Annual Report 2012
Transcription
Annual Report 2012
In Principio creavit Deus caelum et terram Annual Report 2012 In Principio creavit Deus caelum et terram Annual Report www.melitta.info 2012 In Principio creavit Deus caelum et terram In Principio creavit Deus caelum et terram Management Organization of the Melitta Group We are a manufacturer of branded products for coffee enjoyment, the storage and preparation of food, and home cleanliness. Our brands stand for quality and added value – in all the markets we serve. Wherever we operate, we enjoy a leading position with retailers and consumers, or aim to achieve it. The same applies to our B2B business. Corporate Management Dr. Thomas Bentz (until December 31, 2012) Dr. Stephan Bentz Jero Bentz (as of January 01, 2013) Volker Stühmeier BUSINESS UNITS Melitta Europe Divisions Household Products and Coffee Jan Van Riet / Dr. Frank Strege Melitta USA Melitta Canada Cofresco Freshkeeping Products Europe Pieter van Halewijn (as of February 01, 2013) Wolf PVG Corporate Division Melitta SystemService Melitta Brasil Harald Johanning-Meiners Bernardo Wolfson Neu Kaliss Spezialpapier John Paul Fender Martin Ostermayer (as of September 01, 2012) Martin T. Miller William J. Ivany Dr. Lutwin Spix Melitta is a group of companies with a rich tradition and on course for the future. We continue to develop on a daily basis, yet never lose grip of our strong roots. Dieter Kirchner (until August 31, 2012) ACW Holger Achelpohl Helmut Cywinski Finance Kurt Groh Legal Affairs & HR Markus Zeyen Corporate Development Jero Bentz Contents General Partners of the Melitta Unternehmensgruppe Bentz KG Dr. Thomas Bentz Dr. Stephan Bentz Jero Bentz Limited Partners Jörg Bentz Claudia Bertelmann-Tauß Jara Bentz Thomas Dominik Bentz Advisory Council Michael Gallenkamp (until Sept. 07, 2012), Chairman Claus Holst-Gydesen Dr. Uwe Tillmann Jörg Bentz Dr. Thomas Bentz Dr. Stephan Bentz 02 Management Report 06 Values – family businesses manage differently 12 Business Units 34 Financial Information 50 Locations 52 Imprint As of May 2013 1 MANAGEMENT REPORT Ladies and gentlemen, after strengthening our group with various major projects in 2011, we focused last year on the consolidation of new structures and processes, as well as on the strategic realignment and ongoing development of our core operating businesses. This has made us well prepared for the future! Our fiscal year 2012 was influenced by a number of special items, such as the loss of our coffee trading business in Brazil and falling green bean prices. Adjusted for these factors, there was an encouraging improvement in our earnings power – thanks to increased productivity and stable fixed costs from the implementation of our prior-year projects. As a consequence, we can be generally satisfied with the course of business in 2012. Due to the diversified nature of our group of companies, there were naturally differences in performance: Melitta Europe – Household Products Division – made very strong progress with its automatic coffee machines and filter coffeemakers. Our range of automatic coffee machines expanded its market share in almost all markets and is listed among the core products of our key trade customers. Melitta Europe – Coffee Division – also enjoyed success: its Melitta® BellaCrema®“whole bean” concept easily exceeded overall market growth. Melitta SystemService was generally able to sustain its prioryear level – in our core German market, in the UK and in exports to the Asia/Pacific region. Business in Japan and Switzerland fell short of expectations. Dr. Thomas Bentz, Dr. Stephan Bentz und Volker Stühmeier Volker Stühmeier, Dr. Thomas Bentz, Dr. Stephan Bentz (2012) Geschäftsführende Gesellschafter der Melitta Unternehmensgruppe 2 In our US business, we enjoyed particular success in the single serve category with the launch of new coffee pods in 2012. There was strong growth in sales revenue and by year-end we were well ahead of our targets for 2012. Despite a sluggish economy, business in Canada also made good progress with healthy sales growth. We bucked the weak economic trend in Brazil with further strong growth of our branded coffee blends and filter papers: with Melitta Wake®, an innovative milk-based instant beverage with added coffee, we were able to launch a highly promising new product. Progress was more difficult for our subsidiaries Cofresco (household films and foils) and Wolf PVG (vacuum cleaner accessories). Sales were hit hard by the strong distribution enjoyed by the private label brands of major European retailers. After already recruiting new managers for key positions in the years 2008 and 2011, we succeeded in attracting further highly experienced staff over the past few months: with Steve Penk at Melitta SystemService in England and Pieter van Halewijn at Cofresco, we were able to welcome on board two further top managers. In line with our corporate strategy of decentralized management, we intend to exploit our regional markets more effectively in future with the aid of experienced and highly committed managers. One further key change was in the Group’s Chief Corporate Management. On January 1, 2013, Jero Bentz became the first representative of the owning family’s fourth generation to become a General Partner of the Melitta Group and to join the Chief Corporate Management team. On the same date, Dr. Thomas Bentz retired from the Group’s day-to-day management after 39 successful years as a member of Chief Corporate Management. As a General Partner and member of the Advisory Council, however, he will continue to be closely involved with the company. 3 MANAGEMENT REPORT In addition to these management changes, we continued to work on our organizational structure in 2012: during the course of the year, we merged the two operating divisions “Melitta Household Products Europe” and “Melitta Coffee Europe” into a single company named “Melitta Europe”. By pooling the core competencies of these two strong units, we aim to tap possible synergies more effectively in future. The new unit not only represents the Melitta Group as one of the leading coffee roasters on the German and European market, but also as a successful manufacturer and innovative developer of filter papers, filter coffeemakers and automatic coffee machines. We are very confident that this realignment of “Melitta Europe” will drive our biggest-selling strategic business field “Coffee and Tea Enjoyment” to further success on the European market. In the past year, we also assigned our paper plant in Berlin to the Neu Kaliss division and greatly expanded its capacity for producing premium special-grade papers with the aid of large-scale refurbishments. At the same time, we increased our technical expertise and production capacity in the field of packaging films. One particular highlight at our main site was the opening of a new showroom and training center for the food service business. The most important question for any company is: how can we successfully outperform the competition in future? We have two answers to this: the first is “innovation”. One of our key tasks in the coming years will be to constantly align our products and services with the needs of our customers. At the same time, we must naturally keep a close eye on our brand essence. After all, our success is based on this differentiation via strong brands. 4 MANAGEMENT REPORT We believe that innovation also means being open for new ways of reaching our customers. The world of enjoyment and that of care are very tangible. The way to reach customers, however, is becoming more and more virtual. The Internet and digital media as a whole are playing an increasingly important role. We intend to exploit this trend without neglecting our traditional point-of-sale contact with the consumer. Successful marketing will continue to be based on very careful observation of consumer trends in various markets. Thanks to our international alignment, we can tap a broad spectrum of market trends. In turn, this enables us to quickly transfer new knowledge from specific regions and markets to our other regions. And the second answer is “people”: the importance of good employees – at both management and implementation level – will continue to grow in future. We believe that in tight markets such as ours, one can even say that employees will become a key competitive factor. Over the past years, we have therefore undertaken considerable efforts to steadily enhance the appeal of Melitta as an employer. These efforts include our definition last year of an Employer Value Proposition (EVP) and the resulting employer brand with the claim “Melitta – More Opportunities”. We are cautiously optimistic about the current fiscal year 2013: if the markets in Europe slowly return to stability and the positive forecasts for the North American are accurate, we expect to achieve a slight increase in sales. Whether this revenue growth can be translated into improved earnings depends in part on the development of commodity prices. In the case of green beans at least, there may even be a fall in prices during 2013. Family businesses take a more long-term approach. Moreover, family businesses work on the basis of a strong core. For us, this core is “quality”. In the past year, the quality we regularly deliver was once again confirmed by numerous awards – for our products, for our brand management and for our corporate social responsibility. This positive feedback is motivation for us to make no compromises in this area in future – for our customers’ sake. In our operating business, we will continue to focus on innovations: with the launch of new products – such as a new generation of automatic coffee machines – we intend to capture further market shares in often challenging environments. In all our efforts, we will continue to be guided by consumer demand for quality, convenience and sustainability. We will drive sales by stepping up our trade activities with more intensive communication via the classic media. At the same time, we will increasingly integrate virtual media into our marketing. We are also investing heavily in the development of our current and future managers in house, i.e. those employees who have already chosen to work for Melitta. Under the heading “Melitta Campus”, we offer talent-oriented and performance-driven training activities for our management staff. At the same time, we are carefully identifying highpotential employees within the Group and taking pro-active steps to help them develop their skills. Dr. Thomas Bentz Dr. Stephan Bentz Volker Stühmeier 5 Values – family businesses manage differently As an owner-managed company with a long tradition, Melitta is one of Germany’s major family businesses. An interview with Prof. Thomas Zellweger of the University of St. Gallen provides answers to the classic questions associated today with the topic “Family Businesses”. What makes family businesses different to listed companies? One classic strength of the family business is often said to be What are the strengths which make them so successful? their special corporate culture … Prof. Zellweger: First of all, we have to say that family business- Prof. Zellweger: That’s right. Family businesses often benefit es are a very heterogeneous group. But if we look at the typical from their strong and highly robust culture. This is particularly strengths of large and established companies like Melitta, then I important when things are not going so well, or when people would first say: management and ownership are combined. This have to pull together to sort problems out. At times like these, it gives companies the ability to make fast decisions. Governance is important for the company that it can rely on the loyalty and problems are also smaller. There is no need for additional incen- cooperation of its staff. tive or control systems as the owners themselves have a clear view of the business and are also working within the company. The fact that “culture” – which naturally permeates throughout the entire company – is such a strong attribute should come as A further strength lies in the attention afforded to the topic of no surprise: family business owners are generally more tangi- “Identification and Reputation”: family businesses are very keen ble for employees, enabling them to identify more closely with to cast a positive light on the market and to be regarded as good their targets and standards. The owners embody certain values, and successful companies. The reason is that the owners them- which in turn provide orientation for company employees. As selves must ultimately answer for the acts of their companies. a result, family-run businesses tend to prevail even in adverse The overlapping identities of owners and companies heightens circumstances, thanks to their culture of trust and more long- awareness for how the company is being perceived. This also term approach. helps explain, by the way, why family businesses are often excellent at developing brands. 6 7 expert LOOK Values – family businesses manage differently “Long-term approach” – how does this manifest itself in day- This long-term approach and perseverance are certainly very the need for agreements. In the worst-case scenario, everything The question of succession seems to be a major challenge these to-day business? worthy virtues. But in today’s business world, speed and flexibil- has to go through the owner’s hands – an owner who may be ego- days … ity are surely more important. Are family businesses still a viable centric or with the wrong motives. In such cases, the owner can model in our modern environment? soon become an all-pervasive controller, and in the worst cast even Prof. Zellweger: We recently conducted an international study an arbitrary blocker. on the topic. Our findings showed that the proportion of under- Prof. Zellweger: If we take the situation that a company wants to establish a new business – as Melitta did with its Industrial and graduates interested in playing an active role in their parents’ family Special Papers division for example – then it may take several years Prof. Zellweger: Yes, absolutely. Take the big banks, for example. before the business is successfully established. In situations like Just a few years ago, people regarded them as the main beneficiar- Another weak point is when the company is led by several branches business is indeed low. About a quarter in Germany. In addition to these, family business owners are particularly patient. They check ies of globalization. And to some extent they are. But many of them of the family prone to infighting – sometimes for historical rea- the classic problem of the current owners not wishing to relinquish their decisions diligently in advance and are more prepared to stick are also out of control. There are similar examples among the ma- sons, sometimes as a result of generational change. This can lead control, there is obviously a second – no less important – problem. to their course – even in the face of unexpected crises. jor chemical companies and in other sectors. I think the sense of to situations in which the owners block each other and bring the It seems that the next generation is increasingly losing its appetite responsibility is often less well defined among major corporations, organization to a virtual standstill. for leadership. At the same time, however, there are still plenty of as they are ultimately just a vehicle for anonymous shareholders. Family businesses in crisis situations: are there any typical be- This makes it harder to pin responsibility on any one person. havioral patterns? In the case of family businesses, there are identifiable people beProf. Zellweger: Family-run companies are governed by two main hind the company with a vested interest in ensuring things run motivations: economic considerations with the aim of achieving well – putting both their money and their personalities on the line. commercial success, and socio-emotional considerations based One further strength of family businesses is that they not only seek on a desire to continue the company history. The weighting of to benefit themselves but also their environments with the aim of these twin motivations alters according to the intensity of the cri- achieving change together. In the long run, I believe family busi- sis: in difficult financial circumstances, family business owners try nesses are better equipped to chart a successful course into the to maintain the status quo as long as possible. Their main focus future than non-family businesses. What’s more, most family busi- is on defending the chosen strategy and thus the credibility of the nesses deal with the aspects of speed and flexibility mentioned in company and its management. the question very well. Thomas Zellweger This is followed by a second phase in which we see company owners as strong-willed decision-makers. If the danger becomes immi- That all sounds very positive. Are there any generic weaknesses nent and the “family silver” is at stake, they are more than prepared which family businesses suffer from? to make use of their powerful position – up to and including severe 8 cuts. These two phases also serve as a good example of how the Prof. Zellweger: As with many things, key strengths can also con- factor “influence” is applied in varying ways: in manageable situa- ceal weaknesses. One such weakness is the dependency on the tions, they tend not to take drastic measures, although they could. family. Let’s take the aspect of “culture” discussed earlier. In the When it becomes necessary, however, they leap into action – with best-case scenario, there is a culture of trust: people in the com- all that implies. pany can rely on each other and there is good cooperation, without is the co-founder and head of the Center for Family Business at the University of St. Gallen. In his role as faculty professor, his research focuses mainly on family businesses, finance and entrepreneurship. Thomas Zellweger was a research fellow at Babson College, Boston/USA, and visiting professor at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He is the joint publisher of the Journal of Family Business Strategy. 9 expert LOOK Values – family businesses manage differently other candidates for the succession. The task is then to weigh up carefully which solution is best for the company. Family businesses are very keen to cast a positive light on the market and to be regarded as good and successful companies. The reason is that the owners themselves must ultimately answer for the acts of their companies. Are there ways to avoid the problem Prof. Thomas Zellweger of succession? hand there is the capital market with I believe the last aspect is particularly important: managers want its desire for transparency, modern to have responsibility and the power to make decisions. If they fail management instruments, and con- to receive the necessary cooperation in these points – because ul- Prof. Zellweger: First and foremost: they should not be more stant professional monitoring from timately the family decides – they will turn their backs on the com- hype than substance. In a family business, there are more impor- outside. And as a counterweight to pany sooner or later, stating: “I don’t really belong!” I regard this as tant things than self-promotion. They should be team players will- this, the long-term orientation of the a key task for many family businesses: the modernization of man- ing to step into the shade if need be, and they must have a fervent family business owner who is not ob- agement, and in particular the genuine delegation of responsibility. desire to do their job well. I see many managers take on such positions without realizing that in family businesses it is not about sessed with quarterly results, but fo- furthering your own personal career. They arrive with the mindset cuses more on the company’s sustainable development. I believe Prof. Zellweger: One good way is to take a less emotional view of that the capital market is definitely a viable option for growing and Family businesses are generally praised for their soft skills, such the governance structures. Those involved should ask themselves successful family businesses. as loyalty and reliability. Are these values still relevant in this noncommittal age? the following question right from the start: “Who is best suited to of major corporation managers – and ultimately fail. Family-led companies will find the best people for management positions within the company itself. It is mutually beneficial to carrying out the necessary functions?” These include management functions, control functions and ownership functions. And all of On the subject of changing circumstances: how can family Prof. Zellweger: Yes, I think these values are still well suited to our know each other well and share the same values. It is therefore well these skills are needed: it is not always simply a question of filling businesses maintain their competitive edge in the face of rapid age. And they are good for family businesses. In complex company worth identifying potential candidates as soon as possible in order the CEO’s seat. It is important to take a broad view and approach change? structures without personal leadership, employees soon become to groom them for their future roles. opportunists. Sooner or later, they begin to focus on the question the question as objectively as possible: namely, which is the best constellation for the company and those involved for the future. Prof. Zellweger: One aspect is globalization. In this case, SMEs of how they can achieve the maximum reward for their efforts – of- have long been successfully operating around the world. Another ten involving a frequent change of positions. This shows that family is the so-called talent management aspect. Many large family busi- businesses only attract a certain type of employee. Traders are not Family businesses and the capital market: how do family-run nesses, such as Melitta with a turnover of approx. € 1.4 billion, are generally happy in such environments. For those who know their companies stand on this topic? located outside the attractive metropolitan areas. They face the own abilities and what they want to achieve, family businesses are question: “How can we attract the best employees who will help attractive employers. Prof. Zellweger: There is still a great deal of caution among family us manage the company professionally? And how do we keep our businesses toward private equity, but not toward the capital mar- best people on board?” Recruiting and retaining management ex- One aspect becoming increasingly important for employees is the ket in general. Maybe because the capital market gives owners the pertise has long become a decisive factor. degree of “purpose” on offer. Especially the more talented junior managers are not only interested in their personal success, but chance to retain control over the company to a certain extent. This is illustrated by examples such as Henkel, Haniel and BMW. Struc- In order to be successful, today’s family businesses must highlight also in the company’s mission, or what the organization stands tures can be created in such a way that the family keeps its hand on their strengths. These include corporate culture, but should also for – whether it’s ecological responsibility or improving the quality the tiller even though the company is listed. comprise attractive talent programs and a professional work envi- of life. This growing need for “purpose” can also be observed in our ronment. This applies in particular to managers: they expect good university environment: demand for lectures on “Social Entrepre- There are actually some very successful family businesses on the management tools, information access and transparency in order neurship” is growing from year to year. If a company – like Melitta stock exchange, as it brings together two positive forces which both to make the right decisions. – can succeed in taking its staff on a “purposeful” journey, then it complement each other and keep each other in check: on the one 10 What characteristics do managers of family businesses need? is well placed for the future. 11 In Principio creavit Deus caelum et terram In Principio creavit Deus caelum et terram Developments in the operating divisions Melitta Europe Cofresco Freshkeeping Products Europe Melitta SystemService Melitta Brasil Melitta USA Melitta Canada Wolf PVG Neu Kaliss Spezialpapier ACW-Film 12 13 COFFEE Melitta Europe Brand business with coffee and household products under one roof In 2012, the two operating divisions “Melitta Household Products Europe” and “Melitta Coffee Europe” formerly managed in two separate companies were brought together under the new name “Melitta Europe”. The core competencies of the two units have thus been pooled under a single roof. On the one hand, Melitta is one of the leading coffee roasters on the German market, and on the other hand a successful manufacturer and innovative developer of filter papers, filter coffeemakers and fully automatic coffee machines. In this new constellation, Melitta aims to drive forward its strongest selling business field “Coffee and Tea Enjoyment” on the European market. Positive development of “Coffee and Tea Enjoyment” business field The business field “Coffee and Tea Enjoyment” achieved year-onyear revenue growth of seven percent in the past year. The contribution of the various product groups to this success differed greatly, however. The Melitta® CAFFEO® range of fully automatic coffee machines Melitta Europe – Household Products Division drug store chain further hampered sales. All in all, however, the performed particularly well with sales growth well into double fig- division made encouraging progress in 2012. ures. We succeeded in expanding our market share in almost all markets and were listed among the core products of our most Important progress in consistently challenging environment The change in Melitta’s sales activities for sister company important retail customers. Our entry-level SOLO® and top-of- Cofresco to a new sales agent agreement means that Cofresco the-range CI® models successfully established themselves on the now invoices its customers directly. We will therefore review the market. year’s performance on a comparable basis here: taking account The “Household Products Division” can look back on a very of the new structure, the division – and in particular its core busi- In our international business, we succeeded in expanding our eventful fiscal year 2012. The economic crisis in some European ness field “Coffee and Tea Enjoyment” – achieved growth in sales coffee machine business with new partners in Australia, Taiwan, countries created a more challenging backdrop for the develop- revenues over the past year. Thailand and Ukraine. In almost all countries, we were able to ment of our business. In Germany, the insolvency of the S chlecker convince further trade customers to list our existing product ranges. As a complementary product for our fully automatic coffee machines, the Cremio® milk frother enjoyed a very successful international launch. KEY FIGURES SALES* in € ’000 739,612 There was mixed success for our Melitta® filter coffeemakers and filter papers. We achieved growth in sales of filter coffeemakers CAPITAL EXPENDITURE in € ’000 EMPLOYEES Average 9,886 1,462 649,508 1,490 8,304 – helped mainly by increased volumes in Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark and Russia. Sales were boosted above all by new products, such as the stainless steel variants of our successful Look®range and our ENJOY® filter coffeemaker, which came top in a taste comparison of German consumer organization “Stiftung Warentest” in the lower price category. Household Products Division ProduCtS Filter papers, products and equipment for coffee preparation, dust filter bags and accessories, products for garbage disposal, cleanliness in pet households, cleaning cloths, descalers, tea filters Locations Minden (Germany), Chézy (France), Tourcoing (France), Shenzhen (China) Sales Companies France, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Czech Republic Coffee Division ProduCts Roasted coffee (ground, whole bean), Instant-Cappuccino, Pods 14 Jan Van Riet CEO Household Products Division Dr. Frank Strege CEO Coffee Division Locations Bremen 2012 2011 2012 * Shift due to change of sales system in 2011 and 2012. 2011 2012 2011 www.melitta.de · www.swirl.de 15 MelittA In Principio EUROPE creavit Deus caelum et terram As expected, the negative market trend for filter papers continued in the past year. In order to rejuvenate this market for us and In Principio creavit Deus caelum et terram Continued success in international environment Melitta EuropE – Coffee Division differentiate our brand more clearly from its private label comIn our foreign markets, we once again successfully utilized petitors, we significantly improved our ORIGINAL filter paper and GOURMET Premium filter paper ranges. In Germany, we ® German coffee market stable the opportunities to develop the Melitta® brand. Thanks to systematic market cultivation, we achieved strong growth in were able to gain important new customers for our private label filter paper business with the addition of two major retail trade Total demand on the German coffee market was slightly up on the neighboring regions, as well as in Eastern Europe and the partners. As a result, we have greatly increased the production previous year in 2012. The prevailing trends in the development Middle East. The export business once again proved to be a volume of filter papers and raised the productivity of our conver- of the market structure continued unchanged: strong growth in valuable pillar of our operations. sion plant. Both these factors also made a valuable contribution whole beans for automatic coffee machines and in coffee cap- toward our Minden facility. sules offset a further decline in ground filter coffee. At the same time, there was slower growth for coffee pods. Mixed performance in “Convenient Cleaning” business field Once again, these developments occurred against a backdrop of Outlook 2013: further profitable growth with our brands highly volatile prices for green beans. In the “Household Products Division”, we anticipate a further Business for the Swirl dust filter bag and vacuum cleaner ac® cessory range proved difficult in 2012. Sales in Germany were hit by the insolvency of the Schlecker drug store chain, where Melitta among top 3 in all relevant coffee segments improvement in growth during 2013. This trend is likely to be driven by the product categories Fully Automatic Coffee Machines, Filter Coffeemakers, Private Label Filter Papers and we enjoyed a very strong position. Competition with private label brands and accessories of other original manufacturers 2012 was a successful year for our “Coffee Division”. We defend- Garbage Bags. In the dust filter bag segment, we will focus continued to intensify. ed our strong positions in all roast coffee segments and achieved above all on successfully defending our position against pri- strong market share gains in certain areas of our whole bean and vate label brands. In general, we expect conditions to remain The very encouraging development of business in Sweden was coffee pod categories. All in all, we achieved the second-highest difficult in our markets with an ongoing negative impact on unable to compensate fully for this challenging situation in sales volume in the company’s history. This success owes much consumer spending. Difficult markets call for increased ac- Germany. As a result, Swirl failed to reach its revenue targets to the communication support for the Melitta brand throughout tivities. We aim to grow market share with new products and in the vacuum cleaning category. In order to strengthen the the year. focused point-of-sale activities – accompanied by media sup- ® ® position of Swirl dust filter bags, we completely overhauled the port for the Fully Automatic Coffee Machine, Filter Paper and ® entire range and made them more attractive for our customers In our filter coffee business, we successfully defended our sec- by enhancing their filtration performance with the MicroPor ond position among suppliers of branded coffee. Sales of whole Plus® System. bean blends for fully automatic coffee machines outperformed In the “Coffee Division”, we expect consumer demand to Dust Filter Bag categories. the overall market and achieved a double-digit market share. This remain stable in the filter coffee segment in 2013. Growth in Swirl® garbage bags developed in line with expectations, due to trend was helped by the new, heavily advertised concept of the sales of coffee for automatic coffee machines and single serve further well-received line extensions particularly in Belgium and ® Melitta BellaCrema “Selection of the Year”, which was well re- machines will continue – albeit at a slightly reduced pace. With Germany. ceived by consumers. the aid of measures designed to enhance the Melitta® brand ® and the addition of further attractive offers to the product portWe also gained market share in the coffee pod segment and re- folio, we aim to grow sales of coffee and coffee products while inforced our position as the third largest brand-name supplier. expanding our market position. Investments in our roasting Due to the overall market development, growth in this product plant will once again enable us to enhance the quality of our category was a little slower. In the market for instant specialties products. – in terms of volume, similar to the pod market – we just about succeeded in holding our prior-year market share. 16 17 Cofresco Freshkeeping Products Europe Leading supplier of branded household films and foils Cofresco is Europe’s leading supplier of food wrappings and garbage bags. The company offers innovative product solutions for the optimum storage and preparation of food, as well as for garbage disposal. With our Toppits®, Albal®, Glad®, handy bag® and PrimaPack® brands, we are represented in over 70 million households in 25 countries every year. Outlook 2013: turnaround and return to former strength Our aim for the current year is to achieve further improvements in sales volumes. With the aid of an accelerated sales promotion Positive market environment in Europe Sales in 2012 behind expectations campaign, we are targeting growth on the French market. In the Netherlands, we hope to build on our current success by expand- Despite the financial and economic crisis and the uncertainty The changes in Europe’s trade landscape represented a serious it spread, the European markets for household films and foils challenge for our business in the past year. The distribution-based made good progress in the past year. This applies above all to concepts of the private label brands had a noticeable adverse im- In 2013, our main objective is to return to our former strength. the plastic, aluminum and paper categories, as well as to those pact on our sales volumes. Further sales losses resulted from We have therefore placed a variety of measures on the agenda for garbage bag markets of relevance to Cofresco. However, it was changes in our marketing activities. After a demanding start in the current year. One particular area of focus is packaging: in this the private label brands – and especially the premium varieties 2012 we did succeed in stemming this trend in the third quarter field, we aim to improve our shelf presence and thus enhance the – which benefited most from this positive development. This and generally improved our market position in the final quarter. in-store presentation of our goods. emphasis on private label brands had an overall dampening ef- There were successes in our B2B business: the current growth At the same time, we will increase our efforts with regard to fect on branded product sales and resulted in a decline in both trend continued as this segment develops more and more into new innovations. We aim to improve the customer benefit of volume and revenue. an innovation motor for our operating division. our products. These new ideas will be integrated into both our ing our distribution network. was most clearly illustrated in Sweden. The retail trade’s strategic domestic and international operations. We shall also take the specific conditions of individual distribution channels even more into account. ProduCTS KEY FIGURES SALES* in € ’000 Aluminum foils, baking paper, freshkeeping films, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE in € ’000 138,822 5,034 freshkeeping bags, freezer bags, EMPLOYEES Average 299 306 roasting bags, garbage bags Locations Minden (Germany), Brodnica (Poland) 67,675 2,701 Sales Companies Madrid (Spain), Brodnica (Poland), St. Petersburg (Russia) 2012 18 2011 Volker Stühmeier CEO (as of Feb. 14, 2012) * Shift due to change of sales system in 2011 and 2012. 2012 2011 2012 2011 www.toppits.de www.cofresco.de 19 Melitta SystemService Global partner for professional coffee preparation resentative exhibition and training complex, which will serve in future as a meeting point for our international partners and major Melitta SystemService specializes in supplying equipment for professional hot beverage preparation in the hotel and catering sector. Its core activities include the manufacturing and global marketing of filter coffee machines and fully automatic coffee specialty machines. The division also sells coffee, tea and accessories and has its own international after-sales service team. Paving the way for further growth In contrast to this, our subsidiary in Japan failed to match the clients. We also worked on standardizing our IT systems and processes; this will help enhance cooperation between our international customer service organizations, the national subsidiaries and our partners. Outlook 2013: growth with new products success of 2011. In particular, our business with household apThe prevailing uncertainty of the global economy over the past pliances was unable to meet expectations. Our Swiss subsidiary, In 2013, we will unveil a number of enhanced and newly devel- year affected capital spending to varying degrees in those mar- Cafina AG, also suffered losses as the local food service and tour- oped coffee machines at various trade shows around the world. kets of relevance for Melitta SystemService. There were therefore ism sector faced a second year of weak sales. These will include our proven fully automatic coffee machine, the Melitta® bar-cube, with a new touchscreen panel, and the first also noticeable differences in the performance of our national subsidiaries. All in all, total sales revenues were slightly down on Our most successful product in 2012 was the Melitta bar-cube. model of a new automatic coffee machine generation. In addition the previous year, but still at a high level. Business in our core With its intuitive operation and high-class technology, it has al- to numerous customer-specific product developments success- market of Germany was pleasingly stable. Direct exports to the ready established itself in the food service sector as a professional fully launched in various markets over the past few years, this Asia/Pacific region were once again a major pillar of our interna- entry-level coffee machine. new automatic coffee machine generation will complement our ® standard range. It will mainly target mid-size customers in the tional activities. As expected, our UK subsidiary also made very strong progress. In order to drive our continued growth, we made further invest- non-system catering segment, who attach particular importance ments in 2012: at our Minden-Dützen site, we built a new rep- to coffee quality, handling and design. The new fully automatic coffee specialty machine will set new standards in the mid-range price segment with its new features and innovative design. We are currently also observing a global trend toward higher coffee quality in the cup. This provides fertile ground for our own KEY FIGURES SALES in € ’000 133,728 136,428 quality focus. We are convinced that we can use this trend for CAPITAL EXPENDITURE in € ’000 EMPLOYEES Average 4,555 695 689 ProduCtS Coffee machines, fully automatic coffee machines, long-term and sustainable customer acquisition around the filter papers, roasted coffee, world. We are already active in our strategic markets in Central accessories, tea and South America, as well as Asia, and have established struc- Locations tures via partnerships and networks which will enable us to quick- Minden (Germany), ly enter selected markets. Hunzenschwil (Schweiz) Sales Companies 1,938 2012 20 Harald Johanning-Meiners CEO 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 With our revised infrastructure, dedicated employees and innova- Hunzenschwil (Switzerland), Salzburg (Austria), tive products, we feel generally well placed to reach further suc- Saint Tibault des Vignes (France), cess in 2013. Buckinghamshire (Great Britain), Hardinxveld (Netherlands), Elgin (USA), Tokyo (Japan) www.melittasystemservice.de 21 Melitta Brasil Successful products for coffee preparation In the world’s largest coffee-producing nation, Melitta has been offering a complete range of products for coffee preparation since 1968. This range includes various coffee blends produced at the company’s own roasting plants, as well as filter papers produced at its own paper plant. Melitta Brasil’s brands include Melitta®, Jovita®, Bom Jesus®, Brigitta® and Melitta Wake® – a milk-based instant beverage with added coffee launched in 2012. In contrast to the prevailing market trend, sales of filter papers also made good progress. Although the total filter paper market fell by volume due to the unfavorable economic climate, sales volumes of Melitta filter papers remained steady at the prior-year level. There was even growth in sales revenues. The company’s share of the branded filter paper segment rose to over 40 percent in 2012. Our second brands also made ground on rival private label products the tenth successive year of strong growth in brand sales a whole, as well as on sales volumes of Melitta Brasil. The market with double-digit revenue growth. With our branded filter papers decline was most noticeable in those regions where Melitta Bra- and second brands, we achieved a total share of the filter paper sil is strongly represented. Against this backdrop, Melitta Brasil’s market of over 60 percent in 2012. Despite sluggish economic growth and falling consumer spend- sales volumes of the Melitta and Bom Jesus brands fell, brought ing, Melitta Brasil once again achieved strong growth in its sales of about by a shrinking coffee market and the aggressive pricing of Our innovation Melitta Wake® got off to a promising start in 2012. branded goods. In local currency, sales revenues grew year on year. major competitors. Due to rising prices, however, revenues showed Melitta Wake® can be stored without refrigeration, is ready to drink, This growth was driven above all by the company’s coffee business, a double-digit growth. After initial market share losses early in the and makes an ideal everyday companion for consumers. The prod- filter paper business and its new product Melitta Wake . Due to a year, Melitta was able to make up lost ground and ended the year uct already exceeded expectations in its first year. change in legislation, the additional and time-limited business of with the same market shares as in the previous year. ® ® ® exporting green beans was discontinued as expected. Despite the adverse environment, our coffee brand Bom Jesus ® For the second year in a row, end consumer prices rose sharply on even succeeded in raising both volume and revenue over the previ- the Brazilian coffee market in 2012. Prices showed a double-digit ous year. Outlook 2013: further growth in awareness targeted We expect the Brazilian economy to recover slightly in the second half of 2013. This is likely to be accompanied by increased capital increase. This had a strong negative impact on the coffee market as spending in the industrial sector and growing consumer interest in durables. The coffee and filter paper markets are not expected to benefit. Melitta Brasil will therefore strengthen its sales activi- KEY FIGURES SALES in € ’000 ties and continue to expand distribution. In terms of market comCAPITAL EXPENDITURE in € ’000 3,312 314,835 EMPLOYEES Average 595 590 268,970 Milk-based instant beverage, ers. Targeted media and consumer activities will focus on raising instant cappuccino, filter papers, brand awareness. industrial papers to use our extensive range of coffee enjoyment products – both 2012 Bernardo Wolfson CEO 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 Headquarters São Paulo (Brazil) at home and on the go. We plan to build on the already high ac- Production Locations ceptance level of Melitta Wake among young adult consumers. Avaré, Guaíba, Bom Jesus (Brazil) ® 22 Roasted coffee (ground, whole bean), munication, we aim to enhance the brand loyalty of our custom- In general, our aim is to convince as many new users as possible 2,394 ProduCtS www.melitta.com.br 23 Melitta USA Leading in premium coffee and filter papers Melitta has been represented in the USA since the 1960s. The division markets filter papers produced at its own facility in Clearwater and coffee from its own roasting plant near Philadelphia. Its coffee blends are positioned in the premium segment of the US market. Melitta® filter papers also enjoy a leading market position in the USA. The rapid growth of single serve systems has had a noticeable impact on our filter coffee business and the use of traditional filter papers. As a result, our filter coffee sales fell slightly in line with the market trend. In our north-eastern markets, however, the development is more encouraging. In New York and Philadelphia, our Café de Europa® is the top-selling premium coffee. In order to drive its foundation laid for sustainable growth In late 2012, we also very successfully launched a new filter system cone filter sales, Melitta USA signed a cooperation agreement with specially for single serve machines. The Melitta Java Jig® is a reus- a further coffeemaker manufacturer in the past year. We expect to The single serve coffee category continued its rapid development able filter for capsule systems. It contains a paper filter insert and realize the first benefits of this agreement in early 2014. in the USA during 2012. Over 10 million single serve coffeemakers is filled individually with coffee. The principle: after brewing in the were sold in the US over the year, representing year-on-year growth single serve machine, the compostable filter can be ecologically of 50 percent. This coffee preparation system has now reached an disposed of together with the coffee; the filter cup is then ready to estimated household penetration of 12 percent in the USA. use again. In the current fiscal year, we are jointly developing an- With a new type of coffee pod, Melitta USA was able to benefit from Outlook 2013: building on our new foundation other product with a cooperation partner. We believe this product Melitta USA is very optimistic about the current fiscal year. We aim to promises similar success. strengthen our US business with further extensive measures. In order to build on the success of our Java Jig® filter system, we will focus this general trend in 2012 and raise coffee sales double-digit year on year. As a result, we have rejuvenated our coffee business and As there is also a clear trend toward traditional pour over coffee on raising repeat sales of this new product. We will also introduce an- reached sales figures well beyond expectations. The range is being preparation, we launched further products for this segment in the other single-serve system and develop our position in this category. distributed via a major regional retail partner, in addition to the past year. We will also be placing a new range of single serve pre-filled coffee grocery channel in the north-east market. capsules in the premium and super premium segment. This new range is expected to provide significant long-term growth for our branded coffee business. We also aim to grow our filter coffee and coffee pod business in 2013. KEY FIGURES SALES in € ’000 Roasted coffee (ground, whole bean), pods, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE in € ’000 EMPLOYEES Average 1,209 62,940 55,347 ProduCtS 109 92 989 We are focusing in particular on our core market in the north-east of filter papers, the country. We also intend to strengthen our position here in 2013. coffee preparation products Locations Clearwater, Florida, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 2012 24 Martin T. Miller CEO 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 www.melitta.com 25 Melitta Canada Premium supplier of coffee and filter papers Melitta Canada was founded in Toronto in 1960. The company markets premium filter papers and premium c offee via the grocery trade. Stronger presence in social networks As of last year, Melitta Canada is now more active in social networks. These platforms for fast communication of breaking de- adverse market environment, strong trend toward single serve systems The single serve segment already accounts for 35 percent of all velopments are also ideally suited for the company’s promotional coffee sales in Canada and is still growing fast. In order to dif- activities. After all, Melitta Canada enjoys a strong presence in ferentiate ourselves from the competition, we developed an eco- retail stores, offers tastings at its own mobile coffee units, and Depressed consumer confidence and the rising cost of living friendly variant of the coffee capsules for single serve devices employs sales displays for its coffee blends and filters. exerted downward pressure on the Canadian economy in 2012. – with much less packaging for a superior aroma. Two product Against this backdrop, Melitta suffered a slight fall in sales rev- lines are currently being marketed: Melitta® Single Serve Premi- enue in local currency. Both coffee and filter paper sales failed to um and Melitta Single Serve Super Premium (Fair Trade). Both reach the volumes achieved in the previous year. Our traditional have been very well received by the trade. ® Outlook 2013: growth with new products In the current fiscal year, we are targeting double-digit percentage market for filter coffee and coffee beans was dominated by aggressively priced competitors – to the detriment of premium cof- As a consequence of the leaps in growth achieved by the single revenue and volume growth in our coffee segment – mainly by fee blends. There was also strong growth in single serve systems serve segment, the filter paper market continues to decline. Total expanding sales of Melitta® Single Serve Coffee Cups. We plan – sales volumes grew by over 100 percent in the past year. filter sales fell by around 9 percent year on year. Melitta Cana- to step up our advertising in this segment and strengthen our da performed slightly better than the market: although sales of market presence with TV campaigns, online activities, trade pro- We are targeting future growth in our coffee business with the branded Melitta filter papers fell in total, Melitta Canada achieved motions and samplings. product innovation Melitta® Single Serve Coffee Cups – with growth in sales of its standard-size bamboo filter papers. which we entered the fast-growing single serve segment in 2012. We are also planning changes in the manual coffee preparation segment. With new packaging and new products we aim to strengthen this business field. The trend in our filter paper segment is somewhat different. In KEY FIGURES SALES in € ’000 26,803 a shrinking market, we expect sales to remain around the 2012 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE in € ’000 25,366 level. However, we plan to capture further market share in this EMPLOYEES Average 64 10 10 2011 2012 2011 ProduCtS Roasted coffee (ground, whole beans), pods, filter papers fiercely competitive market with a variety of marketing measures. Location Vaughan (Canada) 24 2012 26 William J. Ivany CEO 2011 2012 www.melitta.ca 27 Wolf PVG Quality vacuum cleaner accessories and filter systems Wolf PVG has been a highly specialized systems supplier for vacuum cleaning and industrial filter technology for more than 40 years. The company develops and produces vacuum cleaner accessories, such as nozzles, dust filter bags, and filters for small appliances, and markets them to vacuum cleaner manufacturers (OEMs). Wolf PVG is also an important supplier of vacuum cleaner accessories for Melitta Europe. Outlook 2013: quality and know-how to drive growth with industrial clients Our two sales channels are likely to differ greatly in their performance during the current fiscal year: we expect increased revenues from our supplies to vacuum cleaner manufacturers, while Reduced consumer spending and increased price sensitivity burden sales In terms of products, we were able to make further improvements sales volumes to the trade will remain unchanged. We believe in quality over the past year. Our new non-woven line enables us that the pressure from private label brands is likely to increase to produce vacuum cleaner bags with greatly improved filtration in future. Vacuum cleaner manufacturers recorded falling sales for prod- performance – with positive benefits for hygiene and energy ef- ucts with vacuum cleaner bags in favour of bagless appliances in ficiency. In addition, we want to utilize our expertise in filter media by also the past year. There was therefore a corresponding fall in our own entering new business fields. revenues in this field. In our second major business, sales to the In 2012, we recorded our first success with manufacturers pro- trade, there was strong growth in sales of private label brands – ducing vacuum cleaners for commercial usage. With our top- with a resulting fall in sales of branded products. Sales through class products, we have an excellent opportunity to successfully this channel were therefore also down year on year. As a result, expand this segment. Wolf PVG recorded an overall decline in sales revenue in its fiscal year 2012. ProduCtS KEY FIGURES SALES in € ’000 Vacuum cleaner bags, holders for vacuum cleaner bags, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE in € ’000 6,196 21,738 vacuum cleaner nozzles, EMPLOYEES Average 219 220 18,797 particle and odor filters Locations Vlotho-Exter (Germany), Spenge (Germany) 1.547 2012 28 Dr. Lutwin Spix CEO 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 www.wolf-pvg.de 29 Neu Kaliss / Neukölln Spezialpapier Specialists for paper manufacturing and paper conversion Neu Kaliss Spezialpapier GmbH and its sister company Neukölln Spezialpapier GmbH manufacture specialist papers and nonwoven materials for industrial use. The companies are also active in the conversion and marketing of paper products for various niche markets. Outlook 2013: further success with new products and processes We expect a further positive development for our business in Increased capacities for future growth Planned reconstruction measures at our Berlin/Neukölln plant in 2013. In the current year, we plan to launch a new product cur- 2012 were completed on schedule. We launched production on rently being developed: new wallpaper base papers with different 2012 was both an eventful and successful year for us. Firstly, we the new paper machine in mid 2012 and successfully produced surface weights. The three basic qualities of these base papers managed to raise sales in all areas of our wallpaper business. the first batches. The machine will be used for high-quality wall- were already provided to a wide circle of clients for test purposes. Only business in China failed to reach the prior-year level, due to paper base papers and we have already achieved excellent results This enables us to make any necessary improvements prior to economic developments in the country. There was a particularly for conversion properties. market launch. The feedback for the new product has so far been strong increase in sales volumes of our non-woven wallpaper lin- very positive and we plan to launch it during the current year. ers. Due to the sharp rise in sales, we will even need to expand We were particularly pleased that our expanded technologies and capacities in order to meet demand. processes helped us to quickly achieve good results during the product development stage. The product category “Printed Drip Catchers” also made good progress. In 2012, we improved our economic efficiency. The price adjustment was necessitated by the development of raw In addition to new products, we shall also focus on further improvements to our existing processes in 2013. For example, we . materials. plan to introduce an energy management system according to DIN 50001 and thus further reduce our energy consumption. ProduCtS KEY FIGURES Specialist papers SALES in € ’000 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE in € ’000 EMPLOYEES Average 40,381 14,221 210 40,463 Locations Neu Kaliß (Germany), Berlin (Germany) 132 8,456 Martin Ostermayer CEO as of Sept. 01, 2012 30 John Paul Fender CEO 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 www.nkpaper.com 31 ACW-Film Top quality packaging films for the consumer goods industry ACW-Film develops and produces packaging films for the consumer goods industry and markets them to its industrial clients. The rolls of film, paper and composites the company supplies are printed or given functional coatings. Its customers are mainly in the food industry in the field of sweets and fresh meat, as well as washing and cleaning products. Outlook 2013: growth through expanded production and new products The newly created machine infrastructure lays the foundation for further successful growth. We will therefore be utilizing this Success with new and proven products In order to enhance our products and thus access new product added capacity in 2013. The new gravure printing press will be in- fields, we continued to widen our technological base in the past stalled and put into operation during the year in order to produce With its acquisition of ACW-Film in 2010, the Melitta Group year. The new laminating line installed in 2011 was integrated into top quality packaging with gravure printing. added a further B2B operation to its industrial business. From its the normal production process, enabling us to now combine vari- base in Rhede/Ems, Germany, ACW-Film supplies only domestic ous materials into a single composite film. In addition to this expansion of production technology, our agen- customers. da for 2013 also includes the launch of several new products. In We also completed work on a new production hall which provides the course of the current year, we will be launching a new type of All in all, ACW-Film enjoyed a successful fiscal year 2012. In the desperately needed space for the expansion of the print shop. As sachet packaging for liquid detergents which will replace the cur- packaging market for washing and cleaning products, there was a consequence, we were able to commence the scheduled con- rently used PVC packaging, as well as moisture-resistant packag- an increase in private label products at the expense of branded struction of our gravure printing press in 2012. It will enable us to ing variants for sweets. goods in the past year. This also impacted our business, but was serve new product fields and produce additional products which offset in part by further growth in fresh meat packaging – albeit at we used to buy from external suppliers. a slower rate than in the previous year. Against this backdrop, we were able to close fiscal year 2012 at the prior-year level. ProduCtS KEY FIGURES SALES in € ’000 6,693 6,803 Flexible packaging, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE in € ’000 rolls of film, paper and various composites EMPLOYEES Average 34 564 Holger Achelpohl CEO Helmut Cywinski CEO 2012 2011 2012 2011 Rhede/Ems (Germany) 27 407 32 Location 2012 2011 33 In Principio creavit Deus caelum et terram Financial Information 34 Financial figures at a glance Group management report Consolidated balance sheet Explanatory notes 35 Financial figures at a glance Financial figures at a glance Melitta Group 2012 Key Figures 2012 Sales by Product Groups 2012 Sales Capital expenditures Employees in percent in € ’000 in € ’000 Average (Household Products Division, Coffee Division) 48 649,508 9,886 1,462 Cofresco Freshkeeping Products Europe 10 138,822 2,701 299 Melitta SystemService 10 133,728 4,555 695 Melitta Brasil 20 268,970 2,394 595 Melitta Europe Share of sales 50% Coffee Enjoyment “Coffee” 11% Freshness and Flavour Melitta USA 5 62,940 989 92 Melitta Canada 2 26,803 24 10 Wolf PVG 1 18,797 1,547 219 Neu Kaliss / Neukölln Spezialpapier 3 40,381 14,221 210 5% ACW-Film 1 6,693 564 34 Convenient Cleaning Shareholdings 0 65 1,313 56 1,346,707 38,194 3,672 Melitta Group total 13% Coffee Enjoyment “Filter paper” 8% Coffee Enjoyment “Coffeemakers” 5% Industrial Paper 8% Others Regional Development 2012 36 Sales by Region in € ’000 Employees by Region Germany 2012 2011 602,072 61,123 2012 2011 1,782 1,788 Europe (excl. Germany) 2012 2011 334,173 396,291 2012 2011 627 580 South America 2012 2011 269,001 254,653 2012 2011 595 590 North America 2012 2011 102,032 90,526 2012 2011 187 205 Asia 2012 2011 39,429 50,738 2012 2011 481 468 37 Group management report Group management report Group management report of Melitta Unternehmensgruppe Bentz KG for the fiscal year 2012 BASIS OF THE GROUP coffeemakers and fully automatic coffee machines for private ECONOMIC REPORT and commercial use. changed – with the exception of Cofresco – its companies in The internationally operating Melitta Group is one of Germany’s Business environment North America achieved encouraging growth of 10 percent in best-known family companies. Our branded goods boast lead- With brands such as Swirl , our product categories in the field ing positions on major international markets – often in attrac- of dust filter bags and accessories, as well as garbage disposal, Our expectations regarding Europe’s economic recovery were tive niche segments. This applies in particular to the Melitta® enjoy leading positions – especially in Germany and other West not met to the extent anticipated at the beginning of 2012. All in Our business in Brazil also made good progress with further brand, both for the consumer and food service sectors. Our oth- European countries. all, however, we are satisfied with the course of business. High strong sales growth (in local currency). The discontinuation unemployment in southern Europe and the modest progress of green bean exports due to new legislation led to a shortfall, total. ® er brands are either market leaders in Europe and the Americas or vying for market leadership. We have also expanded our B2B The Toppits , Albal and Handy Bag brands are allocated to of the Brazilian economy did not have a significant impact on which could not be offset by volume growth and price hikes business, as planned, which mainly consists of special-grade product categories concerned with the storing and fresh-keep- our business. nor the successful launch of the new “WAKE” product group. papers and packaging films. ing of food and the disposal of household waste. ® ® ® In local currency, sales revenue fell by 8 percent. Due to the deIn the Group’s most important markets of Germany and Bra- valuation of the Brazilian currency (yearly average) by as much Our Group is organized decentrally. This enables us to closely The remaining product categories are marketed to industrial zil, coffee sales made varying progress. In Germany, sales of 7 percent, there was an additional effect on consolidated sales align operations with the needs of respective markets via our clients (B2B). They include specialist papers for the wallpaper roasted coffee reached the prior-year volume of around 330,000 resulting in an overall decline of € 21 million. operating divisions and national subsidiaries. With the aid industry and industrial films for food packaging. tons – thanks in part to strong sales in December. steers the Group according to a common vision and on the Our research and development activities are geared to detect- In the filter coffee segment, however, we suffered a 3 percent de- couraging growth of 2 percent for roasted coffee, filter papers basis of fundamental corporate principles. ing or shaping new consumer trends in order to turn them into cline in sales volume compared to 2011. There were also market and fully automatic coffee machines – i.e. most of our coffee innovative products which will secure the company’s sustain- declines in filter papers and dust filter bags. business. Once again, sales of fully automatic coffee machines of central corporate divisions, Chief Corporate Management In the various product categories, there was particularly en- The Group has organized its activities into defined product able development. This also applies to our food service and B2B categories whose operations are managed by separate decen- clients. made excellent progress. New machines – and especially the In the relevant regions of Brazil, there was a significant decrease high-end CI® machine – played a major role in this success. tralized operating divisions. In their respective markets, these in coffee sales of 4.3 percent and in filter papers of 2.3 percent – Filter papers enjoyed a slight increase in sales revenue of 1 per- product categories are mostly marketed under international following several years of growth. In the coffee market, this trend cent. brand names, such as Melitta , Swirl , Toppits and other re- was due to Brazil’s slower economic growth in 2012 as well as gional brands. In our B2B business, certain product categories higher green bean prices passed on in part to consumers. ® ® ® – such as wallpaper base nonwovens – are already marketed internationally, while others are currently being established. In the field of coffee machines for the hotel and systems catering sector, however, expectations regarding new orders were not In 2012, the Melitta Group posted sales of € 1,347 million – cor- met – mainly because of reduced capital spending in this seg- responding to a year-on-year decline of 4 percent (prior year: ment. Due to the discontinuation of project business in France, With their clear focus on coffee enjoyment, the product catego- € 1,408 million). This was mainly due to the discontinuation of lower standard business in Switzerland and project orders not ries marketed under the Melitta® brand account for the largest green bean trading in Brazil and currency effects in this country. yet completed in the UK and USA, this product category failed share of Group turnover. They include filter papers, coffee, filter 38 Whereas the Group’s European sales remained largely un- to reach the prior-year sales level. 39 Group management report There was also a decline in sales of dust filter bags and vacuum Group management report ASSETS AND FINANCE cleaner accessories. Garbage bags, however, once again made cent. In calculating the equity ratio, liquid funds and marketable EMPLOYEES securities of € 17 million were deducted from the consolidated encouraging progress with sales growth of 4 percent. In the Total assets remained virtually unchanged compared to the pre- balance sheet total. The net increase in equity resulted from for- The number of employees rose by 41 to 3,672, while the number dust filter bag segment, the retail trade’s strategy of establishing vious year. They amounted to € 640 million as of December 31, eign currency changes without effect on income, withdrawals of of apprentices in Germany increased to 84 (prior year: 76). its own brands for certain categories began to be felt last year. 2012. the owners and the result of the reporting period. The commitment of our employees is one of the most impor- As a result, the consistent growth in sales of this product group Non-current assets fell slightly by € 3 million, from € 235 million Accruals for pensions and entitlements increased by € 3 million, tant prerequisites for the company’s success. A survey con- to € 232 million. Capital expenditures amounted to € 29 million, from € 136 million to € 139 million. This increase was mainly ducted in the reporting period demonstrated the above-average There was a sharp fall in sales of 18 percent in the field of alu- after accounting for the disposal of assets. Following comple- due to a further fall in the interest rate for discounting future loyalty of staff (response rate: 76 percent), while at the same minum and plastic food wraps, as well as other product catego- tion of the investment project in Berlin, a total of € 20 million benefit obligations. There was only a minor year-on-year change time highlighting areas which still need improving. ries for the domestic fresh-keeping and storage of food. The re- was invested in renewing and expanding production facilities in other accruals (including tax accruals) to a total € 98 million launch of product packs first introduced in 2011 and persistent at this site. Depreciation and amortization totaled € 25 million. (prior year: € 96 million). There were additions to financial assets due to the deconsolida- Trade payables fell by € 11 million, from € 71 million to € 60 of an Employer Value Proposition (EVP) and the resulting em- tion and disposal of securities via the sale and reclassification million. ployer brand with the claim: “Melitta – More Opportunities”. Cash flow from operating activities increased year on year, while We are stepping up our internal talent-oriented and perfor- over the past years was ended in the reporting period. tive employer. A key element in these efforts was the definition pressure from private label offerings were the main reasons for this development. In spite of growing competitive pressure, the “wallpaper base Once again, Melitta strengthened its positioning as an attrac- of the remaining securities as current assets. nonwovens” category succeeded in defending its prior-year sales level. This was partly due to a shift in production and There were only minor changes to current assets. Inventories cash flow from investing activities was down on the compara- mance-driven training activities under the heading “Melitta sales toward more premium nonwoven papers and increased fell by € 3 million due to a decline in commodity prices. Trade tive period. The latter was mainly influenced by payments for Campus”. One area of focus was the topic “Leadership at exports. receivables rose slightly by € 4 million, from € 206 million to capital expenditures, as well as proceeds from the sale of se- Melitta”, with intensive training of management staff in accord- € 210 million. curities. ance with our corporate guidelines. Other assets were down from € 25 million to € 21 million. Liquid Cash flow from financing activities comprises withdrawals of A further element of our HR strategy is the professional and funds and marketable securities rose from € 12 million to € 17 the owners and a decrease in bank liabilities. Net bank liabilities standardized recruitment of managers. Standard procedures million. fell from € 46 million to € 24 million. As of the balance sheet across the group ensure the high quality of candidates. date, the Melitta Group had sufficient credit lines and unused Prepaid expenses amounted to € 2 million (prior year: € 3 mil- medium-term credit commitments to finance its current opera- lion). After netting with deferred tax liabilities, deferred tax as- tions. sets increased from € 11 million to € 16 million. There were no significant events after the end of the fiscal year. Equity increased by € 18 million, from € 220 million to € 238 million. As a result, the equity ratio rose by 3 percent to 38 per- 40 41 Group management report OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS Group management report Melitta generally seeks to utilize additional market opportu- OUTLOOK modity prices will remain virtually unchanged from last year; in the case of green beans, however, we expect average purchase nities while taking account of the risks involved. These result The Melitta Group uses a differentiated risk management sys- from fully automatic coffee machines and rising demand in the The economic climate and competitive situation in our markets tem aimed at the structured identification and assessment of “whole bean” roasted coffee segment. Cofresco expects grow- will present a particular challenge once again for the successful opportunities and risks. Risk management is regarded as all or- ing consumer acceptance of its new packaging concept. In Bra- management of our business in 2013. In Europe, there are still Capital expenditures of around € 30 million have been planned ganizational regulations and measures for the early recognition, zil, there is market potential for the new milk beverage product no signs of a sustainable improvement in consumer spending. for 2013. evaluation and analysis of corporate risks. group “WAKE”. The economic development and propensity to consume in Bra- prices in Europe to continue falling in 2013. zil will also fail to match former high growth rates in 2013. Due According to our planning, net bank liabilities are expected to Melitta pursues a business strategy which can be classified as The Group is also exposed to financial risks, and especially risks in particular to strong growth in the single serve coffee category be reduced further by year-end 2013. There are sufficient credit risk-averse. In the course of auditing the annual financial state- from currency and raw material fluctuations. Melitta counters throughout the USA and Canada, we see good potential for our lines based on bilateral agreements to finance current opera- ments 2012, we opted for a voluntary audit of our early recog- raw material price risks by concluding long-term procurement business in these markets. tions. nition system according to Sec. 91 (2) of the German Stock contracts and using derivative financial instruments. We are therefore confident that we can achieve further sales We expect the balance sheet at year-end 2013 to be largely un- growth of 2 – 3 percent in 2013. According to our planning, com- changed with a consistently high equity ratio. Corporation Act (AktG). It was confirmed that the risk early recognition system was suitable and basically complied with statu- The monitoring and controlling of financial risks is entrusted tory requirements. to the Group’s treasury division. Foreign exchange and interest hedging instruments (options, swaps, futures and interest The risk management system comprises suitable risk reporting derivatives) are used where necessary to hedge against specific procedures. These ensure that the managers responsible are risks from existing or foreseeable underlying transactions. Li- constantly and quickly informed about potential risks and op- quidity risks and risks from cash flow fluctuations are countered portunities. This enables both the Group and individual compa- constantly by local and group-wide liquidity planning. nies to take fast and effective corrective measures. Minden, March 2013 General partners of Melitta Unternehmensgruppe Bentz KG Based on an analysis of the current risk situation, it can be statThe main risks of the Melitta Group result from general eco- ed that there are no risks which might jeopardize the Group’s nomic developments, sector developments, and risks from gen- continued existence. There are also no currently recognizable eral operating activities. risks which might jeopardize the Group’s continued existence in future. However, these general risks are also countered by opportunities. For the Melitta Group, these arise in particular from an upturn in the economy and the resulting impetus to consumer spending and rising propensity to purchase commercial coffee machines. 42 43 Consolidated Balance Sheet Consolidated Balance Sheet Consolidated Balance Sheet Melitta Unternehmensgruppe Bentz KG Explanatory notes on the consolidated balance sheet as at 12-31-2012 (abridged version) in € ’000 Assets Intangible assets Tangible assets 12-31-2012 12-31-2011 13,711 14,196 189,387 182,861 Financial assets Shares in affiliated companies 6,540 1,846 Participation interests 20,672 20,755 Other financial assets 1,275 14,977 Fixed assets 231,585 234,635 Inventories 140,043 143,441 210,193 206,298 22,032 25,280 3,750 0 Receivables and other current assets Trade receivables Other receivables and current assets Securities Cash and cash equivalents Current assets 13,692 11,638 389,710 386,657 Other assets 18,288 14,101 Assets total 639,583 635,393 1. GENERAL INFORMATION ON ACCOUNTING AND VALUATION exerted on their business and financial policy. This is the case with Certain items of the consolidated financial statements, drawn The following changes to the consolidated group occurred in 2012: up in accordance with Sec. 13 German Company Disclosure Law MSS UK Ltd., Maidenhead, UK, was acquired and consolidated (PublG) in conjunction with Sec. 294–314 German Commercial for the first time as of December 31, 2012. Melitta Kaffee GmbH, Code (HGB), have been combined for the publication of this an- Bremen, Germany, was merged with Melitta Haushaltsprodukte nual report for fiscal 2012. The Melitta Group makes use of the GmbH & Co. KG, Minden, Germany, and Melitta Emballages exemption pursuant to Sec. 13 (3) Sentence 2 PublG regarding Ménagers Distribution S.A.S., Paris, France, merged with Melitta the publishing of income statements. The consolidated financial France S.A.S., Paris, France. Airflo Holding B.V., Amsterdam, the statements and Group management report, which were awarded Netherlands, Airflo Finance B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands, an unqualified audit opinion by the independent auditors, and the and Airflo Europe N.V., Overpelt, Belgium, were deconsolidated. two companies (prior year: two). disclosures pursuant to Sec. 5 (5) Sentence 3 PublG are published in the Federal Gazette. The companies included in the consolidation have exercised their legal option to be exempted from an audit of their annual financial CONSOLIDATED GROUP statements. The auditor of the consolidated financial statements examined the summarized annual financial statements included The consolidated financial statements include all domestic in the consolidated financial statements and satisfied himself that and foreign companies under the common control of Melitta these annual financial statements complied with the accounting Unternehmensgruppe Bentz KG. and measurement regulations of the German Commercial Code and generally accepted accounting principles. The consolidated group comprises 55 (prior year: 59) companies, Equity and Liabilities CONSOLIDATION METHODS Equity 237,674 219,690 Pension accruals 138,726 135,553 Due to their minor importance for the assets, liabilities, financial The consolidated financial statements were prepared as at Decem- 97,638 95,951 position and earnings of the Group, nine companies (prior year: ber 31, 2012. This is the balance sheet date for all companies in- 236,364 231,504 seven) were not included in the consolidated financial statements. cluded in the consolidated accounts. Debts 41,276 57,316 Trade payables 60,033 71,387 Other liabilities 56,184 47,359 157,493 176,062 8,052 8,137 In accordance with Secs. 311, 312 HGB, major participations are to far as these cannot be directly attributed to, and depreciated with, 639,583 635,393 be valued using the equity method if a significant influence can be individual asset items – and amortized in the following years with Other accruals Accruals Liabilities Prepaid expenses Equity and Liabilities total 44 of which 26 are based in Germany and 29 abroad. Despite a shareholding of over 20 percent, four other companies (prior year: three) were not included as associated companies In the capital consolidation process, the acquisition cost or balance since Melitta Unternehmensgruppe Bentz KG exerts no significant sheet valuation of the shareholding is offset against the propor- influence on their business and financial policy. tional share of shareholders’ equity on the date of the initial consolidation. Goodwill is formed for any resulting differences – inso- 45 Consolidated Balance Sheet Consolidated Balance Sheet a useful life of 5 – 15 years with an effect on income. This consolida- costs are lowered accordingly, should this be necessary to avoid Other accruals cover all recognizable risks and uncertain commit- arising from currency transactions expected with a high degree of tion method is also used for investments in associated companies. valuation losses. Suitable allowances are made to cover the risk ments in the amount of the respective settlement amount. Accru- probability in 2013. Responsibilities, controls and the scope of ac- The assessment of the amortization period is based on the future from holding inventories. als with maturities of over one year were measured in accordance tion with regard to the conclusion and processing of such financial with Sec. 253 (2) HGB. Pursuant to Sec. 246 (2) HGB, assets (plan instruments are defined in binding internal guidelines. use of the goodwill. Advanced payments, accounts receivable, other assets and cash assets) measured at fair value were netted with accruals for pen- Investments in associated companies are consolidated using the and cash equivalents are carried at their nominal values or the sion obligations. The resulting positive balance from netting is dis- The following table presents an overview of the nominal values of book value method. Inter-group trading profits from transactions lower rate for foreign currencies and the lower fair value in the case closed in the balance sheet as an asset-side difference from asset summarized hedges still open as at year-end 2012 with expected with associated companies were not eliminated. of recognizable risks. Lump-sum allowances have been made to allocation. underlying transactions pursuant to Sec. 254 HGB: cover general credit risks. Debt was consolidated according to Sec. 303 (1) HGB, while in- Subject to the fulfillment of the corresponding prerequisites, trans- Risk Underlying transaction Type Type come and expenditure were consolidated pursuant to Sec. 305 (1) Pursuant to Sec. 306 HGB, deferred tax assets and liabilities are actions expected with a high level of probability (hedged items) Interest risk HGB and unrealized results eliminated in accordance with Sec. formed for consolidation entries with an effect on income. De- are placed together with derivative financial instruments in hedg- 304 (1) HGB. ferred tax assets were formed for tax loss carryforwards for which it ing relationships in order to balance contrasting value changes or Cash flows from purchase and sales transactions Risk Forward transactions Option transactions € million Type of hedge 23 Macro hedge 130 (anticipatory) 153 can be assumed with adequate probability that they will be used in cash flows from the acceptance of comparable risks. Such hedging The market values of the above mentioned financial derivatives Deferred taxes were formed for temporary differences with an ef- future, as well as for temporary differences between the commer- relationships are presented in the financial statements using the correspond to the price for the dissolution or replacement of the fect on income from consolidation transactions using individual cial and tax balance sheet (from non-current assets, current assets, net hedge presentation method. transactions and are as follows as at December 31, 2012: tax rates. accruals and liabilities), after netting with deferred tax liabilities. For ACCOUNTING AND VALUATION PRINCIPLES the measurement of deferred taxes, the individual tax rates of the Financial instruments are measured using generally accepted valu- affiliated companies included in consolidation were considered ation models and mathematical procedures based on current mar- (14–38 percent). ket data. € million 2012 Foreign exchange futures Foreign exchange options – 5.4 5.4 Uniform valuation of assets throughout the Group is guaranteed 46 Hedging instrument by the application of corporate guidelines, valid for all members of Accruals for pensions are calculated using the projected unit credit the Melitta Group – with the exception of those companies con- method. Pension accruals are measured with an interest rate of solidated using the equity method. These corporate guidelines cor- 5.04 percent as at December 31, 2012 (prior year: 5.14 percent). In respond to commercial law regulations. accordance with the simplifying provision of Sec. 253 (2) Sentence Liabilities are carried at their respective settlement amounts. The effectiveness of hedging relationships is examined using the critical terms match method. This method is used as all key CURRENCY TRANSLATION valuation parameters of the underlying and hedging transactions match each other. 2 HGB, a standard remaining term of 15 years was assumed for The annual financial statements of consolidated subsidiaries Intangible assets are valued at cost, while property, plant and equip- the obligations. Future pay increases were taken into account at a prepared in foreign currencies are translated using the modified ment are valued at acquisition or production cost; they are written rate of 3.5 percent p.a. and pension increases at a rate of 1.5 per- closing-date method. This means that balance sheet items in for- down using the straight-line or diminishing balance method. In cent. Standard consideration throughout the consolidated German eign currencies are converted at the closing-date rate and income addition to direct costs, production costs also include a propor- companies was also given to the relevant biometric calculation ba- statement items at average rates of 2012. Shares in affiliated com- tionate amount of overhead costs and depreciation. Investment sis (including the RT 2005 G mortality chart) and other calcula- panies, subscribed capital and reserves are translated at historic subsidies do not reduce the cost of acquisition or production but tion principles for the settlement amount to be used. Accruals for rates and any resulting differences in values are netted in equity. are recognized as other operating income. Financial assets are val- pensions of foreign companies were calculated as of December 31, ued no higher than at acquisition cost, or the lower fair value. In 2012 using the projected unit credit method with an interest rate Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are trans- the case of permanent impairment, fixed assets are subjected to of 5.04 percent and individual assumptions as to pay and pension lated at the spot rate as of the balance sheet date, providing there non-scheduled depreciation. increases, as well as biometric assumptions; in total, they have only are no hedging transactions. minor significance for the consolidated financial statements. As of Inventories are valued at acquisition or production cost. Raw mate- December 31, 2012, income and expenditure resulting from year- rials, supplies and merchandise are valued at the lower of average on-year interest rate changes in compounding/discounting the DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGES purchase prices and current values. Unfinished and finished goods obligation were recognized for the first time under “Interest and are valued at production cost, which also includes a reasonable other income” or “Interest and other expenses”. So far, this has The Melitta Group uses derivative financial instruments for hedg- amount of necessary overhead cost and depreciation. Production only concerned the interest on obligations for the past fiscal year. ing purposes. They are mainly used to hedge against the risks 47 Consolidated Balance Sheet Consolidated Balance Sheet 2. Fixed assets 4. Trade receivables Book values as of in € ’000 Intangible assets 12-31-2012 12-31-2011* 13,711 14,196 Additions Depreciation current year 5,305 5,564 other changes – 226 Tangible assets Land 92,971 95,708 3,194 4,085 –1,846 Machines and equipment 80,478 62,879 21,706 12,298 8,191 Other tangible assets in € ’000 12-31-2012 12-31-2011 Europe 166,494 159,367 South America 28,129 31,410 North America 10,071 10,777 Asia 5,499 4,744 210,193 206,298 12-31-2012 12-31-2011 15,938 24,274 7,838 3,119 –13,055 189,387 182,861 32,738 19,502 –6,710 6,540 1,846 0 537 5,231 Participation interests 20,672 20,755 6 95 6 Other financial assets 1,275 14,977 145 0 –13,847 in € ’000 28,487 37,578 151 632 –8,610 Europe 29,896 49,473 231,585 234,635 38,194 25,698 –15,546 South America 11,380 7,843 North America 0 0 Asia 0 0 41,276 57,316 12-31-2012 12-31-2011 Financial assets Shares in affiliated companies * Differences arising from the currency translation of fixed and other assets at current rate values are offset against shareholders’ equity or the corresponding liability items without affecting earnings. 5. Debts There are no liabilities due to banks with terms of over five years. 3. Inventories in € ’000 6. Trade payables 12-31-2012 12-31-2011 in € ’000 106,043 111,102 Europe 50,415 61,444 South America 13,130 11,748 South America 2,064 2,507 North America 12,692 13,859 North America 3,970 3,825 8,178 6,732 Asia 3,584 3,611 140,043 143,441 60,033 71,387 Europe Asia Minden, March 2013 General Partners of Melitta Unternehmensgruppe Bentz KG 48 49 In Principio creavit Deus caelum et terram In Principio creavit Deus caelum LOCATIONS et terram EUROPE Belgium Belgium France Great Britain Lokeren Melitta België N.V. Netherlands Switzerland Denmark Roskilde Melitta Nordic A/S Denmark Germany Germany Spain Sweden USA Austria Italy Canada Brazil Czech Republic Poland Russia China Japan Minden Melitta Unternehmensgruppe Bentz KG Melitta Bentz GmbH & Co. KG Bentz Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG Melitta Zentralgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG Melitta Europa GmbH & Co. KG – Household Products Division – Cofresco Frischhalteprodukte GmbH & Co. KG Melitta SystemService GmbH & Co. KG 4brands reply GmbH & Co. KG (shares 49 %) Bremen Melitta Europa GmbH & Co. KG – Coffee Division – Berlin Neukölln Spezialpapier NK GmbH & Co. KG Vlotho / Spenge Wolf PVG GmbH & Co. KG Neu Kaliß Neu Kaliss Spezialpapier GmbH Stollberg-Breinig esw electronic service willms GmbH & Co. KG (shares 30 %) Rhede ACW-Film GmbH & Co. KG Webo GmbH & Co. KG France Saint Tibault des Vignes Melitta SystemService France S.A.S. Paris Cofresco PM S.A.S. Melitta France S.A.S. Chézy Melitta France S.A.S. Tourcoing Codiac S.A.S. Netherlands Hardinxveld-Giessendam Melitta SystemService Benelux B.V. Gorinchem Melitta Nederland B.V. Austria Salzburg Melitta Ges.mbH Melitta SystemService International GmbH, Zweigniederlassung Österreich Melitta Companies Melitta Companies with facility 50 Poland Russia St. Petersburg Melitta Russland AG Cofresco RussCom OOO Sweden Helsingborg Melitta Nordic AB Switzerland Egerkingen Melitta GmbH Hunzenschwil Cafina AG Italy Volpiano Cuki Cofresco S.p.A. (shares 18 %) Spain Alcobendas / Madrid Cofresco Iberica S.A. Czech Republic Prague Melitta ČR s.r.o. Great Britain Buckinghamshire MSS (UK) Ltd. NORTH AMERICA USA Clearwater Melitta USA Inc. Cherry Hill European Coffee Classics Inc. Elgin Melitta SystemService USA Inc. Canada Vaughan, Ontario Melitta Canada Inc. SOUTH AMERICA Brazil São Paulo / Avaré / Bom Jesus Melitta do Brasil Industria e Comércio Ltda. Guaíba Celupa – Indústrial Celulose e Papel Guaíba Ltda. ASIA China Shenzhen Shenzhen Melitta Household Products Ltd. Japan Tokyo Melitta Japan Ltd. Brodnica Cofresco Polska Sp. z o.o 51 IMPRINT In Principio creavit Deus caelum et terram Imprint Published by Melitta Unternehmensgruppe Bentz KG Edited by Public Relations and Corporate Finance of the Melitta Group Marienstraße 88 32425 Minden, Germany Tel.: +49 571- 40 46 - 0 Fax: +49 571- 40 46 - 499 E-mail: pr@melitta.de Internet:www.melitta.info Photos: Ulrich Hartmann, Bielefeld Herbert Morck, Hamburg Andreas Duerst, Rostock Melitta Companies Concept: Berichtsmanufaktur, Hamburg Text Editing: Berichtsmanufaktur, Hamburg Printing and Production: Zertani GmbH & Co. Die Druckerei KG, Bremen © 2013 Melitta Unternehmensgruppe Bentz KG Online version: www.melitta.info 52