Message from the CFO

Our operating environment is changing dramatically due to factors such as significant volatility in raw material prices and accelerating inflation triggered by strained international relations and climate change. Stabilizing our financial base will be critical to mitigating risks and achieving steady business growth.

During FY2024, sales of vegetable fats for chocolate (CBE) and compound chocolate increased on the backdrop of soaring cocoa prices. On the other hand, Blommer recorded a significant decline in profit due to losses attributable to cocoa-related special factors. Looking at finances, the overall Group strengthened capital management despite a significant increase in interest-bearing debt on higher operating capital, mainly for Blommer due to soaring cocoa prices.

In FY2025, while we project that Blommer will continue to face cocoa special factors through the first half due to the impact of high cocoa prices, we will continue to make progress on the optimization of the cocoa processing business as outlined in Blommer structural reforms. Through these efforts, we will increase profitability and improve our financial structure. We will also work to improve FUJI ROIC by ensuring appropriate inventory management and optimizing interest-bearing debt, and to increase capital efficiency. In addition, by making investments in growth domains such as compound chocolate, which incorporates our oils and fats technology, we will strive to achieve higher ROE.
Through continuous communication with stakeholders, I will work to enhance our financial and non-financial disclosures to promote highly transparent information provision.
I thank you for your continued support and guidance.