Which companies made the Top 10 for 2021? There were the stayers and the new players jostling for the spotlight this year.
Fonterra, JBS, Coca Cola Amatil, and Lion all held their spot at the top of the list from #1 to #4. While little change this year, things may look a little different in years to come when Fonterra offloads its Australian business and Coca Cola Amatil bids adieu from the list altogether after its acquisition by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.
JBS’ revenue dipped 6.1 per cent but it held its own at #2. Its latest financials were FY20, which doesn’t take in this year’s big-ticket purchase of Huon Aquaculture and (ACCC/FIRB sign-off dependent) Rivalea.
The big news in the Top 10 was the rollicking arrival of Asahi. From #13 last year to #5 in 2021, it’s impressive what buying a multi-billion dollar brewing company can do for your revenue and industry standing. Recording a 76 per cent revenue increase, Asahi, welcome to the Top 10.
Teys held its place at #6 with a 12.2 per cent revenue increase, while Treasury Wine Estates was bumped from #5 by Asahi and found itself at #7. Again, its provided financial results were for FY20, when the company was in the infancy of its US overhaul, just dealing with China tariff impositions, and still looking at demerging Penfolds. Gosh, it feels like a lifetime ago.
Saputo was bumped down a place to #8, as was Ingham’s to #9, but both had solid years with around 4 per cent revenue growth.
Nestlé hustled its way back into the top 10 at #10. There’s always a tussle between Nestlé, Goodman Fielder, and George Weston Foods for that spot, but this year, Bega Cheese moved into #13 and with the impact of its Lion Dairy & Drinks acquisition only set to grow, it is a fascinating area of the list to watch.
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