Detailed Narrative
Q1 FY26 Consolidated Performance Overview
Avanti Feeds reported a robust consolidated performance for Q1 FY26. Gross income increased by 15.7% quarter-on-quarter to INR 1,657 crore, and by 7.7% year-on-year compared to Q1 FY25. Profit Before Tax (PBT) saw an 18% QoQ increase to INR 249 crore and a significant 38% YoY increase from INR 180 crore in Q1 FY25, indicating strong profitability improvements.
Feed Division Performance Highlights
The Feed division's gross income for Q1 FY26 was INR 1,279 crore, a 19.8% increase from Q4 FY25, primarily due to higher sales volume during the main season. PBT for the division rose by 15.5% QoQ to INR 224 crore and a substantial 46% YoY, driven by decreased raw material costs and better overhead absorption. Feed sales volume reached 1,65,564 metric tons in Q1 FY26, up 27.6% QoQ and 4.4% YoY.
Shrimp Processing & Export Division Performance
The Shrimp Processing division recorded a gross income of INR 378 crore in Q1 FY26, an increase of 4% QoQ and a significant 56% YoY. Sales volume increased to 4,223 metric tons, up 51.7% YoY. PBT for the division stood at INR 25 crore, showing a 38.9% QoQ increase, driven by higher sales volume, improved average sale price realization, and favorable foreign exchange rates, despite a slight YoY decrease in PBT.
Pet Care Project Update and Expansion
The Pet Care project, operating under the 'Avant Furst' brand, commenced cat food trading in January 2025 and achieved sales of INR 38.17 lakh in Q1 FY26, a 47.9% QoQ growth. The company expanded its cat food portfolio in July 2025 and launched dog food in August 2025. Market expansion is underway in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities, with e-commerce operations planned from September 2025 and Quick Commerce from December 2025. A state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is planned near Hyderabad, with construction expected to begin by the end of this year.
Raw Material Price Trends and Volatility
Raw material prices, a crucial factor for the Feed Division, have shown recent volatility and increases. Fish meal prices rose to around INR 105 per kg (from INR 93-94), soybean meal to INR 47 per kg (from INR 38-39), and wheat flour to INR 35 per kg (from INR 31 in Q1 FY26). These increases are attributed to factors like the government's minimum support price announcement and fluctuations in agricultural and fish catches. Management hopes for stabilization with the arrival of new crops later in the year.
Impact of US Tariffs on Shrimp Exports and Mitigation
The US has imposed a 50% reciprocal tariff on Indian shrimp exports, effective August 27, posing a significant challenge. This tariff is being passed on to customers, who are adjusting their purchasing strategies. The company is actively diversifying its export markets to countries like Japan, Europe, Canada, and the Middle-East to reduce dependence on the US. The Indian government is also working on measures to support the marine products export sector and promote domestic consumption to mitigate the adverse impact.
Future Growth Avenues (Fish Feed & Pet Care)
Avanti Feeds is exploring new growth avenues. Trials for imported fish feed from Thai Union Feedmill Company Limited are underway, with plans for domestic production in India upon approval. For the Pet Care segment, a manufacturing facility is planned, with construction starting by year-end and taking approximately 1.5 years. The company aims for INR 10 crore revenue from Pet Care this year and is looking into contract manufacturing opportunities for larger players once the plant is ready.