Chairman's Address to AGM
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
[SLIDE 1 – Chairman’s Address]
Retail Food Group Limited
2024 Annual General Meeting
Chairman’s Address
28 November 2024
[SLIDE 2 – We’re Heading in a New Direction]
FY24 represented a period of exciting change and robust financial performance for Retail Food
Group.
Matt Marshall took the reins as CEO in July last year, tasked with driving value creation for our
stakeholders and realising the multiple growth opportunities available to us.
In this capacity, Matt has guided the introduction of a new customer-led growth strategy and
commitment to further simplifying our business while strengthening our core brands, all while
staying true to the franchisee-first philosophy that has guided our journey to date.
As a result of these things, during FY24:
•
We evolved our approach to reporting, with a focus on two segments, our Café, Coffee
and Bakery segment and Quick Service Restaurants segment;
•
We supplemented our organic growth through the inorganic acquisition of Beefy’s Pies;
and
•
The key metrics by which we measure performance demonstrated improved network
health and a return to growth for the Company.
During the year we resolved the Michel’s Patisserie class action, without RFG making any
admission or payment to the applicant, class members or towards the applicant’s or litigation
funder’s costs. This important milestone, recently approved by Court, successfully brought an end
to legacy matters that have represented a considerable distraction.
Briefly said, during FY24 we established the building blocks and ‘clean air’ necessary for longterm sustainable success, we are delivering on our new strategy, and ultimately, are now heading
in a new, positive direction.
[SLIDE 3 – Board of Directors]
Those building blocks include a strong and experienced Board.
During FY24 we appointed Jacinta Caithness as a Director, introducing significant domestic and
international franchising experience that complements our existing capabilities, ensuring the
Board is appropriately structured and resourced to support RFG’s ongoing governance
requirements and strategic oversight well into the future.
The Board is focused on driving sustainable long-term growth, aided by the efficient and impactful
allocation of capital. Our balance sheet supports investment both organically and inorganically in
the period ahead.
[SLIDE 4 – New Management Team]
Our building blocks also include assembly of a highly capable management team with broad
experience across multiple industries and disciplines. Reflecting the right mix of ‘RFG’ tenure and
fresh perspectives, our management team brings a renewed enthusiasm for RFG’s growth plans,
coupled with a focus on delivering sustainable success.
This has been demonstrated by the results achieved since our last AGM, which are not limited to
the organic development of our existing business. The FY24 acquisition of Beefy’s Pies, together
with the recently announced acquisition of CIBO Espresso will bolster our network and provide
new vertical integration capabilities for pies and bakery products, together with access to an
impressive 22-outlet retail footprint in South Australia.
The Company is in capable hands, and given the evolution of our organisational capability, the
time was right in July this year for me to return to a more traditional non-executive Chairman role.
[SLIDE 5 – Key Numbers from a Successful Year]
The focus and drive I have referred to translated into strong FY24 results:
•
We grew our domestic network by a net 42 outlets, with 33 new physical locations
complementing the rapid rollout of Rack ‘em Bones BBQ Ribs across the Crust network.
A further 131 franchise renewals were also achieved during the period;
•
We grew domestic network sales to $504m, underpinned by a 3.0% increase in CCB
segment network sales, where c.90% of our gross profit is generated;
•
Our underlying revenue improved 12.9% on FY23, growing to $114.9m;
•
We delivered underlying EBITDA of $29.2m, up 15% on the prior corresponding period
and within our guidance range;
•
We improved our underlying operating cash inflows, which were up 95% on FY23 to
$22.5m; and
•
We returned to profit, posting a $5.8m statutory NPAT which was a 164.7% increase on
the prior year’s loss.
In summary, RFG delivered a high-quality performance over the 2024 financial year, with strong
revenue and profit growth. That these results were achieved within a challenging macro
environment, further demonstrated the resilience and calibre of our people, culture, franchise
partners and brands.
[SLIDE 6 – A New Corporate Identity]
Moving forward, the Board and management team are excited by the evolution that places the
customer at the core of our purpose. This represents the start of a new chapter, designed to
create an environment for success for all of our stakeholders.
Symbolic of that evolution, and consistent with feedback we’ve received from many shareholders
on the register, we have proposed a new name for the Company, Savora Brands Limited, for
consideration by shareholders today.
Our evolution is, however, about more than a change of name.
Our values and our culture are not dictated by the name of the Company, but by the way in which
it is led and operated.
Regardless of the outcome of today’s meeting, we as a Board and management team will reshape
our focus on our customers and franchise partners to continue the strong performance of the
business following a successful turnaround. Name-change or not, we remain committed to our
forward-looking vision and dedication to building on our strong retail brand heritage while pursuing
growth and innovation.
[SLIDE 7 – Our Growth Strategy]
In terms of that vision and our commitment to becoming a customer-led organisation, we have
reshaped our strategy house to better define our focus.
At the core of our purpose, we strive for a positive customer experience in everything we do and
have a bold vision to become the most accessible, easy to operate and sought after retail brand
network.
These things come to life through building brand relevance, delivering elevated customer
experiences, and driving insight-led innovation.
Our strategic growth drivers include building a healthy network, investing in accelerated tech
solutions, focusing on growth initiatives and fostering a high performing team.
By aligning our purpose, vision and mission with these strategic drivers, we are well-positioned
to meet the evolving needs of our customers while driving sustainable growth.
[SLIDE 8 – Investment Pillars]
We will also continue to assess investment options having regard to a clearly defined criteria
designed to facilitate achievement of our long-term goals.
As I mentioned earlier, our balance sheet and liquidity support investments both organically and
inorganically over the period ahead, and we will continue to invest in brands or new opportunities
that provide competitive advantage.
Whether assessing organic or inorganic opportunities, we are clear in the criteria which define
our success which are predicated on a customer opportunity, the ability to reach meaningful scale
whilst being simple to operate, requiring minimal capital compared to other retail systems and will
leverage existing group capabilities.
[SLIDE 9 – We own and operate household brands]
Ongoing focus on our core brands is also central to delivering on our growth agenda.
We own and operate a portfolio of household brands that have demonstrated resilience and
robust performance even in the most challenging of times.
By concentrating our efforts on these core brands, we provide opportunity to maximise their
potential and drive sustainable growth. This approach also allows us to leverage our strengths,
maintain a higher level of customer satisfaction, and continue to build a robust and profitable
network.
[SLIDE 10 – The Future]
Before passing to Matt who will provide further insight into FY25YTD performance and plans, it is
appropriate that I briefly pause and reflect.
Almost six years ago to the day, I stood before you at my first RFG AGM.
At that time the future looked bleak.
We faced a variety of existential threats. Not long afterwards, the COVID pandemic introduced
a series of further, unexpected challenges.
We have not only overcome these challenges but established a firm platform for the future.
In FY24 we delivered a strong financial result, successfully navigating a tough retail environment
with resilient core brands and clear value propositions for our customers.
We have complemented the performance of our core business with inorganic investments that
provide new avenues for retail sales and outlet growth, vertical integration capability for pies and
bakery products, and in the case of CIBO Espresso, an impressive 22-outlet retail footprint that
will fortify our network within South Australia.
We maintain a focus on growth and an ambition to become a more consumer-led business and
approach the future with growing confidence in our strategy to deliver long-term stakeholder
rewards.
In closing, on behalf of the Board I would like to express admiration and gratitude to our people,
franchise partners, customers and suppliers who have been key to our performance and
progress. I would also like to thank you, our shareholders, for your ongoing support and
confidence in RFG’s potential.
Ends
2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING | NOVEMBER 2024
Chairman’s Address
Peter George
Non-Executive Chairman
Retail Food Group Limited
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2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING | NOVEMBER 2024
We’re heading in a new direction
All legacy issues resolved
Delivering on New Strategy
Network Health Improved
Group Back In Growth
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2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING | NOVEMBER 2024
Board of Directors
Peter George
Non-Executive
Chairman
Kerry Ryan
Independent
Non-Executive Director
David Grant
Independent
Non-Executive Director
Jacinta Caithness
Independent
Non-Executive Director
Michael (Mick) Bulley
Non-Executive
Director
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2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING | NOVEMBER 2024
New Management Team
Khloe Caneris
Matt Marshall
Rob Shore
Mark Connors
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Corporate Services
Officer / Company Secretary
Head of People & Culture
Adam Bailey
Jason Lyons
Tanya Watt
Julie Woodall
Chief Information Officer
General Manager
Operations – Beefy’s
Chief Marketing Officer
Network Development
Manager
Ryan Chellingworth
Deputy Chief Financial
Officer
Tom Elliot
Head of Company Store
Operations
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2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING | NOVEMBER 2024
Key numbers from a successful year
741
OUTLETS - DOMESTIC NET OUTLET GROWTH OF +42
(PCP: DOWN 17)
$504m
DOMESTIC NETWORK SALES
UP 0.3% ON PCP DRIVEN BY CCB SEGMENT UP 3.0%
$114.9m
UNDERLYING REVENUE1 WITHIN GUIDANCE RANGE
UP 12.9% ON PCP
(1)
(2)
$29.2m
UNDERLYING EBITDA2 WITHIN GUIDANCE RANGE
UP 15.0% ON PCP
$22.5m
UNDERLYING OPERATING CASH INFLOWS
UP 95% ON PCP
$5.8m
STATUTORY NPAT
UP FROM ($8.9m) loss in FY23
Underlying Revenue is a non-IFRS measure not subject to audit. Underlying Revenue excludes restricted domestic marketing fund revenues and USA operations
Underlying EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure not subject to audit. Underlying EBITDA excludes non-recurring, non-core costs of legacy legal matters, acquisition costs, restructuring and non-cash impairments and is inclusive of AASB15 and AASB16
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2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING | NOVEMBER 2024
A new corporate identity
Responding to shareholder feedback we are recommending a new name(1), identity, and branding to create a
purposeful and memorable engagement for employees
1. Subject to approval by shareholders via a resolution at the 2024 AGM
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2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING | NOVEMBER 2024
Our Growth Strategy
PURPOSE
VISION
MISSION
We strive for a
positive customer
experience in
everything we do
OUR
STRATEGIC
GROWTH
DRIVERS
To be the most
accessible, easy
to operate and
sought after retail
brand network
To build a positive,
supportive
community where
our people and
franchise partners
are empowered
and thrive
OUR VALUES
ESG
COMMITMENT
& PILLARS
GREAT
CUSTOMER
EXPERIENCES
A HEALTHY
NETWORK
ACCELERATED
TECH
SOLUTIONS
GROWTH
FOCUSED
HIGH
PERFORMING
TEAM
We strive for a
positive customer
experience in
everything we do
by building brand
relevance,
delivering
elevated
experiences and
driving insight led
innovation.
The health of our
Franchise Partner
network is a
fundamental
driver of
success underpin
ned by the
strength of the
unit economics in
each brand.
Investment in
technology to
unlock omni
channel opportu
nities, enhance
the customer
experience and
access new
revenue streams.
Focus on
attracting the
right partners
with accessible,
easy to operate
brands that are
capital light and
have the
potential for
network scale.
A highly capable
and supportive
community
where our
people and
franchise
partners are
empowered and
thrive.
Act with
Integrity
Stand Taller
Together
Make it
Easier
Make it
Happen
Own it
Inspiring towards a healthy and prosperous planet and people
Brand Strength
Environmental
Protection
Responsible
Sourcing
Excellence in
well-being
Healthier
customers &
communities
Ensuring a
prosperous
RFG
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2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING | NOVEMBER 2024
Investment Pillars
We will continue to invest in brands or new opportunities where we have a sustainable
competitive advantage
01
02
03
04
05
CUSTOMER
OPPORTUNITY
> 200 OUTLETS
SUCCESS.
MADE.
SIMPLE.
LOW CAPITAL
INVESTMENT
VERTICALLY
INTEGRATED
Low capital
investment per
outlet keeps our
brands accessible
Focus on vertical
integration to
leverage existing
Group resources,
manage COGS and
drive innovation
A new opportunity
must have a defined
market opportunity
Our core brands
must be capable of
growth to more
than 200 outlets
A new opportunity
must be simple for a
franchisee to
operate
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2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING | NOVEMBER 2024
We own and operate household brands
206 15.6m
138 10.7m
TRADING
OUTLETS
TRADING
OUTLETS
1.
CUSTOMER
COUNT
CUSTOMER
COUNT
79 8.0m
TRADING
OUTLETS
CUSTOMER
COUNT
12
1.1m
135 2.7m
TRADING
OUTLETS
CUSTOMER
COUNT
TRADING
OUTLETS
All figures based on based on weeks 1 – 17 of FY25 for domestic outlets unless otherwise noted, customer count is an annualized estimate based on 17 weeks trading.
CUSTOMER
COUNT
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2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING | NOVEMBER 2024
The Future
Retail Food Group has delivered
a strong financial result in FY24,
successfully navigating a tough
retail environment with resilient
core brands and clear value
propositions for our customers.
0
0
With a focus on growth and an
ambition to become a more
consumer-led business, we
approach the future with
growing confidence in our
strategy to deliver long-term
stakeholder rewards.
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