Your directors are pleased to present the 16th Annual Report on the affairs of the Company together with the AuditedFinancialStatements of Gopal Snacks Limited (“Gopal Snacks”, “Gopal”or “Company”) for the financial year ended on March 31,2025.
1. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE:
The financial performance of the Company for the Financial Year 2024-25 and 2023-24 are summarized below:
Amt (? in Millions)
Particulars
FinancialYear 2024-25
FinancialYear 2023-24
Revenue from Operations
14,680.15
14024.97
Other Income
55.90
44.11
Total Income
14,736.05
14069.08
Total Expenditure excluding Finance Cost, Depreciation, Taxation andExtraordinary Items
13,628.14
12340.94
Profit before Finance Cost, Depreciation, Taxation and Extraordinary Items
1,107.97
1728.14
Depreciation & Amortisation
331.95
357.52
Profit before Exceptional Items, Interest and Tax
775.96
1370.62
Finance Costs
33.74
52.66
Profit before Exceptional items & Tax
742.22
1317.96
Add (Less): Exceptional Items
471.85
0
Profit before Tax
270.37
Tax Expense
Current Tax
117.59
324.68
Deferred Tax (Excess)/Short provision for tax pertaining to prior years
(37.20)
(2.40)
Provision for Tax
80.39
322.28
Net Profit/(Loss) After Tax
189.98
955.68
Other Comprehensive Income (OCI)
5.27
(1.80)
Net Profit/(Loss) After Tax and Other Comprehensive Income
195.25
993.88
Earnings per Share (Basic)
1.52
7.99
Earnings per Share (Diluted)
2. BUSINESS PERFORMANCE & STATE OF COMPANY AFFAIRS:Financial Overview
During the financial year ended 31stMarch 2025, your Companyreported revenue from operations of ?14,680.15 million, marking anincrease over the previous year's revenue of ?14,024.97 million. TheCompany has reported total income of ?14736.05/-million, whichincomparison to the previous year's figures has increased byapproximately 4.74%.The Net Profit after tax for the financial year2024-25 stands at ?189.98 million, reflecting a decrease of approxi¬mately 80.92% compared to ?995.68 million in the previous year.
During the year under review, the Company faced an unforeseensetback due to a fire incident at one of its key manufacturing andoperational units, which resulted in temporary disruption ofproduction activities, damage to infrastructure.This incidentimpacted the Company's operational performance for the financialyear. However, despite these challenges, the Company demonstrat¬ed resilience and agility, achieving growth in revenue - a testamentto its strong market presence, customer trust, and effectivebusiness continuity measures.
Your Company acted promptly to mitigate the effects of thedisruption, initiated insurance claims for the losses incurred, andhas since undertaken comprehensive restoration measures. Themanagement remains committed to rebuilding stronger andaccelerating the recovery process. With proactive efforts in place,including infrastructure upgrades and enhanced risk managementsystems, the Company is confident of restoring normalcy inoperations and improving performance in the forthcoming quarters.
Own Brands Performance
During the year under review, the Company continued to strengthenits position in the domestic market by enhancing its product portfoliounder its flagship and emerging brands. Our focused efforts oninnovation, consumer preference analysis, and regional tasteprofiling led to the successful launch of several new products thatwere well received across markets. Under the flagship brand“Gopal” the Company introduced Kolapuri Bhadang and Sabudana-Chivdain June 2024, further diversifying its ethnic namkeenofferings. The Company also ventured into the Snack Pelletssegment with the launch of Pizza Pasta Fryums in October 2024 andexpanded its Wafers category with the introduction of BananaWafersin November 2024, both under the Gopal brand.
In line with its strategy to appeal to younger demographics andexperiment with international flavors, the Company launchedKorean BBQ Wafers under the youth-centric brand “Cristos" in June2024. Additionally, in July 2024, the Company launched Soya Sticksunder the Gopal brand, tapping into the growing demand forprotein-based snacking options.
As at the end of financial year 2024-25, the Company offers a diverseproduct range comprising 95 distinct products and 346 StockKeeping Units. These launches reflect the Company's commitmentto innovation, quality, and consumer satisfaction. The new productshave contributed positively to brand recall and sales performance,and early indicators suggest promising growth traction across bothurban and semi-urban markets. In furtherance, it makes “GopalSnacks Limited"- the largest manufacturer of Gathiya& SnackPellets in India & largest manufacturer of ethnic namkeen in thestate of Gujarat, India.
The Company has a total of four manufacturing facilities whichinclude the newly commissioned (Nagadka) Gondal facility andthree ancillary units across the country.TheCompany continues toinvest in strengthening its distribution, visibility, and in-storeengagement to support the growth of its owned brands portfolio.
Market Reach and Penetration
During the year under review, Gopal Snacks continued tostrengthen its market presence through a well-integratedmarketing and distribution strategy. The Company has expandedits distributor network significantly, enhancing last-mileconnectivity and deepening penetration in both urban andsemi-urban markets. As of the reporting period, Gopal Snacksenjoys a robust footprint across 11 states in India, supported bya growing network of channel partners and an agile supply chain.In addition to expanding domestic reach, the Company alsocontinued to cater to international markets through its exportoperations, reflecting the global acceptance of its productportfolio. Complementing its distribution expansion, the Companyhas also leveraged its proprietary retail outlets to ensure directengagement with end consumers and to build brand loyalty.
Gopal Snacks further amplified its market visibility throughstrategic advertising campaigns across digital and traditionalmedia platforms, targeting diverse demographic segments. TheCompany actively participated in various national and regionaltrade fairs and exhibitions during the year, which served aseffective platforms to showcase new launches, gather marketinsights, and engage with stakeholders. These initiativescollectively contributed to strengthening brand recall, increasingconsumer engagement, and driving sustained growth in salesvolumes across key markets.
During the financial year 2024-25, the Company has nottransferred any amount to General Reservesand the Board ofDirectors has decided to retain the entire profit of ?189.98/-million in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
The Company does not have any Subsidiary, Joint Venture orAssociate Company as on March 31,2025,and thereforeprovisions of Section 129 with respect to Subsidiary, JointVenture or Associate Company of the Companies Act, 2013 arenot applicable to the Company.
After considering the Company's profitability, cash flow, overallfinancial performance and cash flow requirements for futureexpansion, your Board of Directors has paid an interim dividendof ?1.00 per equity share of face value of ?1 each (i.e. 100%)during the year.The total dividend paid for the financial year2024-25,amounts to ?1.00 per equity share of face value of?1/-each.
Further, pursuant to Regulation 43A of the Listing Regulations,the dividend declared by the Company is in accordance with theCompany's dividend distribution policy and there were nochanges in the parameters of the dividend distribution policy ofthe Company. The Company's Dividend Distribution Policy isavailable on the Company's Website at https://www.gopalnam-keen.com/corporate-governance-policies.
Further, the Board of Directors do not recommend payment ofany further dividend for the financial year ended March 31,2025,and accordingly interim dividend paid during the financial year2024-25 is treated as full and final dividend for the financial year2024-25.
During the financial year under review, your Company hasaltered its Articles of Association. The Board of Directors, in theirmeeting held on August 30, 2024, and shareholders on Septem¬ber 28, 2024, respectively, approved the Alteration of Articles ofAssociation by altering the Existing Clause and Addition of a NewClause on Waiver of Dividend.
Authorised Share Capital
As on March 31,2025, the Authorised Share Capital of theCompany is ^15,00,00,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Crore) divided into15,00,00,000(Fifteen Crore) Equity Shares of ?1/-(RupeeOne)each. During Financial Year 24-25, there have been nochanges in Authorised Share Capital of the Company.
Issued, Subscribed and Paid-Up Capital
As on March 31,2025, theIssued, Subscribed and Paid-Up Capital ofthe Company is ?12,46,22,344/- (Rupees Twelve Crore Forty-SixLakh Twenty-Two Thousand Three Hundred and Forty-Four) dividedinto 12,46,22,344 (Twelve Crore Forty-Six Lakh Twenty-TwoThousand Three Hundred and Forty-Four) Equity Shares of facevalue of ?1/- (Rupee One) each. During FY24-25, the Paid-Up ShareCapital of the Company has increased from ?12,46,04,370/-(RupeesTwelve Crore Forty-Six Lakh Four Thousand Three Hundred andSeventy) to ?12,46,22,344/-(Rupees Twelve Crore Forty-Six LakhTwenty-Two Thousand Three Hundred and Forty-Four) pursuant toissue of 17,974 (Seventeen Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy-Four)shares of face value ?1/- each to the employees of the Company onexercise of employee stock options under Gopal Snacks Limited-Employee Stock Option Scheme-2023.
As on March 31,2025 - 12,46,22,344 (Twelve Crore Forty-Six LakhsTwenty-Two Thousand Three Hundred and Forty-Four) equityshares of the Company i.e. 100% of the total equity shares were heldin dematerialized form.
The International Securities Identification Number ('ISIN') allotted tothe Company's shares under the Depository System isINE0L9R01028. Gopal Snacks (the Company) has entered intoagreement with both the Depositories i.e., National SecuritiesDepository Limited and Central Depository Services (India) Limited.The equity shares of the Company are frequently traded at BSELimited and National Stock Exchange of India Ltd.
The detailed information is covered in the Corporate GovernanceReport forming part of this Annual Report.
(A) MATERIAL CHANGES BETWEEN THE DATE OF THE
BOARD REPORT AND END OF FINANCIAL YEAR
Other than stated elsewhere in this report, there have been nomaterial changes and commitments, if any, affecting the financialposition of the Company which have occurred between the end ofthe financial year 2024-25 to which the financial statements of theCompany relate and the date of this report
19. MATTERS RELATED TO DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL:
A. CONSTITUTION OF BOARD:
The constitution of Board of Directors of the Company is in accordance with section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 17 of theListing Regulations. The Board comprises of eight directors with abalanced composition of executive, non-executiveand one independentwoman director, ensuringstrong corporate governance and safeguardingstakeholder interests. Their collective expertise andintegrity drivestrategic decision-making and enhanceslong-term value creation. The Board of Directors met7 (seven) times during the Financial Year 24-25.Furtherdetails of composition of board of directors includingremuneration, number of meetings and attendancethereof, forms part of thereport on corporate governancewhich is appended as "Annexure A" to this Director'sReport.In the opinion of the Board, all IndependentDirectors arepersons of integrity and fulfil the requisite conditionsas per applicable laws and are independent of themanagement of theCompany.
The Board comprises of the following Directors and Key Managerial Personnel at the end of the Financial Year 2024-2025 :
Sr. no.
Name of Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
Designation
1.
Bipinbhai Vithalbhai Hadvani
Chairperson & Managing Director
2.
Dakshaben Bipinbhai Hadvani
Executive Director
3.
Raj Bipinbhai Hadvani
Whole time director and Chief Executive Officer
4.
Harsh Sureshkumar Shah
Non-Executive - Non-Independent Director
5.
Rajnikant Chimanlal Diwan
Non-Executive - Independent Director
6.
Natwarlal Meghjibhai Patel
7.
Babubhai Harjibhai Ghodasara
8.
Vijayalakshmi Shalil Suvarna
9.
Rigan Hasmukhrai Raithatha
Chief Financial Officer
10.
Mayur Popatbhai Gangani
Head- Legal& Compliance cum Company Secretary
(B) MATERIAL EVENTS DURING THE YEAR UNDERREVIEW
On December 11,2024, a fire incident occurred at the Company'sproduction unit in Rajkot, Gujarat, causing damage to a section ofthe facility and part of the inventory and equipment. Importantly,there were no casualties, and the situation was promptly broughtunder control with the support of the local authorities. The Companimmediately activated its contingency and risk managementprotocols, ensuring continuity of supply through alternate facilitiesand minimizing disruption to customer commitments. Insuranceclaims were filed without delay andproceedforpartial reimburse¬ments. Comprehensive preventive measures and safety upgradeshave been implemented to avoid recurrence. The managementremains confident that the long-term business outlook remainsstrong, and the Company is well-positioned to sustain its growthtrajectory.
(C) SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BYTHE REGULATORS OR COURTS OR TRIBUNALS IMPACTINGTHE GOING CONCERN STATUS ANDCOMPANY'S OPERATIONSIN FUTURE
During Financial Year 24-25, no significant and material ordershave been passed by the concerned Regulators or Courts orTribunals impacting the going concern status and Company'soperations in future.
10. CHANGE IN THE NATURE OF BUSINESS, IF ANY:
There has been no change in the nature of business carried on bythe Company during the financial year 2024-25.
11. TRANSFER OF UNCLAIMED DIVIDEND TO INVESTOREDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND:
The provisions of section 125(2) of the Companies Act, 2013 are notapplicable to the Company as there isno unpaid or unclaimeddividend outstanding during the year under review.
12. DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF RISKMANAGEMENT POLICY OF THE COMPANY
At Gopal Snacks, we recognize that effective riskmanagement isessential to achieving our strategicobjectives and ensuringlong-term sustainability. Ourfocus is to identify and embedmitigation actions formaterial risks that could impact on ourcurrent or futureperformance, and/or our reputation. Ourapproachis holistic and integrated, bringing together riskmanage-ment, internal controls, and business integrity,ensuring that ouractivities across this agenda focus onthe risks that could have thegreatest impact.The nature of business is such that it is subjecttocertain risks at different points of time. Some of these includeescalation in the cost of raw materials and other inputs, increasingcompetitive intensity from otherplayers, changes in regulationfrom central and stategovernments, cyber security, datamanagement andmigration risks, data privacy risk, environmentalandclimate risk. Gopal Snacks has always had a proactiveap-proach when it comes to risk management whereit periodicallyreviews the risks and strives to developappropriate risk mitigationmeasures for the same.To enhance this focus, the Board ofDirectors hasconstituted a Committee of the Board called theRiskManagement Committee to frame, implement andmonitorrisk management plan.
The Company has in place a mechanism to identify, assess,monitor and mitigate various risks to key business objectives.Major risks identified by the businesses and functions aresystematically addressed and discussed at the meetings of theRisk ManagementCommittee and the Board of Directors of theCompany. Safety at work is being always followed.
Details of the Risk Management Policy are available at website ofthe Company at https://www.gopalnamkeen.com/corporate-gov-ernance-policies
13. DETAILS OF THE ADEQUACY OF INTERNALFINANCIAL CONTROLS:
The Board of Directors and management of theCompany areresponsible for establishing andmaintaining adequate internalfinancial controlsto ensure the reliability and integrity offinancialreporting. These controls have been designedinaccordance with the applicable regulatory frameworktoprovide reasonable assurance regarding theaccuracy offinancial statements and compliance withstatutory obligations.
The management team has assessed the effectivenessof theCompany's internal control over financialreporting as of March31,2025 and believe that thesesystems provide reasonableassurance that our internalfinancial controls are designedeffectively and areoperating as intended.
The Company has established a robust system ofinternalcontrols commensurate with the size andoperations to ensurethat assets are safeguarded, andtransactions are appropriatelyauthorised, recordedand reported. The controls have beendocumented,digitized, and embedded in the business process.
• Segregation of Duties: Clearly defined rolesand responsi¬bilities to prevent unauthorizedtransactions.
• Authorization and Approval Processes: Stringentapprovalmechanisms for financial transactionsand capital expendi¬tures
• Periodic Monitoring and Audits: Regular internalaudits andmanagement reviews to assess theeffectiveness ofcontrols.
• IT and System Controls: Implementation ofadvancedfinancial reporting systems andcybersecurity measures tosafeguard financialdata.
Assurance on the effectiveness is obtained throughman-agement reviews, controls self-assessmentand periodicreporting of the in-house team thatevaluates and providesassurance of its adequacyand effectiveness. The controlsare also tested by theinternal and statutory auditors duringtheir audits.The Statutory Auditors of the Company haveauditedthe financial statements included in this AnnualRe-port and issued their report on internal financialcontrolssystem with reference to financial statements (asrequiredunder section 143 ofthe Companies Act, 2013).
14. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE:
The Company is committed to following the best CorporateGovernance practices, including the requirements under SEBIListing Regulations and the Board is responsible for ensuringthe same from time to time. The Company has duly compliedwith the Corporate Governance requirements.
Further, a separate section on Corporate Governance incompli¬ance with the provisions of Regulation 34 of the ListingRegula-tions read with Schedule V of the said regulations,along with acertificate from a Practicing Company Secretaryconfirming thatthe Company is and has been compliant withthe conditionsstipulated under SEBI (Listing Obligations andDisclosureRequirements) Regulations, 2015 forms part of this AnnualReport and is annexed hereto as "Annexure A".
15. CORPORATE SOCIALRESPONSIBILITY
The Company has a well-defined Policy on Corporate SocialResponsibility ("CSR”) as per the requirement of Section 135 ofthe Act. This Policy covers the proposed CSR activities to beundertaken by the Company and ensures that they are in linewith Schedule VII of the Act as amended from time to time.
The Annual Report on the CSR activities isrequired to be givenunder section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rule 8 ofthe Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility) Rules, 2014which has been provided as"Annexure-B” and forms part of thisreport.
Details of the Policy on Corporate Social Responsibility ("CSR”)are available at website of the Company athttps://www.gopal-namkeen.com/corporate-governance-policies.
16. PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES
OR INVESTMENTS MADE UNDER SECTION 186OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013
Pursuant to the provisions of section 186 of the CompaniesAct,2013, particulars of loans, guarantees and investmentsmade are provided in Financial Statements read together withnotes annexed and form an integral part of the financialstatements and hence not repeated herein for the sake ofbrevity.
17. PARTICULARS OF CONTRACTS ORARRANGEMENTSMADEWITH RELATED PARTIES:
During Fiscal 2025, all related partytransactions entered by theCompany wereapproved by the Audit Committee and wereatarm's length basis and in the ordinary course of
During FinancialYear 2024-25, there were no changes in thecomposition of Board of Directors. However, there werefollowing changes in the Key Managerial Personnel of theCompany:
• Mr. Mukesh Kumar Shah resigned from the post of ChiefFinancial Officer of the Company with effect from 21st January2025.
• Mr. Rigan HasmukhraiRaithatha was appointed as the ChiefFinancial Officer (CFO) of the Company with effect from17thMarch 2025; and
business.There are no materially significant related partytransactions made by the Company with Promoters, Directorsor Key Managerial Personnel etc. which may have potentialconflict with the interest of the Company at large, or whichwarrants the approval of the shareholders.Prior omnibusapproval is obtained for related party transactions, which arerepetitive in nature and entered in the ordinary course ofbusiness and on an arm's length basis.
Therefore,the disclosure of Related Party Transactions asrequired under Section 134(3)(h) of the Companies Act w.r.t.contracts or arrangements with related parties under Section188(1) in Form AOC-2 is not applicable to the Company forFinancial Year 2024-25, hence does not form part of thisreport.The details of the transactions with the related parties, inaccordance with the Accounting Standards as applicable to theCompany, have been disclosedin the notes to the financialstate-ments forming part of this Integrated Report &Annual Accounts2024-25.
The Policy on Related Party Transactions as approved by the
18. ANNUAL RETURN:
The Annual Return of the Company for the financial year endedMarch 31,2025, pursuant to the provisions of section 92(3) andsection 134(3)(a) read with rule 12 of Companies (Managementand Administration) Rules, 2014 is available onthe website ofthe Company at https://www.gopalnamkeen.com/annual-return
• Mr. Mayur Popatbhai Gangani resigned from the post of
Company Secretary and Compliance Officer of the Companywith effect from 28th February 2025 and was subsequentlyappointed as the Head- Legal& Compliance cum CompanySecretary with effect from 17th March,2025;
The appointment of new Key Managerial Personnel is on thebasis of requisite skills, proficiency, experience and competen¬cies as identified and finalized by the Board considering theindustry and sector in which the Company operates. Theappointments are based on the merits of the candidate and dueregard is given to diversity including factors like gender, age,cultural, educational & geographicalbackground, ethnicity,etc.The profile of all Directors and Key Managerial Personnel isavailable on the website of the Company at https://www.gopal-namkeen.com/board-of-directors.
None of the Directors on the Board of the Company has beendebarred or disqualified from being appointed or continuing asdirector of the Company by Securities and Exchange Board ofIndia, Ministry of Corporate Affairs or any other statutoryauthority.Further details regarding Board composition andconstitution form part of Corporate Governance Report.
B. WOMAN DIRECTOR
In terms of the provisions of section 149 of the Companies Act,2013 read with rule 3 of Companies (Appointment andQualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 and Regulation 17 of SEBI(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,2015, Mrs.Vijayalakshmi Shalil Suvarna (DIN: 01722538), hasbeen appointed as Independent Woman Director on the Board ofthe Company.
C. DIRECTORS RETIRING BY ROTATION
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 152(6) of the CompaniesAct, 2013 read with the rules made thereunder and as per theArticles of Association of the Company,Mr. Raj BipinbhaiHadvani (DIN:09802257), Whole time Director and ChiefExecutive Officer of the Company isliable to retire by rotation inthis 16th Annual General Meeting and being eligible has offeredhis candidature for reappointment. The Board recommends hisre-appointment for your approval.The notice convening theAnnual General Meeting includes the proposal for re-appoint¬ment of Director.
A brief resume of the Mr. Raj Bipinbhai Hadvanibeingre-appointed, his nature of expertise in specific functionalareas, names of companies in which heholds directorship,committee memberships/chairmanships, hisshareholding inthe Company, etc., as stipulated under Secretarial Standard-2and Regulation 36 of the Listing Regulations, have beenfurnished in the explanatory statement to the notice of theensuing Annual General Meeting of the Company.
D. DISCLOSURES, DECLARATIONS ANDANNUAL AFFIRMATIONS
i. Based on the declarations and confirmationsreceivedfrom the Directors, none of theDirectors of the Company aredisqualified frombeing appointed/ continuing as Directors oftheCompany.
ii. Affirmation of all members of the Board ofDirectorsand Senior Management Personnel havebeen received on thecode of conduct for board ofdirectors and senior management.
iii. The Independent Directors of the Company havesubmitteddeclarations that each of them meets the criteriaofindependence as provided in Section 149(6)of the CompaniesAct, 2013 along with rules framed thereunderand Regulation16(1)(b), 25(8) of the SEBIListing Regulations. There has been nochangein the circumstances affecting their status asIndepen-dent Directors of the Company.
iv. The Company has also received from all Indepen-dentDirectors of the Company, declaration of compliance of rule6(1) & (2) of the Companies (Appointment andQualifications ofDirectors) Rules, 2014, regardingonline registration with the''Indian Institute ofCorporate Affairs'' at Manesar, for inclusionofname in the data bank of Independent Directors.
v. The Board has taken on record the declarationsandconfirmations submitted by the IndependentDirectors afterundertaking due assessment ofthe veracity of the same.
Pursuant to the provisions of section 134(3)(c) read withsection 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rulesframed thereunder,the Board of Directors of the Companyhereby states and confirms that:
i. in the preparation of the annual accounts, theapplicable accounting standards have been followed andthere has been no material departure;
ii. the selected accounting policies were appliedconsistently, and the Directors made judgments andestimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give atrue and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company asof 31stMarch 2025, and that of the profit of the Company forthe year ended on that date;
iii. proper and sufficient care has been taken for themaintenance of adequate accounting records in accordancewith the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, forsafeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventingand detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv. the annual accounts have been prepared on agoing concernbasis;
v. the Board has laid down internal financialcontrols to be followed by the Company and that suchinternal financial controls are adequate and areoperatingeffectively; and
vi. the directors have devised proper systems toensure compliance with the provisions of all applicablelaws and that such systems areadequate and operatingeffectively.
The aforesaid statement has also been reviewed andcon-firmed by the Audit Committee of the Board ofDirectors ofthe Company.
During the financial year 2024-25, the Board met Seven (7)times on 02.04.2024, 09.05.2024, 18.07.2024, 30.08.2024,14.10.2024, 11.02.2025, and17.03.2025. The details of Boardmeetings and the attendance of the Directors are providedin the Corporate Governance Report, forming part of thisAnnual Report.
Further during the financial year 2024-25, Annual GeneralMeeting was held on28.09.2024.
The Company has constituted the following committeesincompliance with the Companies Act 2013 and theListingRegulations:
1. Audit Committee;
2. Nomination and Remuneration Committee;
3. Stakeholders' Relationship Committee;
4. Corporate Social Responsibility Committee and
5. Risk Management Committee.
Underscoring the importance of sound corporate gover¬nance, the statutory Board Committees are predominantlycomposed of Independent Directors. This structurepromotes independent and objective decision-makingwithin these key committees. Notably, there have been noinstances where the Board has rejected any recommenda¬tions made by the Committees.
For detailed insights into the various Committees constitut¬ed by the Board, encompassing their composition, powers,roles, terms of reference, meetings and attendance thereatetc., please refer to the Corporate Governance Reportforming partof thisAnnual Report.
The Company is governed by a well-defined and evenlystructured, robust Nomination and Remuneration Policy, asconscientiously reviewed and approved by the Nominationand Remuneration Committee and subsequently, adoptedby the Board. This Policy encompasses various aspects andguidelines, such as, appointment criteria, remunerationstructures, and performance evaluation mechanisms forboth Executive and Non-Executive Directors, includingIndependent Directors, in full compliance with the require¬ments set forth under the Act and Listing Regulations.
The Company's approach to the performance evaluation ofthe Board, its Committees and individual Directors,including Independent Directors is both comprehensive andrigorous and the detailed evaluation process, which issystematically delineated in the Corporate GovernanceReport, forming integral part of this Annual Report, and thedetailed evaluation process reiterates the Company'scommitment to maintaining and confirming the higheststandards of effective governance, answerability andtransparency.
Following this mechanism reflects our leadership remainsaligned with regulatory requirements, industry bestpractices, and evolving needs of our stakeholders and also,the process highlights our dedication to fostering a cultureof continuous improvement and strategic oversight,essential for achieving sustainable success.
The Company has complied with Secretarial Standard onMeetings of the Board of Directors (SS-1) and SecretarialStandard on General Meetings (SS-2) issued and notifiedbythe Institute of Company Secretaries of Indiaas amendedfrom time totime.
The information required under section 197 of the Compa¬nies Act, 2013 read with rule 5(1) of the Companies(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel)Rules, 2014 and a statement showing the names andotherparticulars of the employees drawing remunerationinexcess of the limits set out in rule 5(2) and 5(3) of theCom-panies (Appointment andRemuneration of ManagerialPer-sonnel) Rules, 2014are disclosed in “Annexure C".
Employees' Stock Options represent a reward systembased on the overall performance of the individualemployee and the Company. The Company has framedGopal Snacks Limited - Employee Stock Option Scheme,2023(the "ESOP Scheme”) pursuant to the approval of theBoard of Directors and members of the Company in theirmeeting held onMay 05, 2023 and May08, 2023, respectively,with a view to attracting and retaining the best talent,encouraging employees to align individual performancewith Company's objectives, and promoting increasedparticipation by them in the growth of the Company. TheESOP Schemeencompasses 12,00,000 (Twelve Lakh)options convertibles into equity shares.
Further, post listing of the Company on the stock exchangesand to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, theESOP Schemes adhere to the requirements outlined in theSecurities and Exchange Board of India (Share BasedEmployee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021("SEBI SBEB & SE Regulations”) and was ratified by themembers of the Company through special resolutionpassed in Annual General Meeting held on September 28,2024. Additionally, we received the "In-Principal Approval”from the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. and BSELimited, dated January 24, 2025, and January 21,2025,respectively, for the issuance of equity shares under theESOP Schemes.
Summary of ESOP Scheme as on March 31,2025 is asunder:
Sr.
No.
No. of Options
1
Total Option that can begranted
12,00,000
2
Options granted
3,12,876
3
Options lapsed
39,284
4
Options exercised
17,974
5
Options outstanding
2,55,618
Disclosure with respect to compliance to section 62(1)(b) ofthe Companies Act, 2013 read with rule 12(9) of theCompanies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014 andRegulation 14 of the Securities and Exchange Board ofIndia(Share Based Employee Benefitand Sweat Equity)Regulations, 2021 is provided in “Annexure D", whichforms an integral part of this Directors' Report. Thesedisclosures have also been placed on the website of theCompanyat https://www.gopalnamkeen.com/.
The Company is committed to ethical conduct and transpar¬ency in all its business dealings. To uphold these valuesand in compliance with the section 177(9) and 177(10) of theCompanies Act, 2013 read with rule 7 of the Companies(Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014, andRegulation 22 of the Listing Regulations,the Board ofDirectors of the Company has framed "Whistle BlowerPolicy” for Directors and employees of the Company toreport instances of unethical behavior, fraud, mismanage¬ment and violations of the Code of Conduct of the Companyacross all business activities. The vigil mechanism providesfor adequate safeguards against victimization of personswho use such mechanisms.
The Company has established direct access to the Chair¬man of the Audit Committee for reporting concerns relatedto the interests of co-employees and the organizationinappropriate or exceptional cases. Detailed informationregarding the Whistle Blower Policy is outlined within theCorporate Governance Report, forming part of this AnnualReport. The Vigil Mechanism Policy is also available on theCompany's website at https://www.gopalnam-keen.com/corporate-governance-policies. No cases werereported under the Whistle Blower Policy during thefinancial year 2024-25.
During the financial year 2024-25, your Company has notaccepted any public deposits within the meaning ofsection(s) 73 to 76 of the Companies Act, 2013 and theCompanies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
A. STATUTORY AUDITOR:
Pursuant to the provisions of section139of the CompaniesAct, 2013,M/s. Maheshwari &Co., Chartered Accountants(FRN 105834W), were appointed as the Statutory Auditor ofthe Company vide the ordinary resolution passed at the13th Annual General Meeting held on November 12, 2022, tohold office for a five-years tenure from financial year2022-23 to 2026-27 until the conclusion of the 18th AnnualGeneral Meeting to be held in the calendar year 2027, atsuch remuneration as may be fixed by the Board ofDirectors of the Company.
The Statutory Auditors have confirmed their eligibility tocontinue as the Company's Auditors for the financial year2024-25, in accordance with the provisions of sections 139and 141 of the Companies Act, 2013 along with the applica¬ble rules framed thereunder.
During Financial Year 2024-25, the Statutory Auditors didnot report any instances of fraud in their Audit Report underSection 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013. Accordingly, noadditional disclosure is required under Section 134(3) of theAct. Importantly, the Auditors' Report is unqualified anddoes not contain any qualification, reservation or adverseremark. The Notes on financial statements referred to inthe Auditors' Report are self-explanatory and do not call forany further comments.
B. INTERNAL AUDIT REPORT AND INTERNAL AUDITOR:
In accordance with the provisions of section 138 of the Actand rules made thereunderand applicable regulations ofthe Listing Regulations, the Board of Directors of theCompany had duly appointed M/s. Haribhakti& Co. LLP,Chartered Accountants(FRN: 103523W)as Internal Auditor oftheCompany for the Financial Year 2024-2025. During theyear, the Company continues to implement their sugges¬tions and recommendations to improve the control of theenvironment.Their scope of work includes review ofprocess for safeguarding the assets of the Company,review of operational efficiency, effectiveness of systemsand processes, and assessing the internal control strengthin all areas. Internal Audito rsfindings are discussed withthe process owners and suitable corrective actions takenasper the directions of Board on an ongoing basis toimprove efficiency in operation
During the financial year under review, no instance of fraudwas reported by the Internal Auditor of the Company intheir Audit Report under Section 143(12) of the Act,therefore no detail is required to be disclosed underSection 134(3) of the Act.
The Board appoints M/s. Haribhakti& Co. LLP, CharteredAccountants (FRN: 103523W)as Internal Auditor of theCompany to carry out Internal Audit of the Company for thefinancial year 2025-26.
C. COST RECORDS AND COST AUDIT
Maintenance of cost records and requirement of cost auditas prescribed under the provisions of section 148(1) of theCompanies Act, 2013 is not applicable to your Company.
D. SECRETARIAL AUDITOR
Pursuant to the provisions of section 204 of the CompaniesAct, 2013 and rule 9 of the Companies (Appointment andRemuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, M/s.S.K. Joshi and Associates (ICSI Unique Code:P2008RJ064900), Company Secretaries was appointed toundertake the secretarial audit of the Company for thefinancial year ended 31stMarch 2025. The Report of theSecretarial Auditor for the financial year ended 31stMarch2025 is given in "Annexure E” which is annexed hereto andforms part of the Board's Report. There are no qualifica¬tions or observations or adverse remarks in the SecretarialAudit Report.
In terms of Regulation 24A of the Listing Regulations,witheffect from 1st April 2025, your Company is requiredtoappoint a Practicing Company Secretary for notmore thanone term of five consecutive years or a firmof PracticingCompany Secretaries for not more thantwo terms of fiveconsecutive years, as a SecretarialAuditor, with theapproval of the members at its AGMand such SecretarialAuditor must be a peer reviewed company secretary andshould not have incurred anyof the disqualifications asspecified under the ListingRegulations. Further, as per thesaid Regulation, anyassociation of the individual or the firmas the Secretarial Auditors of the Company before 31stMarch 2025 shallnot be considered for the purpose ofcalculating thetenure of the Secretarial Auditors.
Taking into account the above requirements,the Board, onthe recommendation of the Audit Committee, has approvedthe appointment of M/s. S. K. Joshi & Associates, Compa-nySecretaries (ICSI Unique Code: P2008RJ064900) as theSecretarial Auditors of theCompany for a term of fiveconsecutive years, to holdoffice from the conclusion of 16thAGM till the conclusion of 21st AGM to be held in the year2030, covering the periodfrom the financial year ending31st March 2026 till thefinancial year ending 31st March2030, subject to theapproval of the members at the ensuing16th AGM ofyour Company. The recommendation followeda detailed evaluation of proposals received by the Companyand consideration of factors such as technical capabili-ties,independence, industry experience, subject matterex-pertise, and past association with the Company.YourCompany has received written consent from theSecretarialAuditors that the appointment, if approved,will be inaccordance with the applicable provisions of the ListingRegulations Act and rules framed thereunder.
Further, the Secretarial Auditors have confirmed thattheyare not disqualified to beappointed as the Secretaria-lAuditors of your Company.
The information pertaining to conservation of energy,technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings andoutgo as required under section 134(3)(m) of the Compa¬nies Act, 2013 read with rule 8(3) of the Companies(Accounts) Rules, 2014 is provided in "Annexure-F” to thisDirector's Report.
The Management Discussion and Analysis Report for theyear under review, as stipulated under Regulation 34(2)(e)read with Part B of Schedule V of the Listing Regulations, ispresented in a separate section forming part of this AnnualReport.
The Company has provided Business Responsibility andSustainability Report ("the BRSR”) pursuant to Regulation34(2)(f) of the Listing Regulations for the financial yearended on March 31, 2025 which forms part of this AnnualReport.
Your directors are pleased to inform you that CRISIL hasrevised its rating outlook for the financialyear 2024-25 onthe Long-Term Banking Facilities,which was upgradedfrom 'CRISIL A-/Positive' to 'CRISIL A/Stable' and on theShort-Term Banking Facilities which was upgraded from'CRISIL A2 ' to 'CRISIL A1'. This reflects the high degree ofsafety regarding timely services of financial obligations.
To comply with the requirements of Regulation 17(5) of theListing Regulation, the Company has adopted the Code ofConduct for Board of Directors and Senior ManagementPersonnel ("the Code”). All Board members and seniormanagement personnel have confirmed compliance withthe Code for the financial year 2024-25. A declarationsigned by the Managing Director of the Company to thiseffect is placed at the end of this report.
The code requires directors and employees to act honestly,fairly, ethically and with integrity, conduct themselves in aprofessional, courteous and respectful manner. The code isdisplayed on the Company's website at https://www.gopal-namkeen.com/corporate-governance-policies.
The Company seeks to promote the highest levels of ethicalstandards in the normal business transaction guided bythe value system. The SEBI (Listing Obligations andDisclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 mandatesformulation of certain policies for Listed Companies.
The Policies are reviewed periodically by the Board and areupdated based on the need and compliance as per theapplicable laws and rules and amended from time to time.The policies are available on the website of the Companyathttps://www.gopalnamkeen.com/corporate-gover-nance-policies.
Your Company remains steadfast in its commitment todelivering products of the highest quality that meet andexceed customer expectations. The Company follows arobust quality management system that is integratedacross all levels of operations - from procurement of rawmaterials to manufacturing, packaging, and distribution.
To ensure consistency and compliance with food safetystandards, the Company adheres to internationallyrecognized certifications such as FSSAI, FSSC 22000Version 6 (Food Safety System Certification) andHACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).Regular audits, both internal and external, are conducted toassess process efficiency, hygiene practices, and adher¬ence to regulatory requirements.
During Financial Year 24-25, the Company undertookseveral initiatives to strengthen its quality framework:
• Enhanced automation in quality controlsystems to minimize human error and improve precision.
• Implementation of real-time monitoringmechanisms across production lines.
• Continuous training programs for employees toreinforce quality consciousness and safety standards.
• Strategic collaboration with suppliers to ensureconsistent sourcing of high-grade raw materials.
Customer feedback and market research are regularlyreviewed to drive process improvements and productinnovation. The Company also benchmarks its practicesagainst industry leaders to maintain a competitive edge inquality standards.
Gopal Snacks believes that a strong quality culture not onlyensures customer satisfaction but also contributessignificantly to operational efficiency, brand reputation, andlong-term sustainability
The Equity Shares of the Company are listed on the BSELimited and National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. Boththese stock exchanges have nationwide trading terminals.Annual listing fees for the financial year 2025-26 has beenduly paid to the BSE Limited and National Stock Exchangeof India Ltd.
The Company has zero tolerance towards sexual harass¬ment at the workplace and towards this end, has adopted apolicy in line with the provisions of Sexual Harassment ofWomen at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition andRedressal) Act, 2013 and the rules made thereunder.
The Company has zero tolerance towards sexual harass¬ment at the workplace and towards this end, has adopteda policy in line with the provisions of Sexual Harassmentof Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition andRedressal) Act, 2013 and the rules made thereunder.
All employees (permanent, contractual, temporary,trainees) are covered under the said policy. The Companyhas complied with provisions relating to the constitution ofInternal Complaints Committee under the SexualHarassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and it redressescomplaints received on sexual harassment. Following is asummary of sexual harassment complaints received anddisposed off during the year under review:
• No. of sexual harassment complaints received: NIL
• No. of sexual harassment complaints disposed off: NIL
• No. of sexual harassment complaints pending beyond90 days: NIL
The Company has complied with the provisions of theMaternity Benefit Act, 1961, as amended, and ensures thatall eligible women employees are extended the benefitsand protections mandated under the Act, including paidmaternity leave and other entitlements. The Company alsopromotes a gender-inclusive workplace and is committedto supporting the health and well-being of womenemployees through appropriate workplace policies andpractices.
Human resources have a significant impact on thecompany'slong-term growth as an industry leader in theFMCG sector. The Company has a workforce of 3049employees as on March 31, 2025, with people fromdifferent social, economic and geographicbackgrounds.These include 757 female, 2292 male and 0transgender employees. The Company always believesthat our people are our best assets. Their caliber andcommitment are our inherent strengths. To achieveexcellent business results, a robust talent pool isrequired, and the Company is committed to identifying andpreparing successors for key positions within and outsidethe organization. The Company strives continuously toimprove employee skills and provide them with thecompetitive edge they need to flourish in a dynamicindustry. Richer collaborations and stronger teamworkhave accelerated our pursuit of excellence.
Safety pertains to protecting the health and well-being ofemployees, visitors, and other stakeholders involved in anorganization's activities. Occupational health and safetymeasures are essential to prevent accidents, injuries, andillnesses in the workplace. We aim to comply withapplicable health and safety regulations and otherrequirements in our operations and have adopted a healthand safety policy that is aimed at complying with legisla¬tive requirements, requirements of our licenses, approv¬als, various certifications and ensuring the safety of ouremployees and the people working at our facility or underour management.
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting isrequired in respect of the following items as there wereno transactions on these items during the year underreview:
1. Issue of equity shares with differential rights as todividend, voting or otherwise.
2. Issue of shares (including sweat equity shares) toemployees of the Company under any scheme exceptESOP Scheme referred to in this Report.
3. Buyback of shares.
4. No application was made,or any proceeding is pendingunder Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
5. Requirement of one-time settlement with Banks orFinancial Institutions was not applicable.
6. As per the confirmation given by Registrar and TransferAgent, the Company has nil shares that remain unclaimedby the shareholders of the Company. All shares held indemat form have been duly claimed by the respectiveshareholders and hence the Company is not required toundergo the procedural requirements of Schedule VI ofthe SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
7. The Company has not bought back any of its securitiesduring the Financial Year ended March 31, 2025.
Statements in the Board's Report and the ManagementDiscussion & Analysis Report describing the Company'sobjectives, expectations or forecasts may be forwardlooking within the meaning of applicable securities lawsand regulations. Actual results may differ materially fromthose expressed in the statement. Important factors thatcould influence the Company's operations include globaland domestic demand and supply conditions affectingselling prices of raw materials, finished goods, inputavailability and prices, changes in government regula¬tions, tax laws, economic developments within andoutside the country and other various other factors.
Your directors are highly grateful for all the guidance,support and assistance received from the Governments ofvarious states in India, concerned Government depart¬ments, Financial Institutions and Banks.
Your directors place on record their deep appreciation toall employees for their hard work, unstinted dedicationand commitment and continued contribution at all levelsin the performance of the Company. Your directors alsotake this opportunity to thank all shareholders, suppliers,distributors, retailers, directors, auditors, Governmentand regulatory authorities, for their continued support.
Your directors appreciate the continued co-operation andsupport received from its customers that has enabled theCompany to make every effort to understand their uniqueneeds and deliver maximum customer satisfaction. YourBoard looks forward to their continued support in future.
For and on behalf of the Board of DirectorsGopal Snacks Limited
Sd/- Sd/-
Bipinbhai Vithalbhai Hadvani Raj Bipinbhai Hadvani
Chairman & Managing Director Whole-time director &
DIN: 02858118 Chief executive officer
DIN:09802257
Date: 21.08.2025Place: Rajkot