George Weston Foods Ltd

George Weston Foods Ltd
23 Armstrong St
Ballarat North VIC 3350
Tel: 02 9415 1411
Fax: 02 9419 2907

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Musical chairs at the top table

EIGHT of the top 10 processors placed in the top 10 last year, and even the new names, like Food Investments, which owns George Weston Foods (number 10 in 2005), and CSR are not so new.

Cemented into the number one position, for the third year of three since the list commenced, Foster’s Group boasts continued growth in net profit after tax.

Foster’s has expanded its payroll by 1000, which should alleviate the strain produced by massive staff cuts in 2004, although the bustling tearoom is accompanied by an increase in total liabilities.

The company’s latest profit report paints a rosy picture.

Carlton United Breweries beer volume increased only 1%, but translated to a 7% improvement in sales revenue, due to the public’s huge appetite for premium beers.

The wine division’s margins appeared to improve also.

However, the wine growth is reportedly derived from rationalisations and cost-cutting, with margins set to slim further due to continued price pressure from major retailers.

On top of the global wine glut, Foster’s CEO Trevor O’Hoy is facing the reality of a takeover battle, following takeover rumours in the Sunday Times that have bolstered the group’s recent share price jumps (the company officially denied any knowledge of takeover approaches).

The final tally

It’s a varied group at the top.

Australian-based food ingredients and consumer-branded food and beverage company Burns Philp has consistently increased its revenue, placing fifth in the top 50 in 2004, third in 2005, and second this year.

Majority shareholder NZ billionaire Graeme Hart’s family investment company Rank Group is looking to buy the remaining 46% of shares.

Hart has sold vast quantities of assets to cut debt and interest costs.

Coca-Cola Amatil dropped slightly to third place after placing second in 2004 and 2005.

The region’s biggest soft drink maker has faced record costs for sugar and aluminium, but has responded by diversifying its interests in light of the changing marketplace for non-alcoholic beverages.

The Sydney-based company, owned 32% by Coca-Cola US, had an eventful year, with the successful Australian launch of Coke Zero, the recent announcement of its intention to join the premium beer market through a joint venture with SABMiller, as well as big purchases in canned fruit, coffee and bottled water.

Less immediately recognisable than Coke, Australian Meat Holdings controls approximately 20% of the domestic meat market, according to IBISWorld, making it the largest meat processor in the country.

The wholly-owned subsidiary of US beef and pork producer Swift and Company employs almost 5000 staff nationwide in the processing, packaging, marketing and distribution of meat products.

Top 50: best of the best

Watermark Patent and Trademark Attorneys is proudly sponsoring FOOD Magazine’s 2006 Top 50 Processors feature.

Established almost 150 years ago, Watermark is one of Australia’s foremost providers of intellectual property services.

The company has a long history of assisting clients to protect and manage their intellectually property with an emphasis on obtaining competitive advantage and sustainable market share.

Their patent and trademark attorneys and lawyers work with clients across all aspects of intellectual property from registration to enforcement and commercialisation.

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