BLIS Technologies Limited logo

FY21 Financial Results

Full Year Results26 May 2021BLTConsumer Staples

Results announcement




Results for announcement to the market

Name of issuer Blis Technologies Limited

Reporting Period 12 months to 31 March 2021

Previous Reporting Period 12 months to 31 March 2020

Currency NZD

Amount (000s) Percentage change

Revenue from continuing

operations

$10,613 0%

Total Revenue $10,613 0%

Net profit/(loss) from

continuing operations

$564 (65%)

Total net profit/(loss) $564 (65%)

Interim/Final Dividend

Amount per Quoted Equity

Security

It is not proposed to pay a dividend for the 12 months to 31

March 2021.

Imputed amount per Quoted

Equity Security

Not Applicable

Record Date Not Applicable

Dividend Payment Date Not Applicable

Current period Prior comparable period

Net tangible assets per

Quoted Equity Security

$0.0031 $0.0039

A brief explanation of any of

the figures above necessary

to enable the figures to be

understood

Please see attached result announcement for commentary on

the result.

Authority for this announcement

Name of person


authorised

to make this announcement

Richard Wingham

Contact person for this

announcement

Richard Wingham

Contact phone number +64 21 284 0446

Contact email address richard.wingham@blis.co.nz

Date of release through MAP


27/05/2021


Audited financial statements accompany this announcement.

---

For the Year Ended 31 March 2021

2021 Annual Report
2

2021 Annual Report

2

FY21 was a year

of investment for the

future, with significant

allocation of resources

and funds toward longer-

term growth opportunities.

Despite volatile market conditions

arising from the COVID-19

pandemic, Blis achieved a

profitable year while also

establishing future

growth initiatives.

Blis Technologies Limited3Blis Technologies Limited3
Contents

Highlights 4

Our Year 6

Chairman’s Report 8

Chief Executive’s Report 9

Spotlight On Skin 12

Spotlight on Canada 14

Spotlight on Tmall 15

Sustainability 16

Board of Directors 20

Executive Team 22

Statement of Corporate Governance 23

Directors’ Interests 34

Directors’ Responsibility Statement 36

5 Year Trend 37

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 39

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 40

Consolidated Balance Sheet 41

Consolidated Statement of Cashflows 42

Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements 43

Additional Stock Exchange Information 62

Auditor’s Report 64

Company Directory 67

Capability build
Key new hires:

2021 Annual Report

4

FY21 Summary.

Finished product sales

through traditional


retail channels

-38

%

PROFIT

$

0.6m

New market launches

• Canada

• China Cross Border e-commerce

Tmall Flagship store

New product launch

• BLIS Q24 our 3rd commercial probiotic strain

• Unconditional Skincare Co. - Live Probiotic

Hydration Serum

EBITDA

$

1.0m

$

10.6m

Revenue

maintained in a

challenging


environment

Regulatory

approvals

India BLIS K12™ and BLIS M18™

approval.

e-commerce

Director

People and

Culture Manager

Category Manager

ENT/ Immunity

Category

Manager Skin

Global Ingredients

and Private Label

Account Manager

Product

Technical Lead

Health Canada approval of

finished product range

Finished product

sales through


e-commerce channel

+22

%

Ingredient revenue

+12

%

Blis Technologies Limited5
Strategy.

The COVID-19 pandemic and rapidly changing market trends presented

an opportunity for Blis to refresh its strategy ensuring responsiveness to

capitalise on growth opportunities. Key features of this refresh are

a commitment to continue building our e-commerce capability recognising

the strong trends toward this channel and our early success. Along

with this we will continue to heavily invest in our pipeline driving new

innovation across three probiotic health and wellness targets.

Purpose

Developing breakthrough probiotic solutions for the health and wellbeing

of global consumers.

Strategic priorities

Build our branded finished product e-commerce sales presence.

A strategic emphasis on growth through the D2C e-commerce channel.

Prioritised markets: Australasia, USA, China Cross-Border e-commerce

(CBEC), Canada

Supported by retail finished goods presence in NZ, Australia, Canada

Launch into skincare, our third health and business stream

Health and wellbeing targets:

• ENT/ immunity

• Dental health

• Skincare

Targeted ingredient activity to drive scale

Complementary B2B Ingredients opportunities to drive further scale

Prioritised markets: USA, Europe, Japan, China

Invest in our pipeline

Strong investment in R&D, new product development (NPD) and IP

protection

2021 Annual Report
6

Our year.

Apr

2020

Aug

2020

Nov

2020

Dec

2020

New director

appointment

Tony Balfour

Health Canada

NPN Numbers

GreenLab

Certification

PurityLife

appointment

as distributor

for Canada

RooLife

appointment

as CBEC service

provider

Blis Technologies Limited7
Jan

2021

Mar

2021

Apr

2021

BLIS

PROBIOTICS™

Tmall flagship

store launch

Internal launch

of Faster and

Smarter- Business

transformation

programme

Unconditional

Skincare Co.

website live

and prelaunch

activity initiated

BLIS K12™ and

BLIS M18


approval

in India

BLIS PROBIOTICS™

feature with

John Tagg on

Bulletproof radio

BLIS PROBIOTICS™

launch to trade in

Canada at Canadian

Health Foods

Association (CHFA)

virtual tradeshow

BLIS PROBIOTICS™

portfolio launched

on Amazon

Canada platform

2021 Annual Report8
Chairman’s

Report.

Dear shareholder,

The Board is delighted to report to you on a year of significant

investment into growth opportunities.

The year has been accentuated by the challenges and

disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the beginning

of the year, the safety and wellbeing of our people under

these changed conditions was a priority focus. The board

would like to acknowledge and thank all the Blis team for

their responsiveness to quickly adapt to the changing work

environment.

Despite the disruptions caused by COVID-19 we remained

committed to increasing investment into new market and

product growth initiatives. Company revenues of $10.6m were

held at a similar level to last year and an EBITDA of $1.0m was

recorded after $0.9m of market development and product

development costs.

Changes in market conditions and consumer behaviours

provided us with a new lens to view strategy delivery. For

example, international travel and social gathering restrictions

impeded traditional in-market development activities, along

with this consumer concern for health and well-being has

increased and there has been a significant move to online

purchasing.

Our purpose: The delivery of breakthrough probiotic solutions

for better health and well-being, aligns strongly with consumers

heightened interest in health and wellness.

While the pharmacy retail channel is still a very important

aspect of our business model, the extent of a pharmacy retail

recovery and outlook remains uncertain. So, this last year for

us has been about shifting focus and resource toward building

e-commerce and direct to consumer capabilities that provide

platforms to directly grow the company’s branded finished

goods business.

The immediate focus is investing into areas that will generate

sales growth. We are resourcing for this growth with staff

numbers increasing to 29 over the year and subject to hitting

our sales targets staff numbers could potentially double within

next 2-3 years.

As a board we are mindful of the lag between investment

and the resulting revenue growth. Until the benefits of these

growth initiatives are realised, shorter term profitability will be

impacted due to the front-end phasing of investment.

As a company looking forward longer term, your board believes

Blis is very well placed for substantial growth through new

market and product development. Being domiciled in New

Zealand has advantages, however to achieve meaningful

scale internationally we will need collaborations with

established international companies capable of leveraging our

breakthrough technologies. This is an ongoing area of focus that

we are actively progressing.

This report will highlight for you the areas of achievement that

we are proud of and the challenges that we faced during the

year along with the progress that we are making as a company

toward a being more sustainable and substantial business.

Finally, on behalf of the board, a big welcome to the new staff

who have joined the company during the year and thank you

to Brian and the Blis team for their efforts and achievements

across the year.

Tony Offen

Chairman

Blis Technologies Limited9
Chief Executive’s

Report.

Our programme of investment in new

markets and product pipeline initiatives

is the cornerstone growth driver for the

future success of Blis. We have made good

progress on the foundations for future

year growth with pleasing progress in new

market development and new product

launches.

Key progress includes:

• CBEC – launch of the BLIS PROBIOTICS™ Tmall flagship

store

• Canada – Launch onto Amazon and launch to trade with

our partner Purity Life.

• Launch of Unconditional Skincare Co. brand, with our first

product the Live Probiotic Hydration Serum using BLIS

Q24™.

These developments occurred late in the financial year so

have had little effect on revenue for FY21 however the upfront

investment has added to our cost base. FY21 costs include

approximately $0.9m of costs associated with establishing new

market and product opportunities without matching revenue,

but these developments are expected to drive revenue in FY22

and beyond. To date we are pleased with the early performance

of these important new revenue drivers.

People and performance

As COVID-19 spread around the world in February and

March 2020 we had to consider how to look at Blis through

a different lens. Our initial view was that two areas clearly

needed to be prioritised so that we could effectively respond

to the challenging environment that was unfolding in front of

us - the safety and wellbeing of our people and maintaining

business momentum under changed working conditions. We

are extremely proud of the way our staff responded to these

challenges. As an Essential Business, we were able to continue

production and logistics operations during the lockdowns.

Overall our staff adapted quickly to new working practices to

maintain momentum across our core business functions. It was

tremendous to see the care and concern they showed for their

workmates and their families. The willingness to review and

adapt work processes to keep everyone safe demonstrated a

“can do” culture within our workforce.

As conditions stabilised, we initiated a recruitment drive,

having recognised we were both under resourced in certain

areas and would benefit from specific skills to support our

growth aspirations. Key hires that have been made to build Blis’

capability include an e-commerce director, category manager

Skin, category manager ENT/ Immunity, global ingredients

and white label account manager, product technical lead, and

people and culture manager.

Key to delivering on our growth aspirations is a focus on

extremely efficient execution of our priorities. “Faster and

Smarter” is a business transformation programme that will

enable us to focus on project delivery. We are already seeing

benefits as a result of a clearer and more transparent approach

to tracking of project milestones, problem-solving and rapid

decision making .

Pipeline progress

A deliberate increase in the level of R&D investment over the last

couple of years is now delivering significant opportunities.

Highlights

• Launch of our third commercial probiotic strain BLIS Q24™

and our first skincare product, the Unconditional Skincare

Co. Live Probiotic Hydration Serum.

• New patent filings:

◊ BLIS K12™ new use against respiratory infections,

new oral composition, new fermentation formulation

(ownership interest)

◊ BLIS M18™ new oral composition, new fermentations

formulation (ownership interest)

◊ BLIS Q24™ Topical composition and use

• A strong pipeline of new product development targets:

Skin and personal care probiotic offers, Dental care

including probiotic toothpaste, virus/ immunity

We continue to develop variations on existing product lines to

extend the range. Several variations are intended to be brought

to market in the current year.

2021 Annual Report
10

Chief Executive’s Report continued

Financial overview

Company revenues of $10.6m were at a similar level to last year with

an EBITDA of $1.0m after $0.9m of additional one-off market and

product development costs.

Over the past 12 months our existing retail sales channels have been

severely impacted by the covid pandemic driven reduction in foot

traffic through retail stores. While consumers have quickly adapted

to buying online, their purchasing patterns have required us to

boost the online profile of Blis products.

The increased online buying trend has supported the build of

our internal e-commerce capability and emphasising a digital e-

commerce strategy supported by distribution partnerships which

complement Blis’ own in-market activities.

Notable recent e-commerce developments which are expected to

make a meaningful contribution to future revenue growth include:

• In January 2021, Blis launched the BLIS PROBIOTICS™ store on

Alibaba’s TMall Global marketplace, the largest cross-border

marketplace in China. This represents the next stage of the

company’s CBEC strategy.

• In Canada we recently launched our products on Amazon.

This activity will be complemented by retail pharmacy and

health store activity with our distribution partner Purity Life

Health Products. We have now supplied the first shipment for

pharmacy distribution.

• More recently we announced the launch of our new

breakthrough skincare product under the Unconditional

Skincare Co. brand. The Live Probiotic Hydration Serum

will initially be sold exclusively on our own e-commerce

platform www.unconditionalskin.com.

These developments occurred late in the financial year so

have had limited impact on FY21 revenue but sees Blis well set

for significant future revenue streams.

Regional performance

In regions where we have traditionally been strong in the

pharmacy channel the trading conditions have been more

challenging. It has been widely reported that based on

lockdowns and shifting shopping patterns, foot traffic to retail

locations is down around the world. In line with this we have

seen weaker sales in our pharmacy-based channel. In markets

where we have a strong e-commerce customer and consumer

base, we have seen more favourable results.

Asia Pacific

Revenue decline of 35% to $2.4 m

Post the COVID-19 outbreak, we have noted the ongoing

impact on retail pharmacy foot traffic and the trend towards

greater online purchase of dietary supplements in both

Australia and New Zealand.

-

22

%

-

35

%

Asia PacificNorth America

$

2.4m

$

3.1m

$

5.1m

Europe/

Middle East/

Africa

+

71

%

Revenue Growth Trend

NZ$ Millions

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

F Y17F Y18

FY19FY20FY21

5 Year CAGR +14%

Blis Technologies Limited11
Chair & Chief Executive’s Report continued

Blis Technologies Limited

Chief Executive’s Report continued

11

Brian Watson

Chief Executive Officer

To date our business model in Australia has been

primarily focused on the pharmacy retail channel

through a distribution relationship with iNova

Pharmaceuticals (iNova), without a strong presence

online to drive e-commerce sales. We have mutually

agreed that the existing distribution relationship will

be wound up allowing Blis to pursue an integrated

channel strategy for Australia. In line with our strategic

emphasis on D2C e-commerce sales opportunities, Blis

will progress plans to build a stronger online presence in

the Australia market for the BLIS PROBIOTICS™ branded

range and coordinate this with the brand’s presence in

retail pharmacy. To support this retail activity we are in

negotiations with a new partner strongly aligned with

natural healthcare that brings complementary strengths

to support the brand’s presence in the market.

In New Zealand, unlike Australia, we have a well-

established e-commerce business and were able to

generate a 5% increase in sales through our website to

New Zealand based customers to partially offset the soft

retail sales.

We have made pleasing progress targeting the

Chinese based consumer through our focus on China

cross border e-commerce. Key to this has been our

partnership with RooLife and the launch of the BLIS

PROBIOTICS™ Tmall flagship store in January 2021.

Although off a small base in the previous year we have

seen strong growth in our CBEC channel sales.

Japan sales were similar to the previous year in spite

of challenging market conditions with COVID-19

restrictions. Japan remains an important market for our

ingredient and white label sales longer term.

Europe Middle East and Africa

Revenue decline of 22% to $3.1 m

This region was significantly impacted by extended

lockdowns and restrictions in sales representatives’

access to pharmacies and health professionals. Along

with this our partners have reported a very mild

northern hemisphere cold and flu season as a result of

these COVID-19 lockdowns and other hygiene practices.

Overall, these have resulted in a 22% decline in revenue.

We have also moved our distributor relationship with

Bluestone Pharma (BSP) in Europe and the Middle East

to non-exclusive allowing us to pursue complementary

revenue opportunities and partnerships across the

region. We will continue to support BSP with their

existing customer base and new customer opportunities

they are targeting, but will actively look for growth

opportunities beyond this.

North America

Revenue growth of 71% to $5.1 m

Our USA business is heavily focused on the e-commerce channel and

as a result has performed particularly well. We experienced strong

ingredient sales to customers selling within the e-commerce channel

resulting in 84% growth of ingredient revenue in this region. Along with

this we have seen 23% growth of our Finished Product portfolio sold

on the Amazon USA platform.

The Canada launch presents a new attractive market opportunity

in both retail and e-commerce. In March 2021 we launched our BLIS

PROBIOTICS™ portfolio onto Amazon Canada with strong claims based

on our Health Canada approvals. This launch was delayed based on

COVID-19 so has had little impact on our FY21 result. Following on from

this we have initiated pharmacy and health store trade activity with

our distribution partner PurityLife to launch the product range at the

April Canada Health Foods Association virtual trade show. This launch

activity has been enthusiastically received by the industry recognising

the innovation and strong claim opportunities across our range.

Health and safety

A key focus was our response to the changing Alert Levels in response

to COVID-19. The H & S committee effectively led guidance to the

business with each change ensuring the company adhered to safe

working practices and staff were supported through the uncertainty of

a changing environment.

It has been pleasing to see how the H & S committee has quickly

responded to a very different challenge, highlighting the maturity we

have built into our processes as a business.

Outlook

Meaningful longer-term growth and value creation will require

ongoing investment upfront. Over the short term, we expect to return

to revenue growth, with increases in costs as part of the company’s

strategic evolution to a D2C e-commerce and R&D business and

building internal capabilities likely to result in neutral earnings growth

until the benefits of the new strategy are realised.

It is our expectation that over the longer-term horizon finished

products will contribute to the majority of Blis’ sales revenue.

Blis will continue to invest in innovation and science and build on

its pioneering research to realise the full potential of probiotics in

improving human health and wellbeing and assessing other market

opportunities.

We continue to actively seek collaboration agreements with aligned

industry partners for their international reach.

2021 Annual Report
12

In March 2021, Blis Technologies

launched a new probiotic strain

BLIS Q24™, in the form of a live

topical probiotic for cosmetic

use under the brand name

Unconditional Skincare Co.®

BLIS Q24™ is a strain of Micrococcus luteus, a bacteria naturally found on

the skin which had been discovered by Prof. John Tagg in the early 2000’s.

BLIS Q24™ has a range of benefits that have been demonstrated in the

lab including being effective against bacteria that can contribute to acne,

eczema and other skin conditions.

The first product under the brand is the Live Probiotic Hydration Serum:

Powered by BLIS Q24™. The product consists of two chambers: one that

contains the probiotic serum, the second containing a rich hydration

cream. The components are pumped together in specific measures and

mixed together in the hands before being applied to the face.

A key to the product is that the BLIS Q24™ is kept alive at beneficial levels.

As with all Blis probiotics, the quality of the probiotic strain over shelf-life is

paramount.

Significant research and development time was spent in the formulation

and procurement of packaging that would keep the product at optimum

quality for its shelf life of 2 years.

The product is available exclusively at www.unconditionalskin.com

currently shipping within NZ and Australia. The full launch of the brand

in mid May will see a NZ-wide advertising campaign including outdoor,

influencer programs and strong digital advertising.

Our Live Probiotic Hydration Serum is a true live probiotic. The BLIS Q24® strain works with

your skin microbiome to balance, hydrate and restore your skin to its happy, glowy best.

Bring peace to

your biome

unconditionalskin.com

Introducing the new Live Probiotic

Hydration Serum powered by BLIS Q24®

Spotlight

on Skin.

Blis Technologies Limited13
Our Live Probiotic Hydration Serum is a true live probiotic. The BLIS Q24® strain works with

your skin microbiome to balance, hydrate and restore your skin to its happy, glowy best.

Bring peace to

your biome

unconditionalskin.com

Introducing the new Live Probiotic

Hydration Serum powered by BLIS Q24®

2021 Annual Report
14

Spotlight

on Canada.

The initial range of BLIS PROBIOTICS™ was launched on

Amazon Canada in February 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic

delayed the launch planned for the previous calendar year.

The initial portfolio consists of 4 products and will be

distributed into the retail channel through PurityLife; Canada’s

largest distributor for natural health products. The brand

was officially launched to the trade at the recent CHFA virtual

trade show (April 16th) and received positive feedback. BLIS

PROBIOTICS™ are recognized as the originators and the experts

in oral targeted probiotics and retailers are excited by this

innovation coming to their shelves. The claims approved by

Health Canada as reflected on our packaging, are strong and

clear and this provides an immediate understanding of the

preventative nature of BLIS PROBIOTICS™ and how they can

be used. This allows consumers to easily identify what the

products are for and the potential health benefits of each.

Over the next few months we will be working to educate

retailers about the product range so they feel confident in

recommending the products correctly and answering questions

that consumers may have.

The main category launch is scheduled for September to align

with the refresh of supplement lines by retailers in the build up

to winter.

Blis Technologies Limited15
Spotlight

on Tmal l .

In January 2021 Blis Technologies along with their e-commerce and digital

agency RooLife (ASX:RLG) officially launched the BLIS PROBIOTICS™ flagship

store on Alibaba’s Tmall Global marketplace. RooLife is exclusively providing the

digital marketing services and online store operation to promote and sell the BLIS

PROBIOTICS™ range to Chinese consumers.

As China’s largest cross-border marketplace, Tmall Global is the premier channel

through which overseas brands and retailers can reach Chinese consumers,

build brand awareness and gain valuable consumer insights making it the ideal

platform for marketing and selling BLIS PROBIOTICS™.

The launch is supported by extensive digital marketing activities on China’s

leading social platforms like WeChat, Little Red Book and Weibo and working

closely with live-streamers and key opinion leaders.

2021 Annual Report
16

Sustainability.

Early in the financial year we formed an Environment, Social and

Corporate Governance (ESG) committee with representation from

across the business to map out and monitor company goals and

priorities for the year.

The committee established the

following set of core principles

to guide thinking and outcome

measurement:

• Define what sustainability means for

us as a business

• Develop sustainability goals for Blis

that are meaningful and relevant to

our stakeholders

• Define a framework and measures

for us to track and report on our

performance against these goals

• Embed these goals and metrics within

the business to deliver measurable

change


Four key areas of focus were

identified to underpin a meaningful

sustainability programme.

• Advance Health and Wellbeing

• Be a valuable contributor to society

• Reduce our environmental impact

• Contribute to an innovation economy

Goals have been identified that

are relevant and meaningful to key

stakeholder groups:

• Our people (staff, their families and

directors)

• Shareholders

• Customers and consumers

• Dunedin and the wider New Zealand

community

• Suppliers

Blis Technologies Limited17
Sustainability continued

Progress update

- key focus areas

Advance Health and Wellbeing

• Improving access to our product range with the aim of

improving the health and wellbeing of consumers.

• A focus on quality and continuous improvement across our

product range and service.

• The health, safety and wellbeing of our people including

ongoing provision of a staff and families free counselling

programme for support and guidance to enhance work

performance and improve home and personal wellbeing

yearly health checks and flu vaccinations for staff.

Be a valuable contributor to society

We recognise and value our contribution to the local economy

through employment, supplier relationships and export

revenues. Focus areas have included:

• High quality employment opportunities:

◊ We are committed to paying the living wage

◊ We value and embrace diversity in our staff

◊ Development programmes across our staff

• Supporting local businesses where practical and relevant.

• Sponsorship of high performing regional sports teams:

Highlanders, Southern Steel, Otago Nuggets.

Reduce our environmental impact

FY21 has been a year for establishing an understanding of our

carbon footprint, and setting a baseline measurement from

which initiatives can be established in areas of greatest impact

in order to deliver meaningful reductions.

Our initial focus areas have been to implement changes to our

supply chain efficiency through the use of offshore third party

logistics partners and warehousing, moving to recyclable and

biodegradable courier packaging and improving sustainability

practices in our R&D Lab.

Blis is proud to be the first NZ based laboratory to complete the

international My Green Lab certification process achieving the

highest level of certification. A case study is set out on page 19.

We believe introducing and embedding a sustainability mindset

within the business will be most successful when behaviour

change is visible and encouraged, allowing our staff to identify

and measure the benefit of changes to processes. Examples

of initiatives that have been successfully introduced and now

operate across Blis include paperless work practices and sound

“Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” practices.

At our production site we strive to reduce waste with KPI’s

focused on waste reduction and “Right first time” culture.

Contribute to an innovation economy

As a business, our science is world leading and provides

researched-backed health solutions. Our research aims to

unlock the potential of the microbiome in delivering health

benefits and, as an exporter of high value innovative products,

we contribute to New Zealand’s future export earnings. We

actively support academic research and collaboration through

the support of interns and post graduate study along with active

research activity with multiple academic units both in New

Zealand and overseas. While some of our research has a high

level of IP that must be protected, we seek to partner with and

support the work of industry experts wherever possible

Support of research endeavour has included:

• Completion of a PhD project with the Department of Food

Science, University of Otago “The role of food parameters

in defining the delivery of oral probiotics”.

• Support of two pharmacy interns for 4th year level projects

• Sponsorship of four summer research interns with

Callaghan Innovation (3) and DCC (1).

• Active collaboration with research units including:

◊ University of Otago (Dunedin, Christchurch and

Wellington campuses)

◊ University of Utah

◊ Callaghan Innovation

2021 Annual Report
18

Contribute to an innovation economy continued

• Clinical research underway:

◊ Sponsorship of Periodontal trial with Griffith

University in Australia

◊ Continued support (product gratis) for clinical trials:

»Effect of a probiotic on Otitis media (ear

infections) and Upper Respiratory Tract

Infections amongst 6-24 month old children.

(University of Otago) https://www.anzctr.org.au/

Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374076

»Blis supporting Phase III trial in UBC “Oral

Probiotic Supplementation in Pregnancy to

Reduce Group B Streptococcus Colonization”

https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/

NCT03407157

Our Sustainability priorities are linked to the UN Sustainability Goals

Sustainability continued

Advance Health

& Wellbeing

• Access products

• Focus on quality

• Staff wellbeing

• Economic contribution

• Support of charities and sponsorship

• Staff policies: living wage, diversity, development

• Understanding of footprint

• Areas of greatest relevance - supply chain, packaging

• Leading behaviour change

• World leading science

• Research and academic support

• Innovative product export earnings

Contribution to

Society

Environmental

Impact

Contribute to an

innovation economy

Blis Technologies Limited19
Spotlight on

Green Lab.

Topics Covered

Our green lab certification program covers 14 topics related to energy, water,

waste, chemistry/materials and engagement

Certification levels

There are 5 levels of certification: bronze, silver, gold, platinum and green. 

The level of certification is determined by the percentage of green lab best

practices that the lab has adopted. 

Blis is proud to be the

first NZ based lab to

complete this international

certification achieving the

highest level of certification.

What is Green Lab?

Engaging scientists in laboratory sustainability to reduce waste, energy, and

water.

At My Green Lab, our mission is to build a culture of sustainability through

science. Our Green Lab Certification Program is the cornerstone of our mission,

educating and engaging scientists on laboratory sustainability best practices so

they can become active contributors in minimizing the environmental impact of

their laboratory operations.

Recognized by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher

Education (AASHE), the American Energy Society, and the International Institute

for Sustainable Laboratories, My Green Lab’s Certification is considered the

global standard for laboratory sustainability best practices.

Congratulations

on achieving your

green lab certification!!

The lab did an incredible job

and should be very proud of

their accomplishment. I have

attached your feedback report,

the lab scored an 86% overall

and achieved the highest

certification level!

Feedback from Green Lab

2021 Annual Report
20

2021 Annual Report

20

Geoffrey Plunket

Deputy Chair, Independent non-

executive director

Chair of Audit and Risk Committee

Geoff is currently a Dunedin based

Professional Director and has been a

Director of Blis Technologies Limited

since May 2018 and was appointed

Audit and Risk Committee Chair in

August 2018 and Deputy Chair in July

2020.

Geoff worked for Coopers & Lybrand

(now PWC) and KPMG, in Dunedin and

Birmingham, UK through the 1980’s

before joining Port Otago Limited in

1988, as Chief Financial Officer. Geoff

spent the following 29 years with the

Port Otago Group, before retiring in

2017. Geoff worked across the business

in a variety of roles, culminating in

appointment as CEO in 2004, a position

he held until retirement. Geoff brings

significant experience in leading a large

successful organisation with expertise

in logistics, managing international

trading relationships, supply chain,

human resource, health and safety and

risk management.

Geoff is a Fellow of Chartered

Accountants Australia and New

Zealand, and a Member of the Institute

of Directors.

Anthony (Tony) Offen

Chair, Independent non-executive director

Member of Audit and Remuneration

committee

Tony is Dunedin based and has been

a Director and shareholder of Blis

Technologies Limited since May 2009.

Tony was appointed Board Chair in August

2017 and has previously served as Deputy

Chair and Chair of the Audit and Risk

Committee.

Through his Dunedin-based investment

company, Tony has been a director

and shareholder of private companies

involved in commercial property,

FMCG business sectors nationally and

internationally and with investment

interests requiring venture and start-up

capital.

Tony holds professional memberships

with the Chartered Accountants Australia

and New Zealand and is a Chartered

Member of the Institute of Directors. He

is independent chair of the Governance

Board of Brain Research New Zealand,

Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE)

and up to December 2019 was an elected

member of the National Council for

the Neurological Foundation of NZ

where he had served as the Council

Deputy Chair and Chair of its Audit and

Risk Management Committee. Tony

holds a B.Com. (Accounting) and B.A.

(Philosophy) from University of Otago.

Board of

Directors.

Antony (Tony) Balfour

Independent non-executive director

Member of Remuneration committee

Tony was appointed to the Board on

9 April 2020. He brings to the board

strong governance experience following

a successful executive career as an

international marketing and brand

management leader building consumer

goods businesses globally.

Tony has a diverse background of

international experience in driving

FMCG through retail channels and

e-commerce from the leadership roles

he held for Nike Inc, Icebreaker, Seek.

com and Monster Worldwide. He holds

directorships with The Warehouse

Group Limited, Les Mills International

Limited and Wayfare Limited (trading

as Real Journeys). Tony has previously

been a director of Silver Fern Farms

Co-operative Limited (and subsidiaries)

and Methven Limited.

Blis Technologies Limited21Blis Technologies Limited21
Dr Alison Stewart

Independent non-executive director

Chair of Remuneration Committee

Alison is Christchurch based and was

appointed to the Board in September

2018.

Alison brings to the Board governance

and commercial research and

development experience within

the international biotechnology

industry. Alison has held key executive

leadership roles in New Zealand and

US corporates and understands the

drivers for successful commercialisation

of research. Alison is an experienced

research and innovation leader with

expertise in microbe-based product

development, patents, IP protection,

new product pipeline and development

of strategic partnerships with large

international corporations.

Alison is a Distinguished Emeritus

Professor from Lincoln University, New

Zealand and was elected a Companion

of the NZ Order of Merit in 2011 for her

contributions to biology.

Dr Barry Richardson

Independent non-executive director

Member of Audit Committee

Barry is Dunedin based and has been a

Director of Blis Technologies Limited since

July 2018.

Barry began his career as a scientist at the

NZ Dairy Research Institute before joining

the NZ Dairy Board in 1985 as a Business

Development Manager, undertaking roles in

several biotechnology and nutritional Dairy

Board joint venture companies. Barry joined

the Tatua Co-Operative Dairy Company

Limited in 1991 as General Manager, Tatua

Biologics and was later appointed General

Manager, International and Strategic

Development commercialising value added

dairy ingredients. He was appointed CEO of

Westland Milk Products when that company

elected to be an independent exporter of

dairy products in late 2001. From 2006 to

2016 Barry was CEO of Blis Technologies

Limited, through the period when the

Company transitioned from a research

company into a commercial entity. His other

professional roles include a Director of

CertusBio among other business interests.

Barry has a M.Sc. (Hons) in Biochemistry and

a Ph.D. from Massey University. He is a past

Fellow of the NZ Institute of Management

and a Fellow of the NZ Institute of Food

Science and Technology. Barry received the

JC Andrews award for distinction in Food

Science and Technology in 2003.

2021 Annual Report
2222

Richard Wingham

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

CA, BCom (Accounting)

Richard was appointed to the role

of CFO for Blis Technologies in

November 2017. Richard is a Chartered

Accountant with over 20 years

experience, including various senior

finance roles across the dairy FMCG,

construction and health sectors. His

skills cross over manufacturing, project

management, information technology

and strategic planning.

Frank Spiewack

Commercial Director

BA

Frank joined Blis Technologies in

November 2019 he was confirmed

as a member of the Executive in May

2020. Frank has a strong background

developing international markets

having worked as Vice President Global

Sales and Marketing for Alchemy

Equipment and Manager Distributor

and Emerging Markets for Icebreaker.

Dr John Hale

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

PhD

John did his PhD studying bacteriocins

(BLIS) under the supervision of

Professor John Tagg at the Department

of Microbiology, University of Otago.

He carried out post-doctoral research

at the University of British Columbia

(Vancouver, Canada) and Monash

University School of Pharmacy

(Melbourne, Australia) investigating

the modes of action of antimicrobial

peptides. Dr Hale joined Blis

Technologies in 2011 and leads the

Scientific Services team.

Brian Watson

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

BCom (Marketing), BPhEd

Brian was appointed CEO of Blis

Technologies in February 2016.

He joined Blis following senior

management roles with Fonterra and

within the pharmaceutical industry

in New Zealand and overseas. Brian’s

career has focused on general

management, marketing and sales

across healthcare, nutraceutical and

nutrition industries. Brian has a track

record of successfully launching global

brands into new markets and leading

change within organisations.

Julie Curphey

Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

MBA, BCApSc (Food Science)

Julie joined Blis Technologies in

September 2016 as Chief Marketing

Officer. Prior to this she spent 18 years

working internationally in the FMCG and

pharmaceutical industries in various

leadership roles including market

research, marketing, operations and

change management. Julie returned to

NZ in 2014 to take up the CMO role at

Dunedin company ADInstruments.

Executive Team.

Blis Technologies Limited23
The Board and Management of Blis

Technologies Limited (Blis, the Company)

are committed to ensuring that the

Company maintains corporate governance

structures which ensure that the Company

operates efficiently and effectively and

maintains the highest ethical standards.

This statement of Corporate Governance provides a summary of

the Company’s governance processes and practices.

The Company’s Corporate Governance policies are based

on the principles set out in the NZX Corporate Governance

Code (NZX Code). This statement is structured to follow the

recommendations of the NZX Code.

The Board’s view is that Blis complies with the corporate

governance principles and recommendations set out in the

NZX Code but measurable objectives for diversity are under

development. The Board believes its governance structures are

appropriate and meet the Company’s strategic objectives.

The Company also complies with the corporate governance

requirements of the NZX Listing Rules. The Board regularly

reviews and assesses Blis’ governance structures and processes

to ensure that they are consistent with best practice.

This Corporate Governance Statement has been prepared

in accordance with the NZX Code that was published on 10

December 2020.

Blis’ key corporate governance documents referred to in this

statement, including charters and policies, can be found at

www.blis.co.nz/investor-centre/charters-policies (Investor

Centre). The Board operates under a set of guidelines set out

in its Directors’ Operations Manual to assist Directors and

Management in carrying out their duties and responsibilities.

The Directors’ Operations Manual covers such matters as:

• Corporate governance matters;

• Role of the Board and composition of the Board;

• Director responsibilities;

• Appointment of, responsibilities of and remuneration of a

Chief Executive Officer;

• Confidentiality and the safeguarding of company information;

• Compliance with laws and regulations;

• Shareholder participation; and

• Code of conduct.

This Corporate Governance Statement was approved by the

Board on 26 May 2021.

Statement of

Corporate Governance.

PRINCIPLE 1 – Code of Ethical Behaviour

“Directors should set high standards of ethical behaviour, model

this behaviour and hold management accountable for these

standards being followed throughout the organisation.”

Code of Ethics

As part of the Board’s commitment to the highest standard of

conduct, the Company has adopted a Code of Ethics (Code).

Every new Director and employee is provided with a copy of the

Code and must confirm that they have read and understand the

document. The Code is also available at the Investor Centre.

Each Director, and employee is asked to annually confirm that

they continue to comply with the Code of Ethics.

The procedure for advising the Company of a suspected

breach is set out in the Code of Ethics. Blis also has a Protected

Disclosures (Whistle-blower) Policy that sets out the process

that serves to protect employees who raise allegations of

serious wrongdoing by the Company.

Conflicts of interest

The Code of Ethics sets out the procedure to be followed where

Directors or employees are faced with a conflict of interest. At

all times, a Director must be able to act in the interests of the

organisation as a whole and in accordance with all relevant

laws and regulations including the NZX Listing Rules. The

personal interests of the Director or employee (as applicable)

and their family must not be allowed to prevail over those of the

Company and its shareholders generally.

Protected Disclosure (Whistle-Blowers) Policy

The Protected Disclosure (Whislte Blower) policy provides

information and guidelines to protect employees from

retaliatory action where they have raised allegations of serious

wrongdoing or reportable conduct they honestly believe

has been carried out by any Director, employee, consultant,

contractor or third party.

Blis is a small company and the main way to make a report is

through the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.

No breaches of the Code of Ethics were identified during FY21

and no matters were raised under the Protected Disclosures

(Whistle-blower) Policy.

The Code of Ethics is subject to annual review by the Board.

Share trading by Company Directors and Employees

The Board has implemented formal procedures to handle

trading in the Company’s equity securities by Directors,

employees, and advisers of the Company. These are set out in

2021 Annual Report
24

Blis’ Securities Trading Policy which is available at the Investor

Centre. Before any trading can occur approval is required to be

obtained from the Chair of the Board, CEO or CFO. The policy

provides that shares may not be traded at any time by any

individual holding material information. The fundamental rule

in the policy is that insider trading is prohibited at all times.

The requirements of the policy are separate from, and in

addition to, the legal prohibitions on insider trading in New

Zealand.

PRINCIPLE 2 – Board Composition &

Performance

“To ensure an effective board, there should be a balance of

independence, skills, knowledge, experience and perspectives.”

Responsibilities of the Board

The role of the Board is to act in the best interests of the

Company and to promote the interests of the Company and

its stakeholders. Directors are elected by the shareholders to

govern the Company. The Board is the overall and final body of

responsibility for all decision making within the Company.

The Directors have a diverse range of expertise and experience,

and are committed to using this to benefit the Company. The

Board is responsible to shareholders for charting the direction

of the Company by participating in the setting of objectives,

strategy and key policy areas. The Board is then responsible for

monitoring Management’s running of the business to ensure

implementation is in accordance with the agreed framework.

The Board delegates the conduct of the day-to-day affairs of the

Company to the CEO within this framework.

The Board operates under a Directors’ Operations Manual which

sets out the roles and responsibilities of the board, and other

matters as summarised on Page 26.

The primary responsibilities of the Board include:

• Ensuring that the Company purpose and goals are clearly

established, and with appropriate strategies ;

• Establishing policies for strengthening the performance of

the Company including ensuring that Management is pro-

actively seeking to build the business through innovation,

initiative, technology, new products and the development of

its business capital;

• Monitoring the performance of Management, including

the review and monitoring of compliance with delegated

authorities, and of regulatory compliance;

• Monitoring strategic, financial, social and environmental

performance;

• Appointing the CEO, setting the terms of the CEO’s

employment contract, including position description,

reviewing succession planning and where necessary,

terminating the CEO’s employment with the Company;

• Deciding on whatever steps are necessary to protect the

Company’s financial position and the ability to meet its debts

and other obligations when they fall due, and ensuring that

such steps are taken;

• Ensuring that the Company’s financial statements are true

and fair and otherwise conform with law;

• Ensuring that information of sufficient content, quality and

timeliness, as the Board considers necessary to enable it to

discharge its duties, is provided by Management;

• Ensuring that the Company adheres to high standards of

ethical and corporate behaviour;

• Ensuring that the Company has appropriate management

processes for defining risks and analysing options to

minimise, mitigate and manage risks;

• Ensuring an appropriate capital structure such that it

supports the business strategy; and

• Ensuring that the Company communicates with its

shareholders and stakeholders in a timely manner.

The Board uses committees to address certain issues that

require detailed consideration by members of the Board who

have specialist knowledge and experience. The Board retains

ultimate responsibility for the functions of its committees and

determines their responsibilities.

The Board has a statutory obligation to reserve responsibility

for certain matters. It deals directly with issues relating to the

Company’s mission, appointments to the Board, strategy,

business and financial plans.

The Directors appoint a Chair and Deputy Chair from amongst

the non-executive members. The Board supports the separation

of the role of Chair and CEO. The Chair’s role is to provide

leadership and to manage the Board effectively. The Chair has

responsibility for:

• ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the governance

process of the Board;

• representing the Board to the shareholders;

• maintaining regular dialogue with the CEO over all

operational matters; and

• for overseeing the annual work programme

The Chief Executive Officer is not a Director.

The Board regularly meet without the CEO being present and

has a practice of holding Director-only meetings either prior to

or following each Board meeting.

The Board receives reports from Management and has access to

all of the information necessary for it to effectively discharge its

duties.

Director nomination and appointment

The Board as a whole is involved with recommending

candidates to act as Directors to shareholders. When

considering candidates for nomination, the Board will consider,

amongst other things, the individual’s experience, qualifications

Statement of Corporate Governance continued

Statement of Corporate Governance continued
Blis Technologies Limited25

and skills in comparison to the experience, qualifications and

skills of other Directors, whether that individual is “independent”

and whether that individual would be able to work effectively with

other Directors. A thorough check of the candidate and his or her

background is undertaken and shareholders are provided with all

material information that is relevant to the decision on whether to

elect or re-elect a Director.

The Board has the ability to appoint an individual to fill a

casual vacancy on the Board until the Company’s next Annual

Shareholder Meeting.

The procedures for the appointment and removal of Directors are

governed by the Company’s constitution and the NZX Listing Rules.

The Board has determined that based on the Company’s current

size and stage of development that an optimal number of

Directors is five. Each year as part of the board’s annual review

process the capability mix is assessed to evolve in line with

Company’s future development and international growth plan

requirements.

The Board has determined that to operate effectively and to

meet its responsibilities it requires competencies in disciplines

including executive leadership and strategy, governance, industry

experience, biotechnology IP development and protection,

international sales and marketing, international supply chain and

quality control, risk and compliance, finance and capital markets.

The current mix of skills and experience is considered appropriate

for the responsibilities and requirements of governing Blis. The

Board looks to strengthen its oversight of issues in all disciplines,

as required, via expert advice.

As at 31 March 2021, all Directors on the Board are independent.

Director independence is considered on a case-by-case basis (in

accordance with the NZX Listing Rules) and is monitored on an

ongoing basis.

Letter of appointment

All new Directors enter into a written agreement with Blis setting

out the terms of their appointment. A copy of the appointment

letter is available at the Investor Centre (www.blis.co.nz/investor-

centre).

Board of Directors

Director profiles are shown at pages 20 - 21 of this report. The

profiles include information on the year of appointment, skills,

experience and background of each Director.

All five Directors as at 31 March 2021 are non-executive and

independent members of the Board. Tony Offen is the Chair of

Blis. Geoff Plunket is Deputy Chair and Chair of the Audit and Risk

Committee. Dr Alison Stewart is the Chair of the Remuneration

Committee. Dr Barry Richardson and Tony Balfour are also

Directors.

The roles of Board Chair, Audit and Risk Committee Chair and

CEO are not held by the same person.

The Board determines annually on a case-by-case basis who,

in its view, are Independent Directors. The Board will consider

all relevant circumstances when determining independence.

Under the NZX Listing Rules, a Director is “Independent” when

they are not an employee of the Company and do not have

a ‘Disqualifying Relationship’ (as defined in the NZX Listing

Rules).

The Company does not require Directors to hold shares in the

Company but actively encourages them to do so. Directors’

share interests are disclosed at page 34 - 35.

The Board does not have a tenure policy however it

recognises that a regular refreshment programme leads to

the introduction of new perspectives, skills, attributes and

experience. Directors retire by rotation in accordance with the

NZX Listing Rules but are eligible for re-election on retirement

by rotation.

Director period of appointment

0-3 3-9 9 +

years years years

Number of Directors 4 - 1

Interest Register

The Board maintains an interest register for the Company. Any

Director who is interested in a transaction with the Company

must immediately disclose to the Board the nature, monetary

value and extent of the interest. A Director who is interested

in a transaction may attend and participate at a Board

meeting at which the transaction is discussed but may not be

counted in the quorum for that meeting or vote in respect of

the transaction, unless it is one in respect of which Directors

are expressly required by the Companies Act 1993 to sign a

certificate.

Entries made in the interest register of the Company for

the year ended 31 March 2021 are included in the Director

Disclosures section on page 34 - 35.

Diversity

Blis Technologies is committed to achieving a diverse workforce

and inclusive workplace practices in order to harness the

business benefits of diversity, further social justice and comply

with legislation. A Diversity and Inclusion Policy has been

adopted by the Board and is available at the Investor Centre.

Responsibility for workplace diversity and the setting of

measurable objectives is held by the Board. Appropriate

measurable diversity objectives are under development.

2021 Annual Report
26

Statement of Corporate Governance continued

The gender composition of Blis’ Directors, senior managers and

workforce was as follows:

31 March 2021 31 March 2020

Position Female Male Female Male

Director 1 (20%) 4 (80%) 1 (20%) 4 (80%)

Executives* 1 (20%) 4 (80%) 1 (20%) 4 (80%)

Employees** 14 (48%) 15 (52%) 12 (48%) 13 (52%)

*CEO and Direct Reports to the CEO

**Includes Executives

Director Training

The Board ensures that there is appropriate training available

to all Directors to enable them to remain current on how best

to discharge their responsibilities and keep up to date on

changes and trends in areas relevant to their work. Directors are

regularly provided with industry information and receive copies

of appropriate Company documents to enable them to perform

their role.

The Board also ensures that new Directors are appropriately

introduced to management and the business.

Board Performance Evaluation

The Board annually assesses its effectiveness in carrying out

its functions and responsibilities. The Chair of the Board leads

the review which considers the performance of the Board as

a whole, and of each of the Board Committees, against their

respective charters.

The Chair, on behalf of the Board, is responsible for assessing

the performance and contribution of individual Directors. The

assessment is undertaken annually.

Principle 3 - Board Committees

“The board should use committees where this will enhance

its effectiveness in key areas, while still retaining board

responsibility.”

Board Committees

The Board has two formally constituted committees – the

Audit and Risk Committee and the Remuneration Committee.

Committee membership is reviewed annually.

Each Committee has a written charter that is approved by the

Board and sets out its mandate. The charters are reviewed

annually with any proposed changes recommended to the

Board for approval.

Each Committee has an agreed annual work programme that

sets out matters to be addressed over the following twelve

month period. The Committees each review their performance

on an annual basis against the Committee charter and work

programme and report their findings to the Board.

Blis also has a Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) which is

established as required to provide an independent source

of advice to the Board and Management. SAG members are

selected based on significant contribution to their chosen field

and have complementary skillsets to those involved in the

Company’s research and development endeavours. There were

no SAG meetings held during FY21 (FY20: R&D efforts for dental

health needs).

Attendance at meetings

The table below sets out Director attendance at Board and

Committee meetings during the year ended 31 March 2021.

Board Audit & Risk Remuneration

Committee Committee

A Offen 11 11 3

G Plunket 11 11 -

A Balfour 10 - 2

Dr B Richardson 11 11 -

Dr A Stewart 11 - 3

G Boyd* 4 - 1

*G Boyd retired on 24 July 2020

Audit & Risk Committee

The Board has overall responsibility for the Company’s system

of internal financial control, risk management, for liaising

with the Company’s external auditors, and for ensuring the

integrity of the Company’s financial reporting. The Board

constantly monitors the operational and financial aspects of

the Company’s activities and has established procedures and

policies that are designed to provide effective internal financial

control. Annual budgets and business plans are prepared

and agreed by the Board. Monthly management accounts

are prepared by Management and reviewed by the Board

throughout the year to monitor performance against budget.

The Board has established an Audit and Risk Committee to

assist the Board in discharging its responsibilities relative to

financial reporting, related regulatory conformance and liaising

with the external auditors. The terms of reference for the Audit

and Risk Committee are set out in its charter which is available

in the Investor Centre.

The Audit and Risk Committee is appointed by the Board and

must comprise three Directors, the majority of whom are to

be independent. The Chair of Audit and Risk Committee must

be an Independent Director and not the Chair of the Board.

The current members of the Audit and Risk Committee are

Geoffrey Plunket (Chair), Tony Offen and Dr Barry Richardson.

All members are independent directors. Geoffrey Plunket is a

Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and

a Member of the Institute of Directors.

Statement of Corporate Governance continued
Blis Technologies Limited27

The Board considers the recommendations of the Audit and

Risk Committee and advice of external auditors and other

external advisors on the operational and financial risks that

face the Company. The Board ensures that recommendations

made by the Audit and Risk Committee, external auditors and

other external advisers are investigated and, where considered

necessary, action is taken to ensure that the Company has an

appropriate internal control environment in place to manage the

key risks identified.

In addition, the Board investigates ways of enhancing existing

risk management strategies, including appropriate segregation

of duties and the employment and training of suitably qualified

and experienced personnel.

Given the size of the Company, an internal audit function is not

considered necessary.

The Audit and Risk Committee met on 11 occasions during FY21.

The agenda items for each meeting generally relate to financial

governance, external financial reporting, external audit, internal

control review, risk management, compliance and insurance.

Meeting Attendance

The CFO and CEO will normally be invited to attend meetings.

Remuneration Committee

The Board has established a Remuneration Committee which has

responsibility for, amongst other things, setting the remuneration

policy for the CEO, CFO, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Scientific/

Technical Officer (Executive), and recommending and monitoring

the level and structure of remuneration for senior management.

The terms of reference for this committee are set out in its

charter which is available in the Investor Centre (www.blis.co.nz/

investor-centre/charters-policies).

The Remuneration Committee is appointed by the Board and

must comprise three Directors, the majority of whom shall

be independent. The Chair of the Board may serve on the

committee. Members of the Remuneration Committee are

Dr Alison Stewart (Chair), Tony Balfour and Tony Offen. All

committee members are independent Directors.

The Board ensures that the recommendations made by

the Remuneration Committee are considered and acted on

accordingly.

The Remuneration Committee met 3 times during the year.

Nomination Committee

Given the size and composition of the Board, Directors believe

that there are no significant benefits in delegating matters

in relation to Board nominations and all appointments are

managed by the whole Board.

Committees

The Board has no Committees other than an Audit and Risk

Committee and Remuneration Committee. The Scientific

Advisory Group is not a Board committee.

Takeover Protocols

The Board has adopted a set of protocols to be followed in the

event of a takeover offer being made.

In the event of a takeover offer, a committee of Independent

Directors would be formed and would have responsibility for

managing the takeover in accordance with the Board protocols

and applicable laws, including the New Zealand Takeovers

Code.

Principle 4 – Reporting and Disclosure

“The board should demand integrity in financial and non-

financial reporting, and in the timeliness and balance of

corporate disclosure.”

Shareholder Communications and Market Disclosure

The Board is committed to keeping the financial products

markets informed of material information relating to the

Company and its shares and promoting investor confidence by

ensuring that trading of its equity securities takes place in an

efficient, well-informed market at all times.

The Company has in place a Continuous Disclosure Policy and

a Communications Policy designed to ensure this occurs. The

policies include procedures intended to ensure that:

• the Company complies with its continuous disclosure

obligations; and

• timely, accurate and complete information is provided to all

shareholders and other market participants.

The policies also outline mandatory requirements and

responsibilities in relation to the identification, reporting,

review and disclosure of material information relevant to the

Company.

Accountability for compliance with disclosure obligations is the

responsibility of the CEO and CFO. The CFO has been designated

as the Disclosure Officer and has overall management

responsibility for ensuring all material information is lodged

with NZX.

All non-promotional information intended to be made public,

whether or not it is believed to be material information, must be

reviewed by the Disclosure Committee (comprising the Chair,

Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, CEO and CFO) prior to

release. The Disclosure Committee also refers certain decisions

to the Board.

Directors consider at each Board meeting whether there is any

material information which should be disclosed to the market.

2021 Annual Report
28

Governance Policies and Charters

Key corporate governance documents, including charters and

policies, can be found at the Investor Centre: www.blis.co.nz/

investor-centre/charters-policies.

Financial and Non-Financial Reporting

Blis is committed to ensuring integrity and timeliness in its

financial reporting and in providing information to the market

and shareholders which reflects a considered view on its

present and future prospects.

The Audit and Risk Committee oversees the quality and

integrity of external financial reporting, including the accuracy,

completeness, balance and timeliness of financial statements.

It reviews the Company’s full and half-year financial statements

and makes recommendations to the Board concerning

accounting policies, areas of judgement, compliance with

accounting standards, NZX and legal requirements, and

the results of the external audit. All matters required to be

addressed and for which the Audit and Risk Committee has

responsibility were addressed during FY21.

Blis has published its full and half-year financial statements that

were prepared in accordance with relevant financial standards.

The full year financial statements are set out on pages 39 - 61.

The CEO and CFO have confirmed in writing to the Board that

the Company’s external financial reports present a true and fair

view in all material aspects. These representations are given

on the basis that a sound system of internal controls and risk

management is operating effectively in all material respects in

relation to financial reporting.

In addition to releasing the full and half-year results

Blis provides an update on financial and non—financial

performance for the first and third quarters. Revenue and

EBITDA for the quarter and year to date, general commentary on

market conditions and an update on guidance is given.

The Board does not believe that the Company has any material

exposure to economic, environmental or social sustainability

risks that are not appropriately managed. The material risks

which may impact the Company’s ability to achieve its strategic

objectives and secure its future financial prospects, are

managed through the strategic planning process.

Work continues on suitable sustainability-reporting framework.

The project remains in its early stages and will involve preparing

a series of financial and non-financial targets for reporting

on regularly. This will ensure that non-financial reporting is

informative, includes forward looking assessments and aligns

with key strategies and metrics monitored by the Board. An

overview of the Company’s sustainability programme is set out

at pages 16 - 19.

Principle 5 - Remuneration

“The remuneration of directors and executives should be

transparent, fair and reasonable.”

Remuneration Report

The Remuneration Committee is responsible for making

recommendations to the Board on remuneration policies and

packages for Directors as well as the Executives.

The Company’s remuneration philosophy is aimed at attracting,

retaining and motivating employees of the highest quality at

all levels of the organisation. It is based on practical, guiding

principles and a framework that provides consistency, fairness

and transparency while having regard to the risk appetite of the

Company and alignment to its long-term strategic goals.

All remuneration packages are reviewed annually in the context

of individual and Company performance, market movements

and expert advice.

Non-executive Directors

The structure of non-executive Director remuneration is

separate and distinct from the remuneration of the CEO and

other executives.

The Board seeks to set aggregate remuneration for non-

executive Directors at a level which provides the Company with

the ability to attract and retain Directors of the highest calibre,

whilst incurring a cost which is acceptable to shareholders.

No remuneration is payable to Directors unless it is approved

by the Company’s shareholders, or permitted under the NZX

Listing Rules in the event of an increase in the total number of

Directors.

The NZX Listing Rules specify that shareholders can approve a

per Director remuneration amount or an aggregate Directors’

fee pool. The Board has adopted a remuneration pool approach,

as referred to in NZX Guidance Note - Governance. Shareholders

approved an aggregate remuneration pool for non-executive

Directors of $309,000 per annum in August 2020. Subject to

external review, an increase of the director fee pool will likely be

proposed at the 2022 Annual Shareholders Meeting.

Within the fee pool available, the Board reviews its fees

annually to ensure the Company’s non-executive Directors are

fairly remunerated for their services, recognising the level of

skill and experience required to fulfil the role, and to enable the

Company to attract and retain talented non-executive Directors.

The process involves benchmarking against a group of peer

companies.

In addition, the Board reviews the Remuneration Committee

structure and appropriate level of resourcing required to make

an on-going contribution to long term value creation. Non-

executive Directors have no entitlement to any performance-

based remuneration or participation in any share-based

incentive schemes.

Statement of Corporate Governance continued

Statement of Corporate Governance continued
Blis Technologies Limited29

Each non-executive Director receives a fee for services as a

Director of the Company and an additional fee is also paid to the

Chair, and each Chair and member of the Board Committees to

recognise the additional time commitment required for that role.

All Directors are entitled to be reimbursed for reasonable costs

associated with carrying out their duties.

For the period 1 August 2020 to 31 March 2021 the allocation of

the annual fee pool was as follows:

Board Audit and Risk Remuneration

Committee Committee

Chair $90,000 N/A $6,000

Deputy Chair $60,000 N/A N/A

Member $45,000 $7,000 $3,000

For the period 1 April 2020 to 31 July 2020 the allocation of the

fee pool was as follows:

Board Audit and Risk Remuneration

Committee Committee

Chair $66,000 $10,000 $4,000

Deputy Chair $45,000 N/A N/A

Member $35,000 $5,000 N/A

Non-executive Directors are encouraged to be shareholders, but

are not required to hold shares in the Company.

Fees payable to the non-executive Directors of the Company for

the period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 were as follows:

Board Audit and Risk Remuneration

Committee Committee Total

A Offen $82,000 $1,667 - $83,667

G Plunket $51,667 $3,333 - $55,000

A Balfour $40,986 - $2,000 $42,986

Dr B Richardson $41,667 $6,333 - $48,000

Dr A Stewart $47,667 - $5,333 $53,000

G Boyd $15,000 - - $15,000

*Graeme Boyd retired on 24 July 2020

Remuneration of the CEO and Employees

The Company is committed to providing a remuneration

framework that promotes a high-performance culture and aligns

rewards to the creation of sustainable value for shareholders.

The underlying principle is to reward employees for Company

and business unit performance against targets set by reference to

appropriate benchmarks and key performance indicators and to:

• Align their interests with those of shareholders; and

• Ensure total remuneration is competitive by market standards.

Total remuneration is made up of fixed remuneration, a short

term incentive (STI) and a long term incentive (LTI).

Fixed remuneration includes all benefits, allowances and

deductions.

The STI and LTI performance incentives are “at-risk” and are

directly linked to both the performance of the Company and to

each individual’s performance while promoting the Company’s

long-term success.

The total remuneration earned by the Executive is set out in

note 5 to the financial statements.

(i) Fixed annual remuneration

Remuneration levels are reviewed annually to ensure that

they are appropriate for the responsibility, qualifications and

experience of the Executives and are competitive with the

market.

The Executives receive their fixed annual remuneration in

cash and a limited range of prescribed fringe benefits such as

superannuation, motor vehicle and health insurance. The total

employment cost of any remuneration package, including fringe

benefit tax, is taken into account in determining an employee’s

fixed annual remuneration.

For the financial year ended 31 March 2021, the CEO received

$328,944 (2020: $302,654) in fixed annual remuneration.

(ii) Variable remuneration – STI Scheme

The objective of the STI Scheme is to link the achievement

of the annual financial and operational targets with the

remuneration received by the Executives charged with meeting

those targets. The total potential remuneration under the STI

Scheme is set with a maximum of 30% for the CEO and 20% for

other Executives of fixed annual remuneration so as to provide

sufficient incentive to the executive to achieve the targets such

that the cost to the Company is flexible and in line with the

trading outcome for the year.

Actual STI Scheme payments granted to the CEO and each

nominated Executive depend on the extent to which specific

targets, set at the beginning of each year, are met. The

targets may include a weighted combination of Company,

Departmental, Financial and Non-Financial.

In determining the amount to be allocated the Board considers

the performance against the targets.

For the financial year ended 31 March 2021 there were four

nominated executives in the STI scheme (31 March 2020: four).

STI Scheme payments relating to the financial year ended

31 March 2021 are delivered as a taxable cash bonus and

are payable on completion of the annual audited financial

statements. The total accrual for FY21 for all nominated

executives in the STI Scheme is $125,145 being 50% of the total

pool for the year. The actual amount paid for FY21 was $174,225.

2021 Annual Report
30

In addition to the STI Scheme, the Board reserves the ability

to pay ad hoc bonus payments to any employee, again directly

related with the trading outcome.

(iii) Variable remuneration – LTI Scheme

The objective of the LTI Scheme is to align the executive with

shareholder interests over the longer term, and provide a longer

term employee retention benefit.

On 21 December 2021, the Company granted performance

share rights (PSRs) to certain members of its executive team.

There were no PSR schemes prior to this date. Details of the

performance criteria are detailed in note 5 to the financial

statements.

CEO remuneration

Taxable

Salary Benefits* Sub-total STI LTI** Total

FY21

328,944 12,653 341,597 93,000 3,773 438,370

FY20

302,654 11,647 314,301 85,605 - 399,906

*Includes the value of benefits including health care, superannuation, vehicle

and low interest loan.

**LTI includes PSRs awarded during the financial year. In the 2021 financial year

1,033,000 PSRs were granted (2020: nil). PSRs granted in 2020 will vest, if the

performance criteria are met, in the 2023 financial year. details of the plans and

valuation methodology are set out in Note 5 to the financial statements.

Total remuneration paid is fixed remuneration and any

STI Scheme payment physically received during the year.

Performance based payments are paid in the following year.

The CEO’s STI scheme payment for FY21 comprises several

financial and non-financial performance measures. Overall, the

STI is set at 30% of fixed remuneration. A breakdown of the STI

components follows:

Performance Measures Percent Achieved

50% based on financial revenue

and profitability targets FY20 Achieved

50% based on non-financial targets FY20 Achieved

Employee remuneration

The number of employees of the Company (including former

employees) who received remuneration and other benefits in

excess of $100,000 in the period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021

are shown below:

Remuneration Banding Number of Employees

FY21 FY20

100,001 – 110,000 2 2

110,001 – 120,000 1 -

160,001 – 170,000 1 -

170,001 – 180,000 - 1

180,001 – 190,000 - 1

190,001 – 200,000 - 1

210,001 – 220,000 1 -

240,001 – 250,000 1 -

390,001 – 400,000 - 1

430,001 – 440,000 1 -

Principle 6 – Risk Management

“Directors should have a sound understanding of the material

risks faced by the issuer and how to manage them. The board

should regularly verify that the issuer has appropriate processes

that identify and manage potential and material risks.”

Risk Management Framework

Blis operates in an environment that contains operational

and strategic risks. Risks are actively managed to ensure

Blis operates a safe workplace and is able to sustain the

achievement of its business objectives while at the same

time accepting an appropriate level of commercial risk that is

consistent with desired profitability.

The Board is responsible for ensuring that key business and

financial risks are identified, and that appropriate controls and

procedures are in place to effectively manage those risks.

The Audit and Risk Committee has overall responsibility

for ensuring that Company’s risk management framework

is appropriate and that risks are identified, considered and

managed. Risk management is a standing item on the agenda

for Audit and Risk Committee meetings, with detailed reports

provided by management.

A Risk Management Policy provides guidance on the Board’s

approach to risk management. The objectives of the Risk

Management Policy are:

• To allow Blis to pursue opportunities that involve risk in

an informed manner, so as to meet the expectations of

stakeholders;

• To enable full and due consideration to be given to the

balance of risk and reward in pursuing the achievement of

Blis’ business objectives;

• To apply risk management practices to enhance strategic,

tactical and operational decision making; and

• To ensure that Blis operates in a sustainable manner.

The policy is available at the Investor Centre.

Statement of Corporate Governance continued

Statement of Corporate Governance continued
Blis Technologies Limited31

Insurance

In managing the Company’s business risks, the Board approves

and monitors policy and procedures in areas such as treasury

management, financial performance, taxation and delegated

authorities. Blis has insurance policies in place covering most

areas where risk to its assets and business can be insured at a

reasonable cost.

Product Quality and Safety

Ensuring the safety and quality of our products is a key priority.

We establish processes that effectively manage risk and drive

continuous improvement in product quality throughout the

product production cycle.

We have introduced proactive quality control mechanisms

within our manufacturing operations. Through the use of data

collection and statistical analysis, we are improving the control

of our manufacturing processes, with the aim of being able to

intervene and correct a process prior to product quality being

compromised. This approach is providing further assurance that

our customers receive high quality products that are safe and

effective.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Overall responsibility for health and safety, specifically for

setting of high-level strategy and policy, resides with the

Board which is committed to continuous improvement and

progressively higher standards of work health and safety for the

benefit of all employees and others who work in, use or visit the

Company’s workplace.

The principles of the health and safety framework are to:

• Understand and comply with all applicable health and safety

legislation and regulations;

• Establish objectives and management systems consistent

with health and safety best practice; and

• Ensure all officers and workers engage in creating a positive

workplace culture to support health, safety and wellbeing.

The Executive are responsible for implementation of the health

and safety framework and will:

• Determine and implement business and action plans to give

effect to Board strategy;

• Acquire and maintain good understating of health, safety and

wellbeing matters;

• Be responsible and accountable for health and safety

compliance;

• Promote and role-model high workplace health, safety and

wellbeing standards; and

• Ensure business objectives are complementary to health,

safety and wellbeing objectives.

Management reports on a monthly basis to the Board which

consists of the following lead and lag indicators - H&S

Committee minutes, monthly hazard assessment, incidents &

accidents (including near miss incidents), good news stories,

achievements and training activities.

No lost time injuries, injuries resulting in workers being unable

to perform normal duties at next shift, have occurred over the

last three years.

2021 Annual Report
32

Principle 7 - Auditors

“The board should ensure the quality and independence of the

external audit process.”

External Auditor

Oversight of the Company’s external audit arrangements to

safeguard the integrity of financial reporting is the responsibility

of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Blis maintains an Auditor Independence Policy to ensure that

audit independence is maintained, both in fact and appearance.

The quality of the audit opinion is considered to be paramount.

Accordingly, any compromises to auditor objectivity and

independence that are considered to exist require appropriate

safeguards to eliminate or reduce the risk of compromise to an

acceptable level.

Blis has adopted the following requirements in relation to

auditor independence:

• the Blis auditor is required to comply with relevant

independence requirements promulgated by the Financial

Markets Authority and other governing bodies;

• the Audit and Risk Committee must approve the appointment

of the auditor to provide any non-audit services to the

Company or its subsidiaries.;

• the auditor is required to report to the Audit and Risk

Committee annually on matters pertaining to their

independence

The external auditor attends the Company’s annual meeting

each year to answer questions from shareholders in relation to

the audit.

Material business risks mitigation

After completing the risk management processes outlined on the previous page, the following key business and financial risks have been

identified.

Area Principal risk Strategies to mitigate

Product quality

and customer

safety

Customer harm caused as a

result of using Blis products

Our production facility operates under a Food Control Plan which requires high

standards and procedures to ensure quality and safety from our production.

We work with our suppliers and contact manufacturers to ensure high

standards are adhered to. Our company values also include a focus on high

quality standards across our business.

Market accessLoss of regulatory approval

to market and sell Blis

products in certain countries

Blis has robust regulatory affairs processes for obtaining and maintaining

product licenses, as well as a quality management system that ensures

compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Health and safety Work related injuriesPractices and processes are reviewed annually by an accredited Workplace

Health and Safety independent expert.

Health, safety and wellbeing metrics are reported regularly to the Board.

Intellectual

Property

Third parties assert IP rights

against us

A comprehensive patent portfolio across our products is held and maintained.

Market searches undertaken in product development phase of product design.

Competitor patent filings are actively monitored.

Business

continuity

Loss of continuity and

quality of supply

We actively monitor the quality of raw materials, end products, production

processes and systems. Business impact analysis is used to identify,

understand and quantify the impact of a material disruption to a key facility,

location, supplier or business process.

Technology and know-how for future production of both BLIS K12™ and

BLIS M18™ is transferred to an offshore fermentation supplier which ensures

production can be continued in the event of a single supplier failure.

Cyber security

and data

protection

Cyber security attack results

in disruption to operations

and data breach.

Independent review of control mechanisms is undertaken.

Statement of Corporate Governance continued

Statement of Corporate Governance continued
Blis Technologies Limited33

Internal audit

The Company does not have a formal internal audit function,

however it does have internal processes and controls that are

considered to be appropriate for the size and complexity of the

organisation. The Audit and Risk Committee carefully considers

the auditor’s management report which lists its key findings and

recommendations about significant matters arising from the

audit.

Principle 8 – Shareholder Relations

“The board should respect the rights of shareholders and foster

relationships with shareholders that encourage them to engage

with the issuer.”

Shareholder Rights and Relations

The Company is committed to regularly communicating with

shareholders and other stakeholders in a timely, accurate and

clear manner with respect to both procedural matters and

major issues affecting the Company.

To achieve this, the Company communicates through a range

of forums and publications. Annual reports, NZX releases,

governance policies and charters, and a variety of corporate

information is available at the Investor Centre.

Each shareholder is entitled to receive a hard copy of each

annual report on request.

Documents relating to annual shareholder meetings are

available at the Investor Centre.

Annual shareholder meetings to date have been held at a venue

in Dunedin, reflecting the head office location for the Company,

as well as being live streamed to shareholders joining online.

The speeches and slides are lodged with NZX prior to the start of

the meeting. Shareholders may raise matters for discussion at

the annual shareholder meeting either in person or by emailing

the Company with a question to be asked.

Electronic Communications

Shareholders have the option of receiving their communications

electronically. Contact details for the Company’s head office are

available on the Blis website.

Major Decisions

The Directors’ commitment to timely and balanced

disclosure is set out in the Continuous Disclosure Policy and

Communications Policy. The commitments include advising

shareholders on any major decisions. Where voting on a matter

is required, the Board encourages investors to attend the

meeting or to send in a proxy vote.

Equity Issues

In the event of a capital raising, the Board will carefully consider

and, where practical, will favour an offer of shares to existing

shareholders on a pro-rata basis and on no less favourable

terms before offering shares to other investors.

Dividend Policy

Under the current strategy of full reinvesment into growth and

pipeline development, no dividend has been declared.

Notice of Meeting

The Notice of Meeting will be lodged with NZX at least 20

working days prior to the annual shareholder meeting and will

be available in the Investor Centre.

2021 Annual Report
34

Directors’ Shareholdings

The following table sets out, for the purposes of the disclosures required under Listing Rule 3.7.1 (d) of the NZX Listing Rules, the relevant

interests of Directors and associated persons of the Directors in equity securities of the Company as at 31 March 2021:

Name of Director Number of Equity Securities in which a relevant interest is held by a director

A Offen Ordinary 31,157,388 (a)

G Plunket Ordinary 800,000 (b)

A Balfour

- -

Dr B Richardson Ordinary 17,903,624 (c)

Dr A Stewart Ordinary 350,000 (d)

Note that particular shareholdings can appear under more than one director.

(a) The number of equity securities in which Mr A P Offen holds a relevant interest includes 31,157,388 ordinary shares; 11,157,388

ordinary shares held by AP Offen, BJ Offen and Downie Stewart Trustee Limited, 10,000,000 ordinary shares held by BJ Offen and

10,000,000 ordinary shares held by Edinburgh Securities Limited. Mr Offen is a director and beneficial shareholder of Edinburgh

Securities Limited.

(b) The number of equity securities in which Mr G Plunket holds a relevant interest includes 800,000 ordinary shares held by Mr Plunket

personally.

(c) The number of equity securities in which Dr B Richardson holds a relevant interest includes 17,903,624 ordinary shares held by

Custodial Services Limited.

(d) The number of equity securities in which Dr A Stewart holds a relevant interest includes 350,000 ordinary shares held by Custodial

Services Limited.

Director’s Share Dealings

No Directors (or associated entities in which the Directors have relevant interests) acquired or disposed of equity securities in the Group

during the year ended 31 March 2021.

Disclosures of Interest by Directors

Name of Director Organisation Active Interests

A Offen Blis Functional Foods Limited Director

Bark Avenue Limited Director/Shareholder

Edinburgh Equity Limited Director/Shareholder

Edinburgh Securities Limited Director/Shareholder

Mill Park 60 Limited Director/Shareholder

Mill Park 92 Limited Director/Shareholder

Offen Nominee Limited Director/Shareholder

Plaza Funds Management Limited Director/Shareholder

Taieri Investments Limited Director/Shareholder

Directors’

interests.

Blis Technologies Limited35
Directors’ Interests continued

G Plunket North Otago Irrigation Company Limited Director

Orokonui Foundation Trust Trustee

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Limited Director

Otago Natural History Trust Trustee

A Balfour Bottom Right Hand Corner Limited Director/Shareholder

Joy Business Academy Limited Shareholder

Les Mills International Limited Director/Shareholder

Little Stream Water Company Limited Director/Shareholder

Pioneer Energy Limited Director

Strong Action Wool Group Limited Director

The Warehouse Group Limited Director/Shareholder

Wakatipu High School Trustee

Wayfare Group Limited (and its wholly owned subsidiaries) Director

Dr B Richardson CertusBio Limited Director/Shareholder

Otago Classic Spares Limited Director/Shareholder

Zircon Services Limited Director/Shareholder

Dr A Stewart Arable Food Industry Council Executive committee member

Foundation for Arable Research Chief Executive

GIA Brown Marmorate Stink Bug Council Council Member

GIA Plant Biosecurity Council Governance Group Member

Good Farming Practice Governance Group Member

MBIE Tissue Culture Partnership Chair Governance Group

MfE Measure and Manage diffused nutrient losses from arable crops Governance Council Chair

MPI A Lighter Touch PGP Governance Group Member

Seed & Grain Readiness & Response Chair Governance Group

Seed Industry Research Centre Advisory Board member

Vegetable Research & Innovation Governance Group Member


Use of Company information

There were no notices from Directors regarding the use of Company information.

2021 Annual Report
36

Indemnities and Insurance

Pursuant to s162 of the Companies Act 1993 and the

Company’s Constitution, the Company has entered into deeds

of access, insurance and indemnity, with the directors of the

Group to indemnify them to the maximum extent permitted

by law, against all liabilities which they may incur in the

performance of their duties as directors of any company within

the Group. Insurance cover extends to directors and officers for

the expenses of defending legal proceedings and the cost of

damages incurred. Specifically excluded are proven criminal

liability and fines and penalties other than those pecuniary

penalties which are legally insurable. In accordance with

commercial practice, the insurance contract prohibits further

disclosure of the terms of the policy. All Directors who voted

in favour of authorising the insurance certified that in their

opinion, the cost of the insurance is fair to the Company.

Donations

There were no donations made by the Company during the

year ended 31 March 2021 (2020: Nil)

Directors’ Interests continued

Directors’

Responsibility

Statement.

The Directors of Blis Technologies Limited are pleased to

present to shareholders the financial statements for the Group

for the year ended 31 March 2021.

The Directors are responsible for presenting financial

statements in accordance with New Zealand law and generally

accepted accounting practice, which fairly presents the

financial position of the Group as at 31 March 2021 and the

results of its operations and cash flows for the year ended on

that date.

The Directors consider the financial statements of the Group

have been prepared using accounting policies which have been

consistently applied and supported by reasonable judgements

and estimates and that all relevant financial reporting and

accounting standards have been followed.

The Directors believe that proper accounting records have been

kept which enable with reasonable accuracy, the determination

of the financial position of the Group and facilitate compliance

of the financial statements with the Financial Reporting Act

2013 and the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.

The Directors consider that they have taken adequate steps to

safeguard the assets of the Group, and to prevent and detect

fraud and other irregularities. Internal control procedures

are also considered to be sufficient to provide a reasonable

assurance as to the integrity and reliability of the financial

statements.

The Financial Statements are signed on behalf of the Board by:


Tony Offen Geoff Plunket

Chairman Director

26 May 2021 26 May 2021

Blis Technologies Limited37
5 Year Trend.

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017

($000) ($000) ($000) ($000) ($000)

Revenue 10,613 10,642 8,239 5,285 6,543


Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation

and amortisation (EBITDA) 975 2,119 922 (427) 580

Depreciation and amortisation 406 513 525 610 608

Net interest expense 5 4 16 5 (4)

Net profit after tax (NPAT) 564 1,602 381 (1,042) (24)

Net debt 83 128 829 290 -

Shareholder’s Equity 5,662 5,056 3,421 3,007 4,017

Total assets 7,806 7,058 5,201 3,888 4,500

Current assets 5,146 5,746 3,966 2,260 2,736

Current liabilities 1,812 1,642 1,651 712 483

Working capital 3,334 4,104 2,315 1,548 2,253

Net tangible assets (NTA)

1

3,473 4,311 2,856 2,164 2,899

Cash generated from operations 589 3,197 (583) 118 244

Number of shares on issue (‘000) 1,107,654 1,107,654 1,107,654 1,107,654 1,107,654

Earnings per share (EPS) – basic (cents) 0.05 0.14 0.03 (0.09) (0.00)

Share price at 31 March 0.06 0.06 0.02 0.02 0.04

NTA per share (cents) 0.31 0.39 0.26 0.20 0.26

Cash conversion ratio

2

60.3% 150.9% (63.2%) (27.6%) 42.1%

Return on shareholders’ equity

3

10.0% 31.7% 11.1% (34.7%) (0.6%)

Return on assets

4

7.7% 26.2% 8.7% (24.7%) (0.6%)

Gearing ratio

5

1.4% 2.5% 19.5% 8.8% -

EBIT to revenue ratio 5.4% 15.1% 4.8% (19.6%) (0.4%)

Current assets to current liabilities (times) 2.8 3.5 2.4 3.2 5.7

% CHANGE ON PRIOR YEAR

Revenue (0.3%) 29.2% 55.9% (19.2%) 16.3%

EBITDA (54.0%) 129.8% 315.9% (173.6%) 298.0%

NPAT (64.8%) 320.5% 136.6% (4,241.7%) 97.1%

EPS (64.8%) 320.5% 136.6% (4,241.7%) 97.1%

1. Calculated as Net Assets less right of use assets and finite life intangible assets.

2. Calculated as cash generated from operations divided by EBITDA.

3. Calculated as net profit after tax divided by closing shareholders’ equity.

4. Calculated as EBIT divided by average total assets.

5. Gearing ratio is calculated as net debt divided by the sum of net debt and shareholders’ equity.

2021 Annual Report
38

2021 Annual Report

38

Financial

Statements

2021

Blis Technologies Limited39
Consolidated Statement of

Comprehensive Income.

For the year ended 31 March 2021

Note 2021 2020

($000) ($000)

REVENUES

Revenue 2 (a) 10,613 10,642

Other income 2 (b) 226 217

Total Revenue and Other Income 10,839 10,859

EXPENSES

Distribution expenses 257 160

Marketing expenses 2,533 1,642

Occupancy expenses 66 85

Employee benefits 2,566 2,558

Raw materials and consumables 1,877 2,229

Operating expenses 2,950 2,553

Finance expenses 26 30

Total Expenses 2 (c) 10,275 9,257

SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) BEFORE TAX 2, 4, 5 564 1,602

Income tax expense 3 - -

SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) FOR THE PERIOD 564 1,602

Other comprehensive income - -

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 564 1,602

Earnings / (deficit) per Share:

Basic (cents per ordinary share) 15 0.05 0.14

Diluted (cents per ordinary share) 15 0.05 0.14

The above consolidated statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes on pages 43 to 61.

2021 Annual Report
40

Consolidated Statement of

Changes in Equity.

For the year ended 31 March 2021

Share

based

Notes Share Retained payments Total

capital earnings/ equity attributable

deficit reserves to Group

($000) ($000) ($000) ($000)

OPENING EQUITY – 1 APRIL 2019 37,380 (33,996) 37 3,421

Surplus / (deficit) for the year - 1,602 - 1,602

Other comprehensive income - - - -

Total comprehensive Income - 1,602 - 1,602

Equity contributions and distributions

CEO share option equity reserves 15,16 44 - (11) 33

44 - (11) 33

CLOSING EQUITY – 31 MARCH 2020 37,424 (32,394) 26 5,056

OPENING EQUITY – 1 APRIL 2020 37,424 (32,394) 26 5,056

Surplus / (deficit) for the year - 564 - 564

Other comprehensive income - - - -

Total comprehensive Income - 564 - 564

Equity contributions and distributions

CEO share option equity reserve 15,16 45 - (13) 32

Employee performance rights plan reserve 16 - - 10 10

45 - (3) 42

CLOSING EQUITY – 31 MARCH 2021 37,469 (31,830) 23 5,662

The above consolidated statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes on pages 43 to 61.

Blis Technologies Limited41
Consolidated

Balance Sheet.

As at 31 March 2021

Notes 2021 2020

($000) ($000)

ASSETS

Current Assets

Cash and short term deposits 6 2,187 3,214

Trade and other receivables 7 1,572 1,570

Prepayments 308 202

Inventory 8 1,004 685

NZX Bond 6 75 75

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 5,146 5,746

NON CURRENT ASSETS

Property, plant and equipment 9 471 567

Finite life intangible assets 10 1,711 404

Right-of-use assets 11 478 341

TOTAL NON CURRENT ASSETS 2,660 1,312

TOTAL ASSETS 7,806 7,058

LIABILITIES

Less Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables 12 1,549 1,520

Current borrowings 13 46 43

Lease liabilities 11 200 76

Foreign exchange contracts 22 (e) 17 3

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,812 1,642

Non Current Liabilities

Non current borrowings 13 37 85

Lease liabilities 11 295 275

TOTAL NON CURRENT LIABILITIES 332 360

TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,144 2,002

NET ASSETS 5,662 5,056

OWNERS EQUITY

Share capital 15 37,469 37,424

Retained earnings / (deficits) (31,830) (32,394)

Share based payment equity reserves 16 23 26

TOTAL EQUITY 5,662 5,056

The above consolidated statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes on pages 43 to 61.

2021 Annual Report
42

Consolidated Statement

of Cashflows.

For the year ended 31 March 2021

Notes 2021 2020

($000) ($000)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Cash was provided from / (applied to):

Receipts from customers 10,853 11,626

Interest received 22 26

Payments to suppliers and employees (10,260) (8,425)

Finance costs (26) (30)

Net cash inflow / (outflow) from operating activities 21 589 3,197

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Cash was provided from / (applied to):

Purchase of intangible assets 10 (1,443) (94)

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 9 (96) (73)

Sale of property, plant and equipment 9 56 -

Net cash inflow / (outflow) from investing activities (1,483) (167)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Cash was provided from / (applied to):

Repayment of borrowings (45) (701)

Repayment of lease liabilities (127) (72)

Receipt of share option 33 33

Net cash inflow / (outflow) from financing activities (139) (740)

Net Increase / (Decrease) in cash held (1,033) 2,290

Add cash and short-term deposits at start of period 3,214 924

Foreign exchange differences 6 -

Balance at end of period 2,187 3,214

COMPRISED OF:

Cash and short-term deposits 2,187 3,214

2,187 3,214

The above consolidated statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes on pages 43 to 61.

Blis Technologies Limited43
1. BASIS OF REPORTING

Reporting Entity

The consolidated financial statements presented are those of

Blis Technologies Limited (the “Company”) and its subsidiary

Blis Functional Foods Limited (the “Group”).

The Group’s principal activity is developing healthcare products

based on strains of bacteria that produce bacteriocin activity for

sale in New Zealand and overseas.

Statutory Base

The Company is a profit-oriented entity, domiciled in New

Zealand, registered under the Companies Act 1993 and listed

on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. The Company is an FMC

reporting entity under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.

The financial statements have been prepared in line with the

requirements of these Acts and the Financial Reporting Act

2013.

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance

with New Zealand Generally Accepted Accounting Practice

(“NZ GAAP”). They comply with the New Zealand Equivalents

to International Financial Reporting Standards (“NZ IFRS”) and

other applicable financial reporting standards as appropriate

for profit-oriented entities. The financial statements comply

with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).

The Financial Statements were authorised for issue by the

Board of Directors on 26th May 2021.

Basis of Measurement

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical

cost basis, except for the derivative financial instruments that

are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period as

explained in the relevant accounting policies.

Historical cost is based on the fair values of the consideration

given in exchange for assets.

Accounting policies are selected and applied in a manner which

ensures that the resulting financial information satisfies the

concepts of relevance and reliability, thereby ensuring that

the substance of the underlying transactions or other events is

reported.

Notes to and Forming

Part of the Consolidated

Financial Statements.

Unless otherwise stated the accounting policies set out below

have been applied in preparing the consolidated financial

statements for the year ended 31 March 2021 and 31 March

2020.

The financial statements are presented in thousands of

New Zealand dollars. The New Zealand dollar is the Group’s

functional currency.

Critical Judgements, Estimates and Assumptions

In the application of NZ IFRS, the Directors are required to make

judgements, estimates and assumptions about carrying values

of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other

sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based

on historical experience and various other factors that are

believed to be reasonable under the circumstance, the results of

which form the basis of making the judgements. Actual results

may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an

ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised

in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects

only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods

if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Judgements made by the Directors in the application of NZ IFRS

that have significant effects on the financial statements and

estimates with a significant risk of material adjustments in the

next year include:

• Assessing the point at which a project has moved from the

research phase to the development phase and which costs

may be capitalised as internally generated intangible assets.

Refer to note 10 for further information.

• The Group determines whether finite life intangibles

are impaired at least on an annual basis. Where there is

an indication of impairment then an estimation of the

recoverable amount of the finite life intangible assets is

required. Determining the recoverable amounts of intangible

assets requires judgement in relation to the effects of

uncertain future events at balance date. Assumptions are

required with respect to future cash flows and discount rates

used. Refer note 10 for sensitivities and assumptions used.

• The determination of separate performance obligations

for the recognition of revenue. Refer to note 2 for further

information.

2021 Annual Report
44

Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

• Tax Losses - The recognition of a deferred tax asset arising

from prior year tax losses and temporary differences is

dependent on generating future taxable profits.

No deferred tax asset has been recognised as at 31 March

2021 but this position will be reviewed in future periods

as the Company demonstrates a consistent track record of

profitable Group results. The Group’s ability to utilise tax

losses is explained in note 3.

Significant Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation and

presentation of the financial statements are set out below or in

the notes with the item to which they relate, where policies are

specific to certain transactions or balances.

These policies have been consistently applied unless otherwise

stated.

Basis of Consolidation

The Group financial statements incorporate the financial

statements of the Company and all entities controlled by the

Company (its subsidiaries) that comprise the Group, being Blis

Technologies Limited (the parent entity) and its subsidiary

Blis Functional Foods Limited. Control is obtained when the

Company has power over the investee, is exposed to or has

rights to variable returns from its investment, and has the ability

to use its power to affect returns. Consistent accounting policies

are employed in the preparation and presentation of the group

financial statements.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during

the year are included in the Consolidated Statement of

Comprehensive Income from the effective date of acquisition or

up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial

statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into

line with those used by the Group.

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are

eliminated in full on consolidation.

Foreign Exchange

In the course of normal trading activities, the Group undertakes

transactions denominated in foreign currencies, hence

exposures to exchange rate fluctuations arise. Transactions in

currencies other than the New Zealand dollar are recognised at

the rate of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions.

Trade and other receivables, trade and other payables, the

Euro denominated bank account and the United States Dollar

(USD) denominated bank account balances are translated at the

exchange rates prevailing at the end of each reporting period

as sourced from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Exchange

differences are recognised in the statement of comprehensive

income in the period in which they occur.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

All items in the balance sheet are stated exclusive of GST, with

the exception of receivables and payables, which include GST.

All items in the income statement are stated exclusive of GST.

The GST component of cash flows arising from investing and

financing activities which is recoverable from, or payable to, the

taxation authority is classified as operating cash flows.

New and revised NZ IFRS Standards and Interpretations

Issued but not yet adopted

All mandatory new and revised standards and interpretations

have been adopted in the current year. None had a material

impact on these financial statements

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements,

certain new standards and interpretations to existing standards

have been published but are not yet effective. The Group

expects to adopt these when they become mandatory. None are

expected to materially impact the Group’s financial statements.

2. SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) FROM OPERATIONS

Policy

Revenue is recognised from the following major sources:

• Sale of goods;

• Right to access; and

• Grants.

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration the

Group expects to be entitled to in accordance with customer

contracts and excludes amounts collected on behalf of third

parties.

Sale of Goods

The Group sells ingredients and finished goods to manufacturer

and wholesale customers. In addition to product sales, the

Group provides sales training and support to its customers. The

Group has determined that the sales training and support is not

a distinct performance obligation.

In addition to selling products to customers, the Group also

arranges delivery of the products to its customers. Where

control of the product passes to the customer on departure the

delivery services represent a separate performance obligation.

The Group is an agent in the performance of the delivery service

and the allocated revenue is recognised net of costs.

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the Group

has transferred control of the goods to the customer, which

is typically at the point goods are dispatched. For some

customers, the customer does not obtain control until the goods

have been delivered to their premises. For these customers,

revenue is recognised at the date the goods are delivered. One

of the Group’s major customers has entered into a consignment

arrangement. Sales to this customer, are not recognised until

the sale is made to the end customer.

Blis Technologies Limited45
Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

Rebates

The Group provides rebates to certain customers based on the

quantity of products purchased during the period. Rebates are

offset against revenue. To estimate the variable consideration

for the expected rebates, the Group applies the expected

value method. The Group recognises a refund liability for the

expected rebates.

Right to access

Right to access agreements with customers provide exclusive

rights to the customer for specified products throughout the

contract period.

Revenue from right to access agreements is recognised over

time, on a straight-line basis over the contract term as this

depicts the period of exclusive supply to the customer.

A material right is recognised as a separate performance

obligation where the customer has the right to extend the

access period at a discounted price. In such instances, the Group

recognises revenue when the rights are exercised or expired.

The material right is estimated based on the likelihood of the

customer exercising the option.

Contract liabilities

Revenue is recognised when all associated obligations have

been met. Where consideration has been received but the

associated obligations have not been met, for instance goods

have not yet been provided, it will be recognised as a contract

liability on the balance sheet.

Grant Income

Grant income is recognised when the Group has met all of

the requirements established by the grant. Grant income

that is receivable as compensation for expenses or losses

already incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate

financial support to the entity with no future required costs

are recognised as revenue of the period in which it becomes

receivable.

Interest Income

Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the

principal outstanding and the effective interest rate applicable,

which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash

receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that

asset’s net carrying amount.

2021 2020

(a) Revenue $’000 $’000

Revenue consists of the following items:

Point in time recognition:

Sale of goods – domestic sales

Finished goods 1,115 1,663

Ingredients 27 45

Sale of goods – export sales

Finished goods 969 1,445

Ingredients 8,203 7,290

Over time recognition:

Right to access 299 199

10,613 10,642

2021 2020

(b) Other Income $’000 $’000

Grant income 201 181

Other income 3 10

Interest income 22 26

226 217

2021 2020

(c) Expenses $’000 $’000

This includes the following specific expenses:

Director’s fees 298 248

Other operating expenses 1,799 1,521

Depreciation of property,

plant and equipment (note 9) 137 156

Depreciation of right of use assets

(note 11) 134 82

Amortisation of finite life

intangible assets (note 10) 122 256

(Gain) / loss on disposal of property,

plant and equipment (note 9) (1) 19

Loss on disposal of Intangibles

(note 10) 14 -

Reversal of allowance on trade

receivables (note 22 g) - (6)

Operating lease payment 5 20

Research and development 445 290

Employee benefits 2,951 2,492

Employee benefits capitalised (469) -

Post employment benefits 84 66

2021 Annual Report
46

Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

3. INCOME TAXES

Policy

Current tax

Current tax is calculated by reference to the amount of income

taxes payable or recoverable in respect of the taxable profit

or tax loss for the period. It is calculated using tax rates and

tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by

reporting date. Current tax for current and prior periods is

recognised as a liability (or asset) to the extent it is unpaid (or

refundable).

Deferred tax

Deferred tax is accounted for using the comprehensive balance

sheet liability method in respect of temporary differences

arising from differences between the carrying amount of assets

and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding

tax base of those items.

In principle, deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable

temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the

extent that it is probable that sufficient taxable amounts will

be available against which deductible temporary differences or

unused tax losses and tax offsets can be utilised.

However, deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognised

if the temporary differences giving rise to them arise from the

initial recognition of assets and liabilities (other than as a result

of a business combination) which affects neither taxable income

nor accounting profit.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates

that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is

settled or the asset is realised based on tax rates that have been

enacted or substantively enacted at reporting date.

Deferred tax is charged or credited in the statement of

comprehensive income, except when it relates to items charged

or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is

also dealt with in equity.

(a) Income tax recognised in profit or loss

The prima facie income tax expense on pre-tax accounting profit

reconciles to the income tax expense in the financial statements

as follows:

2021 2020

$’000 $’000

Net surplus before tax 564 1,602

Income tax expense calculated at 28% 158 449

Non-deductible items 86 61

Temporary differences excluding

tax losses not recognised (46) 14

Tax losses (recognised)/not recognised (198) (524)

Income tax expense - -

(b) Income tax recognised directly in equity

There was no current or deferred tax charged/ (credited) directly

to equity during the period.

(c) Deferred tax balances

The Group has an unrecognised deferred tax asset of $4,302,366

(2020: $4,669,199). The unrecognised deferred tax asset arises in

relation to temporary differences of $298,930 (2020: $346,118)

and gross tax losses of $14,297,985 (2020: $15,439,574) with a

tax effect of $4,003,436 (2020: $4,323,081). The tax losses may

be able to be carried forward and offset against future taxable

income (subject to meeting the requirements of the Income Tax

Act 2007) and accounting recognition requirements.

4. REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS

2021 2020

$’000 $’000

Audit of the financial statements 85 70

Additional fees relating to 2019 audit - 6

85 76

The auditor of Blis Technologies Limited is Deloitte Limited.

5. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

COMPENSATION

2021 2020

$’000 $’000

Short term employee benefits 1,234 1,061

Post employee benefits 37 29

Share based payments 10 -

1,281 1,090

Blis Technologies Limited47
Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

Equity settled share based payments

The fair value (at grant date) of performance share rights

plan (PSRs) granted to the CEO and certain other senior

management, is recognised in profit or loss within the

consolidated statement of Comprehensive Income over the

vesting period with a corresponding increase in the share based

payment reserve. When PSRs are exercised, the amount in the

share based payment reserve relating to those instruments is

transferred to share capital. When any PSRs lapse, the amount

in the share based payment reserve relating to those PSRs is

also transferred to retained earnings.

Employee share based compensation

From 21 December 2020, the Company grants PSRs to certain

members of its senior leadership and senior management

teams under the 2020 Performance Share Rights Plan. There

were no Employee share based schemes prior to December

2020.

i) Performance share rights plan

Under the 2020 Performance Share Rights Plan, one share right

gives the employee the potential to exercise a share right for an

ordinary share in the Company. Performance share rights will

only become exercisable if the Company meets certain market

based and performance based requirements set by the board

in respect of its share price and net profit, and the continuous

employment of the relevant holder.

The plan is a three year scheme, with the potential rights to fully

vest on the third anniversary of the grant date if the following

criteria are met:

• 50% of the Performance rights shall vest on the Vesting Date

subject to the average market price of the shares of the

Company from the Grant Date to the Vesting Date increase by

15% per annum.

• 50% of the Performance rights shall vest on the Vesting date

subject to the Company achieving 15% compound annual

growth rate (CAGR) for net profit from 31 March 2020 to the

Vesting Date; and

• The holder of the Performance Rights is continuously

employed by the Company during the period from the Grant

Date to the Vesting Date.

Measurement

The fair value of the PSRs was determined using the Black

Scholes option pricing model to value the 50% performance

rights which vest on achieving 15% CAGR for net profit being

non market conditions and a Monte Carlo simulation valuation

methodology for the 50% performance rights with market based

vesting conditions.

The compensation of the key management personnel of the

entity, is set out below:

Movements in the number of PSRs outstanding and their

exercise prices are as follows:

2021 2020

Number of options outstanding

As at beginning of the year - -

Granted during the year 2,674,000 -

Exercised during the year - -

Lapsed during the year - -

As at end of the year 2,674,000 -

Exercisable at year end - -

Number of employees 4 -

Weighted average exercise price $0.08 -

Weighted average remaining

contractual life (months) 33

Fair value of rights granted

during the year 106,960 -

Fair value of rights granted

during the year ($ per share) 0.04 -

Key inputs and assumptions used in fair value of PSRs granted

during the year

2021 2020

Share price at grant date $0.08 -

Contractual life (years) 4 -

Exercise price $0.08 -

Dividend yield 0% -

Expected volatility

(i)

70-75% -

Risk free rate 0.31% -

(i) The expected share price volatility is derived by analysing the historical

volatility over the most recent historical period corresponding to the term of

the PSR.

2021 Annual Report
48

Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

6. CASH AND SHORT TERM DEPOSITS

Policy

Cash and short term deposits

Cash and short term deposits comprise cash on hand, demand

deposits, and other short term highly liquid investments that

are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are

subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. Cash and

short term deposits are initially recognised at fair value and

subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective

interest method.

NZX Bond

A short term deposit is held at Bank of New Zealand as security

for a bond issued to the NZX. These funds do not represent

operating cash reserves.

2021 2020

$’000 $’000

Cash 1,487 1,614

Short term deposits 700 1,600

2,187 3,214

NZX bond 75 75

7. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Policy

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at fair

value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the

effective interest method, less any provision for expected credit

losses.

The Group applies the simplified approach to measuring

expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected credit loss

allowance.

The measurement of expected credit losses is a function of the

probability of default, loss given default and the exposure at

default.

The expected credit losses on trade receivables are estimated

using a provision matrix by reference to past default experience

of the debtor and an analysis of the debtor’s current financial

position, adjusted for factors that are specific to the debtors,

general economic conditions of the industry in which the

debtors operate and an assessment of both the current as well

as the forecast direction of conditions at the reporting date.

The allowance recognised is measured as the difference

between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of

estimated future cash flows discounted at the effective interest

rate computed at initial recognition.

2021 2020

$’000 $’000

Trade receivables 1,474 1,543

Allowance for expected

credit losses (note 22 g) (2) (2)

GST receivable 100 29

1,572 1,570

Trade receivables and other receivables are non-interest bearing

and receipt is normally on 30 to 60 day terms. Therefore,

the carrying value of trade debtors and other receivables

approximates its fair value.

8. INVENTORIES

Policy

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable

value. Cost is determined using average cost. Net realisable

value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated

costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing,

selling and distribution.

2021 2020

$’000 $’000

Raw materials 666 549

Finished goods 338 136

1,004 685

9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Policy

All items of Property, Plant and Equipment are stated at cost

less accumulated depreciation, and impairment. Cost includes

expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the

item. In the event that settlement of all or part of a purchase

consideration is deferred, cost is determined by discounting the

amounts payable in the future to their present value as at the

date of acquisition.

Depreciation is provided on property, plant and equipment.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight line basis so as to write

off the net cost of the asset over its expected useful life to its

estimated residual value. The following estimates of useful lives

are used in the calculation of depreciation:

Leasehold improvements 1 – 10 years

Furniture and fittings 2 – 15 years

Plant and equipment 3 – 12 years

Blis Technologies Limited49
Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

2021 Accumulated Accumulated Accumulated Book

Cost Cost depreciation depreciation depreciation Value

1 April Additions/ 31 March 1 April Depreciation reversed on 31 March 31 March

2020 Transfers Disposals 2021 2020 expense disposal Transfer 2021 2021

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Leasehold improvements 364 - - 364 (314) (6) - - (320) 44

Furniture and fittings 100 30 - 130 (100) (7) - - (107) 23

Plant and equipment 1,601 66 (149) 1,518 (1,084) (124) 94 - (1,114) 404

2,065 96 (149) 2,012 (1,498) (137) 94 - (1,541) 471

2020 Accumulated Accumulated Accumulated Book

Cost Cost depreciation depreciation depreciation Value

1 April Additions/ 31 March 1 April Depreciation reversed on 31 March 31 March

2019 Transfers Disposals 2020 2019 expense disposal Transfer 2020 2020

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Leasehold improvements 367 2 (5) 364 (314) (6) 6 - (314) 50

Furniture and fittings 98 2 - 100 (96) (4) - - (100) -

Plant and equipment 1,667 69 (135) 1,601 (1,053) (146) 115 - (1,084) 517

2,132 73 (140) 2,065 (1,463) (156) 121 - (1,498) 567

10. FINITE LIFE INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Policy

Intangible assets acquired separately are reported at cost

less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment

losses. Amortisation is recognised on a straight-line basis over

their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives, residual

values and amortisation method are reviewed at the end of each

reporting period, with the effect of any changes in estimate being

accounted for on a prospective basis.

Intellectual Property

The cost of intellectual property is written off until such time as

it becomes clear that future economic benefits attributable to

that expenditure will flow to the Group and there is sufficient

evidence to support the probability of the expenditure

generating sufficient future economic benefits.

Intellectual property including patents, trademarks and licenses

are considered finite life intangibles and are recorded at cost

less accumulated amortisation and impairment. Amortisation is

charged on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of

the intangible asset being 8 to 20 years. The estimated useful life

and amortisation method is reviewed at the end of each annual

reporting period.

Website

Following the initial development of a website, which is

recorded at cost and amortised over 3 years, the cost of further

website development is expensed as incurred.

Internally-generated Intangible Assets – Capitalised Product

Development Expenditure

Expenditure on research activities is recognised as an expense

in the period in which it is incurred.

An internally-generated intangible asset arising from

development (or from the development phase of an internal

project) is recognised if, and only if, all of the following have

been demonstrated:

• the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so

that it will be available for use or sale;

• the intention to complete the intangible asset and use or sell

it;

• the ability to use or sell the intangible asset;

• how the intangible asset will generate probable future

economic benefits

• the availability of adequate technical, financial and other

resources to complete the development and to use or sell the

intangible asset; and

• the ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to

the intangible asset during its development.

2021 Annual Report
50

The amount initially recognised for internally-generated

intangible assets is the sum of the expenditure incurred from

the date when the intangible asset first meets the recognition

criteria listed above. Where no internally-generated intangible

asset can be recognised, development expenditure is charged

to profit or loss in the period in which it is incurred.

Subsequent to initial recognition, internally-generated

intangible assets are reported at cost less accumulated

amortisation and accumulated impairment losses, on the same

basis as intangible assets acquired separately. The useful life of

internally-generated intangible assets is 8 years.

Intangibles work in progress

Intangibles work in progress is not amortised until work is

complete and the asset is fit for its intended use.

Impairment of Assets

At each balance sheet date, the Group reviews the carrying

amounts of its assets to determine whether there is any

indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If

any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset

is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment

loss (if any). Where the asset does not generate cash flows that

are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the

recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the

asset belongs.

The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to

sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated

future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a

pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments

of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset

for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been

adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (cash-generating unit)

is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying

amount of the asset (cash-generating unit) is reduced to its

recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised in profit

or loss immediately.

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying

amount of the asset (cash-generating unit) is increased to the

revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but only to the

extent that the increased carrying amount does not exceed

the carrying amount that would have been determined had no

impairment loss been recognised for the asset (cash-generating

unit) in prior years.


IT, website

Capitalised development

Trademarks Patents development and software Total

2021 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Gross Carrying Amount

Balance at 1 April 2020 130 1,072 3,115 193 4,510

Additions - acquired 76 106 - - 182

Additions - internally generated (WiP) - - 1,054 207 1,261

Disposals - (14) - - (14)

Balance at 31 March 2021 206 1,164 4,169 400 5,939

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Balance at 1 April 2020 11 829 3,082 184 4,106

Amortisation expense 15 71 33 3 122

Balance at 31 March 2021 26 900 3,115 187 4,228

Net Book Value at 31 March 2021 180 264 1,054 213 1,711

Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

Blis Technologies Limited51
Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

IT, website

Capitalised development

Trademarks Patents development and software Total

2020 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Gross Carrying Amount

Balance at 1 April 2019 47 1,072 3,115 182 4,416

Additions - acquired 83 - - 11 94

Balance at 31 March 2020 130 1,072 3,115 193 4,510

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Balance at 1 April 2019 3 689 2,998 160 3,850

Amortisation expense 8 140 84 24 256

Balance at 31 March 2020 11 829 3,082 184 4,106

Net Book Value at 31 March 2020 119 243 33 9 404

Trademarks are amortised over their estimate useful lives, which is

on average 10 years.

Patents are amortised over their estimated useful lives, which is on

average 20 years.

The amortisation period for development costs incurred on the

Group’s K12, M18 and Q24 product development is 8 years.

The amortisation period for the development costs incurred on

the Group’s IT, website and software development is 3 years.

No impairment losses have been recorded in the current year

(2020: Nil).

Capitalised product development expenditure relates to

costs incurred in relation to the development of ingredient,

intermediate and food products containing BLIS, and the

associated regulatory approval processes.

Impairment test for Intangible Assets

For the purposes of preparing these accounts, the Board reviewed

the intangible assets and have determined that there is no

impairment of any intangible assets.

The Group is considered to be one cash-generating unit.

The calculation of the recoverable amount has been determined

based on a value-in-use calculation that uses cash flow projections

based on the financial forecasts prepared by management

covering a five year period.

The recoverable amount calculations are most sensitive to

assumptions regarding growth rate, contribution margins and the

required rate of return. Key assumptions used in the value-in-use

calculation are:

• Annual sales growth rate of between 15% - 19% (2020: 0% - 5%)

• Contribution margins of 73% - 75% (2020: 61% – 65%)

• Pre-tax discount rate of 16.45% (2020: 17.4% pre tax)

• Terminal growth rate of 2% (2020: 2%)

The calculation supports the carrying amount of intangible

assets. Excluding costs associated with new growth or

development activities:

• A sales growth rate of 0% would not have resulted in an

impairment loss

• A reduction of contribution margins by 5% would not have

resulted in an impairment loss

• A 5% increase in the discount rate would not have resulted in

an impairment loss

The recoverable amount is sensitive to each of these

assumptions. If sales growth and/or contribution margins fall

short of projections, the recoverable amount of the capitalised

intangible asset expenditure may be less than the carrying value.

11. LEASES

Policy

The Group as a lessee

The Group leases certain property, plant and equipment. The

Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease

liability with respect to all lease arrangements in which it is the

lessee, except for short-term leases and leases of low value assets

where the Group recognises the lease payments as an other

operating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the

lease.

Lease Liabilities

Lease liabilities are initially measured at the present value of the

lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date,

discounted by using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate

cannot be readily determined, the Group uses its incremental

borrowing rate (IBR).

2021 Annual Report
52

Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease

liability comprise:

• Fixed lease payments, less any lease incentives;

• Variable lease payments that depend on an index or

rate, initially measured using the index or rate at the

commencement date;

• The exercise price of purchase options, if the lessee is

reasonably certain to exercise the options; and

• Payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease

term reflects the exercise of an option to terminate the lease.

Lease liabilities are presented as a separate line in the balance

sheet and are subsequently measured by increasing the

carrying amount to reflect interest on the lease (using the

effective interest method) and reducing the carrying amount to

reflect the lease payments made.

The Group remeasures the lease liability if:

• The lease term has changed or there is a change in the

assessment of exercise of a purchase option, in which case

the lease liability is remeasured by discounting the revised

lease payments using a revised discount rate;

• Lease payments changing due to changes in an index or rate,

in which case the lease liability is remeasured by discounting

the revised lease payments using the initial discount rate; or

• A lease contract is modified and the lease modification is

not accounted for as a separate lease, in which case the

lease liability is remeasured by discounting the revised lease

payments using a revised discount rate.

ROU assets

ROU assets comprise of the initial measurement of the

corresponding lease liability, lease payments made at or before

the commencement date and any initial direct costs. They are

subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation

and impairment losses.

Wherever the Group incurs an obligation for costs to dismantle

and remove a leased asset, restore the site on which it is located

or restore the underlying asset to the condition required by

the terms and conditions of the lease, a provision is recognised

and measured under NZ IAS 37. The costs are included in the

related ROU asset, unless those costs are incurred to produce

inventories.

ROU assets are depreciated over the shorter period of lease

term and useful life of the underlying asset. The estimated

useful lives of ROU assets are determined on the same basis as

similar owned assets within property, plant and equipment.

Depreciation starts at the commencement date of the lease.

ROU assets are presented as a separate line in the balance

sheet.

The Group applies NZ IAS 36 to determine whether a ROU asset

is impaired and accounts for any identified loss under the same

policy adopted for property, plant and equipment.

Variable rents that do not depend on an index or rate are not

included in the measurement of the lease liability and ROU

asset. The related payments are recognised as an expense in

the period in which the event or condition that triggers those

payments occurs and are included in other operating expenses

in the income statement.

Right-of-use assets

Properties Office Equipment Total

2021 $’000 $’000 $’000

As at 1 April 2020 325 16 341

Additions 244 38 282

Terminations - (22) (22)

Depreciation expense (132) (2) (134)

Depreciation write back on terminations - 11 11

Net Book Value as at 31 March 2021 437 41 478

Blis Technologies Limited53
Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

Properties Office Equipment Total

2020 $’000 $’000 $’000

As at 1 April 2019 401 22 423

Additions - - -

Terminations - - -

Depreciation expense (76) (6) (82)

Net Book Value as at 31 March 2020 325 16 341

Lease Liabilities – Maturity Analysis 2021 2020

$’000 $’000

Lease Liabilities under NZ IFRS 16

Less than one year 200 76

Between one and five years 184 141

More than five years 111 134

495 351

Current 200 76

Non-Current 295 275

Total 495 351

The Group leases various properties and office equipment

under non-cancellable leases expiring within two to ten years.

The leases have varying terms and have no option to purchase

in respect to the leased equipment in the financial year ended

31 March 2021.

2021 2020

$’000 $’000

Amounts Recognised in consolidated

statement of comprehensive income:

Depreciation of right-of-use assets 134 82

Interest expense on lease liabilities 23 23

Expense relating to short-term leases 2 17

Expense relating to low value assets 3 3

The total cash outflow for leases in 2021 was $148,461 (2020:

$115,388).

The incremental borrowing rate applied on properties was 6%

(2020: 6%) and office equipment 6% (2020: 6%).

The below table details changes in the group’s lease liabilities from financing activities, including both cash and non-cash changes.

Liabilities arising from financing activities are those for which cash flows were, or future cash flows will be, classified in the group’s

statement of cash flows from financing activities.

2021 Opening Closing

balance at Non-cash Recognised on Non-financing Financing balance at

1 April 2020 changes

(1)

acquisition cash flows cash flow 31 March 2021

Lease liabilities 351 271 - - (127) 495

351 271 - - (127) 495

2020 Opening Closing

balance at Non-cash Recognised on Non-financing Financing balance at

1 April 2019 changes

(1)

acquisition cash flows cash flow 31 March 2020

Lease liabilities - 423 - - (72) 351

- 423 - - (72) 351

(1) Non-cash changes within lease liabilities relate to new leases entered into during the financial year, interest, lease modifications and reassessments of lease terms.

2021 Annual Report
54

Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

12. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Policy

Trade Payable

Trade payable are initially measured at fair value and

subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective

interest rate method.

Employee Benefits

Provision is made for benefits accruing to employees in respects

of wages and salaries and annual leave when it is probable

that settlement will be required and they are capable of being

measured reliably. Provisions are initially measured at fair

value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the

effective interest rate method.

Provisions made in respect of employee benefits expected to

be settled within 12 months, are measured at their nominal

values using the remuneration rate expected to apply at the

time of settlement. Provisions made in respect of employee

benefits which are not expected to be settled within 12 months

are measured at the present value of the estimated future

cash outflows to be made by the Group in respect of services

provided by employees up to reporting date.

Refund Liabilities

Refund liabilities are initially measured at fair value and

subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective

interest rate method.

2021 2020

$’000 $’000

Trade payable 1,246 1,222

Employee entitlements 303 295

Refund liabilities - 3

1,549 1,520

13. BORROWINGS

Policy

Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less directly

attributable transaction costs and subsequently measured at

amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2021 2020

$’000 $’000

Asset finance 83 128

Total borrowings 83 128

2021 2020

$’000 $’000

Current borrowings 46 43

Non-current borrowings 37 85

Total borrowings 83 128

The Group has an undrawn trade credit loan facility with the

Bank of New Zealand that has a base limit of $550,000. The

effective interest rate of the trade credit loans is between 5.86%

- 6.49% (2020: 6.76% - 7.43%).

Asset Finance loan with the Bank of New Zealand was utilised

to finance the purchase of the Natoli tablet press. The loan has

an effective interest rate of 4.48% (2020: 5.21%). The term of this

loan is over 60 months with the final payment due December

2022. The loan is secured over the Natoli tablet press, purchased

for $293,479.

Security

The banking facilities from Bank of New Zealand are secured by

general security agreement over all present and after acquired

property of Blis Technologies Limited. There is assignment of

Trade Credit Insurance Policy covering export receivables and

specific security (set off and charge) over Term Deposit funds to

secure NZX Bond.

Blis Technologies Limited55
Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

14. INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARY

Percentage held Balance date Principal activity

2021 2020

Blis Functional Foods Limited 100% 100% 31 March Non-trading

15. SHARE CAPITAL AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

2021 2020

No. of shares $’000 No. of shares $’000

Balance at the beginning of the year (fully paid) 1,107,653,565 37,424 1,107,653,565 37,380

Shares pursuant to the CEO share plan - 45 - 44

Balance at the end of the year 1,107,653,565 37,469 1,107,653,565 37,424

All 1,107,653,565 ordinary shares are issued and carry equal voting rights. All issued shares participate equally in any dividend

distribution or any surplus on winding up of the Company.

On 2 June 2016, 5,500,000 shares were issued to Mr Brian Watson, Chief Executive of the Company. The shares were issued at a price of

$0.0299 per share. Details of this transaction is shown in note 17.

Basic earnings per share

2021 2020

Profit attributable to members of the Company used in calculating basic and diluted EPS ($’000) 564 1,602

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (‘000) for basic EPS 1,107,654 1,107,654

Effect of dilution due to performance rights - -

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (‘000) for diluted EPS 1,107,654 1,107,654

Earnings per share

Basic EPS (cents) 0.05 0.14

Diluted EPS (Cents) 0.05 0.14

Recognition and measurement

Basic EPS is calculated as net profit attributable to members of the parent, adjusted to exclude any costs of servicing equity (other than

dividends), divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year. Diluted EPS adjusts basic

EPS for the dilutive effect of employee share rights and options that may be converted into ordinary shares in the Company to the extent

that the shares are contingently issuable at balance date.

2021 Annual Report
56

Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

16. RESERVES

Nature and purpose of share based payment equity reserves

Share option equity reserve

The Share option equity reserve relates to the CEO share plan

refer note 17.

Employee performance rights plan reserve

The Reserve is used to recognise the fair value of PSRs granted

but not exercised refer to note 5.

2021 2020

$’000 $’000

Balance at the beginning of the year 26 37

Repayment of CEO share option

equity reserve (13) (11)

Expense recognised in relation to

employee performance rights

plan reserve 10 -

Balance at end of the year 23 26

17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year, BLIS products were not sold to any related

parties (excluding web sales). Product seconds are made

available to the staff and Board members for personal use at no

charge.

CEO Share option and issue of shares to the CEO

The Company entered into a Subscription Agreement and

issued 5,500,000 new ordinary shares to the CEO, Brian Watson,

on 2 June 2016. The shares were issued for cash consideration

of 2.99 cents per share being an aggregate $164,500, which

was satisfied by way of a contemporaneous interest free loan

provided by the Company to the CEO for an aggregate amount

equivalent to the subscription price for the shares.

The loan is secured by a lien on the issued shares and repayable

in equal annual instalments commencing on the 1st of

December 2017 with the final instalment due on 1 December

2021.

The shares were issued at 90% of the volume weighted average

share price for the 5 trading days prior to 1 June 2016. The issue

price was considered by the Directors of the Company to be

equivalent to the price that the tranche of shares would have

been issued to an independent third party at the time of issue.

The Subscription Agreement provides security against the loan

through a charge on the shares. The appropriate approach

consistent with the relevant accounting standard is to treat the

entire arrangement as a share option.

Using the Black Scholes option pricing model for the CEO

Share Plan at an implied volatility of 32% and referenced to the

prevailing share price of 3.32 cents on 2 June 2016 yielded an

aggregate option value of $54,517. This amount was treated as

an expense.

As a result of the charge to the Statement of Comprehensive

Income a CEO Share Option Reserve was created in the

Consolidated Balance Sheet. Upon receipt of each of the

scheduled loan repayment the notional option value associated

with each tranche transfers from the CEO Share Plan Reserve to

Share Capital and the amount of each loan repayment recorded

to equity to represent the consideration received for each

tranche of shares issued to the CEO.

Consideration of $32,900 was received for the fourth tranche of

shares in November 2020 (third instalment in November 2019:

$32,900, second instalment in November 2018: $32,900, first

instalment in November 2017 $32,900).

Fair Value of Share Options

The fair value of the share options granted during the 2017

financial year was $54,517. Options were priced using the Black-

Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatility is based on

the historical share price over the past 5 years, consistent with

the options lives, factoring in a step change in the 9 months

prior to grant date.

No allowance for early exercise was incorporated into the fair

value calculation as it was assumed that the CEO would exercise

the options at the latest exercise date.

There are no market or service conditions.

The fair value model is most susceptible to changes in the

expected volatility. Had an expected volatility of 45% been

utilised, the fair value of the share options would have been

$69,000.

Blis Technologies Limited57
Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

Inputs to the model:

Option Series 1 2 3 4 5

Grant date weighted average share price $0.0322 $0.0322 $0.0322 $0.0322 $0.0322

Exercise price $0.0299 $0.0299 $0.0299 $0.0299 $0.0299

Expected volatility 31.93% 31.93% 31.93% 31.93% 31.93%

Option life (years) 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5

Dividend yield 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Risk free interest rate 2.07% 2.01% 2.00% 2.06% 2.02%

Final exercise date 1/12/17 1/12/18 1/12/19 1/12/20 1/12/21

18. COMMITMENTS FOR EXPENDITURE

As at 31 March 2021 there is no capital expenditure

commitments (2020: $nil)

19. CONTINGENT ASSETS AND

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

There were no material contingent assets or contingent

liabilities at 31 March 2021 (2020: $Nil).

20. SEGMENTAL REPORTING

20.1 Operating segments

The Group is internally reported as a single operating segment

to the chief operating decision-maker.

20.2 Revenue from major products and services

2021 2020

$’000 $’000

The Group’s revenues from its major

products and services were as follows:

BLIS products 10,613 10,642

Non-core business 226 217

Total Revenue and Other Income 10,839 10,859

Non-core business includes grant revenue and contract

manufacturing revenue of non-BLIS branded products.

20.3 Information about geographical areas

The Group operates in 3 principal geographical areas, Asia

Pacific, Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and North

America.

The Group’s revenue from external customers and information

about its assets by geographical location (of the customer) are

detailed below:

Revenue from Non-current

external customers assets

2021 2020 2021 2020

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

New Zealand 1,148 1,708 2,660 1,312

Asia Pacific

(excl. NZ) 1,301 2,010 - -

EMEA 3,101 3,964 - -

North America 5,063 2,970 - -

Total revenue 10,613 10,642 2,660 1,312

Grant revenue 201 181 - -

Other revenue 3 10 - -

Interest revenue 22 26 - -

Total revenue

& other income 10,839 10,859 2,660 1,312

Included in revenue are revenues of $4,038k and $3,084k (2020:

$3,923k, $2,190k and $1,034k) which arose from sales to the

Group’s two largest customers (2020: three).

Web sales are allocated to the region where the end consumer

is based.

2021 Annual Report
58

Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

21. RECONCILIATION OF NET SURPLUS /

(DEFICIT) WITH CASHFLOWS FROM

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Policy

For the purpose of the cash flow statement, cash and cash

equivalents includes cash on hand and in banks and investments

in money market instruments net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

The cash flow statement is prepared exclusive of GST, which is

consistent with the method used in the consolidated statement

of comprehensive income.

Definition of terms used in the cash flow statement:

Operating activities include all transactions and other events

that are not investing or financing activities.

Investing activities are those activities relating to the acquisition

and disposal of current and non-current investments and any

other non-current assets.

Financing activities are those activities relating to changes in

the equity and debt capital structure of the Group and those

activities relating to the cost of servicing the Group’s equity.

2021 2020

$’000 $’000

Net surplus / (deficit) for the year 564 1,602

Adjustments for non-cash items:

Amortisation 122 256

Depreciation property,

plant and equipment 137 156

Depreciation right of use assets 134 82

Foreign exchange loss / (gain) (14) 9

ECL provision - (6)

PSR Expense 10 -

Loss / (gain) on fair value of

foreign exchange contracts 17 3

Loss on disposal of intangible assets 14 -

Loss / (gain) on disposal of fixed assets (1) 19

983 2,121

Movements in working capital

Trade and other receivables 2 797

Prepayments (106) 18

Inventories (319) (308)

Trade and other payable 29 569

(394) 1,076

Net cash inflow/ (outflow)

from operating activities 589 3,197

22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Policy

Financial Instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the

Group’s Balance Sheet when the Group becomes a party to the

contractual provisions of the instrument.

All of the Group’s financial assets (excluding derivative financial

assets) are measured at amortised cost. Foreign exchange

contracts are measured at fair value, all of the Group’s other

financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost.

(a) Financial risk management objectives

Exposure to credit, interest rate, foreign currency and liquidity

risks arises in the normal course of the Group’s business.

The Group does not enter into derivative financial instruments

for speculative purposes. The Group utilises forward cover

on confirmed foreign currency transactions. Specific risk

management objectives and policies are set out below.

(b) Capital risk management

The Group manages its capital to ensure that the Group will be

able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return

to stakeholders through the optimisation of debt and equity.

The capital structure of the Group comprises issued capital

reserves, share based payment equity reserves and retained

earnings as disclosed in the Statement of Changes in Equity.

The Group’s Board of Directors reviews the capital structure on

a regular basis.

The Group is not subject to externally imposed capital

requirements.

The Group’s overall strategy remains unchanged from 2020.

(c) Market risk

Market risk is the potential for change in the value of financial

instruments caused by a change in the value, volatility or

relationship between market risks and prices. Market risk arises

from the mismatch between assets and liabilities. The Group’s

activities expose it primarily to market risk associated with

changes in foreign currency rates and interest rates as set out

below. These risks are measured using sensitivity analysis. The

mechanisms for managing these risks are set out below. The

Group enters into foreign exchange contracts to manage its

exposure to foreign currency transactions, there have been no

changes during the year to the Group’s exposure to such risks or

the manner in which the risks are measured and managed.

Blis Technologies Limited59
Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

(d) Interest rate risk

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk as from time to time it borrows funds at floating interest rates and also invests cash in short

term deposits at fixed interest rates. Fair value interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to

changes in market interest rates.

Investments and borrowings at fixed interest rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. The Group does not hedge this risk.

Cash flow interest rate risk is the risk that the cash flows from a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest

rates. Borrowings issued at variable interest rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk. The Group does not hedge this risk.

(e) Foreign exchange risk

In the course of normal trading activities, the Group undertakes transactions denominated in foreign currencies; hence exposures to

exchange rate fluctuations arise. The Group enters into foreign exchange contacts on certain sales denominated in foreign currencies to

economically hedge the foreign exchange risk associated with the timing between the date of sale and receipt of payment. The Group

has not adopted hedge accounting.

The carrying amount of the Group’s foreign currency denominated monetary assets are as follows:

2021 2020

$’000 $’000

Euro 105 1

United States dollar 422 1

Canadian dollar 6 1

The table below details the notional principal amounts and remaining terms of foreign exchange contracts outstanding at reporting date:

Average contract rate Foreign currency Nominal contract Value Fair value asset

/(liability)


2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Euro

Less than 1 year - 0.5297 - 460 - 472 - 12

USD

Less than 1 year 0.7135 0.6324 718 281 701 266 (17) (15)

718 741 701 738 (17) (3)

The above tables express foreign currency amounts in New Zealand dollar equivalents using the exchange rates at 31 March 2021 and 31

March 2020. The rates applied at 31 March 2021 were:

2021 2020

EUR 0.5943 0.5429

USD 0.6966 0.5987

The fair value of the foreign exchange contracts is based on a discounted cash flow analysis using observable market data and is a level 2

fair value measurement.

Foreign exchange rate sensitivity

Reasonable fluctuations in foreign exchange rates were determined based on a review of the last two years’ historical movements. A

movement of plus or minus 10% has therefore been applied to the exchange rates to demonstrate the sensitivity to foreign currency risk

of the Group.

2021 Annual Report
60

Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

The following sensitivity is based on the foreign currency risk

exposures in existence at balance date. The impact of a plus or

minus 10% foreign exchange movement on New Zealand dollars

against all trading currencies, with all other variables held

constant, is illustrated below:

-10% +10%

2021 2020 2021 2020

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Surplus / (deficit)

before tax (97) (86) 32 60

(f) Other price risk

The Group is not exposed to substantial other price risk arising

from financial instruments.

(g) Credit risk

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counter-party will default

on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the

Group. Financial instruments which potentially subject the

Group to credit risk, principally consist of bank balances and

trade and other receivables.

In the normal course of business, the Group is exposed to

counterparty credit risk. The maximum exposure to credit

risk is equal to the carrying value of cash and short term

deposits, trade and other receivables and transactions with

financial institutions (derivative financial instruments). The

Group requires payment of deposits prior to production by

high credit risk customers and carries trade credit insurance

for its four largest customers. The Group, as a result of the

markets in which they operate, can be exposed to significant

concentrations of credit risk from trade receivables. They

do not require any collateral or security to support financial

instruments as these represent deposits with, or loans to, banks

and other financial institutions with high credit ratings.

2021 2020

$’000 $’000

Cash and short term deposits 2,187 3,214

NZX bond 75 75

Trade receivables (net of loss allowance) 1,472 1,541

GST receivable 100 29

3,834 4,859

Ageing receivables breakdown

2021 Allowance

Gross for expected

amounts credit Net

receivable losses balance

$’000 $’000 $’000

Current 1,402 - 1,402

0 – 30 days (past due) 30 - 30

31 – 60 days (past due) 4 - 4

Greater than 60 days

(past due) 38 (2) 36

Total past due 72 (2) 70

Total trade receivables 1,474 (2) 1,472

Ageing receivables breakdown

2020 Allowance

Gross for expected

amounts credit Net

receivable losses balance

$’000 $’000 $’000

Current 1,311 - 1,311

0 – 30 days (past due) 97 - 97

31 – 60 days (past due) 78 - 78

Greater than 60 days

(past due) 57 (2) 55

Total past due 232 (2) 230

Total trade receivables 1,543 (2) 1,541

At 31 March 2021, trade receivables includes amounts of $434k,

$224k and $381k (2020: $633K and $246K) due from the Group’s

three largest receivables (2020: two). All of the Group’s bank

accounts are held with Bank of New Zealand. Otherwise the

Group does not have any other concentrations of credit risk

(h) Liquidity risk management

Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests

with the Board of Directors, who have built an appropriate

liquidity risk management framework for the management of

the Group’s short, medium and long-term funding and liquidity

management requirements. The Group manages liquidity risk

by maintaining adequate reserves by continuously monitoring

forecast and actual cash flows and matching the maturity

profiles of financial assets and liabilities. The Group also has

approved trade funding facilities with a base limit of up to $550k

which are linked to customer specific limits. As at 31 March 2021

the facility was not drawn down (2020: Nil).

The maturity profiles of the Group’s borrowings are disclosed

later in this note.

Blis Technologies Limited61
Notes to and Forming Part of the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

Liquidity risk tables

The following tables detail the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for non-derivative financial liabilities. The tables have been drawn

up based on the undiscounted contractual maturities of the financial liabilities including interest that will accrue to those liabilities.

2021 Weighted

average YEARS

effective

interest rate < 1 1 - 2 2 - 3 3 - 4 4 - 5 5 + Total

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

Trade payables - 1,246 - - - - - 1,246

Borrowings 4.48% 49 38 - - - - 87

Lease liabilities 6.00% 224 116 41 38 30 125 574

1,519 154 41 38 30 125 1,907

2020

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

Trade payable - 1,222 - - - - - 1,222

Borrowings 5.21% 51 51 38 - - - 140

Lease liability 6.00% 95 91 35 30 30 155 436

Total 1,368 142 73 30 30 155 1,798

(i) Fair value of financial instruments

The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are

determined as follows:

• the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities with

standard terms and conditions and traded on active liquid

markets are determined with reference to quoted market

prices; and

• The fair value of other financial assets and financial liabilities

(excluding derivative instruments) are determined in

accordance with generally accepted pricing models based on

discounted cash flow analysis using prices from observable

current market transactions and dealer quotes for similar

instruments.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of financial

assets and financial liabilities recorded at amortised cost in the

financial statements approximates their fair values.

23. EVENTS AFTER BALANCE DATE

There were no significant events after balance date (2020: nil)

2021 Annual Report
62

The Company’s ordinary shares are listed on the NZX Limited Main Board (NZSX).

As at 31 March 2021 the total number of issued ordinary shares in the Company was 1,107,653,565

1. Substantial product holders

The following substantial product holder information is given pursuant to section 293 of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. These

substantial product holders are shareholders that have a relevant interest in 5% or more of the ordinary shares in the Company. As at 31

March 2021 details of the substantial product holders of the Company and their relevant interests in the ordinary shares of the Company

are as follows:

Name of Substantial product holder Shareholding as at 31 March 2021 % of issued share capital

Leveraged Equities Finance 178,776,130 16.14%

2. Spread of security holders at 31 March 2021 - Ordinary shares

Number of security holders Percentage of security holders Percentage of shares held

1 - 50,000 1,399 48.17% 2.39%

50,001 - 100,000 460 15.83% 2.69%

100,001 - 150,000 310 10.67% 3.15%

150,001 - 200,000 133 4.58% 2.00%

200,001 - 300,000 174 5.99% 3.66%

300,001-500,000 145 4.99% 4.85%

500,001 - 1,000,000 134 4.61% 7.83%

1,000,001 - 5,000,000 118 4.06% 20.36%

5,000,001 and above 32 1.10% 53.07%

2,905 100% 100%


Additional Stock

Exchange Information.

For the year ended 31 March 2021

Blis Technologies Limited63
Additional Stock Exchange Information continued

3. Twenty largest equity security holders

The names of the 20 largest holders of each class of quoted equity security as at 31 March 2021 are listed below.

Top 20 shareholders Number of issued ordinary shares Percentage issued

Leveraged Equities Finance 178,776,130 16.14%

New Zealand Depository Nominee 44,991,993 4.06%

Mingchun Qiu 26,895,482 2.43%

Custodial Services Limited 25,179,416 2.27%

Zhaoyi Li 25,000,000 2.26%

Mark Alexander Stevens & Wendy Joanne Stevens & W M C Trustees Limited 24,094,577 2.18%

Asia Pacific Partners Limited 21,850,878 1.97%

New Zealand Central Securities 19,036,330 1.72%

Hui Ai Adriana Tong & Morlan Tong 16,878,179 1.52%

FNZ Custodians Limited 16,089,857 1.45%

Stephen Patrick Ward & Julie Patricia Ward & James Michael Ward 15,307,128 1.38%

Phaben Holdings Limited 15,243,436 1.38%

Jennbring Fruit Ltd 12,250,000 1.11%

Caroline Robyn Ball & Christopher John Thomson Bush 11,617,336 1.05%

Anthony Paul Offen & Bilinda Jane Offen & Downie Stewart Trustee Limited 11,157,388 1.01%

Michael Herbert Bird 11,000,000 0.99%

Bilinda Jane Offen 10,000,000 0.90%

Circada Limited 10,000,000 0.90%

Edinburgh Securities Limited 10,000,000 0.90%

Richard Mark Keenan 9,637,308 0.87%

515,005,438 46.50%

4. Credit rating

The Company does not currently have a credit rating.

5. NZX matters

No waivers were granted by NZX (or relied upon) with respect to the Company during the period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021.

2021 Annual Report
64



Independent Auditor’s Report 

To the Shareholders of Blis Technologies Limited 

Opinion We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Blis Technologies Limited (the ‘Company’) and its 

subsidiaries (the ‘Group’), which comprise the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 March 2021, and the 

consolidated statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows 

for the year then ended, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant 

accounting policies.  

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements, on pages 39 to 61, present fairly, in all 

material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 31 March 2021, and its consolidated 

financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with New Zealand Equivalents to 

International Financial Reporting Standards (‘NZ IFRS’) and International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’). 

Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (‘ISAs’) and International 

Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) (‘ISAs (NZ)’). Our responsibilities under those standards are further 

described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our 

report.  

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate 

to provide a basis for our 

opinion. 

We are independent of the Group in accordance with Professional and Ethical Standard 1 International Code of 

Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) issued by the 

New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board and the International Ethics Standards Board for 

Accountants’ International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence 

Standards), and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. 

Other than in our capacity as auditor, we have no relationship with or interests in the Company or any of its 

subsidiaries, except that partners and employees of our firm deal with the Company and its subsidiaries on 

normal terms within the ordinary course of trading activities of the business of the Company and its subsidiaries. 

Audit materiality 

 

 

We consider materiality primarily in terms of the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements of the 

Group that in our judgement would make it probable that the economic decisions of a reasonably 

knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced (the ‘quantitative’ materiality). In addition, we also 

assess whether other matters that come to our attention during the audit would in our judgement change or 

influence the decisions of such a person (the ‘qualitative’ materiality). We use materiality both in planning the 

scope of our audit work and in evaluating the results of our work. 

We determined materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole to be $130,000 (2020: $110,000).  

Key audit matters Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit 

of the consolidated financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of 

our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not 

provide a separate opinion on these matters.  


  

Blis Technologies Limited65


Independent Auditor’s Report 

To the Shareholders of Blis Technologies Limited 

Opinion We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Blis Technologies Limited (the ‘Company’) and its 

subsidiaries (the ‘Group’), which comprise the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 March 2021, and the 

consolidated statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows 

for the year then ended, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant 

accounting policies.  

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements, on pages 39 to 61, present fairly, in all 

material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 31 March 2021, and its consolidated 

financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with New Zealand Equivalents to 

International Financial Reporting Standards (‘NZ IFRS’) and International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’). 

Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (‘ISAs’) and International 

Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) (‘ISAs (NZ)’). Our responsibilities under those standards are further 

described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our 

report.  

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 

appropriate to provide a basis for our 

opinion. 

We are independent of the Group in accordance with Professional and Ethical Standard 1 International Code of 

Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) issued by the 

New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board and the International Ethics Standards Board for 

Accountants’ International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence 

Standards), and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. 

Other than in our capacity as auditor, we have no relationship with or interests in the Company or any of its 

subsidiaries, except that partners and employees of our firm deal with the Company and its subsidiaries on 

normal terms within the ordinary course of trading activities of the business of the Company and its subsidiaries. 

Audit materiality 

 

 

We consider materiality primarily in terms of the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements of the 

Group that in our judgement would make it probable that the economic decisions of a reasonably 

knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced (the ‘quantitative’ materiality). In addition, we also 

assess whether other matters that come to our attention during the audit would in our judgement change 

or 

influence the decisions of such a person (the ‘qualitative’ materiality). We use materiality both in planning the 

scope of our audit work and in evaluating the results of our work. 

We determined materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole to be $130,000 (2020: $110,000).  

Key audit matters Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit 

of the consolidated financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of 

our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not 

provide a separate opinion on these matters.  


  




Key audit matter How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Capitalisation of internally generated intangible assets 

As disclosed in Note 10 of the financial statements, the Group capitalises 

costs incurred in the development of its products and website. For the 

year ended 31 March 2021 Blis has capitalised $1,261,000 of internally 

generated intangible assets in relation to development costs.  

Management has assessed these as satisfying the requirements for 

recognition in line with NZ IAS 38 Intangible Assets. These costs are then 

amortised over the estimated useful life of the product / asset.  

The Group’s process for calculating the value of internally developed 

products and website involves judgement as it includes: 

 assessing the point at which a project has moved from the 

research phase to development phase in accordance with NZ 

IAS 38 Intangible Assets; 

 determining which costs may be capitalised in accordance 

with the criteria included within NZ IAS 38; 

 assessing internal staff time spent on developing products  

and determining the value attributable to that time. 

 We consider the capitalisation of development costs as internally 

generated intangible assets to be a key audit matter as these costs are 

material to the financial statements and judgement is exercised by 

management when determining whether amounts incurred meet the 

criteria to be capitalised. 

 

Our procedures, amongst others focussed on: 

• Reviewing the accounting memo prepared by management and 

assessing whether management’s capitalisation methodology is in 

accordance with NZ IAS 38. 

• Obtaining an understanding from and challenging, key 

management personnel, on project objectives and timelines 

including the current status of projects. 

• For a sample of transactions capitalised, agreeing amounts 

capitalised to supporting documentation /evidence and assessing 

the reasonableness of the costs capitalised relative to the 

capitalisation requirements under NZ IAS 38. 

• Assessing the procedures applied by management to determine 

payroll costs that were capitalised to ensure these were 

reasonable. 

• Assessing the adequacy of the disclosures related to internally 

generated intangible assets in the consolidated financial 

statements. 

 

 

 

Other information 

 

The directors are responsible on behalf of the Group for the other information. The other information 

comprises the information in the Annual Report that accompanies the consolidated financial statements and 

the audit report. 

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not 

express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and consider whether it is materially inconsistent with the 

consolidated financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be 

materially misstated. If so, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Directors’ responsibilities for the 

consolidated financial statements  

The directors are responsible on behalf of the Group for the preparation and fair presentation of the 

consolidated financial statements in accordance with NZ IFRS and IFRS, and for such internal control as the 

directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free 

from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the directors are responsible on behalf of the Group for 

assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going

 concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 

concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the 

Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit 

of the consolidated financial 

statements  

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a 

whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report 

that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an 

audit conducted in accordance with ISAs and ISAs (NZ) will always detect a material misstatement when it 

exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the 

aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis 

of these consolidated financial statements. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements is located on 

the External Reporting Board’s website at:  

https://www.xrb.govt.nz/standards‐for‐assurance‐practitioners/auditors‐responsibilities/audit‐report‐1  

This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

 

 

 

 

2021 Annual Report
66




 

 

 

 

 

Heidi Rautjoki, Partner 

for Deloitte Limited 

Dunedin, New Zealand 

26 May 2021 

 

 

This audit report relates to the consolidated financial statements of Blis Technologies Limited (the ‘Company’) for the year ended 31 March 2021 included on the 

Company’s website. The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the Company’s website. We have not been engaged to report on the 

integrity of the Company’s website. We accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the consolidated financial statements since they were 

initially presented on the website. The audit report refers only to the consolidated financial statements named above. It does not provide an opinion on any other 

information which may have been hyperlinked to/from these consolidated financial statements. If readers of this report are concerned with the inherent risks 

arising from electronic data communication they should refer to the published hard copy of the audited consolidated financial statements and related audit report 

dated 26 May 2021 to confirm the information included in the audited consolidated financial statements presented on this website. 

 

Restriction on use 

 

This report is made solely to the Company’s shareholders, as a body. Our audit has been undertaken so that 

we might state to the Company’s shareholders those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s 

report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume 

responsibility to anyone other than the Company’s shareholders as a body, for our audit work, for this report, 

or for the opinions we have formed. 

Blis Technologies Limited67
Company

Directory.

For the year ended 31 March 2021

Company number

1042367


Issued capital

1,107,653,565 Ordinary Shares


Registered office

Blis Technologies Limited

81 Glasgow Street, South Dunedin

Dunedin 9012


Shareholders

Listed on the NZX main board


Share registrar

Link Market Services Limited

Deloitte Centre, 80 Queen street

Auckland


Directors

A Offen

G Plunket

A Balfour (appointed 8 April 2020)

Dr B Richardson

Dr A Stewart

G Boyd (retired 24 July 2020)

Chief executive

B D Watson


Auditors

Deloitte Limited

PO Box 1245

Dunedin


Bankers

Bank of New Zealand

Dunedin


Solicitors

Anderson Lloyd

Private bag 1959

Dunedin 9054


Downie Stewart Lawyers

PO Box 1345

Dunedin 9054


Goldsmith Law

PO Box 40

Dunedin 9054


Website

www.blis.co.nz

www.unconditionalskin.com

Facebook

www.facebook.com/BLISTechnologiesLtd

www.facebook.com/unconditionalskin

Instagram

www.instagram.com/blisprobiotics

www.instagram.com/unconditionalskin

Blis Technologies Limited67

2021 Annual Report
68

Physical Address

Blis Technologies Limited

81 Glasgow Street

Dunedin 9012

Postal Address

PO Box 2208

Dunedin 9044

New Zealand

Email

info@blis.co.nz

Telephone

+64 3 474 0988

www.blis.co.nz

---

27 May 2021
FY21 Financial Results

Blis Technologies Limited (NZX:BLT) (Blis, the Company) has today reported its results for the 12

months to 31 March 2021. Blis has delivered revenue of $10.6 million and EBITDA of $1.0 million.

Revenue is in line with market guidance provided earlier in the year, while EBITDA is at the lower

end of the guidance range.

Key highlights for FY21 are:

• Revenue of $10.6m

• EBITDA of $1.0m

• Net Profit of $0.6m

• Ingredients revenue up 12%

• Finished product sales through e-commerce up 22%

• Pharmacy retail sales down 38%

• New market developments

o Canada launch

o CBEC Tmall flagship store launch

• New probiotic strain and new product range launch

o Commercial release of BLIS Q24™

o Launch of the Unconditional Skincare Co., a skincare brand based on live probiotics,

the first product being a hydration serum

• Regulatory approvals

o Health Canada approval of finished product range

o BLIS K12™ and BLIS M18™ approval in India


“The FY21 financial year has been one of significant challenge to Blis. Changes in market conditions

and consumer behaviours provided us with a new lens to view strategy delivery. Alongside the need

to be extremely flexible under a fast changing environment, we have made significant investment in

future growth drivers” said Blis Chairman, Tony Offen.


“The development of new markets, the launch of our first skincare offering, and further investment

in our future product pipeline are the foundations for delivery of growth for the company in the

medium term” added Blis CEO, Brian Watson.


“These are all areas that represent several years of work so it’s really pleasing to see the

developments progress to the point where they become revenue drivers rather than in-house

projects. All of these developments occurred in the 4

th

quarter of the financial year so have had little

effect on revenue for FY21.There has however been considerable upfront investment added to our

cost base. We estimate the cost without matching revenue to be around $0.9m” commented Mr

Watson.




Blis Technologies Limited: 81 Glasgow Street, South Dunedin 9012, PO Box 2208, Dunedin 9012, New Zealand
T:+64 3 474 0988 E: info@blis.co.nz W: www.blis.co.nz

Regional sales performance

Revenue (NZ$m) FY21 FY20 Change %

Asia Pacific 2.4 3.7 -34

Europe/ Middle East 3.1 4.0 -22

North America 5.1 3.0 +71


Over the past 12 months our existing pharmacy retail sales channels have been significantly

impacted by the covid pandemic driven reduction in foot traffic through retail stores. As consumers

have quickly adapted to buying online, their changed purchasing patterns have prompted us to

accelerate our digital and e-commerce investment and focus.


Markets such as NZ, Australia and Europe with a strong retail presence have seen a reduction in

sales revenue. In the USA where we are heavily focused on the e-commerce channel through our

customer base and our own finished products on Amazon, sales have performed particularly well,

delivering a 71% increase in revenue.


Outlook

The delivery of meaningful longer-term growth will require ongoing investment upfront. In the

current year, while a return to revenue growth is expected, there will be increases in costs as part of

the strategic evolution to a D2C, e-commerce, R&D business. Internal capability-building is expected

to result in neutral earnings growth until the benefits of the new strategy are fully realised.


It is our expectation that, in the longer term, finished products will comprise the majority of Blis’

sales revenue. Investment in innovation and science will continue, building on our pioneering

research heritage, in order to realise the full potential of probiotics in improving human health and

wellbeing. The assessment of new and emerging market opportunities will be actively pursued.

Collaboration agreements with aligned industry partners will be actively sought in order to capitalise

on the international reach these opportunities can deliver.


Ends


For further information, please contact:


Brian Watson

CEO

+64 27 705 9133


About Blis Technologies Ltd


Delivering proven health benefits through evidence-based, advanced probiotics

Blis Technologies is an NZX-listed manufacturer of advanced probiotic strains that go beyond the gut.

Combining innovation with evidence-based research and the highest quality production controls enables

the delivery of probiotic solutions for specific health targets including throat health, halitosis (bad breath),

immune support, teeth and gum health and skin health. BLIS® products are sold throughout New Zealand

and in Australia, Asia, Europe and the USA. More information about Blis Technologies Ltd can be found at

www.blis.co.nz.


Website: www.unconditionalskin.com

Instagram: @unconditionalskin #BLISQ24 #USC

Facebook: @unconditionalskin

Data sourced from publicly available filings. Our datasets may not be complete. Automated analysis can produce errors. If you believe any data on this page is incorrect, please contact us at hello@nzxplorer.co.nz. For informational purposes only. Not investment advice.

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