the buying                 in order to achieve high service 
                                 power of the Group's customers           levels in terms of orders delivered, 
                                 which in turn increases                  delivery times, compliance with 
                                 their negotiating power                  product specifications and accuracy 
                                 with the Group, which could              of documentation, all backed 
                                 enable them to seek better               by an uncompromising focus on 
                                 terms over time.                         food safety, product integrity 
                                                                          and traceability assurance. 
                                 During periods of unprecedented 
                                 inflationary pressure,                   Hilton has long-term supply agreements 
                                 misalignment between production          in place with its major customers, 
                                 costs and agreed operational             with pricing either on a cost 
                                 packing rates may occur,                 plus or agreed packing rate basis. 
                                 potentially impacting profitability. 
                                                                          The Group maintains an ongoing 
                                                                          focus on cost control, innovation 
                                                                          and factory efficiency to manage 
                                                                          inflationary pressures. Hilton 
                                                                          continues to evolve and respond 
                                                                          to changing market conditions. 
                                                                          The provision of added value 
                                                                          services deepens the relationships 
                                                                          Hilton has with its retailer 
                                                                          partners and investment in these 
                                                                          services means that we are able 
                                                                          to develop and maintain a technology 
                                                                          advantage within our industry. 
                              ---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------- 
 Risk 4 
  As Hilton continues            The Group may struggle                   The Group carefully manages its 
  to grow there                  to meet key strategic objectives         skilled resources including succession 
  is more reliance               and projects and fail to                 planning and maintaining a talent 
  on key personnel               adhere to regulatory and                 pipeline. The Group is evolving 
  and their ability              legislative requirements,                its people capability balanced 
  to manage growth,              which in turn detracts                   with an appropriate management 
  change, integration            from our performance delivery            structure within the overall 
  and compliance                 for our customers.                       organisation. Hilton continues 
  across new legislative                                                  to invest in on-the-job training 
  and regulatory                                                          and career development, whilst 
  environments.                                                           recruiting high quality new employees, 
  This risk increases                                                     as required to facilitate the 
  as the Group continues                                                  Group's ongoing growth. Appointment 
  to expand with                                                          of additional key resources and 
  new customers                                                           alignment of structures have 
  and into new territories                                                supported the enhancement of 
  either organically                                                      project management control and 
  or through acquisition                                                  oversight. Control systems embedded 
  with potentially                                                        in project management enable 
  greater reliance                                                        the risks of growth to be appropriately 
  on stretched skilled                                                    highlighted and managed. To underscore 
  resource and execution                                                  our efforts, we have active relationships 
  of simultaneous                                                         with strong industry experts 
  growth projects.                                                        across all areas of business 
                                                                          growth. 
  No movement 
                                                                          In the current climate, strong 
                                                                          partnership and proximity to 
                                                                          our customers are fundamental. 
                                                                          Hilton's leadership continues 
                                                                          to develop its organisational 
                                                                          structures to ensure as close 
                                                                          a relationship with our retail 
                                                                          partners as possible. 
                              ---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------- 
 Risk 5 
  The Group's business           The Group is reliant on                  The Group maintains a flexible 
  strength is affected           its suppliers to provide                 global and local food supply 
  by its ability                 sufficient volume of products,           base, which is progressively 
  to maintain a                  to the agreed specifications,            widening as it expands and is 
  wide and flexible              in the very short lead                   continuously audited to ensure 
  global food supply             times required by its customers,         standards are maintained, so 
  base operating                 with efficient supply chain              as to have in place a wide range 
  at standards that              management being a key                   of options should supply disruptions 
  can continuously               business attribute. The                  occur. 
  achieve the specifications     Group has both local and 
  set by Hilton                  global sourcing models.                  Further assurance is provided 
  and its customers.             Current or future tariffs,               through the supply chain control 
  No movement                    quotas or trade barriers                 and transparency the Group has 
                                 imposed by supplier countries            enabled by its supplier management 
                                 and other global trade                   platform, Foods Connected, which 
                                 developments, could materially           facilitates robust supplier relationships. 
                                 affect the Group's international 
                                 procurement ability and 
                                 therefore potentially impact 
                                 our ability to meet agreed 
                                 customer service levels. 
                              ---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------- 
 Risk 6 
  Contamination                  This will potentially affect             The Group sources its food from 
  within the supply              the Group's ability to                   a trusted raw material supply 
  chain including                procure sufficient quantities            base, all components of which 
  outbreaks of disease           of safe raw material.                    meet stringent national, international 
  and feed contaminants                                                   and customer standards. The Group 
  affecting livestock                                                     is subject to demanding standards 
  and fish.                                                               which are independently monitored 
  No movement                                                             in every country and reliable 
                                                                          product traceability and high 
                                                                          welfare standards from the farm 
                                                                          to the consumer are integral 
                                                                          to the Group's business model. 
                                                                          The Group ensures full traceability 
                                                                          from source to packed product 
                                                                          across all suppliers, supported 
                                                                          by a comprehensive ongoing audit 
                                                                          programme. Within our factories, 
                                                                          Global Food Safety Initiative 
                                                                          (GFSI) benchmarked food safety 
                                                                          standards and our own factory 
                                                                          standard assessments drive the 
                                                                          enhancement of the processes 
                                                                          and controls that are necessary 
                                                                          to ensure that the risks of contaminants 
                                                                          throughout the processing, packing 
                                                                          and distribution stages are mitigated 
                                                                          and traceable should a risk ever 
                                                                          materialise. 
                              ---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------- 
 Risk 7 
  Significant incidents          Such incidents could result              The Group has robust business 
  such as fire,                  in systems or manufacturing              continuity plans in place including 
  flood, pandemic                process stoppages with                   sister site support protocols 
  or interruption                consequent disruption and                enabling other sites to step 
  of supply of key               loss of efficiency which                 in with manufacturing and distribution 
  utilities could                could impact the Group's                 of key product lines where necessary. 
  impact the Group's             sales.                                   Continuity management systems 
  business continuity.                                                    and plans are suitably maintained 
  The legacy of                                                           and adequately tested including 
  the Covid-19 pandemic                                                   building risk assessments and 
  continues to present                                                    emergency power solutions. There 
  challenges across                                                       are appropriate insurance arrangements 
  the globe.                                                              in place to mitigate against 
  No movement                                                             any associated financial loss. 
 
                                                                          We continue to mitigate against 
                                                                          the legacy impact of the Covid-19 
                                                                          pandemic. 
                              ---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------- 
 Risk 8 
  The Group's IT                 The Group's operations                   The Group has a robust IT control 
  systems could                  are underpinned by a variety             framework, minimum operating 
  be subject to                  of IT systems. Loss or                   standards, including working 
  cyber-attacks,                 disruption to those IT                   towards National Institute of 
  including ransomware           systems or extended times                Technology requirements, all 
  and fraudulent                 to recover data or functionality         of which are tested frequently 
  external email                 could impact the Group's                 by internal staff and by specialist 
  activity. These                ability to effectively                   external bodies. This framework 
  kinds of attacks               operate its facilities                   is established as the key control 
  are generally                  and affect its sales and                 to mitigate cyber risk and is 
  increasing in                  reputation.                              applied consistently throughout 
  frequency and                                                           the Group. The increased prominence 
  sophistication.                                                         of IT risk is mitigated by investments 
                                                                          in IT infrastructure and now 
  No movement                                                             forms a regular part of the Group 
                                                                          Risk Management Committee agenda 
                                                                          and presentations to the Board. 
                                                                          In accordance with Group strategy 
                                                                          IT risk is considered when looking 
                                                                          at new ventures and control measures 
                                                                          implemented in new sites follow 
                                                                          the Group common standards. There 
                                                                          is internal training and resources 
                                                                          available with emphasis on prevention, 
                                                                          user awareness and recovery. 
                                                                          Increasingly, IT forms part of 
                                                                          site business continuity exercises 
                                                                          which test and help develop the 
                                                                          capacity to respond to possible 
                                                                          crises or incidents. The technical 
                                                                          infrastructure to prevent attacks, 
                                                                          safeguard data and the resilience 
                                                                          to recover are continuously developed 
                                                                          including yearly assessments 
                                                                          to meet emerging threats. IT 
                                                                          systems including financial and 
                                                                          banking systems are configured 
                                                                          to prevent fraudulent payments. 
                                                                          There are monthly IT security 
                                                                          reviews to ensure compliance 
                                                                          with expected levels of applications 
                                                                          updates, and of server and data 
                                                                          centres together with yearly 
                                                                          penetration testing. 
                              ---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------- 
 Risk 9 
  A significant                  Such breach in health and                The Group has established robust 
  breach of health               safety legislation could                 health and safety processes and 
  and safety legislation         lead to reputational damage              procedures across its operations, 
  as complexity                  and regulatory penalties,                including a Group oversight function 
  increases in managing          including restrictions                   which provides key guidance and 
  sites across different         on operations, fines or                  support necessary to strengthen 
  product groups                 personal litigation claims.              monitoring, best practice and 
  and geographies.                                                        compliance. The Group has also 
  No movement                                                             rolled out an enhanced standardised 
                                                                          safety framework. Health and 
                                                                          safety performance is reviewed 
                                                                          regularly by the Board. 
                              ---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------- 
 Risk 10 
  The Group's business           Potential physical impacts               We continue to develop our approach 
  and supply chain               from climate change could                to climate change risk mitigation. 
  is affected by                 include a higher incidence               We have committed to set a science-based 
  climate change                 of extreme weather events                target through the Science Based 
  risks comprising               such as flooding, drought,               Targets initiative and signed 
  both physical                  and forest fires that could              the Business Ambition for 1.5degC 
  and transition                 disrupt our supply chains                pledge to decarbonise our own 
  risks. Physical                and potentially impact                   operations and supply chains. 
  risks include                  production capabilities,                 We have set energy and water 
  long-term rises                increase costs and add                   efficiency targets for our sites 
  in temperature                 complexity. Action taken                 and continue to engage in global 
  and sea levels                 by societies could reduce                collaborative action for decarbonisation 
  as well as changes             the severity of these impacts.           of our key raw materials. We 
  to the frequency                                                        are directing our efforts towards 
  and severity of                Governmental efforts to                  a net zero carbon footprint before 
  extreme weather                mitigate climate change                  2050. 
  events. Transition             may lead to policy and 
  risks include                  regulatory changes as well               Shifts in consumer demand are 
  policy changes,                as shifts in consumer demand.            an opportunity for growth in 
  reputational impacts,          The potential transitional               our portfolio of plant based 
  and shifts in                  impacts include additional               and seafood products. Additionally, 
  market preferences             costs of low greenhouse                  we are ensuring we have the flexibility 
  and technology.                gas emission farming systems,            to adapt our supply chains over 
                                 and the potential of carbon              time to mitigate physical disruption. 
  No movement                    price regulation aimed                   We continue to review and develop 
                                 at shifting consumers to                 our assessment of the key physical 
                                 lower carbon foods, which                and transition risks impacting 
                                 may reduce the profitability             our business in line with the 
                                 of some of our products.                 Task Force on Climate-related 
                                 Additionally there is increased          Financial Disclosures (TCFD) 
                                 stakeholder focus on climate             recommendations. Our full assessment 
                                 change issues. Our reputation            of climate risks and opportunities 
                                 could be impacted if we                  in line with the TCFD framework 
                                 are not active in reducing               is described within the Sustainability 
                                 the climate impacts of                   section of this report. 
                                 our operations and supply 
                                 chains, resulting in lower 
                                 demand for our products. 
                              ---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------- 
 

Note: References in this preliminary announcement to the Strategic report, the Corporate and social responsibility report, the Directors' report and the Corporate Governance statement are to reports which will be available in the Company's full published accounts.

Responsibility statement of the Directors in respect of the Annual report and financial statements

Each of the Directors whose names and functions are set out below confirms that to the best of their knowledge and belief:

-- the Group and Company financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position of the Group and Company and profit of the Group; and

-- the management reports, which comprise the Strategic report and the Directors' report, include a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group and the Company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.

This responsibility statement was approved by the Board of Directors on 4 April 2023 and is signed on its behalf by:

Directors

   R Watson OBE                      Chairman 
   M Osborne                            Chief Financial Officer 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

 
                                                                 2022         2021 
                                                             52 weeks     52 weeks 
                                                   Notes      GBP'000      GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
                                                                          Restated 
                                                                         (note 2)* 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Continuing operations 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Revenue                                                3    3,847,600    3,301,970 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Cost of sales*                                            (3,464,837)  (2,982,155) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Gross profit                                                  382,763      319,815 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Distribution costs                                           (42,028)     (25,083) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Other administrative expenses*                              (276,048)    (226,175) 
=================================================  =====  ===========  =========== 
Exceptional items                                      4     (11,896)      (7,050) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Total administrative expenses                               (287,944)    (233,225) 
=================================================  =====  ===========  =========== 
Share of profit in joint ventures                               1,235        1,925 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Operating profit                                               54,026       63,432 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Finance income                                         5          356           10 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Other finance costs                                          (24,768)     (14,913) 
=================================================  =====  ===========  =========== 
Exceptional finance costs                              4            -      (1,131) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Total finance costs                                    5     (24,768)     (16,044) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Finance costs - net                                          (24,412)     (16,034) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Profit before income tax                                       29,614       47,398 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Income tax expense                                           (10,267)     (11,232) 
=================================================  =====  ===========  =========== 
Exceptional tax income                                 4          145        3,116 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Total income tax expense                               6     (10,122)      (8,116) 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Profit for the period                                          19,492       39,282 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
 
Attributable to: 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Owners of the parent                                           17,706       37,143 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Non-controlling interests                                       1,786        2,139 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
                                                               19,492       39,282 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Earnings per share attributable to owners of the 
 parent during the year 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Basic (pence)                                          7         19.8         45.0 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
Diluted (pence)                                        7         19.7         44.5 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  -----------  ----------- 
*Restated 
 
 
                                                                 2022      2021 
                                                             52 weeks  52 weeks 
                                                              GBP'000   GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
Profit for the period                                          19,492    39,282 
----------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
Other comprehensive (expense)/income 
----------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss 
----------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
Currency translation differences                                   29   (7,090) 
----------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
Gain on cash flow hedges                                          786         - 
----------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
Other comprehensive (expense) for the year net of tax             815   (7,090) 
----------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
Total comprehensive income for the year                        20,307    32,192 
----------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 
Total comprehensive income attributable to: 
----------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
Owners of the parent                                           18,219    30,417 
----------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
Non-controlling interests                                       2,088     1,775 
----------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
                                                               20,307    32,192 
----------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 
The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 
 

Consolidated and Company Balance sheets

 
                                                               Group           Company 
                                                     2022       2021     2022     2021 
                                         Notes    GBP'000    GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Assets 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Non-current assets 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Property, plant and equipment                9    327,611    291,488        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Intangible assets                           10    160,480    105,775        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Lease: right of use assets                  11    216,578    222,004        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Investments                                         6,208      5,539  247,785  247,785 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Trade and other receivables                             -      2,239        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Deferred income tax assets                         13,801      6,952        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
                                                  724,678    633,997  247,785  247,785 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Current assets 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Inventories                                       206,729    156,517        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Trade and other receivables                       271,160    230,388    5,875    2,874 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Current tax assets                                  5,995      5,212        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Other financial asset                                   -      1,140        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Cash and cash equivalents                          87,224    140,170      186      151 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
                                                  571,108    533,427    6,061    3,025 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Total assets                                    1,295,786  1,167,424  253,846  250,810 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
 
Equity 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Equity attributable to owners of the parent 
----------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Ordinary shares                                     8,943      8,893    8,943    8,893 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Share premium                                     144,926    142,043  144,926  142,043 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Own shares                                              -       (87)        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Employee share schemes reserve                      5,004      6,990        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Foreign currency translation reserve              (2,379)    (2,106)        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Cashflow hedging reserve                              786          -        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Retained earnings                                 167,862    176,449   28,958   28,850 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Reverse acquisition reserve                      (31,700)   (31,700)        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Merger reserve                                        919        919   71,019   71,019 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
                                                  294,361    301,401  253,846  250,805 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Non-controlling interests                          10,956      6,548        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Total equity                                      305,317    307,949  253,846  250,805 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
 
Liabilities 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Non-current liabilities 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Borrowings                                  13    270,510          -        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Lease liabilities                           11    230,152    228,977        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Deferred income tax liabilities                    15,921      4,132        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
                                                  516,583    233,109        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Current liabilities 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Borrowings                                  13     28,279    224,732        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Lease liabilities                           11     16,006     14,419        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Trade and other payables                          426,203    387,215        -        5 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Financial liabilities at fair value 
 through OCI                                        3,398          -        -        - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
                                                  473,886    626,366        -        5 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Total liabilities                                 990,469    859,475        -        5 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
Total equity and liabilities                    1,295,786  1,167,424  253,846  250,810 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  ---------  -------  ------- 
 
 
The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 
 
   R. Watson                              M. Osborne 
   Director                                  Director 

Hilton Food Group plc - Registered number: 06165540

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption in Section 408 Companies Act 2006 not to publish its individual income statement, statement of comprehensive income and related notes. Profit for the period dealt with in the income statement of Hilton Food Group plc amounted to GBP25,600,000 (2021: GBP24,300,000).

Consolidated and Company Statement of changes in equity

 
                                                                                         Attributable to owners of the parent 
                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                    Employee      Foreign 
                                                       share     currency  Cashflow                Reverse 
                           Share    Share      Own   schemes  translation     hedge  Retained  acquisition   Merger            Non-controlling     Total 
                         capital  premium   shares   reserve      reserve   reserve  earnings      reserve  reserve     Total        interests    equity 
Group             Notes  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000   GBP'000      GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000      GBP'000  GBP'000   GBP'000          GBP'000   GBP'000 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Balance at 4 
 January 2021              8,194   65,619        -     6,123        4,620         -   161,607     (31,700)      919   215,382            6,556   221,938 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Profit for the 
 period                        -        -        -         -            -         -    37,143            -        -    37,143            2,139    39,282 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Other 
comprehensive 
income 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Currency 
 translation 
 differences                   -        -        -         -      (6,726)         -         -            -        -   (6,726)            (364)   (7,090) 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income for the 
 period                        -        -        -         -      (6,726)         -    37,143            -        -    30,417            1,775    32,192 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Issue of new 
 shares                      699   76,424        -         -            -         -         -            -        -    77,123                -    77,123 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Purchase of 
 own shares                    -        -  (2,278)         -            -         -         -            -        -   (2,278)                -   (2,278) 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Adjustment in 
 respect of 
 employee 
 share schemes                 -        -        -     2,725            -         -         -            -        -     2,725                -     2,725 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Settlement of 
 employee share 
 scheme                        -        -    2,191   (2,191)            -         -         -            -        -         -                -         - 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Tax on employee 
 share schemes                 -        -        -       333            -         -         -            -        -       333                -       333 
-----------------------  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Dividends paid        8        -        -        -         -            -         -  (22,301)            -        -  (22,301)          (1,783)  (24,084) 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Total 
 transactions 
 with owners                 699   76,424     (87)       867            -         -  (22,301)            -        -    55,602          (1,783)    53,819 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Balance at 2 
 January 2022              8,893  142,043     (87)     6,990      (2,106)         -   176,449     (31,700)      919   301,401            6,548   307,949 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
 
Profit for 
 the period                    -        -        -         -            -         -    17,706            -        -    17,706            1,786    19,492 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Other 
comprehensive 
expense 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Currency translation 
 differences                   -        -        -         -        (273)         -         -            -        -     (273)              302        29 
-----------------------  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Gain on cash flow 
 hedging                       -        -        -         -            -       786         -            -        -       786                -       786 
-----------------------  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income for the 
 period                        -        -        -         -        (273)       786    17,706            -        -    18,219            2,088    20,307 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Transactions 
 with 
 non-controlling 
 interests                     -        -        -         -            -         -     (801)            -        -     (801)            3,584     2,783 
================  =====  =======  =======  =======  ========  ===========  ========  ========  ===========  =======  ========  ===============  ======== 
Issue of new 
 shares                       50    2,883        -         -            -         -         -            -        -     2,933                -     2,933 
================  =====  =======  =======  =======  ========  ===========  ========  ========  ===========  =======  ========  ===============  ======== 
Adjustment 
 in respect of 
 employee share 
 schemes                       -        -        -     (655)            -         -         -            -        -     (655)                -     (655) 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Settlement of 
 employee share 
 scheme                        -        -       87     (300)            -         -         -            -        -     (213)                -     (213) 
-----------------------  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Tax on employee 
 share schemes                 -        -            (1,031)            -         -         -            -        -   (1,031)                -   (1,031) 
-----------------------  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Dividends paid        8        -        -        -         -            -         -  (25,492)            -        -  (25,492)          (1,264)  (26,756) 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Total transactions 
 with owners                  50    2,883       87   (1,986)            -         -  (26,293)            -        -  (25,259)            2,320  (22,939) 
-----------------------  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Balance at 
 1 January 2023            8,943  144,926        -     5,004      (2,379)       786   167,862     (31,700)      919   294,361           10,956   305,317 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
 
Company 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Balance at 4 
 January 2021              8,194   65,619        -         -            -         -    26,851            -   71,019   171,683                -   171,683 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Profit for the 
 period                        -        -        -         -            -         -    24,300            -        -    24,300                -    24,300 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income for the 
 year                          -        -        -         -            -         -    24,300            -        -    24,300                -    24,300 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Issue of new 
 shares                      699   76,424        -         -            -         -         -            -        -    77,123                -    77,123 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Dividends paid        8        -        -        -         -            -         -  (22,301)            -        -  (22,301)                -  (22,301) 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Total 
 transactions 
 with owners                 699   76,424        -         -            -         -  (22,301)            -        -    54,822                -    54,822 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Balance at 2 
 January 2022              8,893  142,043        -         -            -         -    28,850            -   71,019   250,805                -   250,805 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Profit for 
 the period                    -        -        -         -            -         -    25,600            -        -    25,600                -    25,600 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income for the 
 period                        -        -        -         -            -         -    25,600            -        -    25,600                -    25,600 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Issue of new 
 shares                       50    2,883        -         -            -         -         -            -        -     2,933                -     2,933 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Dividends paid        8        -        -        -         -            -         -  (25,492)            -        -  (25,492)                -  (25,492) 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Total transactions 
 with owners                  50    2,883        -         -            -         -  (25,492)            -        -  (22,559)                -  (22,559) 
-----------------------  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
Balance at 
 1 January 2023            8,943  144,926        -         -            -         -    28,958            -   71,019   253,846                -   253,846 
----------------  -----  -------  -------  -------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  -----------  -------  --------  ---------------  -------- 
 

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

Consolidated and Company Cash flow statements

 
                                                              Group             Company 
                                                     2022      2021      2022      2021 
                                                 52 weeks  52 weeks  52 weeks  52 weeks 
                                                           Restated 
                                         Notes    GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Cash flows from operating activities 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Cash generated from operations              14     98,312   121,259         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Interest paid                                    (24,768)  (16,044)         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Income tax paid                                  (13,881)  (19,210)         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Net cash generated from operating 
 activities                                        59,663    86,005         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
Cash flows from investing activities 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Acquisition of subsidiary*                       (81,822)  (35,453)         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Acquisition investments                           (1,764)         -         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Other financial asset - restricted 
 cash                                                   -   (1,140)         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Settlement of deferred consideration                    -   (2,500)         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Issue of inter-company loan                             -         -   (1,206)  (77,377) 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Purchases of property, plant and 
 equipment                                       (55,140)  (56,251)         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant 
 and equipment                                        261       114         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Purchases of intangible assets                    (1,622)   (1,115)         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Interest received                                     356        10         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Dividends received                                      -         -    25,600    24,300 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Dividends received from joint venture                 672     2,273         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Net cash (used in)/generated from 
 investing activities                           (139,059)  (94,062)    24,394  (53,077) 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
Cash flows from financing activities 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Purchase of non-controlling interest              (1,151)         -         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Proceeds from borrowings*                         295,790    65,237         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Repayments of borrowings                        (228,565)  (79,819)         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Payment of lease liability                       (15,631)   (6,588)         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Issue of ordinary shares*                           1,133    75,339     1,133    75,339 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Purchase of own shares                                  -   (2,278)         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Dividends paid to owners of the parent           (25,492)  (22,301)  (25,492)  (22,301) 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Dividends paid to non-controlling 
 interests                                        (1,264)   (1,783)         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Net cash generated from/(used in) 
 financing activities                              24,820    27,807  (24,359)    53,038 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
Net (decrease)/increase in cash 
 and cash equivalents                            (54,576)    19,750        35      (39) 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
 of the year                                      140,170   123,816       151       190 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Exchange gains/(losses) on cash and 
 cash equivalents                                   1,630   (3,396)         -         - 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
Cash and cash equivalents at end 
 of the year                                       87,224   140,170       186       151 
---------------------------------------  -----  ---------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 
The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 
 

Notes to the financial statements

1 General information

Hilton Food Group plc ('the Company') and its subsidiaries (together 'the Group') is a leading specialist international food packing business supplying major international food retailers in fourteen European countries, Australia and New Zealand. The Company's subsidiaries are listed in a note to the full financial statements.

The Company is a public company limited by shares incorporated and domiciled in the UK and registered in England. The address of the registered office is 2-8 The Interchange, Latham Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 6YE. The registered number of the Company is 06165540.

The Company maintains a Premium Listing on the London Stock Exchange.

The financial period represents the 52 weeks to 1 January 2023 (prior financial period 52 weeks to 2 January 2022).

This preliminary announcement was approved for issue on 4 April 2023.

2 Summary of significant accounting policies

The accounting policies are consistent with those of the annual financial statements for the year ended 2 January 2022.

Basis of preparation

The consolidated and company financial statements of Hilton Food Group plc have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for certain financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value and in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards and with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies reporting under those standards.

The consolidated and company financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. The reasons why the Directors consider this basis to be appropriate are set out in the Performance and financial review.

The financial statements are presented in Sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand (GBP'000) except when otherwise indicated.

The financial information included in this preliminary announcement does not constitute statutory accounts of the Group for the years ended 1 January 2023 and 2 January 2022 but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 2021 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for 2022 will be delivered following the Company's Annual General Meeting. The auditors have reported on those accounts; their reports were (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

Prior period adjustments

Following discussions with the FRC in connection with their limited scope review of the 2021 Annual Report, that was focused on disclosures relating to business combinations, prior period adjustments have been made to restate the Consolidated cash flow statement, Deferred tax disclosures and the disclosures of the Analysis and movement in net debt (note 15).

Presentation of cash outflow for the acquisition of subsidiary

The 2021 Consolidated cash flow statement recognised a GBP39,062,000 cash out flow within investing activities for the acquisition of subsidiary.

This figure included:

- GBP8,504,000 of debt acquired as part of the acquisition of Fairfax Meadow Europe Limited that was immediately repaid as a result of the requirements of change of control clauses within related bank facility agreements.

   -       GBP1,824,000 of debt acquired as part of the Dalco acquisition. 

- GBP1,785,000 in respect of the fair value of shares transferred to the vendors as part of the consideration for the acquisition of Dalco. This amount was offset by a corresponding cash inflow recognised within the total GBP77,123,000 cash inflow from the issue of ordinary shares included within financing activities.

   (i)            Acquisition of Fairfax Meadow 

The repayment of the loans acquired with Fairfax Meadow was triggered by pre-existing change of control clauses requiring the debt to be repaid and therefore, in accordance IAS 7, the repayment of the acquired debt was classified within the cash out flow from the acquisition of a subsidiary.

However, as the cashflows were not between the group and the vendors of Fairfax Meadow the fair value of the acquired debt has been included within the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired rather than as part of consideration.

As a result of this classification the GBP8,504,000 debt acquired and subsequently repayment should have been recognised as separate line items with the movements in net debt note. The movement in net debt detailed in note 15 for the 2021 financial period has therefore been restated to reflect this.

   (ii)           Acquisition of Dalco 

The GBP1,824,000 of debt acquired as part of the acquisition of Dalco was not repaid at the point of acquisition and the GBP1,785,000 consideration paid in shares to the vendors was a non-cash item and therefore neither item should have been recognised as part of the cash out flow for the acquisition of a subsidiary.

To correct for this the 2021 comparative cashflow statement has been restated as follows:

- the cash outflow for the acquisition of subsidiary has been reduced by GBP3,609,000 to GBP35,453,000 with a corresponding GBP3,609,000 reduction in the net cash outflow from investing activities to GBP94,062,000.

   -       Proceeds from borrowings reduced by GBP1,824,000 to GBP65,238,000. 
   -       Issue of ordinary shares reduced by GBP1,785,000 to GBP75,339,000. 

- With a corresponding overall reduction of GBP3,609,000 in net cash generated from financing activities reduced to GBP27,807,000.

An adjustment has also been made to restate the movement in net debt for 2021 in note 15 to show GBP1,824,000 of further debt acquired with a corresponding reduction to GBP65,238,000 in the proceeds of new borrowings.

Deferred Tax

The provisional fair value assessment of the assets and liabilities acquired through business combinations recognised in the 2021 Annual Report included total deferred tax liabilities of GBP3,266,000.

In the 2021's financial statement disclosures the total deferred tax amount recognised was included within the movement of deferred tax as a result of accelerated capital allowances.

However, included within this total figure was GBP3,001,000 recognised in respect of acquired brand and customer relationship intangible assets.

The prior period deferred tax note movements have therefore been restated to correctly classify the movement that related to the valuation of acquired brand and customer relationship intangible assets.

Depreciation

Following a review of expense classification, the Group has reclassified depreciation relating to buildings, plant and machinery from administration expenses to cost of sales as these assets are directly involved in production. As a result, the Group has restated the comparative figures for this reclassification. The restatement has no impact on operating profit and results in cost of sales increasing by GBP46,263,000 in the prior period with a corresponding reduction in gross profit. Other Administrative expenses have also therefore reduced by GBP46,263,000.

3 Segment information

Management have determined the operating segments based on the reports reviewed by the Executive Directors that are used to make strategic decisions.

The Executive Directors have considered the business from both a geographic and product perspective.

From a geographic perspective, the Executive Directors consider that the Group has nine operating segments: i) United Kingdom; ii) Netherlands; iii) Belgium; iv) Republic of Ireland; v) Sweden; vi) Denmark; vii) Central Europe including Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia; viii) Portugal; ix) APAC and x) Central costs. The United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Central Europe and Portugal have been aggregated into one reportable segment 'Europe' as they have similar economic characteristics as identified in IFRS 8. APAC and Central costs comprise the other reportable segments.

From a product perspective the Executive Directors consider that the Group has only one identifiable product, wholesaling of food protein products including meat, seafood and vegetarian. The Executive Directors consider that no further segmentation is appropriate, as all of the Group's operations are subject to similar risks and returns and exhibit similar long term financial performance.

 
The segment information provided to the Executive Directors for the reportable 
 segments is as follows: 
 
                                                                   2022                                       2021 
                                                     Central      Total                         Central      Total 
                                 Europe       APAC     costs                Europe       APAC     costs 
Group                           GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000    GBP'000 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Total revenue                 2,348,355  1,592,946         -  3,941,301  2,040,618  1,314,602         -  3,355,220 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Inter-co revenue               (93,701)          -         -   (93,701)   (53,250)          -         -   (53,250) 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Third party revenue           2,254,654  1,592,946         -  3,847,600  1,987,368  1,314,602         -  3,301,970 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Adjusted operating 
 profit/(loss) segment 
 result (see note 
 17)                             49,672     26,705   (5,233)     71,144     61,788     22,370  (10,591)     73,567 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Amortisation of 
 acquired intangibles           (8,257)          -         -    (8,257)    (2,778)          -         -    (2,778) 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Exceptional items               (9,014)          -   (2,882)   (11,896)    (6,994)          -         -    (6,994) 
============================  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Impact of IFRS 16                   915      2,120         -      3,035        291      (654)         -      (363) 
============================  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Operating profit/(loss) 
 segment result                  33,316     28,825   (8,115)     54,026     52,307     21,716  (10,591)     63,432 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Finance income                      356          -         -        356         10          -         -         10 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Finance costs                   (8,094)    (5,336)  (11,338)   (24,768)    (2,881)   (10,017)   (3,146)   (16,044) 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Income tax (expense)/credit     (3,469)    (7,505)       852   (10,122)    (7,965)    (1,761)     1,610    (8,116) 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Profit/(loss) for 
 the period                      22,109     15,984  (18,601)     19,492     41,471      9,938  (12,127)     39,282 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
 
Depreciation and 
 amortisation                    39,776     37,640       353     77,769     33,039     33,604       140     66,783 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Additions to non-current 
 assets                          46,197      9,643     1,167     57,007     29,587     27,528       662     57,777 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
 
Segment assets                  769,936    481,229    24,825  1,275,990    643,157    462,556    49,547  1,155,260 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Current income tax 
 assets                               -          -         -      5,995          -          -         -      5,212 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Deferred income 
 tax assets                           -          -         -     13,801          -          -         -      6,952 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Total assets                          -          -         -  1,295,786          -          -         -  1,167,424 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
 
Segment liabilities             386,903    466,492   121,153    974,548    346,403    419,611    89,329    855,343 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Deferred income 
 tax liabilities                      -          -         -     15,921          -          -         -      4,132 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
Total liabilities                     -          -         -    990,469          -          -         -    859,475 
----------------------------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------  --------- 
 

Sales between segments are carried out at arm's length.

The Executive Directors assess the performance of each operating segment based on its operating profit before exceptional items and amortisation of acquired intangibles and also before the impact of IFRS 16 (see note 17). Operating profit is measured in a manner consistent with that in the income statement.

The amounts provided to the Executive Directors with respect to total assets and liabilities are measured in a manner consistent with that of the financial statements. The assets are allocated based on the operations of the segment and their physical location. The liabilities are allocated based on the operations of the segment.

The Group has five principal customers (comprising groups of entities known to be under common control), Tesco, Ahold Delhaize, Coop Danmark, ICA Gruppen and Woolworths. These customers are located in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Denmark and Central Europe including Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia and APAC.

 
Analysis of revenues from external customers and non-current 
 assets are as follows: 
                                                                        Non-current assets 
                                             Revenues from external     excluding deferred 
                                                          customers             tax assets 
                                           ------------------------  --------------------- 
                                                  2022         2021        2022       2021 
Group                                          GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000    GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
Analysis by geographical area 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
United Kingdom - country of domicile         1,184,006    1,122,047     257,481    196,857 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
Netherlands                                    446,387      298,535      56,671     34,857 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
Belgium                                         26,915       25,687         883      1,327 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
Sweden                                         237,438      220,065       9,119     12,814 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
Republic of Ireland                             83,686       95,349       3,008      4,711 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
Denmark                                        131,845      116,156      16,468     16,046 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
Central Europe                                 142,905      109,529      23,717     22,297 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
APAC                                         1,594,418    1,314,602     343,530    338,136 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
                                             3,847,600    3,301,970     710,877    627,045 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
Analysis by principal customer 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
Customer 1                                   1,100,571    1,156,771 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
Customer 2                                     341,289      327,293 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
Customer 3                                     230,716      231,492 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
Customer 4                                     124,506      113,555 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
Customer 5                                   1,430,806    1,314,602 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
Other                                          619,712      158,257 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
                                             3,847,600    3,301,970 
-----------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ----------  --------- 
 
 
4 Exceptional items 
                                     Operating  Finance               Profit 
                                        profit    costs      Tax   after tax 
                                          2022     2022     2022        2022 
Group                                  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000     GBP'000 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------- 
Fire in Belgium                          9,500        -        -       9,500 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------- 
Acquisition of Foods Connected Ltd     (2,701)        -        -     (2,701) 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------- 
Acquisition related costs                1,204        -        -       1,204 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------- 
Reorganisation costs                     3,893        -    (145)       3,748 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------- 
Total exceptional costs                 11,896        -    (145)      11,751 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------- 
 
                                     Operating  Finance               Profit 
                                        profit    costs      Tax   after tax 
                                          2021     2021     2021        2021 
Group                                  GBP'000  GBP'000  GBP'000     GBP'000 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------- 
Fire in Belgium                         11,661        -  (2,901)       8,760 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------- 
Impact of acquisition of Dalco         (6,837)        -        -     (6,837) 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------- 
Acquisition costs                        2,226    1,131    (215)       3,142 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------- 
Total exceptional costs                  7,050    1,131  (3,116)       5,065 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------  -------  ---------- 
 

Fire in Belgium

In June 2021 the Group's facility in Belgium suffered an extensive fire. The Group continues to work closely with its insurers to progress related insurance claims. The results for the period to 1 January 2023 do not include potential income that may be received in respect of these claims with the insurance proceeds therefore considered to be contingent assets; at this stage in the claims process the value of the contingent asset has yet to be determined. Legal claims have been made against the Group in connection with the fire, however at this stage the Group considers the likelihood of incurring financial liabilities as a result of them is remote.

Exceptional costs totalling GBP9,500,000 have been recognised in the period relating to additional costs incurred in continuing to operate in Belgium including the ongoing insurance and legal claim.

In the prior period an exceptional impairment totalling GBP11,661,000 was recognised in respect of assets that were destroyed by the fire, alongside additional costs incurred in continuing to operate in Belgium including insurance and legal claims.

Acquisition of Foods Connected Ltd

On 7 July 2022 the Group acquired a further 15% interest in Foods Connected Ltd taking its total holding to 65% (see note 12) and the financial position and performance of the business was fully consolidated from this date. The Group's existing joint venture interest was effectively disposed of at this date with an exceptional gain of GBP2,701,000, being the difference between the carrying value and fair value of the joint venture interest, recognised.

In 2021 the Group acquired the remaining 50% interest in Dalco Food BV (see note 12) and the financial position and performance of the business was fully consolidated from this date. The Group's joint venture interest was effectively disposed of at this date with an exceptional gain of GBP6,837,000, being the difference between the carrying value and fair value of the joint venture interest, recognised.

Reorganisation Costs

During the period exceptional reorganisation costs of GBP3,893,000 have been recognised by the Group. These costs resulted from on-going efficiency and restructuring programs resulting in redundancies at a number of facilities operated by the Group. An exceptional tax credit of GBP145,000 has been recognised in respect of these costs.

Acquisition Costs

During the period the Group has recognised exceptional acquisition costs relating primarily to the acquisition of Foppen in respect legal and professional fees and other related costs of GBP1,204,000. In 2021 the business recognised GBP2,226,000 of exceptional acquisition costs in respect to legal and professional fees and GBP1,131,000 of exceptional finance costs related to the agreement of short term acquisition bridge finance.

 
5 Finance income and finance costs 
                                         2022      2021 
Group                                 GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Finance income 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Other interest income                     356        10 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Finance income                            356        10 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Finance costs 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Bank borrowings                      (12,241)   (5,132) 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Interest on lease liabilities         (8,758)   (8,536) 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Exceptional finance costs (note 4)          -   (1,131) 
===================================  ========  ======== 
Other interest expense                (3,769)   (1,245) 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Finance costs                        (24,768)  (16,044) 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Finance costs - net                  (24,412)  (16,034) 
-----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 
6 Income tax expense 
                                                       2022     2021 
Group                                               GBP'000  GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Current income tax 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Current tax on profits for the period                13,697   12,646 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Adjustments to tax in respect of previous periods       195  (2,322) 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total current tax                                    13,892   10,324 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Deferred income tax 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences   (3,753)  (3,342) 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Adjustments to tax in respect of previous periods      (17)    1,134 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total deferred tax                                  (3,770)  (2,208) 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Income tax expense                                   10,122    8,116 
--------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Deferred tax charged directly to equity during the period in respect of employee share schemes amounted to GBP1,031,409 (2021: charge GBP333,000).

Factors affecting future tax charges

The Group operates in numerous tax jurisdictions around the world and is subject to factors that may affect future tax charges including transfer pricing, tax rate changes and tax legislation changes.

The UK Government made a number of budget announcements on 3 March 2021. These include confirming that the rate of corporation tax will increase to 25% from 1 April 2023. This new law was substantively enacted on 24 May 2021. Deferred taxes at the balance sheet date have been measured using these enacted tax rates and reflected in these financial statements.

The tax on the Group's profit before income tax differs (2021: differs) from the theoretical amount that would arise using the standard rate of UK Corporation Tax of 19% (2021: 19%) applied to profits of the consolidated entities as follows:

 
                                                                 2022     2021 
                                                              GBP'000  GBP'000 
============================================================  =======  ======= 
Profit before income tax                                       29,614   47,398 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Tax calculated at the standard rate of UK Corporation Tax 
 19% (2021: 19%)                                                5,627    9,006 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Effects of: 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Expense/(income) not deductible for tax purposes                1,074     (15) 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Joint venture received net of tax                               (238)    (471) 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Adjustments to tax in respect of previous periods                 178  (1,188) 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Profits taxed at rates other than 19% (2021: 19%)               5,867    2,746 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Impact of change in tax rates                                   (398)    (633) 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Non-taxable gain on acquisition of JV                           (513)  (1,299) 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Unrelieved losses carried forward                               (444)        - 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Deferred tax recognised in reserves                           (1,031) 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Other                                                               -     (30) 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Income tax expense                                             10,122    8,116 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
 
Adjustments to tax in respect of prior periods have resulted from changes 
 in assumptions in respect of deductible expenses and the application of 
 capital allowances. 
 

7 Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.

Diluted earnings per share are calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. The Group has share options for which a calculation is done to determine the number of shares that could have been acquired at fair value (determined as the average annual market share price of the Group's shares) based on the monetary value of the subscription rights attached to outstanding share options. The number of shares calculated as above is compared with the number of shares that would have been issued assuming the exercise of the share options.

 
                                                               2022             2021 
Group                                                Basic  Diluted   Basic  Diluted 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------  -------  ------  ------- 
Profit attributable to owners of 
 the parent                              (GBP'000)  17,706   17,706  37,143   37,143 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------  -------  ------  ------- 
Weighted average number of ordinary 
 shares in issue                       (thousands)  89,234   89,234  82,456   82,456 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------  -------  ------  ------- 
Adjustment for share options           (thousands)       -      690       -    1,098 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------  -------  ------  ------- 
Adjusted weighted average number 
 of ordinary shares                    (thousands)  89,234   89,924  82,456   83,554 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------  -------  ------  ------- 
Basic and diluted earnings per 
 share                                     (pence)    19.8     19.7    45.0     44.5 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------  -------  ------  ------- 
 
 
8 Dividends 
                                                                2022     2021 
Group and Company                                            GBP'000  GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Final dividend in respect of 2021 paid 21.5p per ordinary 
 share (2020: 19.0p)                                          19,143   15,561 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Interim dividend in respect of 2022 paid 7.1p per ordinary 
 share (2021: 8.2p)                                            6,349    6,740 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Total dividends paid                                          25,492   22,301 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

The Directors propose a final dividend of 22.6p (2021: 21.5p) per share payable on 30 June 2023 to shareholders who are on the register at 2 June 2023. This dividend totalling GBP20.2m (2021: GBP19.1m) has not been recognised as a liability in these consolidated financial statements.

 
9 Property, plant and equipment 
                                        Land and 
                                       buildings 
                                      (including 
                                       leasehold   Plant and       Fixtures 
                                   improvements)   machinery   and fittings  Motor vehicles     Total 
Group                                    GBP'000     GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000   GBP'000 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Cost 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
At 4 January 2021                         97,523     443,243         20,498             172   561,436 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Exchange adjustments                     (3,248)    (19,497)        (1,136)             (8)  (23,889) 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Acquisition (note 12)                      2,315       7,843            548             123    10,829 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Additions                                 15,125      37,487          3,606              33    56,251 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Exceptional impairment (note 4)                -     (7,049)              -               -   (7,049) 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Transfer                                     430       (769)        (4,165)               3   (4,501) 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Disposals                                  (469)       (260)          (735)            (15)   (1,479) 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
At 2 January 2022                        111,676     460,998         18,616             308   591,598 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Accumulated depreciation 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
At 4 January 2021                         30,350     224,905         15,333               2   270,590 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Exchange adjustments                       (924)    (10,560)          (781)             (7)  (12,272) 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Charge for the period                      4,440      37,384          2,297              65    44,186 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Exceptional impairment (note 4)                -       (672)              -               -     (672) 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Transfer                                       -           -          (553)               -     (553) 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Disposals                                   (87)       (192)          (878)            (12)   (1,169) 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
At 2 January 2022                         33,779     250,865         15,418              48   300,110 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Net book amount 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
At 4 January 2021                         67,173     218,338          5,165             170   290,846 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
At 2 January 2022                         77,897     210,133          3,198             260   291,488 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
 
Cost 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
At 3 January 2022                        111,676     460,998         18,616             308   591,598 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Exchange adjustments                       3,313      15,110            654              25    19,102 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Acquisition (note 12)                      6,040      11,443          1,263              81    18,827 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Additions                                  6,484      44,946          3,591             119    55,140 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Transfer                                       -         496            100               -       596 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Disposals                                    (7)     (1,171)           (47)               -   (1,225) 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
At 1 January 2023                        127,506     531,822         24,177             533   684,038 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Accumulated depreciation 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
At 3 January 2022                         33,779     250,865         15,418              48   300,110 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Exchange adjustments                       1,122       7,960            406              17     9,505 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Charge for the period                      7,623      36,529          2,712             121    46,985 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Transfer                                       -         496            100               -       596 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Disposals                                    (7)       (717)           (45)               -     (769) 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
At 1 January 2023                         42,517     295,133         18,591             186   356,427 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
Net book amount 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
At 1 January 2023                         84,989     236,689          5,586             347   327,611 
--------------------------------  --------------  ----------  -------------  --------------  -------- 
 

The cost and net book amount of property plant and equipment in the course of its construction included above comprise plant and machinery GBP26,877,000 (2021: GBP13,025,000).

Additions to property, plant and equipment include capitalised interest costs of GBPNil (2021: GBP725,000).

 
10 Intangible assets 
                                                           Brand and 
                                            Computer        customer 
                                            software   relationships  Goodwill    Total 
Group                                        GBP'000         GBP'000   GBP'000  GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Cost 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
At 4 January 2021                             10,980          22,560    47,582   81,122 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Exchange adjustments                           (411)               -         -    (411) 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Acquisition (note 12)                            158          12,519    21,900   34,577 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Additions                                      1,526               -         -    1,526 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Transfer                                       4,501               -         -    4,501 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Disposals                                        (3)               -         -      (3) 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
At 2 January 2022                             16,751          35,079    69,482  121,312 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Accumulated amortisation 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
At 4 January 2021                              3,420           7,631         -   11,051 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Exchange adjustments                           (235)               -         -    (235) 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Charge for the period                          1,468           2,702         -    4,170 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Transfer                                         553               -         -      553 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Disposals                                        (2)               -         -      (2) 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
At 2 January 2022                              5,204          10,333         -   15,537 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Net book amount 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
At 4 January 2021                              7,560          14,929    47,582   70,071 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
At 2 January 2022                             11,547          24,746    69,482  105,775 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
 
Cost 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
At 3 January 2022                             16,751          35,079    69,482  121,312 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Exchange adjustments                              19               -         -       19 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Acquisition (note 12)                          2,849          37,452    21,105   61,406 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Impact of finalising fair value of prior 
 year acquisitions (note 12)                       -           9,440   (8,053)    1,387 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Additions                                      1,867               -         -    1,867 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Transfer                                       (596)               -         -    (596) 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
At 1 January 2023                             20,890          81,971    82,534  185,395 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Accumulated amortisation 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
At 3 January 2022                              5,204          10,333         -   15,537 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Charge for the period                          2,019           7,955         -    9,974 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Transfer                                       (596)               -         -    (596) 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
At 1 January 2023                              6,627          18,288         -   24,915 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
Net book amount 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
At 1 January 2023                             14,263          63,683    82,534  160,480 
-----------------------------------------  ---------  --------------  --------  ------- 
 

Amortisation charges are included within administrative expenses in the income statement.

Goodwill Impairment Testing

Goodwill includes Seachill UK Limited GBP44,000,000 (purchased 2017), SV Cuisine Limited GBP2,789,000 (purchased 2021), Dalco GBP10,168,000 (purchased in 2021), Fairfax Meadow Limited GBP3,685,000 (purchased in 2021), Dutch Seafood Company BV (Foppen) GBP17,805,000 (purchased in 2022) and Foods Connected Ltd GBP3,300,000 (controlling interest purchased in 2022). Each business is considered to be a separate cash generating units. The recoverable amount of the cash generating units was based on a value-in-use basis using a discounted cash flow model. For each cash generating unit the recoverable amounts calculated exceeded their carrying value.

The key assumptions used in the calculations are projected EBITDA, projected profit after tax, the pre-tax and post-tax discount rates and the growth rates used to extrapolate cash flows beyond the projected period. EBITDA and profit after tax are based on one-year budgets approved by the Board and longer term, three year, projections based on past experience adjusted to take account of the impact of expected changes to sales prices, volumes, business mix and margin. Cash flows are discounted at a pre-tax discount rate of 9.6%-10% (2021: 10%) with a growth rate of 2% (2021: 2%) used to extrapolate cash flows. Discount rates and growth rates are calculated with reference to external benchmarks and where relevant past experience.

Sensitivity to changes in assumptions

The calculation is most sensitive to changes in the assumptions used for projected cash flow, the pre-tax discount rate and the growth rate. Management considers that reasonably possible changes in assumptions would be an increase in discount rate of 0.5%, a reduction in growth rate of 0.5% percentage point or a 5% reduction in budgeted cash flow. The impact in running reasonable sensitivities did not result in a material impairment in any of the CGU's subject to impairment testing.

No indicators of impairment were identified in respect of other, amortised, intangible assets and therefore no impairment review has been undertaken.

Goodwill acquired in the period

Goodwill and other intangible assets totalling GBP21,105,000 has been provisionally recognised following the acquisitions of Foods Connected Ltd and final numbers for Foppen Group with each forming separate cash generating units in the period (see note 12). The individual cash generating units have been tested for impairment in the 2022 financial period.

 
11 Leases 
 
(i) Amounts recognised in the balance 
 sheet 
The balance sheet includes the following amounts 
 relating to leases: 
 
Lease: right of use assets                                 Land & 
                                                        Buildings  Equipment  Vehicles     Total 
Group                                                     GBP'000    GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Opening net book amount as at 4 January 
 2021                                                     231,420      1,106     2,609   235,135 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Exchange Adjustments                                      (9,945)      (147)     (108)  (10,200) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Additions                                                   2,739      2,418       420     5,577 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Acquisition (note 12)                                       6,066      5,139     1,289    12,494 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Remeasurements, reclassification and scope 
 changes                                                        -      (336)         -     (336) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Depreciation                                             (16,339)      (927)   (1,161)  (18,427) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Disposal of leased assets destroyed by 
 fire (note 4)                                            (2,168)       (19)      (52)   (2,239) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Closing net book amount at 2 January 2022 
 and 3 January 2023                                       211,773      7,234     2,997   222,004 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
Exchange Adjustments                                        5,946        230        80     6,256 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Additions                                                   2,462      2,272     1,101     5,835 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Acquisition (note 12)                                       3,106          -       108     3,214 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Remeasurements, reclassification and scope 
 changes                                                      120          -      (71)        49 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Depreciation                                             (17,105)    (1,945)   (1,730)  (20,780) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Closing net book amount at 1 January 2023                 206,302      7,791     2,485   216,578 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
Lease liabilities                                                                 2022      2021 
Group                                                                          GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Current                                                                         16,006    14,419 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Non-current                                                                    230,152   228,977 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
                                                                               246,158   243,396 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
Maturity analysis - contractual undiscounted cash 
 flows                                                                            2022      2021 
Group                                                                          GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Less than one year                                                              22,645    22,716 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
One to five years                                                               86,449    79,010 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
More than five years                                                           220,081   233,673 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Total lease liabilities                                                        329,175   335,399 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
(ii) Amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement 
The income statement shows the following amounts 
 related to leases: 
 
Depreciation charge on right-of-use assets                                        2022      2021 
Group                                                                          GBP'000   GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Buildings                                                                       17,105    16,339 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Plant & equipment                                                                1,945       927 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
Vehicles                                                                         1,730     1,161 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
                                                                                20,780    18,427 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
Interest expenses (included in finance costs)                                    8,758     8,536 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
Expenses relating to short-term leases 
 (included in costs of goods sold and administrative 
 expenses)                                                                         748       136 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
Expenses relating to leases of low-value 
 assets that have not been shown above as 
 short-term (included in costs of goods 
 sold and administrative expenses)                                                   -         3 
-----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 
The total cash outflow for leases in 2022 was GBP24,387,000 
 (2021: GBP17,307,000). 
 
Variable Lease Payments 
Leases with liabilities recognised of GBP9,476,000 (2021: GBP9,824,000), 
 accounting for 3.8% (2021: 4.0%) of total lease liabilities, are subject 
 to five yearly RPI linked rent reviews. These rent reviews are subject 
 to a minimum collar, the impact of which is included in the calculation 
 of lease liabilities and a maximum cap. If the impact of these variable 
 lease payments had been recognised, applying index levels as at 1 January 
 2023, lease liabilities would have increased by 2022: GBP4,536,000 (2021: 
 GBP1,895,000). 
 
In addition, leases with liabilities recognised totalling GBP5,021,000 
 (2021: GBP6,408,000), accounting for 2.0% (2021: 2.6%) of total lease liabilities, 
 are subject to annual CPI linked rent increases. If the impact of these 
 variable lease payments had been recognised, applying index levels as at 
 1 January 2023, lease liabilities would have increased by GBP1,054,000 
 (2021: GBP278,000). 
 

12 Business combinations

2022

On 16 March 2022 the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Dutch Seafood Company BV (Foppen Group BV), a leading international producer of speciality smoked salmon products.

On 7 July 2022 the Group completed the purchase of an additional 15% of Foods Connected Ltd taking its interest from 50% to 65%. Foods Connected Ltd provides Software Solutions for Supply Chain, Procurement, Food Safety, Quality and CSR.

 
                                              Dutch Seafood 
                                                    Company  Foods Connected 
                                                BV (Foppen)              Ltd 
Group                                               GBP'000          GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Property, plant and equipment                        16,792               71 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Intangibles-Technology                                    -            2,849 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Brand and customer relationship intangibles          30,488            6,964 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Lease: Right-of-use asset                             3,214                - 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Inventories                                          22,580                - 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Trade and other receivables                          13,556            1,231 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Cash and cash equivalents                                 -              230 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Trade and other payables                           (13,334)          (1,509) 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Borrowings                                         (56,938)                - 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Lease liabilities                                   (3,214)                - 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Deferred tax                                        (3,050)          (1,882) 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Derivative financial instruments                    (2,785)                - 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Goodwill                                             17,805            3,300 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Fair value of assets acquired                        25,114           11,254 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
 
Consideration 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Paid on completion                                   25,114                - 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Issue of shares                                           -            1,688 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Non-controlling interest                                  -            3,939 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
Deemed fair value of existing 50% interest                -            5,627 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
                                                     25,114           11,254 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
 

Dutch Seafood Company BV (Foppen)

The acquisition of Foppen improves the access for Hilton to the specialised smoked salmon market with a presence in the USA, Canada, Netherlands and Greece. The additional markets provide an opportunity for the Group to diversify its geographic presence whilst leveraging best practices and cost savings with the existing UK Seafood business.

Consideration for the acquisition of Foppen totalled GBP25,114,000 paid entirely in cash.

Customer relationship intangibles have been recognised and relate to the supply agreements and long-standing relationships that Foppen has with its customers. Brand intangibles have been recognised in respect of the Foppen trading name and other brands employed by the business. The fair value of these intangible assets of GBP30,488,000 has been aggregated as they are considered to be linked with their value each dependent on the other and will be amortised over their useful economic lives of 5-10 years.

The value of other assets and liabilities reflect the amounts expected to be realised or paid respectively.

Goodwill of GBP17,805,000 has been recognised and mainly relates to the strategic benefits for Hilton of diversifying its product and geographic portfolio.

In the period the Group has recognised exceptional acquisition-related costs of GBP1,204,000 in respect of legal and professional and other related activities associated with acquisition activity.

The Consolidated cash flow statement recognises a GBP82,052,000 for cash out flow within investing activities for the acquisition of subsidiary. This figure comprises GBP56,938,000 of debt repaid immediately on completion of the acquisition as a result of the requirements of change of control clauses within related bank facility agreements and the GBP25,114,000 cash consideration paid to the vendors.

The acquired business contributed revenues of GBP86,073,000 and operating profit of GBP4,300,000 to the group for the period from 16 March to 1 January 2023.

Foods Connected Ltd

Consideration for the acquisition of the 15% interest in Foods Connected Ltd totalled GBP1,688,000 comprised of 170,305 Hilton Food Group plc shares at Market Value taking the holding of Foods Connected to 65%. The acquisition of Foods Connected provides an opportunity to deliver growth through new customer agreements with retailers and manufacturers across Europe and Australia and provides HFG control over the business.

As a result of the acquisition, and to allow full consolidation of Foods Connected Ltd as a subsidiary the Group has recognised an exceptional gain of GBP2,701,000 being the difference between the carrying value of its joint venture interest at the date of acquisition and its fair value.

The fair value of the technology acquired was established following a review undertaken by qualified personnel and reflects their existing use value.

The value of Intangible assets -technology used in the company's operations have been reviewed and valued at GBP2,849,000.

The value of customer relationships have also been assessed with the support of competent professionals. Customer relationships have been assessed to have a fair value of GBP6,964,000 and a useful economic life of 22 years. The value of other assets and liabilities reflect the amounts expected to be realised or paid respectively.

Goodwill of GBP3,300,000 has provisionally been recognised in 2022. Residual goodwill relates to the strategic benefits for Hilton of diversifying its business and the know-how of Foods Connected Ltd's employees.

The value of other assets and liabilities reflect the amounts expected to be realised or paid, respectively.

The acquired business contributed revenues of GBP2,876,000 and operating profit of GBP262,000 to the group for the period from 7 July to 1 January 2023.

 
2021 
                                                                Fairfax 
                                             Dalco Food   Meadow Europe 
                                                     BV         Limited 
Group                                           GBP'000         GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
Property, plant and equipment                     6,047           6,782 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
Brand and customer relationship intangibles      10,193          11,766 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
Lease: Right-of-use asset                         5,303           7,191 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
Inventories                                       8,142           7,982 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
Trade and other receivables                       5,992          13,343 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
Trade and other payables                        (8,767)        (16,782) 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
Borrowings                                      (1,825)         (8,504) 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
Lease liabilities                               (5,303)         (7,094) 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
Deferred tax                                    (3,175)         (3,023) 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
Goodwill                                         10,168           3,685 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
Fair value of assets acquired                    26,775          15,346 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
 
Consideration 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
Paid on completion                               13,388          15,346 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
Deemed fair value of existing 50% interest       13,387               - 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
                                                 26,775          15,346 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------- 
 

During 2021 the Group completed the purchase of the remaining 50% of Dalco Food BV (Dalco) taking its interest from 50% to 100%. Dalco is a leading producer of vegetarian and vegan proteins, supplying retail and food service customers from its facilities in the Netherlands. The Group also acquired 100% of the share capital of Fairfax Meadow Europe Limited (Fairfax Meadow) a leading meat supplier to the UK foodservice sector.

Due to the timing of completion of the acquisition and the timing of other acquisition activity undertaken by the Group in 2021, the assessment of the fair values of assets and liabilities acquired was ongoing when the Group reported its 2021 annual results and were therefore provisional.

Dalco Food BV

The acquisition of the remaining 50% of Dalco allowed the Group to take full control of the business enabling it to diversify further and strengthen its protein offering in the fast-growing vegan and vegetarian market.

Consideration for the acquisition of the 50% interest in Dalco totalled GBP13,388,000 and comprised cash of GBP11,603,000, and Hilton Food Group plc shares with a market value at the date of issue of GBP1,785,000.

Updated fair values are presented above and have now been finalised.

Goodwill of GBP10,168,000 has been recognised in 2022 compared to GBP18,967,000 recognised in 2021 and relates to the strategic benefits for Hilton of diversifying its product portfolio into the vegan and vegetarian protein market. The adjustment in Goodwill has gone to recognising Customer and Brand relationship, uplifting the fair value of fixed assets and recognising a deferred tax liability.

The fair value of property, plant and equipment acquired was established following a review undertaken by qualified surveyors and reflects their existing use value uplifting their fair value by GBP1,540,000 an increase of GBP1,654,000 reported in 2021.

Customer relationship intangibles have been recognised and relate to the supply agreements and long-standing relationships that Dalco has with its customers. Brand intangibles have been recognised in respect of the Dalco trading name. The fair value of these intangible assets of GBP10,193,000 (GBPNil 2021) have been aggregated as they are considered to be linked with their value each dependent on the other and will be amortised over their useful economic lives of 5-10 years. As part of the transaction a deferred tax liability of GBP2,933,000 has been recognised.

The value of other assets and liabilities reflect the amounts expected to be realised or paid respectively.

Fairfax Meadow Europe Limited

The acquisition of Fairfax Meadow improves the access for Hilton to the out-of-home channel, providing an opportunity for the Group to diversify into the foodservice sector and contribute to the Group's sustainable growth.

Consideration for the acquisition of Fairfax Meadow totalled GBP15,346,000 paid entirely in cash. This figure included GBP8,504,000 of debt acquired as part of the acquisition of Fairfax Meadow Europe Limited that was immediately repaid as a result of the requirements of change of control clauses within related bank facility agreements.

Goodwill has arisen and mainly relates to the strategic benefits for Hilton of diversifying its product portfolio into the food service sector.

The fair value of property, plant and equipment acquired was established following a review undertaken by qualified surveyors and reflects their existing use value.

Customer relationship intangibles have been recognised and relate to the supply agreements and long-standing relationships that Fairfax Meadow has with its customers. Brand intangibles have been recognised in respect of the Fairfax Meadow trading name and other brands employed by the business. The fair value of these intangible assets of GBP11,766,000 (GBP12,519,000 recognised in FY 2021 accounts) have been aggregated as they are considered to be linked with their value each dependent on the other and will be amortised over their useful economic lives of 5-9 years. A corresponding increase in Goodwill has been recognised.

The value of other assets and liabilities reflect the amounts expected to be realised or paid respectively.

 
13 Borrowings 
                                                             2022               2021 
Group                                                     GBP'000            GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
Current 
----------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
Bank borrowings                                            28,279            224,732 
----------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
Non-current 
----------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
Bank borrowings                                           270,510                  - 
----------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
Total borrowings                                          298,789            224,732 
----------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 
Due to the frequent re-pricing dates of the Group's loans, the fair value 
 of current and non-current borrowings is approximate to their carrying 
 amount. 
The carrying amounts of the Group's borrowings are denominated in the following 
 currencies: 
                                                             2022               2021 
Currency                                                  GBP'000            GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
UK Pound                                                   79,878             65,198 
----------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
Euro                                                       88,432             18,277 
----------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
Danish Kroner                                                 837              1,118 
----------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
Polish Zloty                                                9,666              5,384 
----------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
Australian Dollar                                          93,162            106,903 
==============================================  =================  ================= 
New Zealand Dollar                                         26,814             27,852 
----------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
                                                          298,789            224,732 
----------------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 

Bank borrowings are repayable in quarterly instalments from 2022 - 2027 with interest charged at SONIA (or equivalent benchmark rates) plus 1.95% - 2.10%. Bank borrowings are subject to joint and several guarantees from each active Group undertaking.

The Group has undrawn committed loan facilities of GBP106m (2021: GBP96.8m).

The undiscounted contractual maturity profile of the Group's borrowings is described in a note to the full financial statements.

Group net debt is analysed as per note 15.

 
14 Cash generated from operations 
                                                                2022      2021 
Group                                                        GBP'000   GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Profit before income tax                                      29,614    47,398 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Finance costs - net                                           24,412    16,034 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Operating profit                                              54,026    63,432 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Adjustments for non-cash items: 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Share of post tax profits of joint venture                   (1,235)   (1,925) 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                 46,985    44,186 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Depreciation of leased assets                                 20,780    18,427 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment                        -     6,377 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Disposal of leased assets destroyed by fire                        -     2,239 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Gain on early settlement of Belgium lease liabilities              -   (2,183) 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Amortisation of intangible assets                              9,974     4,170 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Gain on acquisition of Foods Connected Ltd (2022) / Dalco 
 BV (2021)                                                   (2,701)   (6,837) 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Loss/(gain) on disposal of non-current assets                      -       195 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Adjustment in respect of employee share schemes                (655)     2,725 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Changes in working capital: 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Inventories                                                 (23,741)  (26,656) 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Trade and other receivables                                 (14,443)  (23,116) 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Trade and other payables                                       9,322    40,225 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
Cash generated from operations                                98,312   121,259 
----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
The parent company has no operating cash flows. 
 
 
15 Analysis and movement in net debt 
 
This section sets out an analysis of net debt and the movements in net 
 debt for each of the periods presented. 
 
                                                                            2022       2021 
Group                                                                    GBP'000    GBP'000 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
Cash and cash equivalents                                                 87,224    140,170 
------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
Borrowings (including overdrafts)                                      (298,789)  (224,732) 
------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
Net bank debt                                                          (211,565)   (84,562) 
====================================  ============  =========  =================  ========= 
 
Lease liabilities                                                      (246,158)  (243,396) 
------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
Net debt                                                               (457,723)  (327,958) 
------------------------------------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 
                          Cash/other    Borrowings 
                           financial    (including   Net bank 
                              assets   overdrafts)       debt  Lease liabilities   Net debt 
Net debt reconciliation      GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000            GBP'000    GBP'000 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
At 4 January 2021            123,816     (245,987)  (122,171)          (245,245)  (367,416) 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
Cash flows                    19,750        79,819     99,569              6,588    106,157 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
Lease additions                    -             -          -            (5,549)    (5,549) 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
Acquisition *                      -      (10,328)   (10,328)           (12,397)   (22,725) 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
Repaid on acquisition *                      8,504      8,504                  -      8,504 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
New borrowings*                    -      (65,237)   (65,237)                  -   (65,237) 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
Exchange adjustments         (3,396)         8,497      5,101             10,652     15,753 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
Other changes                      -             -          -              2,555      2,555 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
At 2 January 2022            140,170     (224,732)   (84,562)          (243,396)  (327,958) 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 
Cash flows                  (54,576)       228,565    173,989             15,631    189,620 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
Lease additions                    -             -          -            (5,835)    (5,835) 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
Acquisition                        -      (56,938)   (56,938)            (3,214)   (60,152) 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
Repaid on acquisition              -        56,938     56,938                  -     56,938 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
New borrowings                     -     (295,790)  (295,790)                  -  (295,790) 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
Exchange adjustments           1,630       (6,832)    (5,202)            (9,306)   (14,508) 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
Other changes                      -             -          -               (38)       (38) 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
At 3 January 2023             87,224     (298,789)  (211,565)          (246,158)  (457,723) 
------------------------  ----------  ------------  ---------  -----------------  --------- 
 
* Restated 
 

16 Related party transactions and ultimate controlling party

The Directors do not consider there to be one ultimate controlling party. The companies noted below are all deemed to be related parties by way of common Directors.

Sales and purchases made on an arm's length basis on normal credit terms to related parties during the period were as follows:

 
Group                                                                 2022       2021 
Sales                                                              GBP'000    GBP'000 
                                                                 ---------  --------- 
Sohi Meat Solutions Distribuicao de Carnes SA 
 - fee for services                                                  3,190      3,175 
---------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Sohi Meat Solutions Distribuicao de Carnes SA 
 - recharge of joint venture costs                                     409        331 
---------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Dalco BV                                                                 -        438 
---------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Agito Holdings Limited                                                 464          - 
---------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
Group                                                                 2022       2021 
Purchases                                                          GBP'000    GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------------   ---------  --------- 
Agito Holdings Limited                                                 259          - 
---------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Foods Connected Ltd                                                      -        568 
---------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
Amounts owing from related parties at the year end were as follows: 
                                                                    Owed from related 
                                                                              parties 
                                                                      2022       2021 
Group                                                              GBP'000    GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------------   ---------  --------- 
Foods Connected Ltd                                                      -          4 
---------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Agito Holdings Limited                                                 464          - 
---------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
Sohi Meat Solutions Distribuicao de Carnes SA                          374        561 
---------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
                                                                       838        565 
 --------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
Amounts owing to related parties at the period end were as follows: 
                                                                      Owed to related 
                                                                              parties 
                                                                      2022       2021 
Group                                                              GBP'000    GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------------------------   ---------  --------- 
Foods Connected Ltd                                                      -        127 
===============================================================  =========  ========= 
Agito Holdings Limited                                                 259          - 
===============================================================  =========  ========= 
Sohi Meat Solutions Distribuicao de Carnes SA                           55          9 
===============================================================  =========  ========= 
                                                                       314        136 
 --------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
Transaction by Directors 
On 5 July 2022 the Group acquired a further 10% interest in its subsidiary 
 Hilton Foods Solutions Limited from Group CEO Philip Heffer, the consideration 
 for this acquisition was GBP1,151,000 and takes the Group's interest in 
 Hilton Foods Solutions Limited to 65%. 
 
In the prior period the group settled the deferred consideration liability 
 recognised in respect of the acquisition of SV Cuisine Limited, making 
 a payment of GBP2.5m. The acquisition of SV Cuisine Limited was considered 
 to be a related party transaction as prior to acquisition Philip Heffer, 
 The Hilton Foods Group CEO, Graham Heffer and Robert Heffer, both directors 
 of the Group's subsidiary Hilton Food Solutions Limited, had each held 
 a 30% shareholding in SV Cuisine Limited. 
 
 
17 Alternative Performance Measures 
The Group's performance is assessed using a number of alternative performance 
 measures (APMs). 
 
The Group's alternative profitability measures are presented before exceptional 
 items, amortisation of certain intangible assets and depreciation of fair 
 value adjustments made to property plant and equipment acquired through 
 business combinations and the impact of IFRS 16 - Leases. 
 
The measures are presented on this basis, as management uses these measures 
 to assess business performance internally and therefore believe they provide 
 useful additional information about the Group's performance and aids a more 
 effective comparison of the Group's underlying trading performance from 
 one period to the next. 
 
Adjusted profitability measures are reconciled to unadjusted IFRS results 
 on the face of the income statement below. 
                                                                                                  Add back: 
                                                                                                    Amort & 
                                              Add back:    Less: IAS                                depn of 
                                                IFRS 16     17 Lease    Reported                acquisition 
                                           Depreciation   accounting   excluding  Exceptional    fair value 
                                Reported   and interest        costs     IFRS 16        items   adjustments  Adjusted 
52 weeks ended 1 January         GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000   GBP'000 
 2023 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
 
Operating profit - 
 excluding exceptional 
 items                            65,922         20,780     (23,815)      62,887            -         8,257    71,144 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Exceptional items               (11,896)              -            -    (11,896)       11,896             -         - 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Operating profit                  54,026         20,780     (23,815)      50,991       11,896         8,257    71,144 
==============================  ========  =============  ===========  ==========  ===========  ============  ======== 
Net finance costs               (24,412)          8,758            -    (15,654)            -             -  (15,654) 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Profit before income 
 tax                              29,614         29,538     (23,815)      35,337       11,896         8,257    55,490 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
 
Profit for the period             19,492         28,215     (23,815)      23,892       11,751         6,370    42,013 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Less non-controlling 
 interest                        (1,786)            (3)            -     (1,789)            -             -   (1,789) 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Profit attributable 
 to members of the parent         17,706         28,212     (23,815)      22,103       11,751         6,370    40,224 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
 
Depreciation and amortisation     77,769       (20,780)            -      56,989            -       (8,257)    48,732 
==============================  ========  =============  ===========  ==========  ===========  ============  ======== 
EBITDA                           131,795              -     (23,815)     107,980       11,896             -   119,876 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
 
Earnings per share                 pence                                   pence                                pence 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Basic                               19.8                                    24.8                                 45.1 
==============================  ========  =============  ===========  ==========  ===========  ============  ======== 
Diluted                             19.7                                    24.6                                 44.7 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
 
                                                                                                  Add back: 
                                                                                                    Amort & 
                                              Add back:    Less: IAS                                depn of 
                                                IFRS 16     17 Lease    Reported                acquisition 
                                           Depreciation   accounting   excluding  Exceptional    fair value 
                                Reported   and interest        costs     IFRS 16        items   adjustments  Adjusted 
52 weeks ended 3 January         GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000   GBP'000 
 2022 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
 
Operating profit - 
 excluding exceptional 
 items                            70,482         18,214     (17,907)      70,789            -         2,778    73,567 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Exceptional items                (7,050)             56            -     (6,994)        6,994             -         - 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Operating profit                  63,432         18,270     (17,907)      63,795        6,994         2,778    73,567 
==============================  ========  =============  ===========  ==========  ===========  ============  ======== 
Net finance costs               (16,034)          8,498            -     (7,536)        1,131             -   (6,405) 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Profit before income 
 tax                              47,398         26,768     (17,907)      56,259        8,125         2,778    67,162 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
 
Profit for the period             39,282         24,037     (17,907)      45,412        5,009         2,250    52,671 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Less non-controlling 
 interest                        (2,139)            (7)            -     (2,146)            -             -   (2,146) 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Profit attributable 
 to members of the parent         37,143         24,030     (17,907)      43,266        5,009         2,250    50,525 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
 
Depreciation and amortisation     75,596       (20,489)            -      55,107      (6,377)       (2,778)    45,952 
==============================  ========  =============  ===========  ==========  ===========  ============  ======== 
EBITDA                           139,028        (2,219)     (17,907)     118,902          617             -   119,519 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
 
Earnings per share                 pence                                   pence                                pence 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Basic                               45.0                                    52.5                                 61.3 
==============================  ========  =============  ===========  ==========  ===========  ============  ======== 
Diluted                             44.5                                    51.8                                 60.5 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
 
The depreciation and amortisation figure includes GBPnil (2020: GBP1,197,000) 
 amortisation of contract assets charged to revenue and adds back a loss 
 on disposal of GBP195,000 (2020: gain GBP40,000). 
 
Segmental operating profit reconciles to adjusted segmental operating profit 
 as follows: 
                                                                                                  Add back: 
                                                                                                    Amort & 
                                              Add back:    Less: IAS                                depn of 
                                                IFRS 16     17 Lease    Reported                acquisition 
                                           Depreciation   accounting   excluding  Exceptional    fair value 
                                Reported   and interest        costs     IFRS 16        items   adjustments  Adjusted 
52 weeks ended 1 January         GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000   GBP'000 
 2023 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
 
Europe                            33,316          8,669      (9,584)      32,401        9,014         8,257    49,672 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
APAC                              28,825         12,111     (14,231)      26,705            -             -    26,705 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Central costs                    (8,115)              -            -     (8,115)        2,882             -   (5,233) 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Total                             54,026         20,780     (23,815)      50,991       11,896         8,257    71,144 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
 
                                                                                                  Add back: 
                                                                                                    Amort & 
                                              Add back:    Less: IAS                                depn of 
                                                IFRS 16     17 Lease    Reported                acquisition 
                                           Depreciation   accounting   excluding  Exceptional    fair value 
                                Reported   and interest        costs     IFRS 16        items   adjustments  Adjusted 
52 weeks ended 2 January         GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000   GBP'000 
 2022 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
 
Europe                            52,307          6,393      (6,684)      52,016        6,994         2,778    61,788 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
APAC                              21,716         11,877     (11,223)      22,370            -             -    22,370 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Central costs                   (10,591)              -            -    (10,591)            -             -  (10,591) 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
Total                             63,432         18,270     (17,907)      63,795        6,994         2,778    73,567 
------------------------------  --------  -------------  -----------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------- 
 
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END

FR UPUUACUPWGQC

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 05, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

Hilton Food (AQSE:HFG.GB)
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