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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 20-F
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
OR
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023
 
OR
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
OR
 
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report ____________
 
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________
 
Commission File No. 000-29256
 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
N/A
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
 
Israel
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
4 Nahal Harif St., Northern Industrial Zone, Yavne 81106, Israel
(Address of principal executive offices)
Yitschak Barabi, Chief Financial Officer
4 Nahal Harif St., Northern Industrial Zone,
Yavne 81106, Israel
Tel: 972-8-932-1000
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Registrant's Contact Person)
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
 
Trading symbol(s)
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Ordinary Shares, NIS 0.10 par value per share
 
WILC
 
Nasdaq Capital Market
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
None
 
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
 
None
 
 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:
 
The registrant had 13,867,017 ordinary shares, NIS 0.10 nominal value per share, as of December 31, 2023.
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
 
Yes  No
 
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Yes  No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:
 
Yes ☒ No 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files):
 
Yes ☒ No 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:
 
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Emerging growth company
Non-accelerated filer ☒
 
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
 
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
 
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).
 
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
 
U.S. GAAP
 
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
 
Other
 
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the Registrant has elected to follow:
 
Item 17 Item 18
 
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes  No 
 
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
 
Yes  No 
 



 
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1


PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION

In this annual report on Form 20-F (“Annual Report”), references to the “Company”,"Group", “we” and “us” refer to G. Willi-Food International Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries. References to “Willi-Food” refer to Willi-Food Investments Ltd., our controlling shareholder.
 
The Company presents its consolidated financial statements in New Israeli Shekels, the currency of the State of Israel. Unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires, references to “$”, “US$”, “Dollars”, “USD” and “U.S. Dollars” are to the United States Dollars and references to "NIS" are to New Israeli Shekels.
 
Solely for the convenience of the reader, this Annual Report contains translations of certain NIS amounts into U.S. Dollars at specified rates. These translations should not be construed as representations that the translated amounts actually represent such dollar or NIS amounts, as the case may be, or could be converted into U.S. Dollars or NIS as the case may be, at the rates indicated or at any other rate. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the translations of NIS into U.S. Dollars have been made at the rate of NIS 3.627= $1.00, the representative exchange rate on December 31, 2023.
 
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT WITH RESPECT TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain of the statements contained in this Annual Report that are not historical facts, including, without limitation, certain statements made in the sections hereof entitled “Information on the Company,” “Dividends,” “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to, without limitation, the risks set forth in "Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk Factors", including the following:
 
payment default by, or loss of, one or more of our principal clients; the loss of one or more of our key personnel;
market risks of our portfolio of marketable securities, such as changes affecting currency exchange rates;
termination of, or changes in, arrangements with our suppliers;
increasing levels of competition in Israel and other markets in which we do business;
increase or decrease in global product prices of food products;
our inability to accurately predict consumption of our products or changes in consumer preferences;
product liability claims and other litigation matters;
interruption to our storage facilities;
our insurance coverage may not be sufficient;
our operating results may be subject to variations from quarter to quarter;
our inability to successfully compete with nationally branded products;
our inability to successfully integrate our acquisitions;
our inability to protect our intellectual property rights;
significant concentration of our shares are held by one shareholder;
we are controlled by and have business relations with Willi-Food Investments Ltd. and its management;
the price of our ordinary shares may be volatile;
our inability to meet the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) and the TASE listing requirements;
our inability to obtain and maintain regulatory qualifications or approvals for our products orsuccessfully comply with laws and regulations related to our activities in Israel;
our inability to maintain an effective system of internal controls;
cyber-attacks on the Company's information systems;
economic conditions in Israel;
changes in political, economic and military conditions in Israel, including, in particular, economic conditions in the Company’s core markets; and
our international operations may be adversely affected by risks associated with international business.

The Company is under no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or for any other reason.
 
2


PART I
 
ITEM 1.  IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 2.  OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIME TABLE
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 3.  KEY INFORMATION
 
A.          Reserved

B.          CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS

Not applicable.

C.          REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

D.          RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risks we describe below, in addition to the other information set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report, including our financial statements and the related notes beginning on page F-1, before deciding to invest in our ordinary shares (the “Ordinary Shares”). The risks and uncertainties described below in this Annual Report are not the only risks facing us. We may face additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial. Any of the risks described below or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In such case, you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
 
We depend on a small number of principal clients who have in the past bought our products in large volumes. Our business may be materially affected if any of our major client's default on their payments to us.

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of trade receivable. Despite our large number of clients (approximately 1,500 customers, 3,000 selling points in Israel and abroad), a major part of our sales is made to a limited number of customers. Our largest customer which owns, among other things, supermarkets which accounted for approximately NIS 60.4 million (which represents 11.1%) of our sales revenue during 2023. We generally do not require collateral from our big supermarket chain customers, although we do require collateral from most of our remaining clients in Israel to ensure security in collecting payments that are due to us. In addition, we buy credit insurance for many of our customers. We maintain an allowance for doubtful debts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other information which our management believes adequately covers all reasonably anticipated losses in respect of trade receivable. There can be no assurance that this allowance will be adequate. In the event that any of our major client's default on their payment obligations to us, we will not possess sufficient security to collect the entire debt.
 
We cannot assure that our principal clients or any other client will continue to buy our products in the same volumes, on the same terms or at all.

We do not have long term purchase contracts with our clients, including our major clients, and our sales arrangements do not have minimum purchase requirements. We cannot assure that our major clients will continue to buy our products at all or in the same volumes or on the same terms as they have in the past. Losing one or more of them may adversely affect our business results. In addition, we cannot assure that we will be able to attract new customers. Our failure to do so may significantly reduce our sales.
 
3

Our results of operations may be impacted by monetary risk. Our portfolio of marketable securities is subject to various market risks.
 
We are exposed to fluctuations in the rate of the United States Dollar and Euro versus the NIS. Most of our income is in NIS, whereas most of our purchases are in United States Dollars and in Euros. A significant depreciation in the NIS vis-à-vis the United States Dollar and/or Euro could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
 
We strive to minimize market risks arising from exchange rate fluctuations and the cost of imported goods, especially by opening documentary credit arrangements (a/k/a letters of credit) for suppliers abroad, holding foreign currency reserves and initiating forward transactions and foreign currency options.
 
As a method of investing cash reserves, we hold a portfolio of marketable securities traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange as well as other stock exchanges. This portfolio of marketable securities is subject to various market risks resulting from fluctuations in interest rates, exchange rates, price fluctuations and other market risks in Israel and abroad.
 
In order to reduce these risks, the Board has adopted the procedure of regularly removing available funds in the Company's accounts for management by internal investment manager. In addition, the Board has revised the Company's investment policy, has appointed members of the Board to the investment committee and has added both CEO and Chairman of the Board to the investment committee.
 
Our financial instruments consist mainly of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivable, current trade payable and accruals. In view of their nature, the fair value of the financial instruments, included in working capital, is usually identical or close to their book value.
 
We work with a limited number of key suppliers. If these suppliers raise prices or terminate their engagement with us, our operating results could be adversely affected.
 
Although we have no supplier who supplies the majority of any of our products, we work with a limited number of key suppliers. If one or more of our key suppliers raises their prices, our operating results may be adversely affected. See risk factor below - "Increases or decreases in global product prices have in the past, and in the future, may continue to have a material adverse effect on our profitability". We believe that there are alternative suppliers for purchasing our products; however, we cannot assure that the products of the alternative suppliers will become immediately available and that the terms of purchase will be similar to those provided by current suppliers.
 
We may not be able to successfully compete with larger competitors who have greater operations, financial, marketing, labor and other resources than we have.
 
The food distribution business in Israel is highly competitive. We face competition from existing competitors in respect of imported as well as locally manufactured food products. Local producers are not subject to the financial risks of importing food products or to governmental policies regarding taxation of imported food products to which we as importers are subject. We may also face competition from potential newcomers to the local food manufacturing business as well as from existing importers and/or manufacturers not currently offering the same lines of products as us. In addition, in the event we further expand our activity in international food markets, we will also face competition from manufacturers and/or distributors in those markets. Certain of our current and potential competitors are substantially more established, benefit from substantially greater market recognition and have greater financial, marketing, labor and other resources than we have. If any of our competitors materially reduces prices, we may be required to reduce our prices in order to remain competitive. Such reductions, if effected, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Increases or decreases in global product prices have in the past, and in the future may continue to have a material adverse effect on our profitability.
 
The cost of food commodities and other food products is cyclical and subject to other market factors and may fluctuate significantly. As a result, our cost in securing these products is subject to substantial increases over which we have no control. In addition, fuel costs, which represent the most significant factor affecting both utility costs at our facilities and our transportation costs, are subject to wide fluctuations. Although we are making best efforts, we cannot assure that we will be able to pass on to customers any increased costs associated with the procurement of these products. Moreover, there has been, and there may be in the future, a time lag between the occurrence of such increased costs and the transfer of such increases to customers. To the extent that increases in the prices of our products cannot be passed on to customers or there is a delay in doing so, we are likely to experience an increase in our costs which may materially reduce our margin of profitability.
 
4

Further, there is an additional lag time from the date we purchase inventory from our suppliers situated outside of Israel (or commit to purchase inventory from such suppliers) and the date we sell the inventory to our customers in Israel. To the extent that the price we are able to sell such inventory to customers decreases from the time that we purchase it (or commit to purchase it), our margin of profitability may be materially reduced.
 
Increases or decreases in global product prices in the future may have a material adverse effect on our profitability.
 
In addition, we are exposed to potential risks due to our purchase of most our inventory from countries outside the State of Israel. This inventory is transported through shipping companies and other forwarders until the inventory arrives to the various port in the State of Israel.  We are dependent on shipping companies and other forwarders, and we are exposed to changes in inventory transportation prices and the ability of the shipping companies and forwarders to move the volume of inventory required by our business in a timely manner and at all. Recently, a Yemeni rebel group, the Houthis, has launched a series of attacks on global shipping routes in the Red Sea, causing disruptions of supply chain as well as an increase in shipping costs. In the event these attacks continue, it may have a material adverse effect on our sales and profitability. See “- We may be affected by political, economic and military conditions in Israel and the Middle East.”
 
Our results of operations may be adversely affected if we do not accurately predict the rate of consumption of our products.
 
We hold inventory of basic foodstuffs (such as preserved food, dairy and dairy substitute products, edible oils, pasta and rice (and other food products, and we accumulate inventories of these products based on our prediction of the rate of consumption of these products by our customers. If actual consumption does not meet our expectations, and the shelf life of such products expires or we cannot otherwise sell such products, this may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. On the other hand, to the extent we do not have adequate inventory of our products to meet demand (for example, due to consumer conditions that create unexpectedly high demand or our failure to accurately predict the rate of consumption of our products), we will not be able to meet the needs of our customers and our revenues may be adversely affected.
 
We may be unable to anticipate changes in consumer preferences, which may result in decreased demand for our products.
 
Our success depends in part on our ability to anticipate the tastes and eating habits of our consumers and to offer products that appeal to their preferences. Consumer preferences change from time to time and our failure to anticipate, identify or react to these changes could result in reduced demand for our products, which would adversely affect our operating results and profitability.
 
We may be subject to product liability claims for misbranded, adulterated, contaminated or spoiled food products.
 
We sell food products for human consumption, which involves risks such as product contamination or spoilage, misbranding, product tampering, and other adulteration. Consumption of contaminated, spoiled, misbranded, tampered with or adulterated products may result in personal illness or injury. We could be subject to claims or lawsuits relating to an actual or alleged illness or injury, and we could incur liabilities that are not insured or that exceed our insurance coverage. Even if product liability claims against us are not successful or fully pursued, these claims could be costly and time consuming and may require management to spend significant time defending the claims rather than operating our business. In addition, a product that has been actually or allegedly misbranded or becomes adulterated could result in product withdrawals, product recalls, destruction of product inventory, negative publicity, temporary plant closings, and substantial costs of compliance or remediation. Any of these events, including a significant product liability judgment against us, could result in a loss of confidence in our food products, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
Our insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover our losses in the event our products are subject to product liability claims or our products are subject to recall. In such event, it could have a material adverse effect on us.
 
Our products may become the subject of product liability claims and product recalls, and there can be no assurance that our product liability insurance coverage limits will be adequate or that all such claims will be covered by such insurance. A product liability claims or product recall, even one without merit or for which we have substantial insurance coverage, could result in significant expenses, including legal defense costs, thereby lowering our earnings and potentially resulting in additional losses. Successful product liability claims or other judgments against us in excess of our insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on us and our reputation.
 
5

We may be adversely affected by any interruption to our storage facility.
 
We store most of our products to be distributed to customers in one main location – a logistics center warehouse situated in Yavne, Israel. Any interruption to this storage facility, whether by power failure, flooding or otherwise, or due to the ongoing war on Hamas, would have a material impact on our ability to trade in the ordinary course of our business.  For more information, please see " - We may be affected by political, economic and military conditions in Israel and the Middle East". 

Our operating results may be subject to variations from quarter to quarter.
 
Our operating results may be subject to variations from quarter to quarter depending on, among other things, the timing of sales campaigns and special events initiated both by us and our customers, the major Jewish holidays (such as the Jewish New Year and Passover), our ability to manage future inventory levels in line with business opportunities and anticipated customer demand, competitive developments in the market, changes in government regulations, periodic work stoppages or disruptions, changes in the rates of inflation in Israel and fluctuations in NIS/dollar and NIS/euro exchange rates. There can be no assurance that our sales or net income (if any) in any particular quarter will not be lower than the preceding and/or comparable prior-year quarter or that our sales or net income (if any) in a particular quarter will be indicative of our results of operations for the entire year. The trading prices of our ordinary shares may fluctuate significantly in response to variations in our quarterly operating results.
 
Our branded products may not be able to compete successfully with nationally branded products.
 
Competition to obtain shelf space for our branded products with retailers is primarily based on the expected or historical performance of our product sales relative to our competitors. The principal competitive factors for sales of our branded products to consumers are brand recognition and loyalty, product quality and price. Most of our branded product competitors have significantly greater resources than we do and may have a competitive advantage over our products due to greater brand name recognition.
 
Competitive pressures or other factors could cause us to lose market share, which may require us to lower prices, increase marketing expenditures, and/or increase the use of discounting or promotional programs, each of which would adversely affect our margins and could result in a decrease in our operating results and profitability.
 
The failure to attract and retain key personnel could adversely affect our business.
 
Our success depends in large part on our ability to continue to attract, retain, develop and motivate highly skilled professional personnel. Competition for certain employees, particularly top management, is intense. We may be unable to continue to attract and retain sufficient numbers of highly skilled employees. Our inability to attract and retain additional key employees or the loss of one or more of our current key employees could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In particular, we depend on the management services provided to us by Mr. Zwi Williger and Mr. Joseph Williger, as a director and Chairman of the Board and as a director and chief executive officer, respectively through management companies that they control. See Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions – A. Major Shareholders". We do not have any key-man life insurance policy on either Mr. Zwi Williger or Mr. Joseph Williger. The loss of either or both of Mr. Zwi Williger and/or Mr. Joseph Williger could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our competitive position could be compromised.
 
We market certain products under the trademarks “Willi-Food”, "Euro European Dairies", "Donna Rozza", "Manchow", “Gold Frost”, "Tifeeret", "The Chef Dish", "Art Coffe", "Mr Chang", "Muchi", "Euro Butter", "Euro Spread", "Euro Cheese", Euro Cream", "Euro Dessert", "Euro Veg", "Ha-Bulgaria ", "Gelato", "Pinukim", "Emma", "Better Food", "Kidoos", "Italpizza" and "TenBo". Although we have registered trademarks for these brands, we cannot assure that the degree of protection from this registration will be sufficient to protect our rights in these trademarks.
 
One shareholder owns a majority of our shares.

As of March 21, 2024, Willi-Food Investments Ltd., an entity controlled by Messrs. Zwi Williger and Joseph Williger, owned approximately 59.14% of our outstanding shares. Our Articles of Association do not provide for cumulative voting rights with respect to the election of directors and every resolution in a general meeting of shareholders is deemed duly passed if passed by a simple majority of the shareholders present and voting unless another majority is required by the Israeli Companies Law (the “Companies Law”) or by our Articles of Association. Therefore, our controlling shareholders are able to control the outcome of matters requiring shareholder approval that do not require a special majority.

6

We have business relations with Willi-Food and its management.

Willi-Food, our controlling shareholder, is a holding company whose main asset is the ordinary shares it owns in our company. Willi-Food currently does not directly conduct any material business, excluding investments in securities portfolio.  

Certain of our key personnel also serve in management positions in Willi-Food. By serving in dual capacities, these persons may experience conflicts of interest involving the two companies. Israeli law imposes procedures, including a requirement of shareholder approval for certain material transactions, as a precondition to entering into interested party transactions. These procedures may apply to transactions between Willi-Food and us. However, we cannot assure that we will be able to avoid possible detrimental effects of any such conflicts that may arise.

We previously failed to comply with Nasdaq’s requirement to hold an annual meeting of Shareholders no later than one year after the end of the Company's fiscal year-end and although we regained compliance within the grace period, we may fail to comply with the requirement to hold an annual meeting timely or any other listing requirements, and our shares may be delisted if we are unable to regain compliance with Nasdaq rules within the applicable grace periods

On January 4, 2023, we received a notification letter (the “Notification Letter”) from The Nasdaq Capital Market advising us that we had not held an annual meeting of shareholders within twelve months of the end of our fiscal year ended December 21, 2021 as required for continued listing under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5620(a) (the “Annual Meeting Rule”). We were provided 180 calendar days to regain compliance with the Annual Meeting Rule. On February 7, 2023, we were informed by Nasdaq that we regained compliance with the requirement to hold an annual general meeting timely under the Annual Meeting Rule after we informed Nasdaq of our plan to regain compliance and holding a general shareholder meeting on March 14, 2023

However, we may in the future fail to comply with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5620(a) to hold an annual meeting of Shareholders no later than one year after the end of the Company's fiscal year-end again or any other listing requirements under the Nasdaq Capital Market regulations and listing requirements such as to minimum share price, minimum net income, minimum number of shareholders and public float and other requirements. In addition, under Nasdaq’s Listing Rules, any company whose shares have a closing bid price less than $1.00 for 30 consecutive business days may be subject to a delisting proceeding by Nasdaq.  
  
If we fail to meet the continued listing criteria under Nasdaq rules, our ordinary shares may be delisted from trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market and the TASE under dual-listing requirements.

Delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market and/or the TASE could have an adverse effect on our business and on the trading of our ordinary shares. If a delisting of our ordinary shares from Nasdaq were to occur, our shares would trade in the over-the-counter market in the U.S. such as on the OTC Bulletin Board or on the “pink sheets”. The over-the-counter market is generally considered to be a less efficient market, and this could diminish investors’ interest in our ordinary shares as well as significantly impact our share price and the liquidity of our ordinary shares. Any such delisting may also severely complicate trading of our shares by our shareholders, or prevent them from re-selling their shares at/or above the price they paid. Furthermore, relatively low trading volumes may make it difficult for shareholders to trade shares or initiate any other transactions. Delisting may also make it more difficult for us to issue additional securities or secure additional financing.

Our inability to win tenders on tax exempt import quotas published by the Ministry of Finance could negatively impact our business and harm our financial condition.
 
The Company participates in tenders for the importation into Israel of certain food products on a duty-free basis which are published from time to time by the Ministry of Finance. Our competitors also participate in these tenders and may offer better bids than those of the Company, thereby resulting in the Company losing the competitive processes to acquire the quotas. The winners of these tax-exempt import quotas commit to selling preset quantities of the products at a relatively low price to the final consumer. Violation of the terms of the tenders may cause forfeiture of bank guarantees granted against compliance with the tender terms, and non-issuance of tax-exempt import quotas in the competitive proceeding for up to five years. Our inability to win such tenders or any Company violation of the terms of the tenders could negatively impact our business and harm our financial condition.

7

We may not successfully integrate our acquisitions.

We have made acquisitions in the past and may do so in the future. Our success will depend in part on our ability to manage the combined operations of any acquired company, to integrate the operations and personnel of such company together with our other subsidiaries into a single organizational structure, and to replace those subsidiary managers who have departed or may in the future leave our employ. There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively integrate the operations of our subsidiaries and our acquired businesses into a single organizational structure. Integration of operations could also place additional pressures on our management as well as on our other key personnel. The failure to successfully manage any integration could have an adverse material effect on results of our operations.
 
Risks Related to Our Location in Israel
 
We are subject to regulations and other policies of the Israeli government and of other countries from which we import and into which we export. If we are unable to obtain and maintain regulatory qualifications or approvals for our products, our business may be adversely affected.
 
Regulatory, licensing and quotas: The import, export, storage, marketing, distribution and labeling of some major food products are subject to extensive regulation and licensing by various Israeli government and municipal agencies, principally the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance. To the extent that we have imported and exported, or will import and export, food products outside of Israel, we may be subject to quotas and other import and export laws and regulations which may limit our ability to sell or buy certain of our food products into or from these countries. We are required to maintain our distribution processes in conformity with all applicable laws and regulations. In the event that such laws and regulations change, or we fail to comply with such laws and regulations, we may be prevented from trading within Israel or other parts of the world.
 
Tariffs: The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy of the State of Israel may increase the levels of tariffs on importing goods. This would have a direct impact on us and our financial performance by increasing our costs which we may not be able to pass on to our customers.
 
Kosher Licenses: Under kosher regulations, we are required to ascertain that the food products which we offer for sale bear kosher certification approved by certain authorities such as the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. There is a risk that the relevant authorities in Israel or other areas of the world responsible for issuing kosher licenses may change the criteria for obtaining such licenses. In such circumstances, we may be prohibited from obtaining kosher licenses for various products that we sell into the various kosher markets. Failure to comply with such applicable laws and regulations in relation to kosher licenses could subject us to civil sanctions, including fines, injunctions, recalls or seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us and our financial performance.
 
Economic conditions in Israel affect our financial performance.
 
A major part of our sales is made in Israel, and consequently our financial performance is dependent to a significant extent on the economy of Israel. A deterioration of the economic situation in Israel, or periodic work stoppages or disruptions, may erode the real wages and lower the buying power of our potential customers. This in turn may adversely affect our activities and business results.

We may be affected by political, economic and military conditions in Israel and the Middle East.

We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel, our principal offices are located in central Israel and all of our officers, employees and directors are residents of Israel. Accordingly, political, economic and military conditions in Israel have a direct influence on us. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, a number of armed conflicts have taken place between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Any hostilities involving Israel or the interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and its present trading partners could materially and adversely affect our operations. During 2012, 2014, 2021, 2022 and 2023, Israel was engaged in armed conflicts with Hamas, a militia group and political party operating In the Gaza Strip. This conflict involved missile strikes by Hamas against civilian targets in various parts of Israel and negatively affected business conditions in Israel. Ongoing or revived hostilities related to Israel may have a material adverse effect on our business and on our share price. The political uncertainty in surrounding countries, including Syria, is affecting the political stability of that country. This instability may lead to deterioration of the political relationships that exist between Israel and neighboring countries and has raised concerns regarding security in the region and the potential for armed conflict. In addition, Iran is believed to have a strong influence among extremist groups in the region, such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The tension between Israel and Iran and/or these groups may escalate in the future and turn violent, which could affect the Israeli economy generally and us in particular.

8

In October 2023, Israel’s security cabinet declared war on Hamas, a militant organization located in the Gaza Strip.  Following the commencement of this war, hostilities intensified between Israel and Hezbollah, a militant organization located in Lebanon. The war led to a curtailment of business activities in Israel, evacuation of villages and towns bordering the Gaza Strip and in the north of Israel, a significant call‑up of military reserves (including two of our senior executive employees), limitations on gatherings in places of work and public areas, restrictions on carrying on the operation of schools in the educational system and lower availability of work force. These consequences and restrictions minimized Israeli business operations and affected the country's economic activity. 

Additionally, a Yemeni rebel group, the Houthis, has launched a series of attacks on global shipping routes in the Red Sea, causing disruptions of supply chain as well as an increase in shipping costs. As a result of these attacks, many shipping companies have decided to stop sailing in the Red Sea, which is a significant sea trade route between the Far East and Israel. These developments have increased the transport time from the Far East, causing a delay in the receipt of goods, and increased the costs of marine transportation. As approximately 35% of our products are imported from the Far East, we have been negatively affected by the extended transport time and delay in receipt goods as well as the increase in shipping costs. In the event, these attacks continue, it may have a material adverse effect on our sales and profitability.

Many Israeli citizens are obligated to perform annual military reserve duty for periods ranging from several days to several weeks until they reach the age of 40 (or older, for reservists who are military officers or who have certain occupations) and, in the event of a military conflict, may be called to active duty. In connection with the Israeli security cabinet’s declaration of war against Hamas and possible hostilities with other organizations, the Israeli military called up several hundred thousand of its reserves for active service. To date, our operations have not been disrupted by the war but we cannot assure that this will be the case in the future. Such disruption could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our commercial insurance does not cover property, asset or operational losses that may occur as a result of events associated with the security situation in the Middle East. Although the Israeli government currently reimburses for the value of direct damages that are caused by terrorist attacks or acts of war, and if certain conditions are met covers indirect damages (up to limited amounts) as well, we cannot assure you that this government coverage will be maintained. Any losses or damages incurred by us could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Additionally, in connection with the war on Hamas, several Arab countries restrict business with Israeli companies and these restrictions may have an adverse impact on our operating results, financial condition or the expansion of our business. From time-to-time pro-Arab organizations in various locations around the world promote local boycotts of products from Israel. Prompted by political, religious or other factors, these and other restrictive laws or policies directed towards Israel and Israeli businesses may affect our financial condition and results of operations.
 
It will be extremely difficult to acquire jurisdiction and enforce liabilities against us, our officers and directors who are based in Israel.
 
We are organized under the laws of the State of Israel. The majority of our officers and directors reside outside of the United States and most of our operations and assets, and the assets of these persons, are located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for United States investors to enforce their legal rights, to effect service of process or to enforce judgments of United States courts against us, our directors or our officers under federal securities laws of the United States. Further, it is unclear if extradition treaties now in effect between the United States and Israel would permit effective enforcement of criminal penalties under such securities laws. It may also be difficult to enforce civil liabilities under such securities laws in actions initiated in Israel.

Our international operations may be adversely affected by risks associated with international business.

We purchase food products from over 150 suppliers located in Israel and around the world, including the Far East (China, India, the Philippines and Thailand and more), Eastern Europe (Poland, Lithuania and Latvia and more), South America (Ecuador), the United States, Canada, Western and Central Europe (the Netherlands, Belgium, Monaco, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, and France) and Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Turkey and Greece) and more. Therefore, we are subject to certain risks that are inherent in an international business. These include the adverse effects on our operations from:
 

o
War, such as the current war in Israel for more information, see “– We may be affected by political, economic and military conditions in Israel and the Middle East”;


o
varying regulatory restrictions on sales of our products to certain markets and unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;


o
tariffs, customs, duties, quotas and other trade barriers;

9


o
global or regional economic crises;


o
difficulties in managing foreign operations and foreign distribution partners;


o
longer payment cycles and problems in collecting trade receivable;


o
fluctuations in currency exchange rates;


o
political risks;


o
foreign exchange controls which may restrict or prohibit repatriation of funds;


o
export and import restrictions or prohibitions, and delays from customs brokers or government agencies;


o
seasonal reductions in business activity in certain parts of the world;


o
potentially adverse tax consequences; and


o
Depending on the countries involved, any or all of the foregoing factors could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

General Risk Factors
 
The market price of our ordinary shares on either Nasdaq or the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange could fluctuate significantly.
 
The market price of our ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market or the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (the “TASE”) has in the past fluctuated significantly and may be affected by our operating results, changes in our business, changes in the products we market and distribute, and general market and economic conditions which are beyond our control. In addition, the stock market in general has, from time to time, experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of individual companies. These fluctuations have affected stock prices of many companies without regard to their specific operating performance. For these reasons, the price of our ordinary shares may fluctuate significantly in the future.
 
Also, the financial markets in the Unites States, Israel and other countries have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations, and market prices of public companies have been and continue to be volatile. Volatility in the price of our ordinary shares may be caused by factors outside of our control and may be unrelated or disproportionate to our results of operations. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a public company’s securities, shareholders have frequently instituted securities class action litigation against that company. Litigation of this kind could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.
 
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud, and investor confidence and the market price of our ordinary shares may be adversely affected.

Our reporting obligations as a public company make significant demands on our management, operational and financial resources and systems. We implemented financial and disclosure control procedures and corporate governance practices that enable us to comply, with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, rules. For example, we developed accounting and financial capabilities, including the establishment of an internal audit function and development of documentation related to internal control policies and procedures. Failure to establish the necessary controls and procedures would make it difficult to comply with SEC rules and regulations with respect to internal control and financial reporting. We need to take further actions to continue to improve our internal controls. If we are unable to implement solutions to any weaknesses in our existing internal controls and procedures, or if we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud and investor confidence and the market price of our ordinary shares may be adversely impacted.
 
10

Our results of operations may be impacted by cyber-attacks on the Company's information systems.

Suspension or malfunction of internal or third-party information systems, or unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and cyber-attacks affecting such systems, could impact our results of operations. Our businesses rely on secure processing, storage, transmission and reception of personal, confidential and proprietary information on our systems. We may become the target of attempted unauthorized access, computer viruses or malware, and other cyber-attacks designed to access and obtain information on our systems or to disrupt and cause other damage to our services. Although these threats may originate from human error or technological failure, they may also originate from the malice or fraud of internal parties, such as employees, or third parties, including foreign state actors and extremist parties. Additionally, we could also be adversely impacted if any of the third-party vendors, exchanges, clearing houses or other financial institutions to which we are interconnected are subject to cyber-attacks or other informational security breaches. Such events could cause interruptions to our systems, reputational damage, client dissatisfaction, legal liability, enforcement actions or additional costs, any and all of which could adversely affect our financial condition and operations. While we continue to devote significant resources to monitor and update our systems and implement information security measures to protect our systems, there can be no assurance that any controls and procedures we have in place will be sufficient to protect us from future security breaches. As cyber threats are continually evolving, our controls and procedures may become inadequate and we may be required to devote additional resources to modify or enhance our systems in the future.

ITEM 4.  INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

A.
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY
 
The Company was incorporated in Israel in January 1994 under the name G. Willi-Food Ltd. and commenced operations in February 1994. It changed its name to G. Willi-Food International Ltd. in June 1996. The Company's corporate headquarters and principal executive offices are located at 4 Nahal Harif Street, Northern Industrial Zone, Yavne 81106, Israel. The Company's telephone number in Israel is +972 8-9321000 and its e-mail address is willi@willi-food.co.il. The Company’s website address is www.willi-food.com. The information contained in its website, or that can be accessed therefrom, does not constitute a part of this Annual Report and is not incorporated by reference herein. We have included our website address in this Annual Report solely for informational purposes. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, such as we file electronically, with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

The Company completed its IPO in the United States in May 1997, at which time its ordinary shares began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market, where they currently trade under the symbol “WILC”. On June 15, 2020, our ordinary shares began trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the symbol “WILC”.
 
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
 
Our capital expenditures were $6.3 million, $3.8 million and $2.0 million for the three years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. For more information, see "Item 4. Information on the Company – D. Property, Plants and Equipment".
 
B.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
 
Overview
 
The Company is an Israeli-based company specializing in high-quality, great-tasting kosher food products. The Company is engaged, directly and through subsidiaries, in the design, import, marketing and distribution of a wide variety of over 650 food products world-wide. In the year ended December 31, 2023, substantially all of our revenue was generated in Israel, with less than 0.5 % of our revenue resulting from exports outside Israel.
 
The Company purchases food products from over 150 suppliers located in Israel and throughout the world, including from the Far East (China, India, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand), Eastern Europe (Poland, Lithuania and Latvia), South America (Ecuador and Peru), Western and Central Europe (the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, and France) and Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Turkey and Greece) and more.
 
The Company's products are marketed and sold to approximately 1,500 customers and 3,000 selling points in Israel, including to supermarket chains, wholesalers and institutional consumers. The Company markets most of its products under the brand name “Willi-Food,” and some of its chilled and frozen products under the brand name “Euro European Dairies”. Certain products are marketed under brand names of other manufacturers or under other brand names. In addition, the Company distributes some of its products on an exclusive basis, as described further below. Less than 1% of the Company’s sales come from product sales in countries other than Israel.
 
11

Following changes in management in recent years, the Company continues to re-evaluate its strategic position and consider other business opportunities. As part of this re-evaluation, the Company is considering forming strategic alliances with or entering into different lines of business, expanding its product lines, and increasing product sales with existing customers while adding new customers. In addition, the Company is examining M&A opportunities to further increase its market presence.
 
As of March, 21, 2024, the Company’s principal shareholder, Willi-Food Investments Ltd, held approximately 59.14% of our ordinary shares. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions – A. Major Shareholders”. Willi-Food’s securities are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

Business Strategy
 
The Company’s principal business strategy is:
 
to promote the “Willi-Food” brand name and other brand names used by the Company (such as "Euro European Dairies") and to increase market penetration of products through marketing efforts and advertising campaigns;
 
to expand our current food product lines and diversify into additional product lines, as well as to respond to market demand;

to enter new fields of activity/operating segments;
 
Expand the company's activities by improving its logistics system, including investing in the construction of a new logistics center;
 
utilizing management’s expertise in identifying market demand and preferences, as well as its supplier sourcing abilities too;
 
continue to locate, develop and distribute additional food products, some of which may be new to Israeli consumers;
 
penetrate new food segments within Israel through the establishment of food manufacturing factories or the establishment of business relationships and cooperation with existing Israeli food manufacturers;
 
increase its inventory levels from time to time both to achieve economies of scale on its purchases from suppliers and to more fully meet its customers’ demands;
 
further expand into international food markets, mainly in the U.S. and Europe, by purchasing food distribution companies, increasing cooperation with local existing distributors and/or exporting products directly to customers; and
 
penetrate new markets in other countries through the establishment of business relationships and cooperation with representatives in such markets, subject to a positive political climate.
 
The Company has developed certain trade relationships locally, as well as in areas administered by the Palestinian Authority, although current sales volumes to Palestinian-administered areas remain small.
 
Principal Products
 
We and Euro European Dairies import a broad variety of over 600 food products, which are sold, marketed, and distributed by us in Israel. A small percentage of our products are purchased from suppliers in Israel.
 
12

We aim to broaden the variety of products we import, and expect to launch additional imported products in the near future while continuing to develop new and innovative food products internally.
 
The principal products in our import segment product line are as follows
 
Canned Vegetables and Pickles: including mushrooms (whole and sliced), artichoke (hearts and bottoms), beans, asparagus, capers, corn kernels, baby corn, palm hearts, vine leaves (including vine leaves stuffed with rice), sour pickles, mixed pickled vegetables, pickled peppers, an assortment of olives, garlic, roasted eggplant sun and dried tomatoes. These products are imported primarily from China, Greece, Thailand, Turkey, India, and the Netherlands.
 
Canned Fish: including tuna (in oil or water), sardines, anchovies, smoked and pressed cod liver, herring, fish paste and salmon. These products are primarily imported from the Philippines, Thailand, Greece, Germany and Sweden.
 
Canned Fruit: including pineapple (sliced or pieces), peaches, apricots, pears, mangos, cherries, litchis and fruit cocktail. These products are primarily imported from China, Monaco, the Philippines, Thailand, Greece and Europe.
 
Edible Oils: including olive oil, regular and enriched sunflower oil, soybean oil, corn oil and rapeseed oil. These products are primarily imported from Belgium, Turkey, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain.
 
Dairy and Dairy Substitute Products: including hard and semi-hard cheeses (parmesan, edam, kashkaval, gouda, havarti, cheddar, pecorino, manchego, maasdam, rossiysky, iberico and emmental), molded cheeses (Brie, Camembert and Bloose), feta, Bulgarian cubes, goat cheese, fetina, butter, butter spreads, margarine, melted cheese, cheese alternatives, condensed milk, whipped cream, yogurt, frozen pizza and others. These products are primarily imported from Greece, France, Lithuania, Denmark, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.
 
Dried Fruit, Nuts and Beans: including figs, apricots and organic apricots, chestnuts organic chestnuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts, pine nuts, cashews, banana chips, pistachios and peanuts. These products are primarily imported from Greece, Turkey, India, China, Thailand and the United States.
 
Other Products: including, among others, instant noodle soup, frozen edamame soybeans, freeze dried instant coffee, bagels, breadstick, coffee creamers, lemon juice, halva, Turkish delight, cookies, vinegar, sweet pastry and crackers, sauces, corn flour, rice, rice sticks, pasta, organic pasta, spaghetti and noodles, breakfast cereals, corn flakes, rusks, rusks, tortilla, dried apples snacks, deserts (such as tiramisu and pastries), ice cream and light and alcoholic beverages. These products are primarily imported from the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Greece, Belgium, the United States, Scandinavia, Switzerland, China, Thailand, Turkey, India, and South America.
 
Product Information
 
The products that generated the largest sales volume for the year ended December 31, 2023 were dairy and dairy substitute products 39.2% of sales), canned vegetables 14.1% of sales), cereals, rice and pastas products 11.3% of sales) and fish products 13.8% of sales).
 
The allocation mentioned above does not include the product line "Other Products" in the import segment, as this product line includes products that have no characteristic definition.
 
13

Most of the products that we import and market are approved as kosher by, and/or under the supervision of, various supervisory institutions, including the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, Badatz Edah HaChareidis, Badatz Beit Yosef, Chug Chatam Sofer, certain Jewish organizations administering Kashrut procedures and certifications (such as the Union of the Orthodox Jewish Congregation of America (referred to as OU), Badatz Igud Harabanim Manchester, OK, Circle K and Triangle K) and rabbis of local Jewish congregations abroad. For more information, see “– Government Regulation” in this section below.
 
Our products are packaged by various manufacturers and suppliers abroad and labeled in Hebrew, English and, in certain cases, Arabic and Russian, in accordance with our instructions and applicable law. For more information, see “– Government Regulation” in this section below.
 
Suppliers
 
We purchase food products from over 150 suppliers all over the world.
 
In addition, we actively maintain contact with our suppliers world-wide through which we assess, on an on-going basis, world market trends, fluctuations in prices, and other issues relevant to our business. Our management and personnel visit food trade fairs world-wide on a regular basis and endeavor to create new business relationships with potential suppliers.
 
Certain of the products we import are seasonal agricultural products, such as artichokes, cherries, mushrooms, eggplants and peaches. In order to ensure a continued supply of these seasonal items, we generally make arrangements with the producers of such products at the beginning of the season for the terms of purchase of such items for the upcoming year.
 
Major purchases from our suppliers outside of Israel are made in U.S. Dollars and Euros, with the remaining purchases made in other foreign currencies. Supply is generally made to us against letters of credit for a period of up to 90 days. No single supplier provides us with the majority of our products, most of which we purchase from several suppliers.

In 2023, we purchased several products from two suppliers, each of which accounted for more than 11% of our total purchases in 2023.
 
The average volume of our credit balance with our suppliers in 2023 was NIS 23 million (US$ 6.1 million) consisting of 25 days of supplier's credit on average.
 
Customers
 
The Company's products are marketed and sold to approximately 1,500 customers and approximately 3,000 selling points throughout Israel and outside of Israel.
 
The Company's customers generally fall within one of the following three groups:
 
large retail supermarket chains,
 
small retail supermarket chains, and
 
other customers, including small private grocery shops, government institutions, wholesalers, restaurants, hotels, and hospitals.
 
The first group of customers above includes the large retail food marketing chains: Shufersal Ltd, Rami-Levy Ltd, Osher-Ad, Viktory, Yohananof, Mahsanei Hashuk, Hazi Hinam, Freshmarket and others. Large retail food marketing chains usually have dozens of stores with nationwide deployment.
 
The Company contracts with large retail supermarket chains through the buyers in the head office, after which the Company receives orders from the supermarket chain's logistics center or directly from individual stores. Merchandise is then delivered directly to each branch or to the supermarket chain’s distribution centers. Simultaneous with closing of sale prices with the buyers at the chains’ central offices, quantities of the products to be supplied to the branches are routinely determined directly with the branches.

14

A number of provisions the Israeli "Promoting Competition in the Food Industry" law (the "Food Law") apply to the Company, including a prohibition on any interference on the part of a supplier in a retailer’s determination of the consumer price that such retailer will collect on another suppliers’ merchandise, or the terms of such sale; a prohibition on retailers interfering in any way with a supplier’s determination regarding what products to sell other retailers and what prices to charge for those products, or the terms of such sale; a ban on suppliers transferring payments (in cash or cash equivalents) to a large retailer, other than by lowering the price per unit of a product, subject to certain exceptions; a prohibition on interfering in any way in the price per product collected by a retailer for that supplier’s products, the allocation of any share of sales space for that supplier’s products, the purchase of products provided by that supplier on any scale in proportion to the retailer’s purchase of the product from alternative suppliers; and a prohibition on interfering in the purchase or sale of products provided to a retailer by another supplier, including quantities and purchase targets, sales space allocated to another supplier in stores and other commercial terms. In 2023, the Company had one retail customer that is considered a large retailer according to the Food Law. The Company’s sales to this customer exceeded 10% of its income in 2023. As a result, the Company's interaction with this customer is required to meet certain principles for engagement, including those impacting commercial agreements, logistics and monetary collection.

The second group of customers includes small retail supermarket chains of up to 15 stores, usually in a regional deployment.
 
Generally, the Company’s engagement with small retail chains does not involve exclusivity, or other obligatory terms of operations. Prior to entering into an engagement with such customer, the Company gauges the customer's financial stability and determines the scope of credit to assign to and the sureties to obtain from such customer. Small retail chains are generally requested to provide deferred checks as sureties, and some are requested to provide additional sureties, including promissory notes, personal guarantees and bank guarantees. In addition, the Company insures most of its small retail chains with credit insurance.
 
With some small retail supermarket chains not subject to provisions of the Food Law, the Company pays a fixed incentive in the form of a percentage of sales of our products, or other incentive payment in the event the scope of sales exceeds the scope agreed upon between the parties. Towards a small number of small retail supermarket chains the Company provides discounts for the inclusion of new products, limited-time discounts for the opening of new stores, and participates in payments for certain of such customers’ advertisements at rates determined in negotiations between the parties, and subject to the actual execution of the advertisements in various media, including in print newspapers, or in specific advertisement placed inside a customer's stores.
 
The sale prices to small retail chains are determined in negotiations that occur frequently, usually on a monthly basis, owing to the lack of uniformity in the purchase terms for different products from different manufacturers, and to variable market conditions.
 
The Company's sales by customer group for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
 
 
 
Percentage of Total Sales
Year Ended December 31
 
Customer Group
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Large retail supermarket chains
   
54
%
   
54
%
   
50
%
Other customers
   
46
%
   
46
%
   
50
%
 
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%

The table below shows the Company's revenues from major groups of products that contributed 10% or more to the Company's total revenues in the years 2021 to 2023:

 
Year ended December 31,
 
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
   
2023
 
 
 
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
Canned Vegetables and Pickles
   
76,740
     
70,398
     
59,844
     
21,158
 
Dairy and Dairy Substitute Products
   
212,728
     
188,738
     
196,589
     
58,651
 
Canned Fish
   
74,750
     
62,270
     
56,064
     
20,609
 
Cereals, rice and pastas
   
61,573
     
61,350
     
62,712
     
16,976
 
Non-banking credit
   
-
     
-
     
276
     
-
 
Oils
   
43,058
     
44,241
     
23,025
     
11,872
 
Other
   
74,413
     
71,328
     
55,703
     
20,516
 

15

The average aggregate receivable balance of the Company's customers with the Company in 2023 was NIS 163 million (USD 44.9 million) and the average time period within which our trade receivable was paid was 93 days.
 
In the event that a small retail supermarket chain or other customer does not respect its financial commitments, the Company may elect to foreclose on the collateral or the promissory note provided by such customer. The Company has not made significant use of this foreclosure power since 2008. The Company strives to minimize its credit risk by constantly reviewing the credit it extends to customers versus the security it receives. As a result of such review, the Company has ceased selling products to certain customers and considerably reduced sales to other customers, and may continue to do so.
 
Distribution, Marketing and Sales
 
The Company principally distributes and markets its products using internal sales agents, although with sales of certain products to clients situated in different areas of Israel, the Company utilizes external distributors, with whom it does not have exclusivity agreements.
 
The Company generally has no written agreements with its customers, nor are its arrangements with its customers on an exclusive or binding basis. The Company generally extends its customers approximately 60-90 days credit, and in limited cases more than 90 days credit, beginning at the end of the month in which the sale took place. Most of the large retail supermarket chains generally effect payment by wire transfers or cash payments on the due date, while other customers are generally required to provide post-dated promissory notes at least one month prior to the date of the expected payment. The Company does not require large retail supermarket chains to provide any kind of security for payments; however, other customers may be required to provide security, including personal guarantees.
 
Sales are made by the placement of customers’ orders (except for part of the dairy and dairy substitute products), which are directed to the Company’s regional office and placed by the sales personnel or directly by the customers. Orders are delivered by the Company’s transport network and by independent transporters. In certain cases, the Company transports products directly from port to customers, utilizing the services of independent transporters. In some instances, the Company transfers the merchandise to the logistics centers of the supermarket chains, and the supermarket chains themselves are responsible for the distribution of the merchandise to their chain stores for a commission charged to the Company.
 
The sale of most of our dairy and dairy substitute products is performed by external distributers, although some of these sales are made by “van sale” sales agents using small terminals. The sales agents supply these products immediately from the stock of products in the refrigeration trucks in which they travel.
 
Some of the marketing and distribution to institutional clients in the private sector (such as hotels, police, prisons, the Ministry of Defense and "kibbutz" collective settlements) is done by winning tenders, direct distribution or by wholesalers.
 
With imported products, the Company generally holds an inventory of products which the Company believes to be sufficient to meet market requirements for a period of up to 70 days. Occasionally, the Company may take advantage of low-priced merchandise and purchase larger amounts than usual of a product with long shelf life. In those cases, the inventory may be sufficient to meet market requirements for more than 70 days. Products ordered by customers in full container loads are generally forwarded directly to the customers’ facilities without being stored in the Company’s facilities. The Company does not regularly maintain a significant backlog of orders from customers; orders received by customers are generally filled within one week. The Company’s inventory as of December 31, 2023 amounted to NIS 62 million (USD  17million) compared with NIS 71.9 million (USD 20.4 million) as of December 31, 2022.
 
The Company maintains close contact with its consumers in an effort to be attentive to market needs, market trends, and demand for certain products in various markets. The Company also regularly gathers information on new products manufactured world-wide, including by attending food exhibitions and maintaining close relations with manufacturers and suppliers world-wide.
 
The Company is responsible for the products it markets in Israel under the Israeli Law of "Liability for Defective Products Law, 1980" and it has also purchased an insurance policy for product liability claims.
 
16

Seasonality
 
Each year as the Jewish holidays of Pesach (Passover, celebrated in March-April), Shavuot (celebrated in May) and Rosh Hashana (celebrated in September-October) approach, the Company normally increases its inventories in order to meet the expected increase in market demand prior to such holidays. Despite the impact of the holiday season on the Company’s activities, the Company’s quarterly sales are not materially affected as a result of these changes.

Competition
 
The food distribution business in Israel is highly competitive with respect to imported, as well as locally manufactured, food products. The Company faces direct competition both from local manufacturers and from a number of importers of food products, and the food market in Israel is very price sensitive. The Company’s competitors include Shemen, Tomer, Taaman, Solbar and Y.T.V Foods Industries Ltd with respect to edible oils; Fodor (Starkist and Yona), Posidon and Williger of the Neto Group, Filtuna, Vita Pri HaGalil and Shastowits with respect to fish products; the Vita Pri HaGalil, Yachin-Zan laKol, Williger of the Neto Group, and Tomer with respect to canned fruit and vegetable products; Osem, Barila, Vita Pri HaGalil, Williger of the Neto Group, Taaman and Tomer with respect to pasta products; and Tnuva, Tara, Strauss, Seyman, and Gad Dairy with respect to dairy and dairy substitute products.
 
For each of the categories of products distributed by the Company, there exists competition from dozens of local manufacturers and importers. The barriers to entry in the food market are low, and new potential competitors are constantly joining the market. In addition to new-comers to the food business, the Company faces competition from existing importers and/or manufacturers currently not offering the same lines of products as the Company.
 
For example, certain of the products imported by the Company, such as canned fish, corn flakes, edible oils, certain pickles, olives, pasta, cereal, sweet pastry and crackers and certain dairy products, are also produced by local manufacturers in Israel. Local producers are not subject to the financial risks of importing food products or to governmental policies regarding taxation of imported food products to which the Company is subject.
 
To the Company's knowledge, several of its competitors are substantially more established, have greater market recognition and have greater financial, marketing, human and other resources than those of the Company. If any of the Company’s major competitors materially reduces prices, the Company would experience significantly more competitive pressure and a decrease in profitability. The Company cannot predict whether it could successfully compete with these pressures and, if it were unable to do so, the Company’s business would be adversely impacted.
 
Intellectual Property Rights
 
The Company markets certain products under the trademark “Willi-Food,” which was approved for registration in Israel in May 1997 for certain uses relating to the food industry. In 2015, the trademark's validity was extended for an additional ten years. The Company markets certain products under the trademark “Gold-Frost,” which was registered in Israel in February 2002. The company markets certain product under the trademark "Euro European Dairies", which was approved for registration in Israel in September 2019.
 
The Company also markets cheeses and cheese substitutes such as "Ha-Bulgaria", which was registered in Israel in June 2009.
 
The Company also markets ice cream products such as "Muchi-Ice", which was registered in Israel in November 2019, and "Gelato", which was registered in Israel in May 2013.
 
The Company also markets a line of products under the trademark "Pinukim," which was registered in Israel in June 2020.

The Company markets a line of products with kosher supervision by Badatz Edah HaChareidis under the trademark "Tifeeret", which was registered in Israel in September 2010 for different uses in the food industry.
 
The Company also markets pasta and sauces under the trademark "Donna Rozza," which was registered in Israel in December 2005 for different uses in the food industry.
 
The Company also markets coffee products under the trademark "Art Coffee," which was registered in Israel in January 2020.
 
17

The Company also markets other products which are in the process of being registered in Israel, such as "Super Kidos", "Better Food", "Lucky Cat Ice-Cream", "Muchi Ice-Dessert" and "Super Kidoos" ,"Ten-Bo".
 
Other products marketed by the Company under their original brand names are “Completa”, "Del Monte", "Danesita", "Fiorentini", "Pils", "Wyke", "Muratbey", "Nobeleza Gaucha", "Sera", "Daawat", "Zanetti", "Ferro", "Hahne", "Pastor", "Valio", "Italpizza" and "Kolios".
 
The Company imports several products for the Shufersal chain under the brand name “Shufersal”.
 
The Company imports several products for the "Rami Levy" chain under the brand name “Rami Levy”.
 
There can be no assurances as to the degree of protection registration of the Company’s trademarks will afford.
 
The Company's investment in registering these trademarks was insignificant.
 
Government Regulation
 
The import, export, storage, distribution, manufacturing, marketing and labeling of food products is subject to extensive regulation and licensing by various Israeli government and municipal agencies, principally the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy. Failure to comply with these applicable laws and regulations could subject us to civil sanctions, including fines, injunctions, recalls or seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us. We believe that we comply in all material respects with the above-mentioned requirements. To the extent that the Company exports food products outside of Israel, we may be subject to quotas and other laws and regulations of the country to which we export which may limit our ability to sell certain of our food products into these countries.
 
In 1978, the Israeli government issued the free import decree, which exempted the import of most food products from the requirement to obtain a license. However, preliminary permits from the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Agriculture are still required. These preliminary permits are granted based on laboratory analysis reports and other data.
 
Customs duties and charges are levied on a portion of the Company’s products imported into Israel. In addition, the Company is required to obtain import licenses for the import of certain food products from the Ministry of Economy. The Company has also obtained the necessary authorization required by the Ministry of Health (Food Authority) for the import of all of its food products to Israel. The Company’s products are packaged by various manufacturers and suppliers abroad and labeled in Hebrew, English and, in certain cases, Arabic and Russian, according to the Company’s instructions and the requirements of the Israeli authorities. In the past, the Company has occasionally been found to have mislabeled packages, as a result of which it was required to pay an immaterial number of fines.

Customs duty applies to various food products in Israel, including cheese, butter, frozen vegetable, oils, tinned goods and other food products imported by the Company. In May 2014, the Ministry of Finance published a notice regarding a government decision in connection with increasing the tax-exempt import quotas of hard cheese and butter (hereafter – “Tax Exempt Import Quotas”) whereby importers undertake to sell the products to the end customer at a relatively low price. Further to the aforesaid resolution, the Ministry of Economy published, for the first time, a competitive process in which companies can win Tax Exempt Import Quotas. The Company participated in this process and won some of these quotas while committing to sell the products to the end customer at a relatively low price. In subsequent years, the Ministry of Economy has continued to publish annual tenders for Tax Exempt Import Quotas against winners undertaking to sell the imported products at a relatively low price to the end customer and to meet a minimum sale target in respect of the goods in question. The Company has participated in these annual tenders and won some of these quotas. As part of the tender process, the Company was required to provide financial guarantees and participate in audit procedures on behalf of the Ministry of Economy for the purpose of assessing its compliance with its undertakings. The Company successfully passed most of the audit procedures, apart from immaterial breaches in which immaterial amounts, which were provided by the Company, were forfeited, and an import quota which the Company was supposed to received was cancelled. Pursuant to the terms of the tenders, a breach of undertakings in the tender process may result, among other things, in forfeiture of guarantees and in the imposition of sanctions in the form of non-issuance of tax-exempt import quotas as part of the competitive process for a period of no more than five years.
 
During September 2022, the Minister of Finance signed an order to cancel the customs duty on the import of food products. The plan includes, among other things, the cancellation of the customs duty on oils, canned fish, sauces, dried fruits, pastries, jams and snacks.

18

              During January 2023, the Minister of Finance signed an order to cancel the customs duty on a variety of cheese products. As part of the decree, an exemption applies, among other things, to the import of soft cheeses with a fat percentage less then 5%, an exemption to the import of fresh soft mozzarella cheese, an exemption to the import of haloumi cheese, and more.
 
Most of the products which the Company imports and markets are approved as kosher by and/or under the supervision of various supervisory institutions including the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, Chug Chatam Sofer, Badatz Edeh HaChareidis, certain Jewish organizations administering Kashrut procedures and certifications (such as the Union of the Orthodox Jewish Congregation of America (OU), Badatz Igud Harabanim Manchester, OK, Circle K and Triangle K) and rabbis of local Jewish congregations abroad. Such procedures include, in certain cases, personal supervision by a Kashrut supervisor sent by such institutions to the manufacturing facilities from which the Company purchases products, who is present at the plant during the processing of the product. Under Israeli law, the Company is required to ascertain that the kosher foodstuffs which it offers for sale bear kosher certification approved by certain authorities, such as the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, and also bear the name of the individual authorized to certify such product. Not all products marketed by the Company have been so certified, although they do bear certain kosher certifications from other certification bodies.

C.          ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
 
The Company has three wholly-owned active subsidiaries, each of which is an Israeli corporation:
 
W.F.D. (Import, Marketing and Trading) Ltd. ("WFD")
 
W. Capital Ltd. (“W. Capital”)
 
Euro European Dairies Ltd.
 
WFD
 
WFD was incorporated in 1995. Its activities are engaging in occasional importation of food products and extending credit.
 
W. Capital
 
W. Capital was incorporated in 2014 and engages in capital market investments.
 
Euro European Dairies Ltd.
 
Euro European Dairies was acquired in 2001 and is engaged in designing, developing and distributing frozen and chilled food products for private and institutional customers. Products are labeled in Hebrew, English, and in certain cases, Arabic and Russian. Euro European Dairies is working towards broadening the variety of products that it develops and distributes.

D.          PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT
 
The Company's principal executive offices are situated at a logistics center in the northern industrial zone of Yavne, at 4 Nahal Harif St., Israel. The logistics center, which is owned by Company, is 8,526 square meters (approximately 92,000 square feet).
 
In addition to the current logistics center, the Company makes use of so-called "free" warehouse services. For such services, the Company is charged only for storage per container or pallet. The Company's expenses for usage of free warehouses services were NIS 4,953 thousand (USD 1,366 thousand) for the year ended December 31, 2023 and NIS 4,489 thousand (USD 1,275 thousand) for the year ended December 31, 2022.
 
19

As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned ten refrigeration trucks (each with a capacity of 12 tons), ten refrigeration trucks (each with a capacity of 15 to 26 tons), five combined trucks (each with capacity of 26 tons) and four private cars. As of December 31, 2023.
 
During 2021, the Company began obtaining the approvals and permits required for the expansion of its own logistics center located in the Yavne industrial zone. In March 2023, the Company received the building permit. The estimated duration of work is approximately 24 months and the start date of the new logistics center activity is expected to be at the middle of 2025. Once completed, the logistics center expansion will provide the Company with additional storage of approximately 12,000 cooled / frozen surfaces compared to 8,500 dry / cooled / frozen surfaces currently available to the Company. The estimated cost of the entire project is approximately NIS 110 million (NIS 9.4 million invested during 2022 and NIS 21.9 million invested during 2023). Schedule and costs estimates may vary as a result of events beyond the Company's control and changes in commercial terms.

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 5.  OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the sections titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” for a discussion of forward-looking statements and important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

Overview

The Company is engaged, directly and through its subsidiaries, in the design, import, marketing and distribution of a broad range of food products purchased from over 150 suppliers worldwide and marketed throughout Israel and abroad. The products imported by the Company are marketed in Israel and sold to approximately 1,500 customers and 3,000 selling points, including supermarket chains, mini-markets, wholesalers, manufacturers and institutional consumers. The Company also sells its products outside Israel to a variety of customers world-wide.

Critical Accounting Policies

Management’s discussion and analysis is based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB for all reporting periods presented. The use of IFRS Standards requires the management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting accounting periods presented. These estimates include, among other things, assessing the collectability of trade receivable and the use of recoverability of inventory. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The markets of the Company’s products are characterized by intense competition and a rapid turnover of products and frequent introductions of new products, all of which may impact future ability to value the Company’s assets.
 
The following critical accounting policies may affect significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
 
Recognition of income

IFRS 15 – “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” is mandatory for reporting periods starting on January 1, 2018.
 
Revenue is measured and in accordance with the amount of consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods or services to a customer, excluding amounts collected on behalf of third parties. receivable under the terms of the contract, net of the amounts collected on behalf of third parties (such as taxes).
 
Revenue is recognized in the consolidated statements of income at a point in time when control of the goods has transferred to the customer. This is generally when the goods are delivered to the customer.
 
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The Company is engaged mainly in the sale of food products in the Israeli market. Revenue from sale of goods is recognized when control of the goods has transferred to the buyer, generally being when the goods arrived to the buyer’s specific location. Upon receipt of the goods, the buyer has full discretion over the distribution channels and price to sell the goods; the buyer has principal responsibility upon sale of the goods and it bears the risks of obsolescence and/or loss of the goods. After delivery of the goods, the Company recognizes receivables in respect of the sale since as of that point in time the consideration is unconditional. In most cases, the Company enables specific customers to return products which they have not sold, despite that there is no agreement between the Company and its customers regarding such returns and the Company does not have a formal policy regarding such returns. Accordingly, the Company recognizes a provision for return of goods against a decrease in revenues and a corresponding inventory asset against the right to return the goods. The amount of the asset is determined based on the lower of cost and net realizable value. Past experience is used by the Company to estimate the number of returns. Based on past experience, the Company estimates, with a high level of probability that no significant portion of revenue recognized in respect of sale of goods will be reversed.
 
Inventories

Inventories are assets held for sale in the ordinary course of business, in the process of production for such sale or in the form of materials or supplies to be consumed in the production process or in the rendering of services.
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost of inventories includes all the cost of purchase, direct labor, fixed and variable production overheads and other cost that are incurred, in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition.
 
Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.
 
Cost is calculated using the weighted average cost method.
 
The Group records a provision for slow moving inventory in respect of inventory items estimated by management not to be realized due to expiration date. The slow-moving inventory is based on the historic realization rate of the respective item as well as on management's estimate with respect to its future realization rate.

Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings

In estimating the likelihood of the outcome of legal claims filed against the Company and its investees, management considers the facts and circumstances, as well as the opinion of Company's legal counsel. These estimates are based on professional judgment, taking into account, inter alia, the stage of proceedings and legal precedents in respect of the different issues. Since the outcome of the claims will be determined in court, the results could differ from these estimates.

A.          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the correlation (in percentages) between items from the Company’s statements of operations to its total sales for such periods:
 
 
 
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
   
Year Ended
December 31,
2022
 
Revenues
   
543,262
     
498,325
 
Cost of Sales
   
422,695
     
355,228
 
Gross Profit
   
120,567
     
143,097
 
Selling Expenses
   
74,216
     
74,106
 
General and Administrative Expenses
   
26,110
     
24,117
 
Other Income
   
(109
)
   
(222
)
Operating profit
   
20,350
     
45,096
 
Financial Income, Net
   
18,842
     
8,878
 
Profit before taxes on income
   
39,192
     
53,974
 
Taxes on income
   
(7,536
)
   
(12,410
)
Net Income
   
31,656
     
41,564
 

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Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2022

   Revenues for fiscal year 2023 increased by 9.0% to NIS 543.3 million (USD 149.8 million) from NIS 498.3 million (USD 137.4 million) recorded in fiscal year 2022. Sales increased mainly due to increases (i) in the range of the Company's products, (ii) in our inventory levels and its availability for the demand of our products, (iii) in the Company’s efforts to improve visibility of the Company’s line of products in stores and (iv) in advertising and promotional campaigns.

   Cost of sales for fiscal year 2023 increased by 19.0% to NIS 422.6 million (USD 116.5 million), or 77.8% of revenues, from NIS 355.2 million (USD 97.9 million), or 71.2% of revenues, recorded in fiscal year 2022. The increase in cost of sales was primary due to increased costs of the Company’s imported products and due to significant increases in shipping costs.

   Gross profit for fiscal year decreased by 15.7% to NIS 120.6 million (USD 33.3 million), or 22.2% of revenues, from NIS 143.1 million (USD 39.4 million), or 28.7% of revenues, recorded in fiscal year 2022. The decrease in gross profit and gross margins was mainly due to increased costs of the Company’s imported products.

Selling expenses for fiscal year 2023 were NIS 74.2 million (USD 20.5 million), or 13.6% of revenues, remaining at the same level compared to NIS 74.1 million (USD 20.4 million), or 14.9% of revenues recorded in fiscal year 2022. The decrease of selling expenses as a percentage of revenues was mainly due to a decrease in advertising costs.
 
General and administrative expenses for fiscal year 2023 increased by 8.3% to NIS 26.1 million (USD 7.2 million), or 4.8% of revenues, from NIS 24.1 million (USD 6.6 million), or 4.8% of revenues, recorded in fiscal year 2022. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase in management compensation, including grants made under the Company's option plan.
 
Operating profit for fiscal year 2023 decreased by 54.9% to NIS 20.4 million (USD 5.6 million), or 3.7% of revenues, from NIS 45.1 million (USD 12.4 million), or 9.0% of revenues, recorded in fiscal year 2022. The decrease in operating profit was primarily due to an increase in cost of sales.
 
Financial income, net, for fiscal year 2023 amounted to NIS 18.8 million (USD 5.2 million), compared to NIS 8.9 million (USD 2.5 million) recorded in fiscal year 2022. Financial income, net for fiscal year 2023 comprised mainly of income from interest and dividend income from the Company’s portfolio of securities in an amount of NIS 14.3 million (USD 3.9 million) and income from revaluation of the Company’s portfolio of securities to fair value in the amount of NIS 5.3 million (USD 1.5 million), offset by expenses from other finance expenses in an amount of NIS 1.5 million (USD 0.4 million). Financial income, net for fiscal year 2022 comprised mainly of income from interest and dividend income from the Company’s portfolio of securities in an amount of NIS 9.0 million (USD 2.5 million) and exchange rate differences in an amount of NIS 4.4 million (USD 1.2 million), offset by expenses from revaluation of the Company’s portfolio of securities to fair value in an amount of NIS 3.8 million (USD 1.0 million).

   Profit before taxes on income for fiscal year 2023 decreased by NIS 14.8 million (USD 4.1 million), to NIS  39.2million (USD 10.8 million) from NIS 54.0 million (USD 14.9 million) recorded in fiscal year 2022.

   Taxes on Income for fiscal year 2023 decreased by 39.2% to NIS  7.5million (USD  2.1million) from NIS 12.4 million (USD 3.4 million) recorded in fiscal year 2022. For more information see Note 10 (Taxes on income) of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 included in this report.

   Net profit for the year for fiscal year 2023 was decreased by 23.8% to NIS 31,656 thousand (USD 8,728 thousand), or NIS 2.28 (USD 0.63) per share from NIS 41,564 thousand (USD 11,459 thousand) or NIS 3.00 (USD 0.83) per share recorded in fiscal year 2022.

22


Year Ended December 31, 2023 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2022
 
   This analysis can be found in Item 5 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022.

B.          LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES.
 
The Company’s operations are funded mainly through its own equity and cash flows from its operating activities. In addition, the Company has unutilized bank credit lines.
 
As of December 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents were NIS 137.5 million (USD 37.9 million), compared to NIS 150.6 million (USD 41.5 million) as of December 31, 2022.
 
As of December 31, 2023, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss were 102.2 million (USD 28.2 million), compared to NIS 116.8 million (USD 32.2 million) as of December 31, 2022.
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, net cash from operating activities was approximately NIS 33.7 million (USD 9.3 million) and 14.1 million (USD 3.9 million), respectively. The change was primarily due to the net profit of the company in amount of NIS 31.7 million (USD 8.7 million) with adjustments, necessary to the presentation of the cash flows in the amount of NIS 1.6 million (USD 0.4 million), of increase/decrease in inventory, trade receivables and other receivables, trade and other payables, etc.
 
Net cash from investing activities
 
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 net cash from investing activities was approximately NIS 4.7 million (USD 1.3 million) compared to net cash used in investing activities NIS 8.3 million (USD 2.3 million) in fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. The Company’s investing activities consist primarily of proceeds from sales of marketable securities, net and acquisition of property plant and equipment mainly from investing in the new logistic center.
 
Net cash used in financing activities
 
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 net cash used to finance activities was approximately NIS 42.4 million (USD 11.7 million) compared to net cash used to financing activities of approximately NIS 57.1 million (USD 15.7 million) in fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. Financing activities in 2023 was primarily due of dividend distribution.
 
Cash requirements
 
The Company’s cash requirements, net, during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were met primarily through its working capital. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had working capital of NIS 444.0 million (USD 122.4 million) compared to working capital of NIS 470.6 million (USD 129.7 million) as of December 31, 2022. The Company believes that its working capital is sufficient for its present requirements.
 
Trade receivables
 
The Company’s trade receivable balance as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 was NIS 160.4 million (USD 44.2 million) and NIS 165.8 million (USD 45.7 million), respectively. The average time period within which our trade receivable was paid was 93 days in 2023 and in 2022.
 
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Impact of Inflation and Devaluation on Results of Operations, Liabilities and Assets

The exchange rate of the U.S. Dollar was NIS 3.627 on December 31, 2023 compared to NIS 3.52 on December 31, 2022.
 
The annual rates of inflation in Israel during the year ended December 31, 2023 was 3.4% while during such period the revaluation of the NIS against the U.S. Dollar was approximately 3.0%
 
A revaluation of the NIS in relation to the U.S. Dollar has the effect of increasing the U.S. Dollar value of any assets of the Company which consist of NIS or receivables payable in NIS. Such a revaluation also has the effect of increasing the U.S. Dollar amount of any liabilities of the Company which are payable in NIS (unless such payables are linked to the Dollar). Conversely, any decrease in the value of the NIS in relation to the U.S. Dollar has the effect of decreasing the U.S. Dollar value of any linked NIS assets of the Company and the U.S. Dollar amount of any linked NIS liabilities of the Company.
 
The dollar cost of the Company’s operations in Israel is influenced by the extent to which any increase in the rate of inflation in Israel over the rate of inflation in the United States is offset by the devaluation of the NIS in relation to the U.S. Dollar.
 
Guarantees and Pledges
 
Other than letters of credit granted by the Company to some of its suppliers, the Company has no obligation or use credit lines to the banks or to other party. The outstanding amount of such letters of credit as of December 31, 2023 was approximately NIS 1.9 million (USD 0.5 million).
 
The Company provides bank guarantees which most of it for the purpose of securing its obligations to sell products at a subsidized price to the end consumer as part of the procedure for obtaining import quotas from the Ministry of Economy for various products, mainly cheeses. The total bank guarantee that the Company provided as of December 31. 2023 was NIS 5.9 million.
 
C.          RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES
 
Not applicable          .
 
D.          TREND INFORMATION
 
In recent years, there has been an increase in the offerings of lower cost private label products by the large retail chains which compete with our products, resulting in a greater price competition and an increase in our cost of sales as a percentage of total revenues.

The food industry is characterized by a high level of competition and limited consumer loyalty. The sector is dynamic, responding to the demands, needs and various tastes of an audience numbering millions of Israeli consumers.

Recent years have seen a strengthening of private brands marketed by the large supermarket chains Shufersal Ltd. (“Shufersal”) and Rami Levi Hashikma Marketing Ltd. (“Rami Levy”). The marketing of these private brands strengthens competition; however, it also allows the Company to integrate into this market by marketing its products as private brands to the large supermarket chains.]

In addition, various macro-economic factors impact the food industry, including the macro-economic environment in Israel, which includes the following:

Local activity – According to the Bank of Israel, GDP is expected to grow at the rate of 2.8% and 3.5% in the years 2023 and 2024, respectively. This growth is expected to be driven by accelerated private consumption, continued investment in assets and the continuation of extensive export activity.

Labor market activity – There was a decline in the unemployment rate from 4.3% at the end of 2022 to 3.3% at the end of 2023.

24

Inflation environment – The annual inflation rate in Israel in 2023 was 3.4%. However, the rate of inflation in Israel is lower than its rate in most developed countries. Inflation expectations for longer terms (over two years) continue to be anchored in the target area. The company's activity is exposed to risks arising from changes in the inflation rate. As of the date of this report, the company has not entered into agreements and/or index-linked loans in 2023.

Fiscal policy – Against the background of the war, the deficit in the government budget increased in 2023 and amounted to 4.2% of GDP comparing to a rate of 0.6% of GDP in 2022. The deficit in the updated budget for 2024 is expected to be 6.6 percent of GDP and the debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to rise to 66% at the end of 2024, from a rate of about 60% on the eve of the war. The costs of the war aside from the defense and civil expenses and the loss of income are estimated by more than NIS 200 billion. On January 15, 2024, the government approved the updated state budget for 2024, which includes budget adjustments amounting to 17 billion NIS for 2024 and 2025.

Monetary policy – During the second half of 2023, the Bank of Israel left the interest rate unchanged at a restraining level of 4.75%. At the beginning of 2024, on January 1, the Monetary Committee decided to reduce the interest rate by 0.25%, to 4.5%.

In addition, the Company's management is evaluating the financial stability of its customers by entering into agreements with companies for providing business data, examining bank accounts, conducting inquiries, and following negative publicity regarding its customers or other signs indicating financial difficulties.

E.          CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND INDICATE

N/A as the Company prepared its financial statements under IFRS

ITEM 6.  DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
 
A.          DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
 
The directors, executive officers and key employees of the Company as of the date of this Annual Report are as follows:
 
Name
Age
Position with the Company
Joseph Williger
67
Director, and Chief Executive Officer
Zwi Williger
69
Director, Chairman of the Board
Victor Bar (1) (2)
59
Director
Erez Winner
55
Senior Officer (business development logistic operation and building)
Yitschak Barabi
 39
Chief Financial Officer
Ran Asulin
40
Chief Trade and Selling Officer
Lior Laser
49
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Einav Bar (1) (2)
52
External Director
Idan Ben-Shitrit (1) (2)
49
External Director

(1)
 
(2)
Member of the Audit Committee
 
Member of the Compensation Committee

The Directors are elected at the annual general meeting of shareholders and hold office until the next annual general meeting of shareholders and until their successors have been elected. Officers serve at the discretion of the Board, subject to the terms of any agreement between officers and the Company.
 
25

The business experience of each of the Directors, executive officers and key employees of the Company is set forth below:
 
Joseph Williger has served as the Company's Chief Executive Officer since March 2023, as a director of the Company and as a director of Willi-Food the controlling shareholder of the Company since June 2017. From January 1994 until September 2011, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and from September 2011(when he ceased serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Company) until January 2016 he served as President of the Company. Mr. Williger has also served as a director of the Company from January 1994 until January 2016 and the chairman of the company's subsidiaries, WFD and Gold Frost, from 1996 and 2001, respectively, until January 2016. Mr. Williger attended Business Administration studies in California State University, Northridge, Los Angeles and attended Business Administration studies in Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.

Zwi Williger has served as the active Chairman of the board of the and as a chairman of the board of Willi-Food, the controlling shareholder of the Company, since August 2017 and June 2017, respectively. In addition, From January 1994 until January 2016 he served as an active Chairman of the board of the Company and a director and a CEO of Willi-Food. Prior to that and from inception of the Company in 1994 until 1997, he served as a director and Manager of Marketing Development of the Company. In addition, Mr. Williger served as Chief Operating Officer of the Company from 1997 until 2011. Mr. Williger attended Fresno University in California.

Erez Winner has served as Senior Officer (business development logistic operation and building) from January 2023. Prior to his appointment Mr. Winner served as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Company and then Chief Executive Officer of the Company from March 2021 until January 2023. Prior to his appointment as Acting CEO, Mr. Winner served as the Company Operations Manager from February 2020. Before joining the Company, Mr. Winner served as CEO of Jerusalem Wineries Mr. Winner holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and in Middle East Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Haifa. In addition, Mr. Winner is a graduate of the National Security College, the Inter-Armed College of Command and Staff, the Board Members’ Course of the Israeli Center for Management and the Financial Management course for executives of the Tel Aviv University. Mr. Winner has previously held a number of command positions in the IDF, including Assistant Chief of Staff, and as an independent consultant in the fields of security, society and education, as a partner in start-ups in the security and commercial fields and is a volunteer in the "Connect" organization. Mr. Winner continues to provide his services to the company in the field of business development, logistic operation and leading the establishment of the company's new logistic center.

Yitschak Barabi has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and Willi-Food since September 2019. Prior to his appointment as CFO, Mr. Barabi served as the Company’s Controller and Deputy CFO since October 15, 2017. Mr. Barabi is certified public accountant (Israel) and holds a BA (Accounting & Economic) from the Hebrew University.

Ran Asulin has served as Chief Trade and Selling Officer of the Company and Willi-Food since September 2019. Prior to his appointment as CSO, Mr. Asulin served as the Company’s other senior positions since December 2010. Mr. Asulin is holding a BA in Business Administration from the college Law and Business in Ramat Gan.

Lior Laser has served as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Company since January 2023. Prior to his appointment as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Company since September 2010., Mr. Laser served as Chief Trade and Selling Officer at "Baladi" a company that specializing in the import and marketing of meat products. Mr. Laser is holding a BA in Business Administration from the College of Management Academic in Tel Aviv.

              Einav Brar has served as external director of the Company since August 2018. Since 2015, Ms. Brar has served as owner and CEO of TLV Medical Center, and from 1994 until 2015, she served as founder and former CEO of DPL - Disposable Hygienic Products LTD. Ms. Brar earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Ruppin Academic Center in Emek Hefer, Israel.
 
              Idan Ben-Shitrit has served as external director of the Company since August 2018. From 2009 to 2016, he served as a portfolio manager at Meitav Co. & Altris Co. Since 2017, he has served as a self-employed hedge fund manager, a wealth management advisor for private clients and as an advisor in the finance and investment sector. Mr. Idan earned a bachelor of arts degree in Mathematics and Economics from Tel-Aviv University and an MBA in Finance from IDC in Herzliya, Israel.

Victor Bar has served as independent director of the Company since June 2017. In addition, Mr. Bar is director at his wholly-owned company, Victor Bar Consultant Ltd, where. since 2015 he has provided financial services including value estimations for companies and other entities. Between 2014 and 2016, Mr. Bar served as CFO of Edriel Israel Assets Ltd, a real estate company traded on Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Mr. Bar holds a B.A. in accounting and economy from Bar Ilan University and C.P.A license in Israel since 1992.

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B.          COMPENSATION
 
The table below reflects the compensation granted to our five most highly compensated office holders (as defined in the Companies Law) during or with respect to the year ended December 31, 2023. We refer to the five individuals for whom disclosure is provided herein as our “Covered Executives.” For purposes of the table below, “compensation” includes amounts accrued or paid in connection with management fees, salary cost, consultancy fees, bonuses, equity-based compensation, retirement or termination payments, benefits and perquisites such as car, phone and social benefits and any undertaking to provide such compensation. All amounts reported in the table are in terms of cost to the Company, as recognized in our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, plus compensation paid to such Covered Executives following the end of the year in respect of services provided during the year. Each of the Covered Executives was covered by our D&O liability insurance policy and was entitled to indemnification and exemption in accordance with applicable law and our articles of association.

Name and Principal Position
Salary
(1)
Management
Fees
 (2)
Bonus
(3)
Options
(4)
Total
 
NIS thousands
Zwi Williger (4)
Chairman of the Board
-
1,367
1,284
-
2,651
Joseph Williger (4)
CEO and Former Co-Chairman of the Board
-
1,369
1,284
-
2,653
Yitschak Barabi
Chief Financial Officer
720
-
60
268
1,048
Ran Asulin
Chief Trade and Selling Officer
695
-
60
268
1,023
Erez Winner
Senior officer (business development logistic operation and building) and Former CEO
876
-
60
-
936

(1)
Includes car and mobile phone benefits.
(2)
Includes tax gross-up payments.
(3)
Represents annual bonuses granted to the Covered Executive based on formulas set forth in the Company's compensation policy approved by shareholders in June 2021 (the "Amended Compensation Policy") and the agreements with each of the Covered Executives which was replaced by the Company's current compensation policy in March 2023.

Terms of Service of Each of Mr. Zwi Williger and Mr. Joseph Williger
 
On June 4, 2020, the shareholders approved an amendment to the Management Services Agreements pursuant to which each of Mr. Zwi Williger and Mr. Joseph Williger will act as an active co-Chairman of the Board of Directors in a 100% full-time position. Pursuant to the amendment, as of January 1, 2020 and for a period of three years, the maximum annual Measurable Bonus to be paid to a co-chairman will not exceed the amount set forth in the Company’s Revised Compensation Policy, NIS 2.5 6 million (currently approximately USD 0.8 7 million), provided that the Company’s annual minimum operating profit before bonuses exceeds NIS 30 million (currently USD 98.33 27 million).

The main terms and conditions of each of the Management Services Agreements, as amended on June 4, 2020, are as follows:

 (a)          Monthly service fees of NIS 108,000 300 (currently approximately USD 29.8 9 thousand) (excluding VAT).

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In addition to the monthly service fees, the co-Chairman will be entitled to annual remuneration, remuneration for participation in meetings of the Board of Directors and/or its committees according the “minimum amount” as set forth in the Israeli Companies Regulations (Rules Regarding Compensation and expenses of an External Director), 5760-2000 (the “Compensation Regulations”) and in accordance with the level of equity of the Company as defined in the Compensation Regulations (as amended from time to time).

(b)          Profit Related Bonus - an annual bonus determined according to measurable quantitative criteria:

 Payment of the Measurable Bonus will be subject to achieving an operating profit target before bonuses to all Company’s officers (the “Bonuses”) of at least NIS 30 million (currently approximately USD 8.27 million) (the “Minimum Operating Profit before Bonuses”).

Achieving or exceeding the Minimum Operating Profit before Bonuses the co-Chairman will entitle to receive a bonus in the following manner: (i) a Bonus of 2% of the actual operating profit before Bonuses up to and including NIS 10 million (currently approximately USD 2.76 million); (ii) a Bonus of 3% of the actual operating profit before Bonuses above NIS 10 million and up to and including NIS 15 million (currently approximately USD 4.14 million); (iii) ) a Bonus of 4% of the actual operating profit before Bonuses above NIS 15 million and up to and including NIS 20 million (currently approximately USD 5.51 million); (iv) a Bonus of 5% of actual operating profit before Bonuses exceeding NIS 20 million.

The maximum annual Measurable Bonus to be paid to the co-chairman will not exceed NIS 2.5 million (currently approximately USD 0.69 million).

(c)           The Company may terminate the Management Service Agreements at any time, and for any reason, by prior written notice of at least three months in the first year of acting as co-Chairman and by prior written notice of at least four months after the first year.

The co-Chairman may terminate their respective Management Service Agreement at any time, and for any reason, by prior written notice of at least three months.

During the notice period, the co-Chairman must fulfill his duties in order to ensure the continued and smooth operation of the Company, unless the Board decides to conclude his service before the end of the Notice Period.

(d)         Upon termination of Management Services Agreement by the Company, the co-Chairman will be entitled to a retirement grant in an amount equal to six (6) monthly service fees (provided that the Company did not terminate the Management Services Agreement in circumstances specified in the agreement), and three (3) monthly service fees following termination of the Management Services Agreement by the applicable co-Chairman.

The co-Chairman will be entitled to a retirement grant described above, provided the co-Chairman has been acting as co-Chairman the Company for at least one (1) year.

(e)          The Company will provide the co-Chairman with use of a vehicle, the value of which will not exceed the amount of NIS 400,000 (currently approximately USD 110,284). The Company will cover all the operating expenses of the Company car (excluding fines), including grossing up the related tax. In case, at the request of the co-Chairman, the value of the vehicle will exceed the amount of NIS 400,000, the co-Chairman will reimburse the Company with any amount exceeding NIS 400,000.

(f)           Benefits in general, including the social benefits of the co-Chairman and income tax payments, national insurance payments and other payments due to employees in respect of their employment, are to be paid for at the sole expense of the co-Chairman’s Management Company. The co-Chairman’s Management Company has undertaken to indemnify the Company with respect to any claims against the Company with respect to employer/employee relations.

On March 14, 2023, the Company's shareholders approved new terms of service for each of Mr. Zwi Williger and Mr. Joseph Williger, commencing as of January 1, 2023 as follows:

(a)          Monthly service fees of NIS 108,300 (USD 29.9 thousand) (excluding VAT).

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(b)          Profit Related Bonus - an annual bonus determined according to measurable quantitative criteria:

-             Payment of the Measurable Bonus will be subject to achieving an average of the minimum operating profit of the Company before bonuses during the last three (3) years (i.e., the year in which the bonus is granted and the previous two (2) years) (the “Bonuses” and "Average Operating Profit Before Bonuses", respectively) of at least NIS 40 million (USD 11.0 million) (the “Minimum Average Operating Profit before Bonuses”).

-            Subject to the Company's Achieving or exceeding the Minimum Average Operating Profit before Bonuses, the Chairman/ CEO shall be entitled to receive a bonus in the following manners follows: (i) a Bonus of 2.5% of the Average Operating Profit Before Bonuses for the amount exceeding above NIS 10 million (USD 2.8 million) and up to and including NIS 15 million (USD 4.1 million); (ii) a Bonus of 3% of the Average Operating Profit Before Bonuses for the amount exceeding above NIS 15 million and up to and including NIS 25 million (USD 6.9 million); (iii) a Bonus of 4.15% of Average Operating Profit Before Bonuses for the amount exceeding NIS 25 million and up to and including NIS 40 million (USD 11.0 million); (iv)  a Bonus of 5% of the Average Operating Profit Before Bonuses for the amount exceeding above NIS 40 million and up to and including NIS 55 million (USD 15.1 million); and (v) a Bonus of 5.5% of the Average Operating Profit Before Bonuses for any amount exceeding above NIS 55 million.

-              The maximum annual Bonus to be paid to the Chairman / CEO will not exceed an amount of NIS 2.4 million (USD 661.7 thousand).

(c)          The Company will provide the Chairman/ CEO with use of a vehicle, the value of which shall not exceed NIS 400,000 (USD 115.1 thousand). The Company shall allow the Chairman/ CEO to use a vehicle exceeding the value of NIS 400,000, upon the Chairman's/ CEO 's request provided that the Chairman/ CEO will reimburse the Company with any amount exceeding NIS 400,000. The Company will cover all the operating expenses of the Company car (excluding fines), including grossing up the related tax. The Company estimates the annual amount of the Company car benefits in the total amount of NIS 300,000.

(d)           Benefits in general, including the social benefits of the Chairman/ CEO and income tax payments, national insurance payments and other payments due to employees in respect of their employment, are to be paid for at the sole expense of the Chairman and CEO 's Management Company. The Chairman and CEO 's Management Company has undertaken to indemnify the Company with respect to any claims against the Company with respect to employer/employee relations.

(e)          The Chairman/ CEO will be included in the D&O insurance policy available to the Company and its subsidiaries under the same terms as other officers of the Company, and he will be entitled to an exemption and indemnification letter, which is identical to the form of exemption and indemnification that was approved by the General Meeting of Shareholders on July 20, 2005 for all directors and officers of the Company. It is hereby clarified, that the exemption does will not be valid regarding apply to any decision or transaction of the Company, in which a controlling shareholder or other officer of the Company, (including a different officer than the officer that has been granted the exemption letter) has a personal interest.

Terms of Office and Employment of Mr. Erez Winner, Senior Officer at the Company (business development logistic operation and building).

Mr. Winner served as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Company and then Chief Executive Officer of the Company from March 2021 until January 2023. Since his position as CEO of the Company ended, Mr. Winner has continued to provide his services as senior Officer and is entitled to a monthly salary in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement as approved by the certified organs of the Company, including salary, car, mobile phone. In addition, he also entitled to exemption and indemnification from the Company. Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Winner is entitled to a bonus based on the Company's operating profit. Each party may terminate the agreement by giving 60 days advance notice.

Terms of Office and Employment of Mr. Yitschak Barabi, Chief Financial Officer of the Company
 
Mr. Barabi has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company since September 1, 2019. Mr. Barabi is entitled to a monthly salary in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement as approved by the certified organs of the Company, including salary, car, mobile phone and accepted social conditions. In addition, he also entitled to exemption and indemnification from the Company. Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Barabi is entitled to a bonus based on the Company's operating profit. Each party may terminate the agreement by giving 60 days advance notice.

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Terms of Office and Employment of Mr. Ran Asulin, Chief Trade and Selling Officer of the Company

Mr. Asulin has served as Chief Trade and Selling Officer of the Company since February 24, 2020. Mr. Asulin is entitled to a monthly salary in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement as approved by the certified organs of the Company, including salary, car, mobile phone and accepted social conditions. In addition, Mr. Asulin also entitled to exemption and indemnification from the Company. Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Asulin is entitled to a bonus based on the Company's sales and gross profit. Each party may terminate the agreement by giving 60 days advance notice.

Aggregate Compensation of Directors and Officers

The aggregate compensation paid by the Company to its directors and officers as a group for the fiscal year 2023 was approximately NIS 6.8 million (USD 1.9 million), excluding bonuses in an aggregate amount of approximately NIS 2.9 million (USD 0.8 million) paid to Messrs. Joseph and Zwi Williger and other officers. These amounts include all contingent or deferred compensation payable to directors or officers during fiscal year 2023. These amounts also include payments to non-executive directors in the aggregate amount of approximately NIS 0.3 million (USD 0.1 million) during fiscal year 2023.
 
Compensation Policy
 
Pursuant to the Companies Law, a compensation policy must be reviewed and re-approved every three years, whether or not it has been amended. The Company’s Compensation Policy was most recently approved by shareholders on March 14, 2023. The objective of the Compensation Policy is to achieve the goals and work plans of the Company, including its long-term best interests by: (i) creating a reasonable and appropriate set of incentives for the Company’s executives; (ii) providing the tools necessary for recruiting, motivating and retaining talented and skilled executives; (iii) putting an emphasis on performance based compensation; and (iv) creating proper balance between the various compensation components (such as fixed versus variable components and short-term versus long-term).

C.          BOARD PRACTICES
 
Terms of Office
 
Except as to External Directors, who are discussed below, Directors are elected by the shareholders at the annual general meeting of the shareholders, except in certain cases where Directors are appointed by the Board of Directors, and their appointment is later ratified at the first annual general meeting of the shareholders thereafter. Except for External Directors, Directors serve until the next annual general meeting of the shareholders.
 
Alternate Directors
 
The Articles of Association of the Company provide that any director (except for External Directors) may, by written notice to the Company, appoint another person to serve as an alternate director. Under the Israeli Companies Law, the directors of the Company cannot appoint an incumbent director or an incumbent alternate director as an alternate director. The term of appointment of an alternate director may be for a specified period or until notice is given of the termination of the appointment. A Director who is member of a Board Committee may appoint anyone to be his alternate on that committee provided that the candidate for appointment as alternate is not a member of such committee.
 
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Audit Committee
 
Nasdaq Requirements
 
Our ordinary shares are listed for quotation on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and we are subject to the rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market applicable to listed companies. Under the current Nasdaq rules, a listed company is required to have an audit committee consisting of at least three independent directors, all of whom are financially literate and one of whom has accounting or related financial management expertise. Einav Brar (Chair), Idan Ben-Shitrit, and Victor Bar qualify as independent directors under the Nasdaq requirements and are members of the Audit Committee. The role of the audit committee for Nasdaq purposes includes assisting the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of the Company's accounting, auditing and reporting practices.

Israeli Companies Law Requirements
 
Under the Israeli Companies Law, the board of directors of a public company must appoint an audit committee, comprised of at least three directors including all of the external directors, with a majority of independent directors but excluding a:
 
The Chairman of the board of directors;
A controlling shareholder or his relative;
Any director employed by or who provides services to the company on a regular basis.
Any director employed by the controlling shareholder or by any corporation controlled by the controlling shareholder or who provides services to the controlling shareholder on a regular basis; and
Any director whose principal livelihood comes from the controlling shareholder.

The Chairman of the audit committee must be an external director.
 
The responsibilities of the audit committee under the Israeli Companies Law include, among others, identifying irregularities in the management of the company’s business, approving related party transactions as required by law, approving “actions” or “transactions” (as such terms are defined in the Israeli Companies Law), identifying deficiencies in the business management practices of the Company in consultation with the Company’s internal auditor or independent auditors and recommending to the Board ways to improve such practices and approving transactions with affiliates. In addition, the audit committee has certain powers with regard to transactions with controlling shareholders or with persons or entities in which the controlling shareholder has a personal interest, including the power to require a competitive procedure or in some cases other procedure prior to entering into such transactions and the power to establish a procedure for approving such transactions in cases they are not de minimis to the Company.
 
Compensation Committee
 
Israeli Companies Law Requirements
 
Idan Ben-Shitrit (Chair), Einav Brar and Victor Bar are members of the Board’s Compensation Committee. All of our Compensation Committee members have been determined to be eligible to be members of a compensation committee in accordance to the Israeli Companies Law.
 
Under the Israeli Companies Law, the compensation committee of a public company is required to consist of at least three members, all the external directors must be members of it and one of them must be appointed as chairperson, and the majority of the members must be independent. The remaining members must be directors who qualify to serve as members of the audit committee as defined in the Israeli Companies Law. The roles of the compensation committee include, among others:
 
Recommending the board of directors, the compensation policy for the company's office holders to be adopted by the company and to recommend to the board of directors, once every three years, regarding any extension or modification of the current compensation policy which had been approved for a period of more than three years;
From time to time, recommending to the board of directors regarding updates required to the compensation policy and examining the implementation thereof;
Determining whether to approve the company’s office holders’ terms of office and employment in situations that require the approval of the compensation committee in accordance with the Israeli Companies Law; and

According to the Israeli Companies Law, the terms of service and employment of a public company’s office holders (including cash and equity-based compensation, exemption from liability, indemnification, D&O insurance and other benefits and payments related to service and employment) are usually approved by the board of directors, while, the terms of service and employment of the directors and the CEO are usually approved also by the company's shareholders in accordance with the majority requirements of the Israeli Companies Law.
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Independent Directors
 
The Company is a “Controlled Company” within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules since more than 50% of its voting power is held by Willi-Food. As a Controlled Company, the Company is exempt from certain Nasdaq independence requirements, such as the requirement that a majority of the Board of Directors be independent and the rules relating to independence of directors approving nominations and executive compensation.
 
External Directors under the Israeli Companies Law/Financial Experts
 
The Israeli Companies Law requires that the Company have at least two external directors on its Board of Directors. The nomination of an external director under the Israeli Companies Law must be approved by a general meeting of shareholders provided that either: (a) the majority of shares voted at the meeting, including at least a majority of the shares of non-controlling shareholders and who do not have a personal interest in the appointment (excluding a personal interest which does not result from the shareholder's relation with the controlling shareholder) voted at the meeting, vote in favor of such arrangement (not including abstentions) or (b) the total number of shares voted against such arrangement does not exceed two percent of the aggregate voting rights in the company.
 
A “Controlling Shareholder” is defined in the Israeli Companies Law as a shareholder with the ability to control the actions of the Company, whether by majority ownership or otherwise, and for the purpose of transactions with related parties, the definition may include a shareholder who holds at least 25% of the voting rights in the Company, provided that there is no other shareholder who hold more than 50% of the voting rights in the company; if two or more shareholders who hold voting rights in the Company have a personal interest in the approval of a transaction with a related party will be seen as holding together. The Israeli Companies Law further requires that at least one external director have financial and accounting expertise, and that the other external director(s) have professional competence, as determined by the company’s board of directors. A director having financial and accounting expertise is a person who, due to his or her education, experience and talents is highly skilled in respect of, and understands, business-accounting matters and financial reports in a manner that enables him or her to understand in depth the company’s financial statements and to stimulate discussion regarding the manner in which the financial data is presented. Under the regulations, a director having professional competence is a person who has an academic degree in either economics, business administration, accounting, law or public administration or an academic degree in an area relevant to the company’s business, or has at least five years' experience in a senior position in the business management of a corporation with a substantial scope of business, in a senior position in the public service or a senior position in the field of the company’s business.
 
An external director is appointed for a period of three consecutive years and may be re-appointed for two additional three-year periods only, subject to certain conditions (including approval by shareholders at a general meeting) as provided under Israeli regulations. Under the Israeli Companies Law, any committee of the Board of Directors to which the Board of Directors has delegated its powers in whole or in part must include at least one external director. Under the Israeli Companies Law, the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee must include all the external directors.
 
The External Directors of the Company are Ms. Einav Brar and Mr. Idan Ben-Shitrit. Ms. Brar was elected by the Company shareholders on August 19, 2021 to serve for a period of three years, and was determined by the Board to have “financial and accounting expertise” under Israeli Companies Law. Mr. Ben-Shitrit was elected by the Company shareholders on August 19, 2021 to serve for a period of three years, and was determined by the Board to have “professional expertise” under the Israeli Companies law.
 
Internal Auditor
 
Under the Israeli Companies Law, Israeli companies whose securities are publicly traded are also required to appoint an internal auditor, as recommended by the audit committee. The role of the internal auditor is to check, among others, the integrity of the company's operations in terms of compliance with the law and proper business practice. Mr. Doron Yunisy, the Company’s internal auditor, works in accordance with an annual audit plan approved by the Audit Committee.

Indemnification
 
In accordance with the Israeli Companies Law and the Company’s Articles of Association, the Company has undertaken to indemnify and insure its directors and senior officers against certain liabilities which they may incur in connection with the performance of their duties. Under the terms of such indemnification provisions, the Company may, to the extent permitted by law, indemnify its directors or officers for legal expenses incurred by him/her in connection with such liabilities.
 
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Exemption
 
In May 2005, the Board of Directors and Audit Committee of the Company approved an exemption in advance to any director or officer from any liability to the Company attributed to damage or loss caused by breach of the director or the officer’s duty of care owed to the Company, except for such breach in distribution (as such term is defined in the Israeli Companies Law). Also, the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee and the shareholders approved an irrevocable indemnification of the Company officers with respect to any liability or expense paid for by the officer or that the officer may be obligated to pay.
 
In accordance with the Israeli Companies Law, an agreement with a controlling shareholder, such as the Company's exemption and indemnification letter to its controlling shareholders, must be approved every three years by the Company’s Audit Committee or Compensation Committee (as the case may be), the Board of Directors and a special majority of the Company shareholders.
 
All current officers and directors of the Company are parties to indemnification agreements.
 
Directors and officer's liability insurance policy
 
In accordance with the Israeli Companies Law, an agreement with a controlling shareholder, such as the Company's directors' and officers' liability insurance policy for its controlling shareholders, must be approved every three years by the Company’s Audit Committee or Compensation Committee (as the case may be), by the Board of Directors and by a special majority of the Company shareholders, unless it is approved in accordance with Article 1B(5) of the Israeli Companies Regulations (Relief with Respect to Transactions with Interested Parties), 5760-2000 (the “Relief Regulations”). On March 14, 2023 the Company shareholders approved an insurance policy for Messrs. Zwi Williger and Joseph Williger for a three-year period on the same terms such policy applies to the other directors and officers of the Company.
 
The company decided not to renew the insurance policy for directors and officers for the years 2022-2023.
 
Approval of Related Party Transactions under the Israeli Companies Law
 
Office Holders
 
The Israeli Companies Law codifies the fiduciary duties that office holders owe to a company. An office holder is defined as a general manager, chief executive officer, deputy general manager, vice general manager, any other person assuming the responsibilities of any of these positions regardless of that person’s title and a director or manager directly subordinate to the general manager. Each person listed in the table under "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees – A. Directors and Senior Management” is an office holder under the Israeli Companies Law.
 
Fiduciary duties. An office holder’s fiduciary duties consist of a duty of loyalty and a duty of care. The duty of loyalty requires the office holder to act in good faith and for the benefit of the Company, and includes, among other things, the duty to avoid any conflict of interest between the office holder’s position in the Company and his/her personal affairs. In addition, the duty of loyalty proscribes any competition with the Company or the exploitation of any business opportunity of the Company in order to receive personal advantage for him or herself or others. This duty also requires disclosure to the Company of any information or documents relating to the company’s affairs that the office holder has received due to his or her position as an office holder. The duty of care requires an office holder to act with a level of care that a reasonable office holder in the same position would employ under the same circumstances. This includes the duty to use reasonable means to obtain information regarding the advisability of a given action submitted for his or her approval or performed by virtue of his or her position and all other relevant information pertaining to these actions.
 
Compensation. The Israeli Companies Law requires that the terms of service and engagement of the chief executive officer, directors or controlling shareholders (or a relative thereof) receive the approval of the compensation committee, board of directors, and shareholders, subject to limited exceptions. Similarly, the terms of service and engagement of any officer other than the CEO must receive the approval of the compensation committee and board of directors. However, shareholder approval is only required if the compensation of such officer other than the CEO is not in accordance with the compensation policy. This compensation policy is required to take into account, among other things, providing proper incentives to directors and officers, taking into account the risk management of the Company, the officer’s contribution to achieving corporate objectives and increasing profits, and the function of the officer or director. Following the approval of the Compensation Committee and Board, a newly revised Compensation Policy was approved by the Company shareholders on March 14, 2023, for a period of three years commencing on January 1, 2023. For more information on the Company's Compensation Policy, see "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees – B. Compensation". In accordance with the Israeli Companies Law the compensation policy must be re-approved every three years, in the manner described above. The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing from time to time the compensation policy and determining whether or not there are circumstances that require adjustments to the current compensation policy.
 
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The Israeli Companies Law provides that a compensation policy requires shareholder approval by a special majority vote. Notwithstanding the above, the compensation committee and the board of directors may approve the compensation policy of a company, even if the shareholders do not approve such terms, provided that:
 
1) the compensation committee and after the Board decided, on the basis of detailed reasons and re-discussion of the compensation policy, the approval of the compensation policy despite the shareholders' objection is in favor of the company; and
 
2) the Company is not a "Public Pyramid Held Company", which is a public company controlled by another public company (including by a company that only issued debentures to the public), which is also controlled by another public company (including a company that only issued debentures to the public) that has a controlling shareholder.
 
Disclosure of personal interest. The Israeli Companies Law requires that an office holder promptly disclose to the company any personal interest that he or she may have and all related material information known to him or her, in connection with any existing or proposed transaction by the company. “Personal interest”, as defined by the Israeli Companies Law, includes a personal interest of any person in an act or transaction of the company, “Personal interest” does not apply to a personal interest stemming merely from the fact that the office holder is also a shareholder in the company. "Personal interest" also includes (1) the personal interest of a person who votes via a proxy for another person, even if the other person has no personal interest, and (2) the personal interest of a person who gives a proxy to vote even if the person who votes on his or her behalf has no personal interest, regardless of whether the discretion of how to vote lies with the person voting or not.
 
The office holder must make the disclosure of his or her personal interest promptly and, in any event, no later than the first meeting of the company’s board of directors that discusses the particular transaction. This duty does not apply to the personal interest of a relative of the office holder in a transaction unless it is an “extraordinary transaction”. The Israeli Companies Law defines an extraordinary transaction as a transaction not in the ordinary course of business, not on market terms or that is likely to have a material impact on the company’s profitability, assets or liabilities, and defines a relative as a spouse, sibling, parent, grandparent, descendent and spouse’s descendant, and includes a sibling, parent and spouse of any of the foregoing.
 
Approvals. The Israeli Companies Law provides that a transaction with an office holder or a transaction in which an office holder has a personal interest may not be approved if it is averse to the company’s interest. In addition, such a transaction generally requires board approval, unless the transaction is an extraordinary transaction or the articles of association provide otherwise. If the transaction is an extraordinary transaction, or if it concerns exculpation, indemnification or insurance of an office holder, then in addition to any approval stipulated by the articles of association, approval of the company’s audit committee or compensation committee (as the case may be) and board of directors, in that order, is required, and may also require special majority approval by shareholders. In accordance with the Israeli Companies Law, approval by both the compensation committee and the board of directors is required for all arrangements regarding terms of service, including cash and equity-based compensation, exemption from liability, indemnification, D&O insurance and other benefits and payments related to the service and employment of an office holder. Except for certain specific exemptions under the Israeli Companies Law, matters referred to herein with respect to the CEO of a public company or a director of a company (including engagement with respect to employment terms of a director in a position other than as a director) also require shareholder approval.

With respect to the CEO of a public company, or with respect to a director who is a controlling shareholder, shareholder approval must be by a special majority vote. With respect to transactions described above with the CEO, the compensation committee may determine that such transaction does not require shareholders' approval, provided that: (i) the CEO is considered to be "independent" based on criteria set forth in the Companies Law; (ii) the compensation committee determined, based on detailed reasons, that bringing the transaction to the approval of the shareholders may compromise the entering into the transaction; and (iii) the terms of the transaction are consistent with the company's compensation policy.
 
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In order to be approved, the terms of employment of Office Holders of a public company must be consistent with the company's compensation policy. However, the compensation committee and the board of directors may, under special circumstances, approve terms of employment which are not in accordance with the company's compensation policy if:
 
1)
the compensation committee and the board of directors have taken into consideration the mandatory considerations and criteria which are specified in the Israeli Companies Law for a compensation policy and the respective employment terms include such mandatory considerations and criteria; and
 
2)
the company's shareholders approved such terms of employment, subject to a special majority requirement.
 
Notwithstanding the above, the compensation committee and the board of directors may approve terms of employment of Office Holders (other than CEO or directors) that are not in accordance with the company's compensation policy, even if the shareholders' do not approve such terms, provided that:
 
1)
both the compensation committee and the board of directors re-discussed the transaction and decided to approve it despite the shareholders' objection, based on detailed reasons; and
 
2)
the Israeli company is not a "Public Pyramid Held Company", which is a public company controlled by another public company (including by a company that only issued debentures to the public), which is also controlled by another public company (including a company that only issued debentures to the public) that has a controlling shareholder.
 
Under the Israeli Companies Law, changes of the terms of a current arrangement regarding service and employment terms of an office holder (other than a director) may require only the approval of the compensation committee if the compensation committee determines that such changes are not material.
 
A director who has a personal interest in a matter that is considered at a meeting of the board of directors, compensation committee or audit committee may not attend that meeting or vote on that matter. However, if the chairman of the board of directors or the chairman of the compensation committee or audit committee determines that the presence of an office holder with a personal interest is required for the presentation of a matter, such officer holder may be present at the meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a director who has a personal interest may be present at the meeting and vote on the matter if a majority of the board of directors, compensation committee or audit committee also has a personal interest in the matter. If a majority of the board of directors, compensation committee or audit committee has a personal interest in the transaction, shareholder approval also would be required.

Shareholders
 
The Israeli Companies Law imposes the same requirements regarding disclosure to the company of a personal interest, as described above, on a controlling shareholder of a public company that it imposes on an office holder. For these purposes, a controlling shareholder is any shareholder who has the ability to direct the company’s actions, including any shareholder holding 25% or more of the voting rights if no other shareholder owns more than 50% of the voting rights in the company. Two or more shareholders with a personal interest in the approval of the same transaction are deemed to be one shareholder.

Unless approved in accordance with the Relief Regulations, approval of the audit committee, board of directors and shareholders, in that order, is required, among others, for:
 
extraordinary transactions with a controlling shareholder or in which a controlling shareholder has a personal interest; and
 
the terms of an engagement by the company, directly or indirectly, with a controlling shareholder or a controlling shareholder’s relative (including through a corporation controlled by a controlling shareholder), regarding the company’s receipt of services from the controlling shareholder, and if such controlling shareholder is also an office holder of the company, regarding his or her terms of employment.
 
The shareholder approval must include the majority of shares voted at the meeting. In addition, either:
 
the majority of the shares of the voting shareholders who have no personal interest in the transaction must vote in favor of the proposal (shares held by abstaining shareholders shall not be considered); or
 
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the total shareholdings of those who have no personal interest in the transaction and who vote against the transaction must not represent more than 2% of the aggregate voting rights in the company.
 
Furthermore, any extraordinary transaction with a controlling shareholder or in which a controlling shareholder has a personal interest with a term of more than three years requires the abovementioned approval every three years, unless, with respect to transactions not involving the receipt of services or compensation, the audit committee or compensation committee (as the case may be) determines that a longer term is reasonable under the circumstances.
 
In accordance with amendments to the Israeli Companies Law, approval by both the compensation committee and the board of directors is required for all arrangements regarding terms of service. Except for certain specific exemptions under the Companies Law, matters referred to herein with respect to the CEO of a public company or a director of a company (including engagement with respect to employment terms of a director in a position other than as a director) also require shareholder approval. With respect to the CEO of a public company, or with respect to a director who is a controlling shareholder, shareholder approval must be by a special majority vote, provided that either:
 
1)
such majority includes a majority of the total votes of shareholders who have no personal interest in the approval of the transaction (and in case of a CEO, who are not a controlling shareholder) and who participate in the voting, in person, by proxy or by written ballot, at the meeting (abstentions not taken into account); or
 
2)
the total number of votes of shareholders mentioned above that vote the transaction do not represent more than 2% of the total voting rights in the company.
 
The Israeli Companies Law requires that every shareholder who participates in person, by proxy or by voting instrument in a vote regarding a transaction with a controlling shareholder must indicate either in advance or on the ballot whether or not that shareholder has a personal interest in the vote in question. Failure to so indicate will result in the invalidation of that shareholder’s vote.
 
Under the Israeli Companies Law, a shareholder has a duty to act in good faith towards the Company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing his or her power in the company including, among other things, when voting in a general meeting of shareholders or in a class meeting on the following matters:
 
any amendment to the articles of association;
 
an increase in the company’s authorized share capital;
 
a merger; or
 
approval of actions and transactions that require shareholder approval.

A shareholder has a general duty to refrain from depriving any other shareholder of their rights as a shareholder. In addition, any controlling shareholder, any shareholder who knows that he/she possesses the power to determine the outcome of a shareholder vote, and any shareholder who has the power to appoint or prevent the appointment of an office holder in the company is under a duty to act with fairness towards the company. The Israeli Companies Law does not describe the substance of this duty of fairness except to state that the remedies generally available for breach of contract would also apply in the event of a breach of the duty to act with fairness toward the company.
 
D.          EMPLOYEES
 
As of December 31, 2023, the Company, including its subsidiaries, employed a total of 207 persons all of them are located in Israel, 7 of whom were in management, 43 of whom were in accounting and importing positions, 44 of whom were involved in the Company's sales and marketing departments and 113 of whom were employed in logistics networks (warehousing and transportation).
 
All the Company's employees are party to written employment contracts.
 
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The Company has complied with and is in compliance with all material respects with all laws and other legal requirements relating to the employment of labor (including, without limitation, provisions thereof relating to wages, hours, equal opportunity, collective bargaining and the payment of social pension benefits and the payment or withholding of payroll or similar taxes for employees, or any other applicable law or regulation concerning the employees of the Company).
 
The Extension Order for Mandatory Pension Insurance and the Extension Order for Increasing the Allocations to Pension Insurance (the "Extension Orders") that apply to the Company, require the maintenance of pension insurance for the benefit of its employees (the "Pension Insurance"). The Extension Orders settle the contribution of certain percentages of the employee's monthly insured salary to a Pension Insurance that may be one of the two following types: pension fund or insurance fund. The contribution is made by both the Company and its employees.
 
Each month, the employee contributes an amount equals to 6% of his insured salary, and the Company contributes an additional amount equals to 12.5% or 14.83% of the employee's insured salary. The contributions made by the Company to the pension fund cover 72% or 100% of the Company's severance liability towards its employees in case of termination (the differences in coverage depends on the amount the Company contributes to the severance part of the Pension Insurance). In the event that the Company contributes amounts to the severance part of the pension insurance that cover only 72% of the Company's severance liability, then in the case of termination of employment relations that entitle the employee to a payment of full severance pay under the law, the Company shall pay to the employee a supplementary amount. Furthermore, Israeli employees and employers are required to pay predetermined sums to the Israeli National Insurance Institute (which is similar, to some extent, to the United States Social Security Administration). The payments thereto range from 6.95% to 18.75% of wages; the employee’s share range from 3.5% to 12% (depending on the marginal level of wages) and the employer’s share range from 3.45% to 6.75%.
 
E.          SHARE OWNERSHIP
 
For information regarding the share ownership of Directors and Officers of the Company see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions – A. Major Shareholders”.

2022 Share Award Plan

On May 3, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted an options plan for Company officers and employees (the “Options Plan”). The Options Plan is intended to advance the interests of the Company and its shareholders by attracting and retaining the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, providing additional incentive to employees, officers, directors, advisors and consultants and promoting a close identity of interests between those individuals and the Company and/or its Affiliate.

The number of shares that may be issued under the Options Plan is subject to adjustment if particular capital changes affect our share capital or such other number as our board of directors may determine from time to time. If an award expires or becomes non-exercisable without having been exercised in full, the non-purchased shares which were subject thereto shall, unless the Option Plan shall have been terminated, become available for grant or sale under the Option Plan. Shares issued under the Option Plan and later repurchased by the Company pursuant to any repurchase right which the Company may have, shall be available for future grant under the Option Plan. As of March, 21, 2024, we had an aggregate of 141,500 ordinary shares available for issuance under the Plan (including ordinary shares underlying outstanding options and restricted share units).

Our board of directors, or a duly authorized committee of our board of directors, administers the Option Plan. The administrator has the authority, to grant awards, determine and amend the terms of awards, including the exercise price of an option award, the fair market value of an ordinary share, the time and vesting schedule applicable to an award or the method of payment for an award, accelerate or amend the vesting schedule applicable to an award, prescribe the forms of agreement for use under the Option Plan and take all other actions and make all other determinations necessary for the administration of the Option Plan.

The administrator also has the authority to amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Option Plan or terminate the Option Plan at any time before the date of expiration of its ten-year term (unless extended by the administrator pursuant to the provisions of the Option Plan).

Participants who are employees of the Company may be granted options subject to Section 102 of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance (New Version) (the "Ordinance"), 1961, or the Israeli Tax Ordinance. Section 102 of the Israeli Tax Ordinance allows employees, directors and officers who are not controlling shareholders (as defined for those purposes under the Israeli Tax Ordinance) and are considered Israeli residents to receive favorable tax treatment for compensation in the form of shares or options. Our non-employee service providers and controlling shareholders may only be granted options under another section 3(i) of the Israeli Tax Ordinance, which does not provide for similar tax benefits. Section 102 includes two alternatives for tax treatment involving the issuance of options or shares to a trustee for the benefit of the grantees and also includes an additional alternative for the issuance of options or shares directly to the grantee. The Board shall make an election with respect to either Section 102 Capital Gain Track or Section 102 Employment Income Track in accordance with the provisions of Section 102(g) of the Ordinance.

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The Option Plan provides for the grant of options, ordinary shares, restricted shares, restricted share units, stock appreciation rights, performance units, performance shares and other share or cash awards as the administrator may determine. 

F.           DISCLOSURE OF A REGISTRANT’S ACTION TO RECOVER ERRONEOUSLY AWARDED COMPENSATION

None.

ITEM 7.  MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
A.          MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
 
The following table shows the beneficial ownership of ordinary shares as of March 21, 2024 by:

each person known by the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of ordinary shares;

each of the Company’s named executive officers and directors; and

all of the Company’s named executive officers and directors as a group.

Unless otherwise indicated, the Company believes that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned by them. Except as otherwise noted herein, the number and percentage of ordinary shares beneficially owned is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such rule, beneficial ownership includes any ordinary shares as to which the holder has sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any ordinary shares which the holder has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 21, 2024 through the exercise of any option, conversion or any other right. As of March, 21, 2024, there were 13,867,017 ordinary shares outstanding.

Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each beneficial owner is c/o G. Willi-Food International Ltd., 4 Nahal Harif Street, Northern Industrial Zone, Yavne 81106, Israel.

Name and Address
 
Number of
Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned
   
Percentage of Ordinary Shares
 
Willi-Food Investments Ltd.
   
8,200,542
     
59.14
%
B.S.D. Crown Ltd. (1)
   
8,971,617
     
64.7
%
Joseph and Zwi Williger (2)
   
9,918,995
     
71.53
%
Brian Gaines (3)
   
804,204
     
5.8
%
The Phoenix Holdings Ltd. (4)
   
1,051,121
     
7.58
%

(1)
Includes (i) 8,200,542 Ordinary Shares held by Willi-Food, and (ii) 771,075 Ordinary Shares held by B.S.D. Crown Ltd. (“BSD”). Willi-Food is controlled by its majority shareholder, BSD, and BSD may be deemed to beneficially own all of the shares owned by Willi-Food.
(2)
As of the date hereof, JW directly owns though a wholly-owned company 13,251 Ordinary Shares and ZW directly owns though a wholly-owned company 934,127 Ordinary Shares. JW and ZW together own 100% of B.S.D shares and each be deemed to beneficially own 9,918,995 Ordinary Shares (comprised of 8,200,542 Ordinary Shares held directly by WIL, 771,075 Ordinary Shares held directly by B.S.D, 13,251 Ordinary Shares held directly by JW and 934,127 Ordinary Shares held directly by ZW), or approximately 71.53% of the outstanding Ordinary Shares. Thus, as of the date hereof, each of JW and ZW may be deemed to have the shared power to vote, or direct the voting of, and the shared power to dispose of, or direct the disposition of, all such shares.

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(3)
Based on a Schedule 13G filed February 14, 2024, this amount consists of 635,654 Ordinary Shares (representing approximately 4.6% of our total shares outstanding) directly held by Springhouse Capital (Master), L.P. (the “Fund”), and 128,959 Ordinary Shares owned by Mr. Gaines for his own account and an additional 39,591 Ordinary Shares held by immediate family members in accounts Mr. Gaines controls, and that Mr. Gaines may be deemed to beneficially own (in total representing approximately 1.2% of our total shares outstanding). Mr. Gaines serves as managing member of Springhouse Capital Management G.P., LLC (“Springhouse”) and as a director of Springhouse Asset Management, Ltd. (the “General Partner”) and, as a result, may be deemed to beneficially own shares owned by the Fund. Springhouse is the general partner of Springhouse Capital Management, L.P. (“Management”) and, as a result, may be deemed to beneficially own shares owned by the Fund. Management is the investment manager of the Fund and as a result, may be deemed to beneficially own shares owned by the Fund. The General Partner is the general partner of the Fund, and, as a result, may be deemed to beneficially own shares owned by the Fund.
(4)
Based on information provided to us by the Phoenix Holdings Ltd. on January 1, 2024, these shares are beneficially owned by various direct or indirect, majority or wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Phoenix Holdings Ltd. (the “Subsidiaries”). The Subsidiaries manage their own funds and/or the funds of others, including for holders of exchange-traded notes or various insurance policies, members of pension or provident funds, unit holders of mutual funds, and portfolio management clients. Each of the Subsidiaries operates under independent management and makes its own independent voting and investment decisions.
 
Holdings by U.S. Shareholders
 
As of March 7, 2024, ten U.S. record holder held in the aggregate 75% of our ordinary shares.

B.          RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
Management Service Agreements.
 
See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions – B. Related Party Transactions – Management Service Agreements”.
 
Services to Willi-Food  

The Company provides certain services to Willi-Food on an on-going basis, including office space and certain management, financial and administrative services, pursuant to a services agreement effective May 19, 1997, as most recently amended on June 4, 2020 and as extended on March 14, 2023.

Pursuant to this agreement, Willi-Food is entitled to manage its operations from the Company’s executive offices in Yavne, including use of an office space and facilities and certain management, financial, accounting, legal, administrative and secretarial services.
 
Pursuant to this agreement, Willi-Food is to pay the Company a monthly amount of NIS 10,000 for these services and for external services that are provided at the same time to the Company and to the subsidiary by the same third party, such as legal services, auditing services, etc., but excluding unique and specific services that are provided to the Company or to Willi-Food.
 
Under the Companies Law, an agreement with a controlling shareholder must be approved every three years by the Audit Committee, Board of Directors and by a special majority of the General Meeting of Shareholders. On March 14, 2023 following the approval of the Company's Audit Committee and Board of Directors, the General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company approved the extension of the above service agreement, for a three-year period ending December 31 2025.
 
C.          INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
 
Not applicable.
 
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ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
A.          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
The financial statements required by this item are found at the end of this report, beginning on page F-1.
 
Dividend Policy
 
Pursuant to a dividend distribution policy adopted in August 2021, the Company will distribute to its shareholders a dividend at a cumulative annual rate of at least 40% of the Company's annual net profit according to its most recent audited or reviewed consolidated financial statements.

Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on a number of factors, including future earnings, our financial condition, operating results, contractual restrictions, capital requirements, business prospects, applicable Israeli law and other factors our Board of Directors may deem relevant.

Legal Proceedings

On November 4, 2018 the Company filed a NIS 4,183,208 lawsuit against the Company’s former controlling shareholder – Mr. Gregory Gurtovoy and against five (former) Company directors and senior office holder - Israel Joseph Schneerson, Pavel Buber, Iram Ephraim Graiver. Ilan Menachem Admon and Zalman Vigler (hereafter jointly: the “Defendants”). According to the Company, the Defendants conspired to cause the use of millions of NIS of the Company funds as collaterals to loans extended to foreign private companies related to the Company’s controlling shareholders on dates which are relevant to the lawsuit without obtaining the required approvals from the Company’s directors and without issuing the required report to Company’s shareholders. The lawsuit is based on the claim that an agreement signed by the Company, whereunder it has allegedly invested in the bonds of a Czech company, is not a genuine agreement; rather, it is claimed, the purpose of the agreement was to assist the then controlling shareholders (Gregory Gurtovoy and others) to secure private loans extended by the Austrian bank Meinl, while using the company's funds for their concealed and inappropriate purposes. The Company demands that the Defendants compensate it for the funds that were not refunded to the Company (in NIS values) plus a compensation at the rate of the alternative yield and a compensation equal to the amounts paid by the Company to enable the refund of the funds.

On January 24, 2019, the Defendants filed statements of defense, various motions (to dismiss in limine and/or delay the proceedings) and a counterclaim against Willi-food and against the Company as part of this proceeding.

On December 25, 2019, the Court issued a resolution which approves an application to give a Court ruling status to a compromise agreement signed between G. Willi-Food and Mr. Ilan Admon; according to the said compromise agreement, the mutual claims lodged on behalf of the parties in this filed were rejected without issuing an order for court costs.

On April 10, 2022, was issued confirming the agreements between G. Willi-food and Mr. Pavel Buber and according to which the mutual claims filed on behalf of the parties in the case were rejected. The proceedings relating to the other defendants shall continue as planned.

On July 23, 2017, Mr. Iram Graiver, former CEO of the Company and Willi-Food (hereinafter - “Mr. Graiver”) filed a lawsuit to the Regional Labor Court in Tel Aviv Jaffa (hereinafter - “the Labor Court”) claiming payment of social rights and different compensations at the total amount of NIS 2,377,305. On November 26, 2017, the Company filed a statement of defense. On July 27, 2017, the Company filed a lawsuit to the Labor Court against Mr. Graiver, demanding that he repays funds that he has taken unlawfully from the Company, amounting to NIS 1,694,325. According to the Company, throughout his term of employment as an office holder in the Company, the defendant has unlawfully taken from the Company salary, bonus in respect of 2016 and reimbursement of expenses. According to the Company, Mr. Graiver has done so while breaching his fiduciary duty and his duty of care towards the Company as well as the cogent provisions of the Companies Law, 5759-1999, whereby it is mandatory that payments of the type taken from the Company by Mr. Graiver are approved by the General Meeting of the Company’s shareholders; according to the Company, Mr. Graiver has not obtained such an approval. On November 2, 2017, a resolution was issued to join the hearings pertaining to the two proceedings described above. On November 26 2017 statements of defense were filed by the Company and Mr. Graiver and on March 7 2018 a preliminary hearing was held. The parties are in the process of document discovery and review. Proof hearing was held on January 15 2020. Second Proof hearing was held on June 7 2020. Third Proof hearing (and last) held on October 31 2021. On March 17, 2022, summaries were submitted on behalf of Mr. Graver, on July 7, 2022, summaries were submitted on behalf of the Company. On August 14, 2022, response summaries were submitted on behalf of Mr. Graver. A judgment was given on November 27, 2022 and it was ruled that the Company must pay an immaterial amount to Mr. Graver. The Company filed a request for a temporary stay order against the payment of the stipulated amount received on December 29, 2022. A hearing was held before the National Labor Court on September 11, 2023. No judgment has yet been given. In light of the above, the company's management estimates that the registration, in the financial statements and in the notes to the financial statements regarding the procedure, is satisfactory.
 
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              A lawsuit and request for approval as a representative was submitted to the Central District Court on June 24, 2020, against the Company, Euro Dairy Europe Ltd. and another respondent. According to the applicant, the Company marketed a number of products with misleading labeling and contrary to the provisions of the law and the relevant standards. The Company reply to the request on January 22, 2024. Response summaries have been submitted, awaiting a decision on the approval request. At this stage, the Company and its legal advisors cannot assess the chances of the lawsuit.

A lawsuit and a motion to approve it as class action was filed on September 8, 2020, against Euro European Dairies to the Haifa district court. The applicant claimed that Euro European Dairies violated its obligations to import and market Gaude cheese in the quantities and prices it undertook as part of duty-free tenders. The applicant claims that he and the members of the group suffered damages in the amount of NIS 57 million. A mediation meeting was held on February 26, 2023.  The parties reached an understanding without relinquishing or waving their respective claims. On July 24, 2023, a request was submitted to approve the settlement agreement reached by the parties. In accordance with the settlement agreement approved by the court on September 28, 2023, Euro Dairies of Europe undertook to provide an additional amount of 107 additional tons at controlled prices, to pay NIS 300,000 for the requesting and compensation to the lawyer in the amount of NIS 300,000, as well as to pay NIS 200,000 to the fund for class actions (according to S. 27A of the Law on Class Actions).

A lawsuit and a motion to approve it as class action was filed on August 2, 2021, against G. Willi-Food and another 5 respondents to the District Court. The applicant claimed that the Company marketed several products with misleading captions and contrary to the provisions of the law and the relevant regulations. The applicant claims that he and the members of the group suffered financial damages in amount of NIS 100 million and Non-financial damages in amount of NIS 378 million. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for January 22, 2024. cancelled and has not yet been rescheduled. At this early stage, the Company and/or its legal advisors are unable to assess the chances of the lawsuit, however experience shows that most lawsuits of this type do not proceed to the end and usually end in settlement agreements.
 
A lawsuit and a motion to approve it as class action was filed on November 8, 2021, against the Company to the District Court. The applicant claimed that the Company marketed several products with misleading captions and contrary to the provisions of the law and the relevant regulations. The applicant claims that he and the members of the group suffered damages in amount of NIS 57 million. A response was submitted on February 9, 2022. On November 14, 2022, a pre-trial hearing was held, at the end of which it was decided that the parties must reach agreements by December 15, 2022. On January 24, 2023, an agreed notification was submitted according to which the parties were unable to reach an agreement. On September 14, 2023 another pre-trial hearing was held. Summaries on behalf of the applicant were submitted on December 27, 2023. Response summaries have been submitted, awaiting a decision on the approval request. At this preliminary stage, it is difficult to assess the chances of the application and the lawsuit. 

On May 25, 2022, a request for a lawsuit and a request for approval as a representative was submitted to the Central District Court against the Company. According to the applicant, the Company marketed a product with a misleading label and contrary to the provisions of the law and the relevant standards. The applicant claims that he and the other members of the group suffered monetary and non-monetary damage in the amount of NIS 2.5 million. A request for outright dismissal was submitted. A hearing for the request was scheduled for March 12, 2023. The court recommended to the parties an outline of a compensated withdrawal. On March 19, 2023, the parties announced their agreement to withdraw.

On February 20, 2023, the Euro European Dairies (the Company) received, from the Ashdod Customs House, a notice of a charge for a deficit of NIS 1.75 million, which includes interest and fine. In the letter of demand, it is claimed that the company imported soft cheeses in a salt water solution and paid duty only for the weight of the cheese without the weight of the salt water solution. According to the customs house, customs must also be paid for the salt water solution. After the customs house rejected the appeal that the company filed on the debit notices, The company paid the debt in the debit notices and submitted a lawsuit to the Magistrate's Court in Petah Tikva to cancel the notices and to recover the amounts paid by it plus interest and linkage. A pre-trial was scheduled to May 1, 2024. At this stage, the Company and its legal advisors cannot assess the chances of the lawsuit.

41


B.          SIGNIFICANT CHANGES

We are not aware of any significant changes bearing upon our financial condition since the date of the audited consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
 
ITEM 9.  THE OFFER AND LISTING
 
A.           OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS
 
Our ordinary shares have been traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market since May 19, 1997 and currently have the ticker “WILC”. Our ordinary shares have been traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since June 15, 2020 under the ticker symbol “WILF”.
 
B.           PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
Not applicable.

C.           MARKETS
 
In May 1997, our ordinary shares began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "WILCF". On March 25, 2005, the Company's Nasdaq ticker symbol was changed to "WILC". Our ordinary shares have been traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since June 15, 2020 under the ticker symbol “WILF”.
 
D.           SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
 
Not applicable.
 
E.           DILUTION
 
Not applicable.
 
F.           EXPENSES ON THE ISSUE
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 10.  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
A.           SHARE CAPITAL
 
Not applicable.
 
B.           MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
 
Purposes and Objects of the Company

We are an Israeli public company registered under the Israeli Companies Law as G. Willi-Food International Ltd.; registration number 52-004320-9.
 
On March 20, 2014, shareholders approved an amendment to Article 6 of our articles of association changing the objectives of the Company from engaging in importing, exporting and marketing of products and other commodities to engaging in any lawful activity. Our Board of Directors is empowered to embark on or withdraw from any business in which we deal. Under our articles of association, our Board of Directors is entitled to donate reasonable amounts to worthy causes, even if such donation is not within the framework of our business considerations.
 
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The Powers of Directors

The powers of a Director to vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which such Director is materially interested is limited by the relevant provisions of the Israeli Companies Law. In addition, the power of the Directors to vote compensation to themselves or any members of their body requires the approval of the Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors and, unless approved in accordance with the Relief Regulations, the shareholders at a general meeting. Compensation and indemnification of expenses of External Directors must be in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Israeli Companies Law.
 
The Israeli Companies Law and our Articles of Association require that a director or Office Holder promptly disclose, either at a board meeting or by way of a general notice, any personal interest that he or she may have and all related material information know to him or her in connection with any existing or proposed transaction by the Company. In addition, if the transaction is an extraordinary transaction (as defined in the Israeli Companies Law), the member of the Board of Directors or Office Holder, must also disclose any personal interest held by his or her spouse, siblings, parents, grandparents, descendants, spouse’s descendants and the spouses of any of the foregoing.
 
Once the Director or Office Holder complies with the above disclosure requirements, the Company may approve the transaction in accordance with the provisions of the Articles of Association. If the transaction is with a third party in which the member of the Board of Directors or Office Holder has a potential interest, the approval must confirm that the transaction is not averse to the Company’s interest. Furthermore, if the transaction is an extraordinary transaction, then, in addition to any approval stipulated by the Articles of Association, it also must be approved by the Audit Committee and then by the Board of Directors, and, under certain circumstances, by a meeting of the shareholders of the Company. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees - C. Board Practices – Approval of Related Party Transactions under the Israeli Companies Law”.
 
Directors with respect to whom the foregoing matters are brought for Board of Directors or Audit Committee approval are not entitled to be present during discussions of, nor to participate in the vote for approval of, such matters at Board and/or Audit Committee meetings, unless a majority of Audit Committee or Board members, as the case may be, have a personal interest in such matter or the matter involves non-extraordinary transactions between the Company and either a Director or a third party in which a Director has a personal interest. The Israeli Companies Law further provides that in the event that a majority of board members have a personal interest in such a matter, shareholder approval is also required.
 
The Articles of Association provide that the Board of Directors, subject to the Israeli Companies Law, may, at its discretion from time to time in accordance with the needs of the Company, make decisions to borrow and/or obtain credit facilities in any amount and to secure the repayment thereof either by mortgage, charge or other security on the Company’s undertakings or on its property, in whole or in part (both existing and future) including the share capital of the company which is, at the time, uncalled.
 
Subject to applicable provisions of the Israeli Companies Law regarding matters that the Board of Directors may not delegate to a committee or matters for which a committee may only make recommendation to the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors may delegate its powers to committees consisting of at least three (3) Directors, including at least one External Director. A resolution passed or an action taken by a directors’ committee has the same validity as a resolution passed or an action taken by the Board of Directors, unless otherwise specifically expressed in the resolution of the Board of Directors that established said committee.
 
Rights Attached to Shares

The Company is authorized to issue 49,893,520 Ordinary Shares, par value NIS 0.10 and 106,480 Preferred Shares, par value NIS 0.10, each ranking pari passu. The Company may alter the share capital of the Company in accordance with the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law and the Articles of Association. The rights attached to the Company’s Shares are as follows:
 
Dividend Rights

Holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled to participate pari passu with all other shareholders of the Company’s Ordinary Shares in any distribution of a dividend, whether in cash, assets, or in any other legal form, declared, as well as the right to participate pari passu with all other holders of our Ordinary Shares in the distribution of bonus shares resolved by the Company. The Articles of Association note that a shareholder shall not be entitled to receive a dividend or bonus shares as above, and shall not be entitled to exercise any right as a shareholder unless he has paid in full all notices of call delivered to him, together with linkage differences, interest and expenses owed, as applicable, on calls which have not been paid by him on time.
 
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Voting Rights

Holders of Ordinary Shares of the Company have the right to receive notices of general meetings of the Company, to be present, and to participate and vote therein. Each holder of Ordinary Shares in the Company has the right to one vote per share in the general meetings of the Company on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. A shareholder may vote in person, via proxy, or by means of a written form (“Voting Instrument”) described in the Articles of Association. Any resolution of the Company in a general meeting shall be deemed duly passed if passed by a simple majority of registered shareholders present and voting, unless a different majority is required by the Israeli Companies Law or the Articles of Association.

Under the Articles of Association, the Directors (who are not External Directors) are elected annually by the shareholders at the annual meeting. Such directors hold office until the conclusion of the next annual meeting or until their earlier removal or resignation. In addition, at least two (2) External Directors who comply with the qualifications described in the Israeli Companies Law must serve on the Board of Directors. External Directors are appointed by a majority vote at a general meeting, provided that: (i) the majority vote includes at least a majority of the shares of non-controlling shareholders who do not have a personal interest in the appointment (excluding a personal interest not resulting from the shareholder's relation with the controlling shareholder), as described in the Israeli Companies Law, voted at the meeting, with abstentions not taken into consideration in calculating the total number of the non-controlling shareholders, and (ii) the total number of shares of such non-controlling shareholders referred to in clause (1) voting against the resolution appointing an External Director is not more than two percent (2%) of the overall voting rights in the Company. External Directors are appointed for a term of three (3) years and their office may be extended by a resolution of the general meeting passed by special majority as mentioned above, for an additional three (3) years terms. An External Director may be removed from office only in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Israeli Companies Law.
 
If no Directors are elected at an annual meeting, then the persons who served as Directors immediately prior to the annual meeting will continue to serve as directors unless otherwise determined by the annual meeting or by the Board of Directors. A Director who has ceased to serve in office is eligible for reelection. The Board of Directors has the power to appoint additional Directors to fill a vacancy, so long as the number of directors will not exceed a number of Directors approved at a general meeting. Any Director so appointed will hold office until the conclusion of the next annual meeting unless he is removed or resigns earlier.

Rights in the Company’s Profits

The shareholders of the Company have the right to share in the Company’s profits distributed as a dividend and any other permitted distribution. See “– Dividend Rights” above.
 
Rights in the Event of Liquidation

Holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled to receive any return of capital, pari passu, with all other ordinary shareholders, upon the dissolution of the Company. Holders of Ordinary Shares are also entitled to participate, pari passu, with all other Ordinary Shareholders in the distribution of the surplus of the Company’s assets available for distribution in the event of dissolution of the Company which remain after the Company has paid the holders of Ordinary Shares all amounts payable as return of capital.
 
Liability to Further Capital Calls by the Company

If the terms of allotment of any shares of the Company do not specify a particular date for the payment of all of the consideration which is to be paid therefore, or any part thereof, our board of directors may, from time to time, as it deems fit, make calls on the shareholders in respect of the amounts not yet paid for their shares, whether on account of the par value of the shares or on the account of the premium, and each shareholder shall be obligated to pay the Company the amount so demanded from him not later than the date of payment set forth in the notice containing the call. Shareholders shall be given prior notice of at least fourteen (14) days in respect of any call. The Board of Directors may at any time, by notice in writing, cancel the call or extend the time of its payment.
 
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Changing Rights Attached to Shares

Under the Articles of Association, the Company may, by resolution of a general meeting, vary the rights attached to any class of shares on the Company’s stamp or its printed name (unless otherwise determined in the terms of issue of the shares of such class), after obtaining the written consent of the holders of the majority of the issued shares of said class or with the approval of a resolution duly passed at a class meeting of the holders of such class of shares.
 
Annual and Special Meetings

The Board of Directors must convene an annual meeting at least once every calendar year, within fifteen months of the preceding general meeting, at a place prescribed by the board so long as it is in the State of Israel. Notices to shareholders regarding the convening of a general meeting are to be published per the Articles of Association and subject to the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law.
 
As the Company has shares are listed for trade on an exchange outside of Israel, the Board of Directors shall convene a special meeting upon receipt of a written request from either (i) two directors or 25% of the total number of directors; (ii) one or more shareholders holding at least 10% of the issued share capital and at least 1% of the shareholders’ voting power; or (iii) one or more shareholders holding no less than 10% of the Company’s issued voting shares. If the Board is required to convene a special meeting, it shall convene it at a time which is at least 21 days, but not longer than 35 days after the date of the notice of convening such meeting. In the event that the board of directors does not convene a special meeting within the timeframe set forth above, those that submitted the request for such meeting, or part of them representing more than one-half of the voting rights of all of them, may convene the special meeting themselves, provided that such meeting is held within three months of the time when the special meeting was requested.
 
Under Israeli law, one or more shareholders holding at least 5% of the voting rights at a general meeting of shareholders may request that our board of directors include a proposal that relates to the election or removal of a director in the agenda of a general meeting of shareholders to be convened in the future. One or more shareholders holding at least 1% of the voting rights at the general meeting may request that the board of directors include a matter in the agenda of a general meeting to be convened in the future, such as nominating a director candidate, provided that it is appropriate to discuss such any other matter at the general meeting. 

Limitations on the Rights to Own Securities

The Articles of Association do not place limitations on the rights to own securities. Under the Articles no limitations apply to the transfer of shares in the Company and the number of shareholders is unlimited.
 
Changes in the Company’s Capital

Changes in the capital of the Company are subject to the approval by ordinary majority of the shareholders at a general meeting, Shareholders may resolve to increase the authorized share capital; consolidate our share capital and divide it into shares of greater value than existing shares; divide existing shares into shares of lesser value; cancel any authorized share capital which has not yet been allotted (provided there is no undertaking to allot such share capital); or reduce the capital by way of a distribution if such distribution has been approved, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Israeli Companies Law. If the shareholders resolve to increase the share capital, the new shares will be subject to the same provisions applicable to the shares of the original capital.
 
Neither the Memorandum of Association nor Articles of Association of the Company nor the laws of the State of Israel restrict in any way the ownership or voting of ordinary shares by non-residents of Israel, except with respect to citizens of countries which are in a state of war with Israel.
 
C.          MATERIAL CONTRACTS
 
For information with respect to the Company’s material contracts, see “Item 6. Directors, senior management and employees – B. Compensation.
 
D.           EXCHANGE CONTROLS

There are currently no Israeli currency control restrictions on payments of dividends or other distributions with respect to our ordinary shares or the proceeds from the sale of our ordinary shares, except for the obligation of Israeli residents to file reports with the Bank of Israel regarding certain transactions. However, legislation remains in effect, pursuant to which currency controls can be imposed by administrative action at any time and from time to time.

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E.          TAXATION

The following is a discussion of certain material Israeli tax consequences to purchasers of our ordinary shares. The discussion also contains a description of certain relevant material provisions of the current Israeli income tax system applicable to companies in Israel, with special reference to its effect on us. To the extent that the discussion is based on new tax legislation that has not been subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, we cannot assure you that the appropriate tax authorities or the courts will accept the views expressed in this discussion.
 
This discussion applies to shareholders that hold our ordinary shares as capital assets and does not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to holders of our ordinary shares in light of their particular circumstances or certain types of holders of our ordinary shares subject to special tax treatment. Because individual circumstances may differ, shareholders should consult their tax advisor to determine the applicability of the rules discussed below to them, including the application of Israeli or other tax laws. The discussion below is not intended, and should not be construed, as legal or professional tax advice and is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations.

Potential investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the Israeli or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Shares including, in particular, the effect of any foreign, state or local taxes.

Taxation of Israeli Companies 
 
General Corporate Tax Structure
 
Israeli companies are generally subject to corporate tax on their taxable income at the rate of 23 % for the 2023 tax year.
 
Capital Gains Tax on Sales of Our Ordinary Shares
 
Israeli law generally imposes a capital gains tax on the sale of any capital assets by residents of Israel, as defined for Israeli tax purposes, and on the sale of assets located in Israel, including shares in Israeli resident companies, by non-residents of Israel, unless a specific exemption is available or unless a tax treaty between Israel and the shareholder’s country of residence provides otherwise. In calculating capital gain, the law distinguishes between real gain and inflationary surplus. The inflationary surplus is the portion of the total capital gain equal to the increase in the relevant asset’s value that is attributable to the increase in the Israeli CPI between the date of purchase and the date of sale. The real gain is the excess of the total capital gain over the inflationary surplus. A non-resident that invests in taxable assets with foreign currency, or any individual who holds securities the price of which is stated in foreign currency, may elect to calculate the amount of inflationary surplus in that foreign currency.
 
Taxation of Israeli Residents
 
An individual is subject to a tax at a rate of 25% on real capital gains derived from the sale of shares, as long as the individual is not a “substantial shareholder” (generally a shareholder with 10% or more of the right to profits, right to nominate a director or voting rights) in the company issuing the shares.
 
An individual who is a substantial shareholder is subject to tax at a rate of 30% in respect of real capital gains derived from the sale of shares issued by the Company in which he or she is a substantial shareholder. The determination of whether the individual is a substantial shareholder will be made on the date that the securities are sold. In addition, the individual will be deemed to be a substantial shareholder if at any time during the 12 months preceding this date, he or she had been a substantial shareholder.
 
An additional income tax at a rate of 3% will be imposed on high earners individuals whose annual income or capital gain in 2023 exceeds NIS 698,280 (USD 192,523).
 
Israeli companies are generally subject to the corporate tax rate (see above) on capital gains derived from the sale of shares listed on a stock market.

Different taxation rules may apply to shareholders who purchased the Shares prior to January 1, 2009 or prior to the listing on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Global Market. Such Shareholders should consult with their own tax advisors for the tax consequences upon sale.

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In general, a partnership will be a transparent entity for tax purposes and the investors will be subject to tax with respect to their share in accordance with the tax rate applies individually.

In general, under the Israel Tax Ordinance, public institutions are exempt from tax.
 
Taxation of Non-Israeli Residents
 
Non-Israeli residents are exempt from Israeli capital gains tax on any gains derived from the sale of shares in an Israeli corporation publicly traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and/or on a foreign stock exchange, provided such gains do not derive from a permanent establishment of such shareholders in Israel and that such shareholders did not acquire their shares prior to the issuer’s initial public offering. However, non-Israeli corporations will not be entitled to such exemption if Israeli residents (i) have a controlling interest of more than 25% in such non-Israeli corporation, or (ii) are the beneficiaries of or are entitled to 25% or more of the revenues or profits of such non-Israeli corporation, whether directly or indirectly. Such exemption would not be available to non-Israeli residents dealing in securities in Israel which would be subject to Israeli tax at the rates applicable to business income (at the corporate tax rate for a corporation (23% in 2023) and the marginal tax rate, of up to 50% for an individual in 2023.

Additionally, a sale of securities by a non-Israeli resident may be exempt from Israeli capital gains tax under the provisions of an applicable tax treaty. For example, under the Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the State of Israel with respect to Taxes on Income, as amended, or the United States-Israel Tax Treaty, the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares by a shareholder who (i) is a U.S. resident (for purposes of the treaty); (ii) holds the shares as a capital asset; and (iii) is entitled to claim the benefits afforded to such person by the treaty, is generally exempt from Israeli capital gains tax. Such exemption will not apply if, among other things: (i) the capital gain arising from such sale, exchange or other disposition is treated as industrial or commercial profits attributed to a permanent establishment in Israel, subject to certain conditions; (ii) the shareholder holds, directly or indirectly, shares representing 10% or more of the voting capital of the corporation during any part of the 12-month period preceding the disposition, subject to certain conditions; (iii) the capital gain arising from such sale, exchange or disposition is treated as royalties; or (iv) such U.S. resident is an individual and was present in Israel for 183 days or more during the relevant taxable year. In such case, the sale, exchange or disposition of our securities would be subject to Israeli tax, to the extent applicable; however, under the United States-Israel Tax Treaty, the taxpayer would be permitted to claim a credit for such taxes against the U.S. federal income tax imposed with respect to such sale, exchange or disposition, subject to the limitations under U.S. law applicable to foreign tax credits. The United States-Israel Tax Treaty does not relate to U.S. state or local taxes.
 
In some instances where our shareholders may be liable to Israeli tax on the sale of their ordinary shares, the payment of the consideration may be subject to Israeli withholding tax.

Taxation of Dividends Paid on Our Ordinary Shares
 
Taxation of Israeli Residents

The following Israeli tax consequences shall apply in the event of actual payment of any dividends on the Shares.
 
As of January 1, 2012, dividends, other than bonus shares (stock dividends), paid to Israeli resident individuals who purchased our Shares will generally be subject to income tax at a rate of 25% for individuals, or 30% if the dividend recipient is a Significant Shareholder (as defined above) at any time during the 12-month period preceding such distribution. Dividends paid to Israeli resident companies will not be included in their tax liability computation. 

Taxation of Non-Israeli Residents
 
Non-residents of Israel are generally subject to Israeli income tax on the receipt of dividends paid on our ordinary shares at the rate of 25% unless the recipient is a significant shareholder at any time during the 12-month period preceding the distribution in which case the applicable tax rate will be 30%. The Company distributing the dividend is required to withhold tax at the source at the rate of 25%.

A non-resident of Israel who has dividend income derived from or accrued in Israel, from which tax was withheld at source, is generally exempt from the duty to file tax returns in Israel in respect of such income, provided such income was not derived from a business conducted in Israel by such non-Israeli resident.

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Taxation of Residents of the United States under the US Treaty

Residents of the United States generally will be subject to withholding tax in Israel on dividends paid, if any, on Shares. Generally, under the Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the State of Israel with Respect to Taxes on Income (the “US Treaty”), the maximum rate of withholding tax on dividends paid to a holder of Shares who is a resident of the United States (as defined in the US Treaty) will be 25%. Under the US Treaty, the withholding tax rate on dividends will be reduced to 12.5% if (i) the shareholder is a U.S. resident corporation which holds during the portion of the taxable year which precedes the date of payment of the dividend, and during the whole of its prior taxable year, at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the voting stock of the Israeli resident paying corporation and (ii) not more than 25% of the gross income of the Israeli resident paying corporation for such prior taxable year consists of certain types of interest or dividends.

The US Treaty exempts from taxation in Israel any capital gains realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of Shares provided that the following cumulative conditions are met: (a) the seller is a resident of the United States for purposes of the US Treaty; (b) the seller owns, directly or indirectly, less than 10% of our voting stock at all times during the 12-month period preceding such sale, exchange or other disposition; (c) the seller, being an individual, is present in Israel for a period or periods of less than 183 days during the taxable year; and (d) the capital gain from the sale was not generated through a permanent establishment of the seller in Israel.

Subject to the exemptions from capital gains prescribed in the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance (as described above), purchasers of Shares who are residents of the United States and who hold 10% or more of the outstanding ordinary shares at any time during such 12-month period will be subject to Israeli capital gains tax. However, under the US Treaty, residents of the United States (as defined in the US Treaty) generally would be permitted to claim a credit for this tax against US federal income tax imposed on the sale, exchange or other disposition, subject to the limitations in US laws applicable to the utilization of foreign tax credits generally.

The application of the US Treaty provisions to dividends and capital gains described above is conditioned upon the fact that such income is not effectively connected with a permanent establishment (as defined in the US Treaty) maintained by the non-Israeli resident in Israel.
 
United States federal income taxation  

The following is a description of the material United States federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares. This description addresses only the United States federal income tax consequences to holders of our ordinary shares and that will hold such ordinary shares as capital assets. This description does not address tax considerations applicable to holders that may be subject to special tax rules, including:
 
financial institutions or insurance companies;
 
real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies or grantor trusts;
 
dealers or traders in securities or currencies;
 
tax-exempt entities;
 
certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States;
 
persons that received our shares as compensation for the performance of services;

persons that will hold our shares as part of a “hedging” or “conversion” transaction or as a position in a “straddle” for United States federal income tax purposes;
 
holders that will hold our shares through a partnership or other pass-through entity;
 
U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. Dollar; or
 
holders that own directly, indirectly or through attribution 10.0% or more, of the voting power or value, of our shares.
 
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Moreover, this description does not address the United States federal estate and gift or alternative minimum tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares.
 
This description is based on the United States Internal Revenue Code, 1986, as amended (the “Code”) existing, proposed and temporary United States Treasury Regulations and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, in each case as in effect and available on the date hereof. All of the foregoing is subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect the tax consequences described below.

For purposes of this description, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of our ordinary shares that, for United States federal income tax purposes, is:
 
a citizen or resident of the United States;
 
a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, including the District of Columbia;
 
an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
 
a trust if such trust has validly elected to be treated as a United States person for United States federal income tax purposes or if (1) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and (2) one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of the substantial decisions of such trust.
 
A “non-U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of our ordinary shares that is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes).
 
If a partnership (or any other entity treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) holds our ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Such a partner or partnership should consult its tax advisor as to its tax consequences of acquiring, owing and disposing of our ordinary shares.

Distributions
 
Subject to the discussion below under “Passive foreign investment company considerations,” if you are a U.S. Holder, the gross amount of any distribution made to you with respect to your ordinary shares, before reduction for any Israeli taxes withheld therefrom, other than certain distributions, if any, of our ordinary shares distributed pro rata to all our shareholders, will be includible in your income as dividend income to the extent such distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under United States federal income tax principles. Subject to the discussion below under “Passive foreign investment company considerations,” non-corporate U.S. Holders may qualify for the lower rates of taxation with respect to dividends on ordinary shares applicable to long-term capital gains (i.e., gains from the sale of capital assets held for more than one year), provided that certain conditions are met, including certain holding period requirements and the absence of certain risk reduction transactions. Moreover, such lower rate of taxation shall not apply if we are a PFIC for the taxable year in which we pay a dividend, or if we were a PFIC for the preceding taxable year. However, such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to corporate U.S. Holders. Subject to the discussion below under “Passive foreign investment company considerations,” to the extent, if any, that the amount of any distribution by us exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits as determined under United States federal income tax principles, it will be treated first as a tax-free return of your adjusted tax basis in your ordinary shares and thereafter as capital gain. We do not expect to maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under United States federal income tax principles and, therefore, if you are a U.S. Holder, you should expect that the entire amount of any distribution generally will be reported as dividend income to you.
 
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If you are a U.S. Holder, Israeli tax withheld on dividends paid to you with respect to your ordinary shares may be deducted from your taxable income or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are complex, and you should consult your tax advisor to determine whether and to what extent you will be entitled to this credit. Subject to certain exceptions, dividends paid to you with respect to your ordinary shares will be treated as foreign source income, which may be relevant in calculating your foreign tax credit limitation. However, for periods in which we are a “United States-owned foreign corporation”, a portion of dividends paid by us may be treated as U.S. source solely for purposes of the foreign tax credit. We would be treated as a United States-owned foreign corporation if more than 50% of the total value or total voting power of our stock is owned, directly, indirectly or by attribution, by United States persons. To the extent any portion of our dividends is treated as U.S. source income pursuant to this rule, the ability of a U.S. Holder to claim a foreign tax credit for any Israeli withholding taxes payable in respect of our dividends may be limited. A U.S. Holder entitled to benefits under the United States-Israel Tax Treaty may, however, elect to treat any dividends as foreign source income for foreign tax credit purposes if the dividend income is separated from other income items for purposes of calculating the U.S. Holder’s foreign tax credit. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors about the impact of, and any exception available to, the special sourcing rule described in this paragraph, and the desirability of making, and the method of making, such an election.

The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. For this purpose, dividends that we distribute generally should constitute “passive category income,” or, in the case of certain U.S. Holders, “general category income.” A foreign tax credit for foreign taxes imposed on distributions may be denied if you do not satisfy certain minimum holding period requirements.
 
Subject to the discussion below under “Backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements,” if you are a Non-U.S. Holder, you generally will not be subject to United States federal income (or withholding) tax on dividends received by you on your ordinary shares, unless you conduct a trade or business in the United States and such income is effectively connected with that trade or business (or, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the dividends are attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base that such holder maintains in the United States).
 
Sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares
 
Subject to the discussion below under “Passive foreign investment company considerations,” if you are a U.S. Holder, you generally will recognize gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of your ordinary shares equal to the difference between the amount realized on such sale, exchange or other disposition and your adjusted tax basis in your ordinary shares. Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss. If Israeli tax is imposed on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our ordinary shares, a U.S. Holder's amount realized will include the gross amount of the proceeds of the deposits before deduction of the Israeli tax. The adjusted tax basis in an ordinary share generally will be equal to the cost of such ordinary share. Except as discussed below with respect to foreign currency gain or loss, if you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder, capital gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares is generally eligible for the preferential rate of taxation applicable to long-term capital gains if your holding period for such ordinary shares exceeds one year (i.e., such gain is long-term capital gain). The deductibility of capital losses for United States federal income tax purposes is subject to limitations.
 
Any such gain or loss that a U.S. Holder recognizes generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Because gain for the sale or other disposition of our ordinary shares will be so treated as U.S. source income; and you may use foreign tax credits to offset only the portion of U.S. federal income tax liability that is attributed to foreign source income; you may be unable to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to the Israeli tax, if any, on gains. You should consult your tax advisor as to whether the Israeli tax on gains may be creditable against your U.S. federal income tax on foreign-source income from other sources.
 
Subject to the discussion below under “Backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements,” if you are a non-U.S. Holder, you generally will not be subject to United States federal income or withholding tax on any gain realized on the sale or exchange of such ordinary shares unless:

such gain is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States; or
 
you are an individual and have been present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of such sale or exchange and certain other conditions are met.
 
Passive foreign investment company considerations
 
A non-United States corporation will be classified as a “passive foreign investment company,” or a PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes in any taxable year in which, after applying certain look-through rules, either
 
at least 75% of its gross income is “passive income”; or
 
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at least 50% of the average value of its gross assets (which may be determined, in part, by the market value of our ordinary shares, which is subject to change) is attributable to assets that produce “passive income” or are held for the production of passive income.
 
        Passive income for this purpose generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents, gains from commodities and securities transactions, the excess of gains over losses from the disposition of assets which produce passive income, and includes amounts derived by reason of the temporary investment of funds raised in offerings of our ordinary shares. If a non-United States corporation owns at least 25% by value of the stock of another corporation, the non-United States corporation is treated for purposes of the PFIC tests as owning its proportionate share of the assets of the other corporation and as receiving directly its proportionate share of the other corporation’s income.
 
        We believe that we were not classified as a PFIC for the taxable year ended on December 31, 2023. Because PFIC status is based on our income, assets and activities for the entire taxable year, it is not possible to determine whether we will be characterized as a PFIC for the 2024 taxable year until after the close of the year. Moreover, we must determine our PFIC status annually based on tests which are factual in nature, and our status in future years will depend on our income, assets and activities in those years. In addition, because the market price of our ordinary shares is likely to fluctuate and because that market price may affect the determination of whether we will be considered a PFIC, there can be no assurance that we will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year.
 
        If we were a PFIC, and you are a U.S. Holder, then unless you make one of the elections described below, a special tax regime will apply to both (a) any “excess distribution” by us to you (generally, your ratable portion of distributions in any year which are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received by you in the shorter of the three preceding years or your holding period for our ordinary shares) and (b) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition of the ordinary shares. Under this regime, any excess distribution and realized gain will be treated as ordinary income and will be subject to tax as if (i) the excess distribution or gain had been realized ratably over your holding period, (ii) the amount deemed realized in each year had been subject to tax in each year of that holding period at the highest marginal rate for such year (other than income allocated to the current period or any taxable period before we became a PFIC, which would be subject to tax at the U.S. Holder’s regular ordinary income rate for the current year and would not be subject to the interest change discussed below), and (iii) the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax had been imposed on the taxes deemed to have been payable in those years. In addition, dividend distributions made to you will not qualify for the lower rates of taxation applicable to long-term capital gains discussed above under “— Distributions.”
 
        Certain elections are available to U.S. Holders of shares that may serve to alleviate some of the adverse tax consequences of PFIC status described above. If we agreed to provide the necessary information, you could avoid the interest charge imposed by the PFIC rules by making a qualified electing fund (a “QEF”) election, in which case you generally would be required to include in income on a current basis your pro rata share of our ordinary earnings as ordinary income and your pro rata share of our net capital gains as long-term capital gain. We do not expect to provide to U.S. Holders the information needed to report income and gain pursuant to a QEF election, and we make no undertaking to provide such information in the event that we are a PFIC.
 
        Under an alternative tax regime, you may also avoid certain adverse tax consequences relating to PFIC status discussed above by making a mark-to-market election with respect to your ordinary shares annually, provided that the shares are “regularly traded” on a “qualified exchange.” Shares will be marketable if they are regularly traded on certain United States stock exchanges (including Nasdaq) or on certain non-United States stock exchanges. For these purposes, the shares will generally be considered regularly traded during any calendar year during which they are traded, other than in negligible quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. U.S. Holders should be aware, however, that if we are determined to be a PFIC, the interest charge regime described above could be applied to indirect distributions or gains deemed to be attributable to U.S. Holders in respect of any of our subsidiaries that also may be determined to be a PFIC, and the mark-to-market election generally would not be effective for such subsidiaries.
 
        If you choose to make a mark-to-market election, you would recognize as ordinary income or loss each year in which we are a PFIC an amount equal to the difference as of the close of the taxable year between the fair market value of your ordinary shares and your adjusted tax basis in your ordinary shares. Losses would be allowed only to the extent of net mark-to-market gain previously included by you under the election for prior taxable years. If the mark-to-market election were made, then the PFIC rules described above relating to excess distributions and realized gains would not apply for periods covered by the election. If you do not make a mark-to-market election for the first taxable year in which we are a PFIC during your holding period of our ordinary shares, you would be subject to interest charges with respect to the inclusion of ordinary income attributable to each taxable year in which we were a PFIC during your holding period before the effective date of such election.

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If we were a PFIC, a holder of ordinary shares that is a U.S. Holder must file United States Internal Revenue Service Form 8621 with respect to the company for each tax year in which the U.S. Holder owns the ordinary shares, generally with such U.S. Holder’s federal income tax return for that year. If we were a PFIC for a given taxable year, then you should consult your tax adviser concerning your annual filing requirements.
 
Backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements
 
        United States backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements generally apply to certain payments to certain non-corporate holders of stock. Information reporting generally will apply to payments of dividends on, and to proceeds from the sale or redemption of, our ordinary shares made within the United States, or by a United States payor or United States middleman, to a holder of our ordinary shares, other than an exempt recipient (including a corporation, a payee that is not a United States person that provides an appropriate certification and certain other persons). A payor will be required to withhold backup withholding tax from any payments of dividends on, or the proceeds from the sale or redemption of, ordinary shares within the United States, or by a United States payor or United States middleman, to a holder, other than an exempt recipient, if such holder fails to furnish its correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with, or establish an exemption from, such backup withholding tax requirements. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or credit against the beneficial owner’s United States federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
        
        Certain U.S. Holders who are individuals (or certain specified entities) are required to report information relating to an interest in our common shares by attaching a complete United States Internal Revenue Service Form 8938, Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets, to their tax return for each year in which they hold our common shares, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for our common shares held in accounts maintained by financial institutions in which case the account may be reportable if maintained by a foreign financial institution). U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the effect, if any, of this legislation on their ownership and disposition of our common shares.

3.8% Medicare Tax On “Net Investment Income”
 
        Certain U.S. Holders who are individuals, estates or trusts are subject to the requirement to pay a 3.8% tax on, among other things, dividends and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of common stock.

The following description is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax consequences relating to our prior units and our ordinary shares. You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the tax consequences of your particular situation, as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of any state, local, foreign or other taxing jurisdiction.

F.           DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS
 
Not applicable.

G.          STATEMENTS BY EXPERTS
 
Not applicable.

H.          DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
 
We are subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, applicable to foreign private issuers, and under those requirements, we file reports with the SEC. Our filings with the SEC are available to the public through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and as of June 2021 also at the TASE's website at http://maya.tase.co.il and at the Israeli Securities Authority's website at http://www.magna.isa.gov.il.
 
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act, related to the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act, to file annual, quarterly and current reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. However, we are required to comply with the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and, accordingly, file current reports on Form 6-K, annual reports on Form 20-F and other information with the SEC.

52

I.            SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 11.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Exchange rate risk: The Company regularly assesses currency rate risks to minimize any adverse effects on the Company’s business as a result of currency fluctuations.
 
The Company's foreign currency exposure gives rise to market risk associated with exchange rate movements of the NIS, the Company functional and reporting currency, against the USD and Euros. Most of the Company’s purchases are denominated in USD and Euros, whereas its income and other expenses are denominated mostly in NIS. Consequently, devaluation of the NIS against the other currencies may cause a negative impact on the Company profit margins.
 
The Company strives to minimize market risks arising from exchange rates and the cost of imported goods, especially by holding foreign currency surpluses, and initiates forward transactions.
 
The Company engages, from time to time, in activities to protect against changes in exchange rates by holding some of its excess liquidity in foreign currency and making forward transactions in foreign currency.

The table below details the sensitivity analysis in respect to exposure relating to exchange rate risk:

 
Gain (loss) from exchange rate change
NIS thousands
Fair net
NIS thousands
Gain (loss) from exchange rate change
NIS thousands
Change in exchange rate
USD
(10%)
(2,032)
(5%)
(1,016)
20,321
5%
1,016
10%
2,032
Change in exchange rate
EURO
(10%)
251
(5%)
125
(2,507)
5%
(125)
10%
(251)

Credit risk: Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of trade receivable. Despite the Company's large number of clients (approximately 160,379) a major and significant part of its sales are made to only a limited number of customers (mainly in large retail supermarket chains). The Company generally does not require and does not receive collateral from those major customers. However, it does require and receive collateral from most of the remainder of its clients to ensure security of collecting payments. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful debts, based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other information which management believes adequately covers all anticipated losses in respect of trade receivable. There can be no assurance that this allowance will be adequate. In the event that any of the Company's major clients defaults on its payment obligations to us, the Company will not possess sufficient collateral to collect the entire debt. The Company strives to minimize the credit risks by constantly reviewing the credit it extends to customers versus the collateral it receives. As a result, the Company has ceased selling products to certain customers and considerably reduced sales to other customers, and may continue to do so in the future.
 
Interest rate risk: The Company invests part of its cash reserves in instruments that bear fixed interest rate. The Company, as part of its investing policy, invests part of its cash reserves in bonds and convertible debentures that bears fixed interest rate; as a result, the Company is espoused to changes in interest rates.

53


The table below details the sensitivity analysis in respect to exposure relating to investments in instruments with fix interest rates:

 
Gain (loss) from interest change NIS thousands
Fair value NIS thousands
Gain (loss) from interest change NIS thousands
Change in Interest as % of interest rate
(10%)
(5%)
 
5%
10%
Increase\decrease in financial Income
(5,247)
(2,623)
52,467
2,623
5,247

ITEM 12.  DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
 
Not applicable.

ITEM 13.  DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 14.  MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 15.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our Chief Executive Officer, or CEO, and Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, are responsible for establishing and maintaining our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules13a-15© and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). These controls and procedures were designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We evaluated these disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision of our CEO and CFO as of December 31, 2023. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
 
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
 
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
 
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

54

 Our management recognizes that there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation, and may not prevent or detect all misstatements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
Our management (with the participation of the CEO and CFO) assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In conducting its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management used the criteria established in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Our management has concluded, based on its assessment, that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.
 
(c)  This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.

 Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management's report in this Annual Report.

(d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

 There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITEM 16.  [RESERVED]
 
ITEM16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
 
The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that Einav Brar, Idan Ben-Shitrit, and Victor Bar are the “Audit Committee Financial Experts” for the Company, as such terms are defined under SEC rules. Ms. Brar, Mr. Ben-Shitrit, and Mr. Bar each serve on the Company’s Audit Committee and are “Independent Directors” as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards applicable to us.
 
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
 
We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Code of Ethics will be provided upon request without charge to any person who requests such copy from Yitschak Barabi, Chief Financial Officer, at cfo@willi-food.co.il or +972-8-932-1099.
 
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
The following table presents the aggregate fees for professional services and other services rendered by BDO Ziv Haft ("BDO"), the Company’s independent public accounting firm, in 2023. BDO’s address is 48 Menachem Begin Rd. Tel-Aviv

 
NIS 2023
USD 2023
NIS 2022
USD 2022
Audit Fees and Tax Fees (1)(2)
438,500
120,899
441,909
125,542
All Other Fees (3)
26,910
7,419
-
-
TOTAL
465,410
128,318
441,909
125,542

55

(1) Audit Fees consist of fees billed for the annual audit services engagement and other audit services, which are those services that only the external auditor can reasonably provide, and include the Company audit; statutory audits; comfort letters and consents; attest services; and assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC.

 (2) Tax Fees include fees billed for tax compliance services, including the preparation of original and amended tax returns and claims for refund; tax consultations, such as assistance and representation in connection with tax audits, tax advice related to mergers and acquisitions, transfer pricing, and requests for rulings or technical advice from taxing authority.

(3) All Other Fees include attestation services.

During fiscal year 2023, the external auditor performed additional services, other than auditing and tax services, which amounted to NIS 26.9 thousand. These services did not exceed 45% of the total fee of the external auditor and the audit fee for accounting represents more than 50% of the external auditor's total revenue from the Company.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Our audit committee’s specific responsibilities in carrying out its oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and reporting practices of the Company include the approval of audit and non-audit services to be provided by the external auditor. The audit committee approves in advance the particular services or categories of services to be provided to the Company during the following yearly period and also sets forth a specific budget for such audit and non-audit services. Additional non-audit services may be pre-approved by the audit committee.

ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
 
Not applicable.

ITEM 16F. CHANGES IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
 
Not applicable.

ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
The following are the significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by domestic companies under the listing standards of the Nasdaq:

Executive Sessions – Under Nasdaq rules, U.S. domestic listed companies, must have a regularly scheduled meeting at which only independent directors are present. We do not have such executive sessions.

Compensation of Officers - Under Nasdaq rules, the Company must adopt a formal written compensation committee charter addressing the scope of the compensation committee's responsibilities, including structure, processes and membership requirements, among others. We do not have such a formal written charter.

Nominations of Directors - Under Nasdaq rules, U.S. domestic listed companies, must have a nominations committee comprised solely of independent directors and must have director nominees selected or recommended by a majority of its independent directors. Our directors are not nominated in this manner.

56

Nominations Committee Charter or Board Resolution - Under Nasdaq rules, U.S. domestic listed companies, must adopt a formal written charter or board resolution, as applicable, addressing the nominations process and such related matters as may be required under the federal securities laws. We do not have such a formal written charter or board resolution.

Quorum - Under Nasdaq rules, U.S. domestic listed company's by-laws provide for a quorum of at least 33 1/3 percent of the outstanding shares of the company’s common voting stock. According to our articles our quorum should be at least 25 percent of the outstanding shares of our common voting stock.

Review of Related Party Transactions: Under Nasdaq Listing Rules, domestic listed companies must conduct an appropriate review and oversight of all related party transactions for potential conflict of interest situations on an ongoing basis by the company’s audit committee or another independent body of the board of directors. Although Israeli law requires us to conduct an appropriate review and maintain oversight of all related-party transactions similar to the Nasdaq Listing Rules, we follow the definitions and requirements of the Companies Law in determining the kind of approval required for a related-party transaction, which tend to be more rigorous than the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

Shareholder Approval of Certain Equity Compensation: Under Nasdaq Listing Rules, shareholder approval is required prior to an issuance of securities in connection with equity-based compensation of officers, directors, employees or consultants. The Company has indicated that it will receive shareholder approval as required by Israeli law, including upon issuance of options to directors or to controlling shareholders.

ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
 
Not applicable.

ITEM 16I. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

Not applicable.

ITEM 16J. INSIDER TRADING POLICIES

Pursuant to applicable SEC transition guidance, the disclosure required by Item 16J will only be applicable to the Company from the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2024.

ITEM 16K. CYBERSECURITY

We operate in the food sector, which is subject to various cybersecurity risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations, including intellectual property theft; fraud; extortion; harm to employees or customers; violation of privacy laws and other litigation and legal risk; and reputational risk. We recognize the critical importance of developing, implementing, and maintaining robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard our information systems and protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our data. We currently have security measures in place to protect any information of our clients, customers, employees and ​vendors and prevent data loss and other cyber security risks. Both management and the Board of Directors are actively involved in the continuous assessment of risks from cybersecurity threats, including prevention, mitigation, detection, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents.

Our current cybersecurity protection and mitigation actions and systems consist of various products, systems, tests and monitoring of cyber security risks and incidents both internally and externally.
 
Management is responsible for day-to-day assessment and management of risks from cybersecurity threats, including the prevention, mitigation, detection, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents. The individuals currently serving in these roles are the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Information Officer (CIO), who is CIO certified, cyber security certified and has more than 17 years of expertise in the field of IT projects, security and management. We have internal as well as external systems to notify us in the event of cybersecurity risks or incidents. We also follow the publications of government agencies such as Israel's National Cyber Directorate and participate in cybersecurity webinars and conferences, in order to stay updated and informed regarding cybersecurity incidents, their prevention, detection and remediation.
 

57

The Board of Directors is responsible for oversight of risks from cybersecurity threats in conjunction with the management position. The Board of Directors receives reports and updates from the management with respect to risks from cybersecurity threats. Such reports cover the Company’s information technology security program, including its current status, capabilities, objectives and plans, as well as the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape. The Board of Directors takes into consideration such reports and updates into its overall risk assessment of the Company.

We engage in activities which prevent, detect, and minimize the effects of cybersecurity incidents in order to maintain business continuity and we also have a recovery plan for use in the event of a cybersecurity incident. Such activities include annual penetration tests by external consultants, use of various security products, review of security rules, limitations and configurations of cyber security products and an ongoing review of remote and local use of the company's computer systems. In addition, instructions regarding cybersecurity are distributed to all employees as part of cybersecurity awareness approach. Some fields of cybersecurity are also monitored 24/7 by an external SOC. Our data backups are held in site, off site and on various media storage devices and a DRP backup is also in use to help us respond effectively to cybersecurity incidents. To date, no cybersecurity incident (or aggregation of incidents) or cybersecurity threat has materially affected our results of operations or financial condition. However, an actual or perceived breach of our security could damage our operation, or subject us to third-party lawsuits, regulatory fines or other actions or liabilities, any of which could adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition.

PART II
 
ITEM 17.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of this Item.

ITEM 18.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The financial statements required by this item are found at the end of this annual report, beginning on page F-1.

58

ITEM 19.  EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit
Number
Description
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
                                                                 
Informal English translations from Hebrew original.
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-3, File No. 333-138200.
(3)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
(4)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.
(5)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
(6)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
(7)
Incorporated by reference to Form 6-K disseminated with the Securities and Exchange Commission, dated February 7, 2023.
(8)
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-266312.
(*)
Filed Herewith

59


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
 
       
 
By:
/s/ Joseph Williger
 
   
Joseph Williger
 
   
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Date: March 21, 2024

60



G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023
 

 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended December 31, 2023
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
F-3
(PCAOB Name: Ziv Haft Certified Public Accountants (Isr.) (#1185))
 
   
F-4 - F-5
   
F-6
   
F-7
   
F-8
   
F-9 - F-10
   
F-11 - F-51
 
F - 2

 
image00002.jpg
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Shareholders and Board of Directors of
G. Willi-Food International Ltd.
Yavne, Israel
 
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of G. Willi-Food International Ltd (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with International Financial Reporting standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
 
Basis for Opinion
 
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
 
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
Critical Audit Matters
 
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
 
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2018.
 
/s/ Ziv Haft
Ziv Haft
Certified Public Accountants (Isr)
BDO Member Firm
 
Tel Aviv, Israel
March 21, 2024
image1.jpg
F - 3

 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(NIS in thousands)
 
         
December 31,
 
   
Note
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3 (*)
 
         
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
(in thousands)
 
                           
Assets
                         
                           
Current assets
                         
Cash and cash equivalents
 
12
     
137,466
     
150,607
     
37,901
 
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
 
3
     
102,163
     
116,762
     
28,167
 
Trade receivables, Net
 
13
     
160,379
     
165,838
     
44,218
 
Other receivables and prepaid expenses
 
14
     
10,164
     
4,956
     
2,802
 
Inventories, Net
 
15
     
62,475
     
71,929
     
17,225
 
Current tax assets
 
10
     
9,497
     
3,117
     
2,618
 
Total current assets
         
482,144
     
513,209
     
132,931
 
                               
Non-current assets
                             
Consolidated cost
         
122,222
     
99,216
     
33,698
 
Less -accumulated depreciation
         
55,636
     
51,533
     
15,339
 
Property, plant, and equipment
 
16
     
66,586
     
47,683
     
18,359
 
                               
Right of use assets, net
 
17
     
2,124
     
3,391
     
586
 
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
 
3
     
46,143
     
44,113
     
12,722
 
Goodwill
         
36
     
36
     
10
 
Total non-current assets
         
114,889
     
95,223
     
31,677
 
                               
Total assets
         
597,033
     
608,432
     
164,608
 
 
(*) Convenience Translation into US Dollars.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F - 4


 

G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)
 
         
December 31,
 
   
Note
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3 (*)
 
         
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
(in thousands)
 
Equity and liabilities
                         
                           
Current liabilities
                         
Current maturities of lease liabilities
 
17
     
1,512
     
2,194
     
417
 
Trade payables
 
19
     
21,622
     
24,842
     
5,961
 
Employees Benefits
 
20
     
4,193
     
3,756
     
1,156
 
Other payables and accrued expenses
 
21
     
10,854
     
11,836
     
2,993
 
Total current liabilities
         
38,181
     
42,628
     
10,527
 
                               
Non-current liabilities
                             
Lease liabilities
 
17
     
694
     
1,284
     
191
 
Deferred taxes
 
10
     
4,868
     
4,198
     
1,342
 
Retirement benefit obligation
 
20, 23
     
1,055
     
878
     
291
 
Total non-current liabilities
         
6,617
     
6,360
     
1,824
 
                               
Shareholders' equity
                             
Share capital
 
22
     
1,490
     
1,490
     
411
 
Additional paid in capital
         
172,589
     
171,550
     
47,585
 
Re-measurement of the net liability in respect of defined benefit
         
(154
)
   
(195
)
   
(42
)
Capital fund
         
247
     
247
     
68
 
Retained earnings
         
378,691
     
386,980
     
104,408
 
Treasury shares
         
(628
)
   
(628
)
   
(173
)
Equity attributable to Shareholders of the Company
         
552,235
     
559,444
     
152,257
 
                               
Total equity and liabilities
         
597,033
     
608,432
     
164,608
 
 
(*) Convenience Translation into US Dollars.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors of the company on March 22, 2023.

 

F - 5


 

G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(NIS in thousands)
 
         
Year ended December 31,
 
   
Note
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
   
2 0 2 3 (*)
 
         
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
(in thousands)
 
                                 
Revenues
 
4
     
543,262
     
498,325
     
454,213
     
149,783
 
Cost of sales
 
5
     
422,695
     
355,228
     
315,920
     
116,541
 
Gross profit
         
120,567
     
143,097
     
138,293
     
33,242
 
                                       
Operating costs and expenses
                                     
Selling expenses
 
6
     
74,216
     
74,106
     
65,869
     
20,462
 
General and administrative expenses
 
7
     
26,110
     
24,117
     
23,299
     
7,199
 
Other Income
         
(109
)
   
(222
)
   
(230
)
   
(30
)
           
100,217
     
98,001
     
88,938
     
27,631
 
                                       
Operating profit
         
20,350
     
45,096
     
49,355
     
5,611
 
                                       
Finance Income
 
9
     
20,363
     
25,657
     
28,957
     
5,614
 
Finance expenses
 
9
     
1,521
     
16,779
     
20,492
     
419
 
Finance Income, net
         
18,842
     
8,878
     
8,465
     
5,195
 
                                       
Profit before taxes on Income
         
39,192
     
53,974
     
57,820
     
10,806
 
Taxes on Income
 
10
     
7,536
     
12,410
     
12,719
     
2,078
 
                                       
Net Income
         
31,656
     
41,564
     
45,101
     
8,728
 
                                       
Earnings per share:
                                     
Basic/ diluted earnings per share
 
11
     
2.28
     
3.00
     
3.25
     
0.63
 
                                       
Shares used in computation of basic/ diluted EPS
         
13,867,017
     
13,867,017
     
13,867,017
     
13,867,017
 
                                       
Actual number of shares
         
13,867,017
     
13,867,017
     
13,867,017
     
13,867,017
 
 
(*) Convenience Translation into US Dollars.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F - 6


 

G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(NIS in thousands)
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
   
2 0 2 3 (*)
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
(in thousands)
 
                           
Net Income
   
31,656
     
41,564
     
45,101
     
8,728
 
                                 
Other comprehensive Income (Expenses)
                               
                                 
Re-measurement of net liabilities with respect to a defined benefit which will not be classified in the future as profit or loss, net of tax
   
41
     
764
     
363
     
11
 
                                 
Other comprehensive Income (Expenses) for the year
   
41
     
764
     
363
     
11
 
                                 
Total comprehensive Income for the year
   
31,697
     
42,328
     
45,464
     
8,739
 
 
(*) Convenience Translation into US Dollars.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F - 7


 

G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(NIS in thousands)
 
   
Share capital
   
Additional
paid in
capital
   
Re-Measurement of the net liability in respect of defined benefit
   
Capital fund
   
Retained
earnings
   
 
 
Treasury
shares
   
Total
shareholders'
equity
 
                                           
Balance – January 1, 2021
   
1,490
     
170,760
     
(1,322
)
   
247
     
415,196
     
(628
)
   
585,743
 
Profit for the year
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
45,101
     
-
     
45,101
 
Measurement of the net liability in respect of defined benefit
   
-
     
-
     
363
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
363
 
Total comprehensive Income for the year
   
-
     
-
     
363
     
-
     
45,101
     
-
     
45,464
 
Dividend distribution
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(59,975
)
   
-
     
(59,975
)
                                                         
Balance – December 31, 2021
   
1,490
     
170,760
     
(959
)
   
247
     
400,322
     
(628
)
   
571,232
 
Profit for the year
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
41,564
     
-
     
41,564
 
Measurement of the net liability in respect of defined benefit
   
-
     
-
     
764
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
764
 
Total comprehensive Income for the year
   
-
     
-
     
764
     
-
     
41,564
     
-
     
42,328
 
Share based payment
   
-
     
790
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
790
 
Dividend distribution
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(54,906
)
   
-
     
(54,906
)
Balance – December 31, 2022
   
1,490
     
171,550
     
(195
)
   
247
     
386,980
     
(628
)
   
559,444
 
Profit for the year
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
31,656
     
-
     
31,656
 
Measurement of the net liability in respect of defined benefit
   
-
     
-
     
41
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
41
 
Total comprehensive Income for the year
   
-
     
-
     
41
     
-
     
31,656
     
-
     
31,697
 
Share based payment
   
-
     
1,039
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,039
 
Dividend distribution
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(39,945
)
   
-
     
(39,945
)
Balance – December 31, 2023
   
1,490
     
172,589
     
(154
)
   
247
     
378,691
     
(628
)
   
552,235
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F - 8


 

G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(NIS in thousands)
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
   
2 0 2 3 (*)
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
(in thousands)
 
                           
CASH FLOWS – OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                         
Profit from continuing operations
   
31,656
     
41,564
     
45,101
     
8,728
 
Adjustments to reconcile net profit to net cash provided (used in) continuing operating activities (Appendix A)
   
2,052
     
(27,495
)
   
416
     
566
 
                                 
Net cash from operating activities
   
33,708
     
14,069
     
45,517
     
9,294
 
                                 
Cash flows – investing activities
                               
Acquisition of property plant and equipment
   
(4,605
)
 

(**)

(6,006
)
   
(6,209
)
   
(1,270
)

Acquisition of property plant and equipment under construction

   

(18,941

)  

(**)

(7,344

)     -      

(5,222

)
Proceeds from sale of property plant and Equipment
   
208
     
351
     
230
     
57
 
Proceeds from loans granted to others
   
-
     
-
     
18,707
     
-
 
Proceeds from sale (purchase) of marketable securities, net
   
18,166
     
21,285
     
2,718
     
5,009
 
                                 
Net cash used in (from) investing activities
   
(5,172
)
   
8,286
     
15,446
     
(1,426
)
                                 
Cash flows – financing activities
                               
Lease liability payments
   
(2,408
)
   
(2,180
)
   
(2,169
)
   
(664
)
Dividend distribution
   
(39,945
)
   
(54,906
)
   
(59,975
)
   
(11,012
)
                                 
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(42,353
)
   
(57,086
)
   
(62,144
)
   
(11,676
)
                                 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(13,817
)
   
(34,731
)
   
(1,181
)
   
(3,808
)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year
   
150,607
     
195,718
     
201,822
     
41,523
 
Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents
   
676
     
(10,380
)
   
(4,923
)
   
186
 
Cash and cash equivalents of the end of the financial year
   
137,466
     
150,607
     
195,718
     
37,901
 
 
(*) Convenience Translation into US Dollars.
(**) Reclassified

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F - 9


 

G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
APPENDIX A TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(NIS in thousands)
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
   
2 0 2 3 (*)
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
(in thousands)
 
Cash flows from/ (used in) operating activities
                         
                           
A.    Adjustments to reconcile net profit to net cash from operating activities
                         
                           
Decrease in deferred income taxes
   
670
     
2,181
     
1,249
     
185
 
Unrealized loss (gain) on marketable securities
   
(5,597
)
   
2,985
     
(19,464
)
   
(1,543
)
Loss (gain) from financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
           
(13,960
)
   
13,960
     
-
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
6,950
     
6,508
     
6,200
     
1,916
 
Capital gain on disposal of property plant and equipment
   
(109
)
   
(222
)
   
(230
)
   
(30
)
Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents
   
(676
)
   
10,380
     
4,923
     
(186
)
Share based payment
   
1,039
     
790
     
-
     
286
 
                                 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                               
Decrease (increase) in trade receivables and other receivables
   
7,527
     
(17,151
)
   
10,190
     
2,075
 
Decrease (Increase) in inventories
   
9,454
     
(12,401
)
   
(14
)
   
2,607
 
Increase (decrease) in trade payables, other payables and other current liabilities
   
(3,547
)
   
5,418
     
(3,405
)
   
(978
)
                                 
Cash generated from operations
   
15,711
     
(15,472
)
   
13,409
     
4,332
 
                                 
Income tax paid
   
(13,659
)
   
(12,023
)
   
(12,993
)
   
(3,766
)
                                 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
2,052
     
(27,495
)
   
416
     
566
 
 
(*) Convenience Translation into US Dollars.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

F - 10


 

G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)

 

Note 1 – Basis of preparation
 
The Company was incorporated in Israel in January 1994 under the name G. Willi-Food Ltd. and commenced operations in February 1994. It changed its name to G. Willi-Food International Ltd. in June 1996. The Company's corporate headquarters and principal executive offices are located at 4 Nahal Harif Street, Northern Industrial Zone, Yavne 81106, Israel.
 
The Company completed its IPO in the United States in May 1997, at which time its ordinary shares began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market, where they currently trade under the symbol “WILC”. On June 15, 2020, our ordinary shares began trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the symbol “WILC”.
 
The Company is an Israeli-based company specializing in high-quality, great-tasting kosher food products. The Company is engaged, directly and through subsidiaries, in the design, import, marketing and distribution of a wide variety of over 650 food products world-wide. In the year ended December 31, 2023, substantially all of our revenue was generated in Israel, with less than 1% of our revenue resulting from exports outside Israel.
 
The Company purchases food products from over 150 suppliers located in Israel and throughout the world, including from the Far East (China, India, the Philippines Thailand and Vietnam), Eastern Europe (Poland, Lithuania and Latvia), South America (Ecuador and Peru), Western and Central Europe (the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, and France) and Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Turkey and Greece) and more.
 
The Company's products are marketed and sold to approximately 1,500 customers and 3,000 selling points in Israel, including to supermarket chains, wholesalers and institutional consumers. The Company markets most of its products under the brand name “Willi-Food,” and some of its chilled and frozen products under the brand name “Euro European Dairies”. Certain products are marketed under brand names of other manufacturers or under other brand names. In addition, the Company distributes some of its products on an exclusive basis, as described further below. Less than 1% of the Company’s sales come from product sales in countries other than Israel.
 

F - 11


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 1 – Basis of preparation (continued)
 
Following changes in management in recent years, the Company continues to re-evaluate its strategic position and consider other business opportunities. As part of this re-evaluation, the Company is considering forming strategic alliances with or entering into different lines of business, expanding its product lines, and increasing product sales with existing customers while adding new customers. In addition, the Company is examining M&A opportunities to further increase its market presence.
 
As of March, 21, 2024, the Company’s principal shareholder, Willi-Food, held approximately 59.14% of our ordinary shares.
 
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are set out in note 27. The policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
 
The consolidated financial statements are presented in New Israeli Shekels (NIS), which is also the Company functional currency.
 
The conversion from New Israeli Shekels (NIS) into U.S. dollars was made at the exchange rate as of December 31, 2023, on which USD 1.00 equaled NIS 3.627 The use of USD is solely for the convenience of the reader.
 
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and International Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and Interpretations (collectively IFRSs).
 
The preparation of financial statements in compliance with adopted IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires Company management to exercise judgment in applying the Company's accounting policies. The areas where significant judgments and estimates have been made in preparing the consolidated financial statements and their effect are disclosed in note 2.
 
Basis of measurement:
 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the following items (refer to individual accounting policies for details):
 
-          Financial instruments – fair value through profit or loss
-          Net defined benefit liability
 

F - 12


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 1 – Basis of preparation (continued)
 
Changes in accounting policies
 
A.          New standards, interpretations and amendments adopted from 1 January, 2023:
 
Definition of Accounting Estimates (Amendments to IAS 8 Accounting policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors) The amendments to IAS 8, which added the definition of accounting estimates, clarify that the effects of a change in an input or measurement technique are changes in accounting estimates, unless resulting from the correction of prior period errors. These amendments clarify how entities make the distinction between changes in accounting estimate, changes in accounting policy and prior period errors. These amendments had no effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Group.
 
B.          New standards, interpretations and amendments not yet effective
 
There are a number of standards, amendments to standards, and interpretations which have been issued by the IASB that are effective in future accounting periods that the Group has decided not to adopt early.
 
The following amendments are effective for the period beginning 1 January 2024:
 
-          Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current (Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements);
-          Non-current Liabilities with Covenants (Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements)

 

The Group is currently assessing the impact of these new accounting standards and amendments. The Group does not believe that the amendments to IAS 1 will have a significant impact on the classification of its liabilities. The Group does not expect any other standards issued by the IASB, but are yet to be effective, to have a material impact on the Group.

 

F - 13


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 2 – Critical accounting estimates and assumptions
 
The Company makes certain estimates and assumptions regarding the future. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. In the future, actual experience may differ from these estimates and assumptions. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
 
Estimates and assumptions:
 
-          Revenue recognition – provision of rights to return goods
-          Defined benefit scheme – actuarial assumptions
-          The determination of the incremental borrowing rate used to measure lease liabilities
-          Legal proceedings – estimates of claims and legal processes
-          Inventory – provision of slow-moving inventory
-          Fair value measurement
several assets included in the Company’s financial and non-financial assets utilizes market observables inputs and data as far as possible. Inputs used in determining fair value measurement are categorized into different levels based on how observable the inputs used in the valuation technique utilized are (the 'fair value hierarchy'):
•          Level 1: Quoted priced in active markets for identical items (unadjusted)
          Level 2: Observable direct or indirect inputs other than level 1 inputs.
          Level 3: Unobservable inputs (i.e., not derived from market data).
The classification of an item into the above levels is based on the lowest level of the inputs used that has a significant effect on the fair value measurement of the item. Transfers of items between levels are recognized in the period they occur.
 
The Company measures several items at fair value:
 
-          Current financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (see note 3)
-          Non-current financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (see note 3)

 

F - 14


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 3 – Financial instruments risk management
 
The Company is exposed through its operations to the following financial risks:
 
-          Credit risk
-          Other market price risk
-          Foreign exchange risk
-          Global changes in raw-material prices
 
In common with all other businesses, the Company is exposed to risks that arise from its use of financial instruments. This note describes the Company's objectives, policies and processes for managing those risks and the methods used to measure them. Further quantitative information in respect of these risks is presented throughout these financial statements.
 
There have been no substantive changes in the Company's exposure to financial instrument risks, its objectives, policies and processes for managing those risks or the methods used to measure them from previous periods unless otherwise stated in this note.
 
(i) Principal financial instruments
 
The principal financial instruments used by the Company, from which financial instrument risk arises, are as follows:
-          Cash and cash equivalents
-          Trade and other receivables
-          Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

-          Lease liabilities

-          Trade payables
 
(ii) Financial instruments by category
Financial assets:
 
   
Fair value through profit or loss
   
Amortized cost
 
   
2023
   
2022
   
2023
   
2022
 
   
NIS in thousands
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
-
     
-
     
137,466
     
150,607
 
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
   
148,306
     
160,875
     
-
     
-
 
Trade and other receivables
   
-
     
-
     
170,543
     
170,794
 
Total financial assets
   
148,306
     
160,875
     
308,009
     
321,401
 

 

F - 15


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 3 – Financial instruments risk management (continued)
 
(ii) Financial instruments by category (continued)
 
Financial liabilities:
 
   
Amortized cost
 
   
2023
   
2022
 
   
NIS in thousands
 
Trade payables
   
21,622
     
24,842
 

Lease liabilities

   

2,206

     

3,478

 
Total financial liabilities
   
23,828
     
28,320
 
 
(iii) Financial instruments not measured at fair value
 
Financial instruments not measured at fair value includes cash and cash equivalents, loans to others, trade and other receivables and trade payables.
 
Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, loans to others, trade and other receivables, and trade payables approximates their fair value.
 
(iv) Financial instruments measured at fair value
 
The fair value hierarchy of financial instruments measured at fair value is provided below
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
   
2023
   
2022
   
2023
   
2022
   
2023
   
2022
 
   
NIS in thousands
 
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
   
102,163
     
116,762
     
-
     
-
     
46,143
     
44,113
 
 
There were no transfers between levels during the period.
 
There were not any changes with the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in determining the fair value during the period.
 
The fair value of the investment in non-tradable participation units is calculated using the asset value method.

 

F - 16


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 3 – Financial instruments risk management (continued)
 
(iv) Financial instruments measured at fair value (continued)
 
The reconciliation of the opening and closing fair value balance of financial instruments is provided below:
 
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss:
 
Level 1
   
Level 3
 
   
NIS in thousands
 
January 1, 2023
   
116,762
     
44,113
 
Purchases
   
18,054
     
-
 
Disposals
   
(36,220
)
   
-
 
Gain (Loss)
   
3,567
     
2,030
 
December 31, 2023
   
102,163
     
46,143
 
 
General objectives, policies and processes
 
Credit risk
 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company is mainly exposed to credit risk from credit sales. It is Company policy, implemented locally, to assess the credit risk of new customers before entering contracts. Such credit ratings are taken into account by local business practices.
 
The Company has established a credit policy under which each new customer is analyzed individually for creditworthiness before the Company's standard payment and delivery terms and conditions are offered. The Company's review includes external ratings, when available, and in some cases bank references. Purchase limits are established for each customer, which represents the maximum open amount.

 

F - 17


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 3 – Financial instruments risk management (continued)

 

Other market price risk
 
The Company is exposed to price risks of shares, certificate of participation in mutual fund and bonds, which are classified as financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss.
 
The effect of a 10% increase in the value of the portfolio securities investment held at the reporting date would, if all other variables held constant, have resulted in an increase in the fair value through profit or loss and net assets of NIS 12,221 thousand (2022: NIS 11,672 thousand). A 10% decrease in their value would, on the same basis, have decreased the fair value through other profit or loss reserve and net assets by the same amount.
 
Foreign exchange risk
 
Foreign exchange risk arises when the Company enters into transactions denominated in a currency other than its functional currency. The Company buys its inventories mostly in USD and EURO and sells its products in NIS. Foreign exchange exposures are managed within utilizing forward foreign exchange contracts.
 
As of December 31, the Company's net exposure to foreign exchange risk was as follows:
 
   
2023
   
2022
 
Net foreign currency financial assets/(liabilities)
 
NIS in thousands
 
US Dollars
   
20,363
     
26,939
 
EURO
   
(2,507
)
   
(6,399
)
Total net exposure
   
17,856
     
20,540
 
 
The following table details the Company's sensitivity to a 10% increase and decrease in the NIS against the relevant foreign currencies. 10% is the sensitivity rate used when reporting foreign currency risk internally to key management personnel and represents management's assessment of the reasonably possible change in foreign exchange rates. The sensitivity analysis includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated monetary items and adjusts their translation at the period end for a 10% change in foreign currency rates. A positive number below indicates an increase in profit and other equity where the NIS strengthens 10% against the relevant currency. For a 10% weakening of the NIS against the relevant currency, there would be opposite impact on the profit and other equity, and the balances below would be negative.
 
   
US Dollars
   
EURO
 
   
2023
   
2022
   
2023
   
2022
 
   
NIS in thousands
 
10% increase
   
2,036
     
2,694
     
251
     
640
 
10% decrease
   
(2,036
)
   
(2,694
)
   
(251
)
   
(640
)

 

F - 18


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 3 – Financial instruments risk management (continued)
 
Global changes in raw-material prices
 
Raw material prices are mainly affected by extreme weather fluctuations affecting agricultural crops, crude oil prices, accelerated growth and growing demand in China and India affecting world consumption, rise in living standards mainly in developing countries and speculative transaction in the commodity market. A possible rise in the price of raw materials may lead to higher prices for products by suppliers. Sharp price increases in commodity prices may have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations and business results.

 

Note 4 – Segment information
 
The Company has one reportable segment:
 
-          Import- export, marketing and distribution of food products.
 
Factors that management used to identify the Company's reportable segments
 
The Company's reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately because each business requires different marketing strategies.
 
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the management team including the Chief Executive Officer, and the co-chairman of the board of directors.
 
The table below shows the Company's revenues from major groups of products that contributed 10% or more to the Company's total revenues in the years 2021 to 2023:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
Dairy and Dairy Substitute Products
   
212,728
     
188,738
     
196,589
     
58,651
 
Canned Vegetables and Pickles
   
76,740
     
70,398
     
59,844
     
21,158
 
Canned Fish
   
74,750
     
62,270
     
56,064
     
20,609
 
Cereals, rice and pastas
   
61,573
     
61,350
     
62,712
     
16,977
 
Oils
   
43,058
     
44,241
    (*)
23,025
 
   
11,872
 
Non-banking credit
   
-
     
-
     
276
     
-
 
Other
   
74,413
     
71,328
    (*) 55,703
 
   
20,516
 
     
543,262
     
498,325
     
454,213
     
149,783
 
 
(*) Reclassified
 

 

F - 19


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 4 – Segment information (continued)

 

Revenues by customer group
 
 
   
Percentage of Total Sales
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
 
                   
Large retail supermarket chains
   
54
%
   
54
%
   
50
%
Other customers
   
46
%
   
46
%
   
50
%
     
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
 
Revenues from main customers of the Import segment
 
The Company has one customer who represented more than 10% of the total sales which amounted to NIS 60,431 thousand in 2023 (2022: NIS 64,950 thousand 2021: NIS 60,701 thousand).

 

Note 5 – Cost of sales
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                         
Purchases
   
377,013
     
310,324
     
269,888
     
103,947
 
Marine transportation
   
17,039
     
27,486
     
20,701
     
4,698
 
Maintenance
   
10,515
     
9,854
     
8,714
     
2,899
 
Outsourced packing
   
3,195
    (*)
2,230
    (*)
2,796
     
881
 
Transportation
   
3,120
     
2,972
     
3,063
     
860
 
Salaries and related expenses
   
2,800
     
1,206
     
-
     
772
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
2,562
     
2,421
     
2,180
     
706
 
Packing materials
   
1,746
    (*)
1,075
 
   
-
     
481
 
Other costs and expenses
   
3,101
    (*)
2,960
 
  (*)
2,733
 
   
855
 
     
421,091
     
360,528
     
310,075
     
116,099
 
Changes in inventories of finished products
   
1,604
     
(5,300
)
   
5,845
     
442
 
     
422,695
     
355,228
     
315,920
     
116,541
 

 

Note 6 – Selling expenses
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                         
Salaries and related expenses
   
22,728
     
22,167
     
22,597
     
6,266
 
Transportation and maintenance
   
22,048
     
20,682
     
19,589
     
6,079
 
Advertising and promotion
   
11,923
     
14,919
     
9,225
     
3,287
 
Personnel services
   
4,388
     
3,344
    (*)
1,890
 
   
1,210
 
Vehicles
   
3,793
     
3,898
     
3,165
     
1,046
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
2,923
     
2,713
     
2,899
     
806
 
Share based payment expense
   
435
     
436
     
-
     
120
 
Others
   
5,978
     
5,947
    (*)
6,504
 
   
1,648
 
     
74,216
     
74,106
     
65,869
     
20,462
 
 
(*) Reclassified

 

F - 20


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 7 – General and administrative expenses
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                         
Salaries and related expenses
   
16,598
     
15,876
     
15,992
     
4,577
 
Professional services
   
2,471
     
2,366
     
2,658
     
681
 
Office maintenance
   
1,667
     
1,585
     
1,589
     
460
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
1,465
     
1,374
     
1,124
     
404
 
Share based payment expense
   
604
     
355
     
-
     
166
 
Vehicles
   
507
     
462
     
431
     
140
 
Communication
   
94
     
111
     
109
     
26
 
Bad and doubtful debts
   
(46
)
   
42
     
(599
)
   
(13
)
Other
   
2,750
     
1,946
     
1,995
     
758
 
     
26,110
     
24,117
     
23,299
     
7,199
 

 

Note 8 – Employee benefit expenses
 
Employee benefit expenses (not including directors' remuneration) comprise:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
Salary
   
42,126
     
33,888
     
33,263
     
11,615
 
Bonus
   
3,061
     
4,946
     
5,326
     
844
 
     
45,187
     
38,834
     
38,589
     
12,459
 
 
Key management personnel compensation
 
 
Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company, including the directors of the company and other senior officers.
 
Key management personnel expenses comprise:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
 
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
   
2 0 2 3
 
 
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                         
Salary and management fees
   
6,021
     
5,268
     
5,039
     
1,660
 
Bonus
   
2,661
     
4,569
     
4,840
     
734
 
Share based payment expense
   
536
     
321
     
-
     
89
 
Directors' remuneration
   
228
     
332
     
345
     
63
 
     
9,446
     
10,490
     
10,224
     
2,546
 

 

F - 21


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 9 – Finance income and expenses
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
   
2 0 2 3
 
Finance income:
 
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                         
Interest from Short-term bank deposits
   
4,644
     
2,845
     
408
     
1,281
 
Dividends
   
5,201
     
3,537
     
5,207
     
1,433
 
Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair values
   
3,567
     
-
     
17,545
     
984
 
Income from revaluation of a long-term financial asset
   
2,030
     
13,058
     
1,919
     
560
 
Foreign currency differences
   
676
     
3,580
     
-
     
186
 
Interest Income of debentures held for trading
   
4,207
     
2,637
     
3,757
     
1,160
 
Other interest
   
38
     
-
     
121
     
10
 
Total finance income
   
20,363
     
25,657
     
28,957
     
5,614
 
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
   
2 0 2 3
 
Finance expenses:
 
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                         
Bank fees
   
535
     
420
     
409
     
148
 
Portfolio management fees
   
204
     
181
     
950
     
56
 
Foreign currency differences
   
-
     
-
     
1,174
     
-
 
Expenses from forward transaction
   
-
     
-
     
17,867
     
-
 
Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair values
   
-
     
16,043
     
-
     
-
 
Other
   
782
     
135
     
92
     
215
 
Total finance expenses
   
1,521
     
16,779
     
20,492
     
419
 

 

F - 22


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 10 – Tax on income
 
Tax balances presented in the statement of financial position:
 
   
December 31,
 
 
2023
   
2022
   
2023
 
 
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                   
Current tax assets
   
9,497
     
3,117
     
2,618
 
Deferred tax liabilities
   
(4,868
)
   
(4,198
)
   
(1,342
)
 
   
January
         
December
   
December
 
   
1, 2023
   
Change
   
31, 2023
   
31, 2023
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
Deferred taxes arise from the following:
                             
Financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss
   
(5,135
)
   
(710
)
   
(5,845
)
   
(1,612
)
Leases
   
-
     
19
     
19
     
5
 
Employees benefits
   
421
     
80
     
501
     
139
 
Allowance of credit loss
   
326
     
(9
)
   
317
     
87
 
Carry forward tax losses
   
190
     
(50
)
   
140
     
39
 
     
(4,198
)
   
(670
)
   
(4,868
)
   
(1,342
)
 
   
January
         
December
   
December
 
   
1, 2022
   
Change
   
31, 2022
   
31, 2022
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
Deferred taxes arise from the following:
                             
Financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss
   
(6,511
)
   
1,376
     
(5,135
)
   
(1,459
)
Financial liabilities carried at fair value through profit or loss
   
3,210
     
(3,210
)
   
-
     
-
 
Employees benefits
   
599
     
(178
)
   
421
     
120
 
Allowance of credit loss
   
316
     
10
     
326
     
93
 
Carry forward tax losses
   
369
     
(179
)
   
190
     
53
 
     
(2,017
)
   
(2,181
)
   
(4,198
)
   
(1,193
)
 
Taxes on income recognized in profit or loss:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
Current taxes:
                       
Current taxes
   
6,866
     
9,866
     
11,470
     
1,893
 
     
6,866
     
9,866
     
11,470
     
1,893
 
                                 
Deferred taxes
   
670
     
2,544
     
1,249
     
185
 
     
7,536
     
12,410
     
12,719
     
2,078
 

 

F - 23


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 10 – Tax on income (continued)
 
Reconciliation of the statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                         
Income before Income taxes
   
39,192
     
53,974
     
57,820
     
10,806
 
Statutory tax rate
   
23
%
   
23
%
   
23
%
   
23
%
Tax computed by statutory tax rate
   
9,014
     
12,414
     
13,299
     
2,485
 
                                 
Tax increments (savings) due to:
                               
Non-deductible expenses
   
541
     
147
     
97
     
150
 
Profit or loss for tax for which deferred taxes were not provided
   
-
     
(13
)
   
12
     
-
 
Temporary differences
   
(19
)
   
-
     
-
     
(5
)
Taxes for previous years
   
(268
)
   
358
     
-
     
(74
)
Tax exempt Income
   
(1,224
)
   
(844
)
   
(1,202
)
   
(338
)
Other
   
(508
)
   
348
     
513
     
(140
)
     
7,536
     
12,410
     
12,719
     
2,078
 
 
The tax rate applicable to the Company for the years 2021 – 2023 is 23%.

 

Note 11 – Earning per share
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 1
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
Basic and diluted earnings per share:
                       
Earnings used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share
   
31,656
     
41,564
     
45,101
     
8,728
 
                                 
Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share
   
13,867,017
     
13,867,017
     
13,867,017
     
13,867,017
 

 

F - 24


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 12 – Cash and cash equivalents
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                   
Short-term bank deposits
   
126,873
     
132,061
     
34,980
 
Cash in bank
   
10,593
     
18,546
     
2,921
 
     
137,466
     
150,607
     
37,901
 
 
Note 13 – Trade receivables, Net

 

Composition:
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                   
Open accounts
   
147,744
     
151,255
     
40,735
 
Checks receivables
   
17,692
     
19,780
     
4,878
 
Credit cards
   
397
     
230
     
109
 
Less – estimated credit loss
   
(1,378
)
   
(1,419
)
   
(380
)
Less – provision for return of goods
   
(4,076
)
   
(4,008
)
   
(1,124
)
     
160,379
     
165,838
     
44,218
 

 

The table below shows the open accounts balance as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 segmented by the due date.
 
 
   
Open accounts - days past due
 
   
Nis in thousands
 
As of:
 
Not past due
   
<30
     
31-60
     
61-90
   
>90
   
Total
 
December 31, 2023
   
145,978
     
1,540
     
120
     
78
     
30
     
147,746
 
December 31, 2022
   
149,430
     
1,212
     
523
     
65
     
25
     
151,255
 
 
Changes in the allowance of credit loss
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                   
Balance at beginning of the year
   
1,419
     
1,374
     
391
 
Changes in allowance for doubtful debts
   
(41
)
   
45
     
(11
)
Balance at end of the year
   
1,378
     
1,419
     
380
 

 

F - 25


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 14 – Other receivables and prepaid expenses
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                   
Advances to suppliers
   
8,002
     
2,563
     
2,206
 
Prepaid expenses
   
381
     
363
     
105
 
Other income receivables
   
-
     
195
     
-
 
Others
   
1,781
     
1,835
     
491
 
     
10,164
     
4,956
     
2,802
 
 
Note 15 – Inventories, Net
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                   
Finished products
   
54,193
     
55,796
     
14,941
 
Inventory in transit
   
11,782
     
17,018
     
3,249
 
Less – Provision of slow-moving inventory
   
(3,500
)
   
(885
)
   
(965
)
     
62,475
     
71,929
     
17,225
 
 
The Company records a provision for slow moving inventory in respect of inventory items estimated by management not to be realized due to expiration date. The slow-moving inventory is based on the historic realization rate of the respective item as well as on management's estimate with respect to its future realization rate.

 

F - 26


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 16 – Property, plant and equipment
 
   
Land and
Building
   
New
logistics
Center (**)
   
Machinery
and
equipment
   
Motor
Vehicles
   
Computers
and
equipment
   
Office
Furniture
   
Total
 
Consolidated Cost:
                                         
Balance -January 1, 2022
  (*)
56,924
 
  (*)
541
 
   
9,177
     
11,457
     
7,182
     
1,964
     
87,245
 
Changes during 2022:
                                                       
Additions
  (*)
2,100
 
   
7,344
 
   
1,928
     
1,192
     
624
     
162
     
13,350
 
Dispositions
   
-
    (*)
-
     
-
     
(1,379
)
   
-
     
-
     
(1,379
)
                                                         
Balance – December 31, 2022
  (*)
59,024
 
  (*)
7,885
 
   
11,105
     
11,270
     
7,806
     
2,126
     
99,216
 
Changes during 2023:
                                                       
Additions
   
414
     
18,941
     
1,968
     
332
     
1,692
     
199
     
23,546
 
Dispositions
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(540
)
   
-
     
-
     
(540
)
                                                         
Balance – December 31, 2023
   
59,438
     
26,826
     
13,073
     
11,062
     
9,498
     
2,325
     
122,222
 
                                                         
Accumulated depreciation:
                                                       
Balance – January 1, 2022
   
26,372
     
-
     
5,522
     
10,099
     
5,327
     
1,111
     
48,431
 
Changes during 2022:
                                                       
Additions
   
2,151
     
-
     
482
     
1,031
     
659
     
29
     
4,352
 
Dispositions
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,250
)
   
-
     
-
     
(1,250
)
Balance – December 31, 2022
   
28,523
     
-
     
6,004
     
9,880
     
5,986
     
1,140
     
51,533
 
Changes during 2023:
                                                       
Additions
   
2,336
     
-
     
476
     
915
     
778
     
41
     
4,546
 
Dispositions
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(443
)
   
-
     
-
     
(443
)
Balance – December 31, 2023
   
30,859
     
-
     
6,480
     
10,352
     
6,764
     
1,181
     
55,636
 
                                                         
Net book value:
                                                       
December 31, 2023
   
28,579
     
26,826
     
6,593
     
710
     
2,734
     
1,144
     
66,586
 
December 31, 2022
  (*)
30,501
 
  (*)
7,885
 
   
5,101
     
1,390
     
1,820
     
986
     
47,683
 
                                                         
Net book value (US Dollars in thousands):
                                                       
December 31, 2023
   
7,880
     
7,396
     
1,789
     
215
     
754
     
325
     
18,359
 
December 31, 2022
  (*)
8,409
 
  (*)
2,174
 
   
1,406
     
383
     
502
     
272
     
13,546
 
 
Property, plant and equipment under construction
 
(*) Reclassified

(**) Under construction

 

F - 27


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 17 – Leases
 
All leases are accounted for by recognizing a right-of-use asset and a lease liability except for leases for low value assets and leases with a duration of 12 months or less.
 
Lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the contractual payments due to the lessor over the lease term, with the discount rate of borrowing rate on commencement of the lease is used.
 
Right to use assets are initially measured at the amount of the lease liability.
 
Subsequent to initial measurement lease liabilities increase as a result of interest charged at a constant rate on the balance outstanding and are reduced for lease payments made. Right-to-use assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter period of the remaining term of the lease or over the remaining economic life of the asset.
 
Nature of leasing activities
 
The Company enters into agreements for the lease of trucks and private vehicles for periods of 5 and 3 years respectively. The Company's lease payment liability is secured by the lessor’s legal ownership of the assets.
 
Right of use assets, net
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
Cost:
                 
Opening balance
   
6,612
     
7,333
     
1,823
 
Dispositions
   
(2,408
)
   
(2,180
)
   
(664
)
Additions
   
1,137
     
1,459
     
314
 
Closing balance
   
5,341
     
6,612
     
1,473
 
                         
Accumulated depreciation:
                       
Opening balance
   
3,221
     
3,245
     
888
 
Dispositions
   
(2,408
)
   
(2,180
)
   
(664
)
Depreciation
   
2,404
     
2,156
     
663
 
Closing balance
   
3,217
     
3,221
     
887
 
                         
Net book value
   
2,124
     
3,391
     
586
 

 

F - 28


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 17 – Leases (continued)
 
Leases liabilities
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                   
Opening balance
   
3,478
     
4,198
     
959
 
Additions
   
1,137
     
1,460
     
313
 
Payments
   
(2,408
)
   
(2,180
)
   
(664
)
Closing balance
   
2,207
     
3,478
     
608
 
 
Amounts recognized in Statement of income
 
   
For the year ended December 31
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                   
Depreciation expense on right-to-use assets
   
2,404
     
2,156
     
663
 
Interest expense on lease liabilities
   
75
     
126
     
21
 
Cancellation of rental expenses
   
(2,483
)
   
(2,306
)
   
(685
)
     
(4
)
   
(24
)
   
(1
)
 
Note 18 – Subsidiaries
 
The principal subsidiaries of G. Willi-Food International Ltd, all of which have been included in these consolidated financial statements, are as follows:
 
Subsidiary
 
Country of
incorporation and principal place of business
 
Proportion of ownership interest
 
       
December 31,
 
       
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
 
Euro European Dairies (Goldfrost) Ltd.
 
Israel
   
100
%
   
100
%
W.F.D. (Import, Marketing and Trading) Ltd.
 
Israel
   
100
%
   
100
%
W. Capital Ltd.
 
Israel
   
100
%
   
100
%
 
Note 19 – Trade payables
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                   
Open accounts
   
21,339
     
24,735
     
5,883
 
Checks payables
   
283
     
107
     
78
 
     
21,622
     
24,842
     
5,961
 

 

F - 29


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 20 – Employee benefit liabilities
 
Liabilities for employee benefits comprise:
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                   
Employee benefit
   
3,068
     
2,804
     
846
 
Accrual for annual leave
   
1,125
     
952
     
310
 
Defined benefit schemes (note 23)
   
1,055
     
878
     
291
 
     
5,248
     
4,634
     
1,447
 
 
Estimates and assumptions
 
The costs, assets and liabilities of the defined benefit schemes operating by the Company are determined using methods relying on actuarial estimates and assumptions. Details of the key assumptions are set out in note 24. The Company takes advice from independent actuaries relating to the appropriateness of the assumptions. Changes in the assumptions used may have a significant effect on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the consolidated statement of financial position.

 

Note 21 – Other payables and accrued expenses
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                   
Accrued expenses
   
6,380
     
8,812
     
1,759
 
Customer advances
   
2,367
     
1,702
     
653
 
Other payables
   
2,107
     
1,322
     
581
 
     
10,854
     
11,836
     
2,993
 

 

Note 22 – Share capital
 
Composition
 
December 31
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
 
             
Ordinary shares of NIS 0.1 each
   
50,000,000
     
50,000,000
 
                 
Issued and outstanding
   
13,867,017
     
13,867,017
 

 

F - 30


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 23 – Defined benefit scheme
 
Defined benefit plans – General
 
According to labor laws and the Severance Pay Law in Israel, the Company is required to pay compensation to an employee upon dismissal or retirement (including employees who quit their job under other specific circumstances). The computation of the employee benefit liability is made according to the current employment contract based on the employee's latest salary which, in the opinion of management, establishes the entitlement to receive the compensation and considering the employment term.
 
The current legal retirement age is 64 for women, 65 for women was born after January 1960 and 67 for men. Therefore, according to the plan, an employee who has been employed by the Company for at least one consecutive year (and under circumstances defined by law) and is dismissed after this period, is entitled to severance pay. The rate of compensation stipulated in the Law is the employee's last salary for each year of employment.
 
As part of the plan, the Company and its subsidiaries are obligated to deposit amounts, at a rate to be determined by law, in order to secure the accrual of severance pay. As stipulated in the Extension Order (Consolidated Version) of compulsory pension under the laws in Israel (hereinafter: "the Extension Order"). In the reporting year, the Company's rate of provisions for severance pay is 6.5%, to be deposited in a pension fund / insurance fund.
 
The actuary is not employed by the Company and is not dependent thereon. The present value of the defined benefit obligation and the relating costs of current and past services is calculated as the present value (without deducting the plan’s assets) of the future payments expected to settle the liability, in consideration for the current and past services rendered by the employee.
 
The plan detailed above exposes the Company to the following risks: "investment risk", i.e., the risk that the program assets will bear a negative yield and thus reduce the plan's assets in a way that does not suffice to cover the obligation. i.e., risk of actuarial assumptions regarding the expected increase in wages will be underestimated Compared with the actual wage increases, thereby exposing the Company to the risk that the obligation will increase accordingly.
 
The current value of the Company's post-employment benefits obligation is based on an actuarial estimation. The actuarial estimation was performed by external actuary, member of Israel Association of Actuaries.
 

F - 31


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 23 – Defined benefit scheme (continued)

 

The principal assumptions used for the purposes of the actuarial valuations were as follows:

 

   
Valuation at
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
 
   

%

   

%

 
             
Discount rate
   
5.42
     
5.22
 
Expected return on the plan assets
   
5.42
     
5.22
 
Rate of increase in compensation
   
5
     
4
 
                 
Expected rate of termination:
               
0-1 years
   
35
     
35
 
1-2 years
   
30
     
30
 
2-3 years
   
25
     
25
 
3-4 years
   
15
     
15
 
4-5 years
   
15
     
15
 
5 years and more
   
7.5
     
7.5
 

 

The assumptions regarding future mortality rates are based on mortality tables published and approved by the Ministry of Finance. The mortality rate of an active participant at retirement age (67 for men, 64 for women) is 0.6433% for men and 0.3574% for women.
 
The provisions of Standard 19 stipulate that interest used to capitalize assets and liabilities should reflect risk free interest that is interest on highly rated corporate bonds with similar maturity periods and terms. Until November 2014, absent quality data and information about bonds of this type, what was utilized was the interest on long-term index linked government bonds (index linked Galil)/or long-term shackle government bonds (NIS Dawn - “Shachar”). Following a decision by the Securities Authority, according to which there is a deep market for corporate bonds, and according to the publication of Accounting Staff Position number 12-1, as of this report, the capitalization interest is that of high-quality corporate bonds. Use of a quality curve as stated above, is published by quoting companies which specialize in this field. The nominal interest rate for the capitalization appropriate for corporate bonds with high rankings as aforesaid, as of December 31, 2023, is 5.42% per year.
 

F - 32


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 23 – Defined benefit scheme (continued)
 
Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation in the current period were as follows:
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                 
Opening defined benefit obligation
   
5,481
     
6,441
     
1,511
 
Current service cost
   
474
     
467
     
131
 
Interest cost
   
269
     
129
     
74
 
Actuarial losses/(gains) arising from changes in financial assumptions
   
194
     
(1,201
)
   
53
 
Actuarial losses arising from experience adjustments
   
24
     
20
     
7
 
Benefits paid
   
(498
)
   
(375
)
   
(137
)
Closing defined benefit obligation
   
5,944
     
5,481
     
1,639
 

 

Changes in the fair value of the defined benefit assets in the current period were as follows:

 

   
December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                   
Opening defined benefit assets
   
4,653
     
4,826
     
1,283
 
Employer contribution
   
328
     
355
     
90
 
Expected return on the plan assets
   
233
     
95
     
64
 
Changes in financial assumptions
   
172
     
(367
)
   
47
 
Interest losses on severance payment allocated to remuneration benefits
   
(39
)
   
6
     
(11
)
Benefits paid
   
(410
)
   
(262
)
   
(113
)
Closing defined benefit assets
   
4,937
     
4,653
     
1,360
 

 

Adaption of the current value of defined benefit plan liability and the fair value of the plan's assets to the assets and liabilities recognized in the Balance Sheets:

 

   
December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
                   
Present value of funded liability
   
5,944
     
5,481
     
1,639
 
Fair value of unrecognized asset
   
48
     
50
     
13
 
Fair value of plan assets - accumulated deposit in executive insurance
   
(4,937
)
   
(4,653
)
   
(1,361
)
Net liability deriving from defined benefit obligation
   
1,055
     
878
     
291
 

 

F - 33


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 23 - Defined benefit scheme (continued)

 

Sensitivity analyzes principal actuarial assumptions:

The sensitivity analyzes below have been determined based on reasonably possible changes in actuarial assumptions at the end of the reporting period. Sensitivity analysis does not account for any existing inter dependence between assumptions:

If the discount rate were increased / decreased by 0.5%, the defined benefit obligation would have decreased / increased by NIS 216 thousand (USD 58 thousand ).

If the rate hikes expected salaries would have increased / decreased by 0.5%, the defined benefit obligation would have increased / decreased by NIS 115 thousand (USD 32 thousand ).

If the resignation rate would have increased / decreased by 10%, the defined benefit obligation would have increased / decreased by NIS 120 thousand (USD 33 thousand ).

 

Short term employee benefits:
 
Paid Annual Leave
 
In accordance with the Annual Leave Law, 1951, Company employees are entitled to several leave days per each working year. According to the above law (and addendums determined in personal contracts between the Company and several employees), the leave days due to an employee during the year is established based on the number of years of employment of that employee.
 
The employee may use leave days based on the employee's needs and with the Company's consent and to accumulate the remaining unused leave days based on the employee's personal employment contract. An employee who ceases employment before using the balance of leave days is entitled to payment for the above balance of leave days.
 
The balance of the Company's vacation provision is in accordance with the leave entitlement of each individual employee, according to his individual agreement with the company to which the employee belongs and in accordance with the employee's salary. The balance of the Company's vacation provision for December 31, 2023, as NIS 922 thousand (NIS 795 thousand , as of December 31, 2022).
 
Paid Sick Leave
 
In accordance with the Sick Pay Law, 1976, the Company's employees are entitled to 18 sick days per year (1.5 sick days per month). Sick days may be used only with a medical confirmation of an employee's illness. Employee who ceases employment before using the sick days due to the employee is not entitled to payment for the above balance of sick days and, therefore, such provision is not recorded in the Company's books.

 

F - 34


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 24 – Share based payment
 
On July 2022, the Company granted to its employees 164,000 non-marketable options exercisable to up to 164,000 ordinary shares of the Company, which at the date of this report constitute approximately 1.18% of the Company's capital and voting rights before the grant and approximately 1.17% after the grant. Each option will allow, upon exercise, to purchase one NIS 1 ordinary share at an exercise price of NIS 55.3, adjusted to dividend and subject to adjustments that will be required if rights or bonus shares are issued. The weighted average of the Company share price during the period ending on December 31, 2022 was NIS 51.69.
 
The fair value of all the options at the time of grant was approximately NIS 3 million. The fair value of the options was measured using the Black & Scholes model, using the following average indices: standard deviation in the range of approximately 39% to 44%, and the life of the option: 3 years for the first tranche, 4 years for the second tranche and 5 years for the 3rd tranche The standard deviation was calculated based on the historical daily standard deviation of the company's stock traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
 
The options will be exercisable in three equal annual rates starting on July 2023. An employee who was entitled to exercise the options will be able to exercise them in an additional period of 24 months since he first had the right to exercise the same number of options. Options that are not exercised by that date will expire. In the event of termination, the employee will be entitled to exercise the options whose exercise date has arrived during a period of 60 days from the date of termination. The other options will expire.
 
24.1 - Nature and scope of share-based payment plans during the period
 
During the period that ended on December 31, 2022, the Company has two share-based payment plans, as described below:
 
   
Stock options for senior management
   
Stock options for other employees
   
Total options
 
Outstanding period
 
July 2022
   
July 2022
   
July 2022
 
Granted during the year
 
75,000
   
89,000
   
164,000
 
Estimated lifespan
 
2-5 years
   
2-5 years
   
2-5 years
 
Vesting conditions
 
See note 24 above
   
See note 24 above
   
See note 24 above
 

 

F - 35


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 24 - Share based payment (continued)

 

24.2 - Details regarding the stock option plans

 
   
2023
   
2022
   
2023
 
   
Number
   
Weighted average Exercise price (NIS)
   
Number
   
Weighted average Exercise price (NIS)
   
Weighted average Exercise price (US Dollars)
 
Opening balance
   
164,000
     
52.76
     
-
     
-
     
14.55
 
Granted during the year
   
-
     
-
     
164,000
     
52.76
     
-
 
Expired during the year
   
(22,500
)
   
49.88
     
-
     
-
     
13.55
 
Closing balance
   
141,500
     
49.88
     
164,000
     
52.76
     
13.55
 

 

24.3 - Effect of share-based payment transactions on profit or loss for the period

 

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2 0 2 3
   
2 0 2 2
   
2 0 2 3
 
   
NIS
   
NIS
   
US Dollars
 
Expense arising from plans to grant shares and stock options
   
1,039
     
790
     
286
 

 

F - 36


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 25 – Contingent liabilities and commitments
     
   -
The Company has an obligation to pay incentives to several customers that are not subject to the Food Law, 5744-2014, which came into effect on January 15, 2015. Some of those incentives are payable as a rate of total annual sales to those customers, and some of those incentives are payable as a rate of acquisitions in excess of an agreed upon annual volume of activities. The incentives are calculated specifically for each customer. The incentives are calculated specifically for each customer as a reduction of the revenue.
     
   -
On June 4, 2020, the General Meeting of the Shareholders of the Company update the terms of the management agreements of each of Zwi Williger and Yosef Williger in their position as chairman of the Board of Directors joint active ("the joint heads").
     
   -
On March 14, 2023, a General Meeting of the Shareholders of the Company approved a new management services agreements pursuant to which Messrs. Yosef Williger and Zwi Williger are to serve as CEO of the company and chairmen of the Board of Directors, respectively.
 
The Company's shareholders also approved new terms of service for each of Mr. Zwi Williger and Mr. Joseph Williger, commencing as of January 1, 2023.
     
   -
On April 1, 1997, the parent Company, Willi-Food Investments Ltd., and the Company entered into an agreement for the provision of management, administration, bookkeeping, secretarial and controllership services. Pursuant to the said agreement, the parent company shall pay the Company a monthly amount for the said services and for external services that are provided at the same time to the parent Company and to the subsidiary by the same third party, such as legal services, auditing services, etc., but excluding unique and specific services that are provided to the parent Company or to the company, a monthly payment of NIS 10,000 plus VAT.
 

F - 37


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 25 – Contingent liabilities and commitments (continued)
 
   -
on November 4, 2018 the Company filed a NIS 4,183,208 lawsuit against the Company’s former controlling shareholder – Mr. Gregory Gurtovoy and against five (former) Company directors and senior office holder - Israel Joseph Schneerson, Pavel Buber, Iram Ephraim Graiver. Ilan Menachem Admon and Zalman Vigler (hereafter jointly: the “Defendants”). According to the Company, the Defendants conspired to cause the use of millions of NIS of the Company funds as collaterals to loans extended to foreign private companies related to the Company’s controlling shareholders on dates which are relevant to the lawsuit without obtaining the required approvals from the Company’s directors and without issuing the required report to Company’s shareholders. The lawsuit is based on the claim that an agreement signed by the Company, whereunder it has allegedly invested in the bonds of a Czech company, is not a genuine agreement; rather, it is claimed, the purpose of the agreement was to assist the then controlling shareholders (Gregory Gurtovoy and others) to secure private loans extended by the Austrian bank Meinl, while using the company's funds for their concealed and inappropriate purposes. The Company demands that the Defendants compensate it for the funds that were not refunded to the Company (in NIS values) plus a compensation at the rate of the alternative yield and a compensation equal to the amounts paid by the Company to enable the refund of the funds. On January 24, 2019, the Defendants filed statements of defense, various motions (to dismiss in limine and/or delay the proceedings) and a counterclaim against Willi-food and against the Company as part of this proceeding.
     
   
On December 25, 2019, the Court issued a resolution which approves an application to give a Court ruling status to a compromise agreement signed between G. Willi-Food and Mr. Ilan Admon; according to the said compromise agreement, the mutual claims lodged on behalf of the parties in this filed were rejected without issuing an order for court costs. On April 10, 2022, a judgment was issued confirming the agreements between G. Willi-food and Mr. Pavel Buber and according to which the mutual claims filed on behalf of the parties in the case were rejected. The proceedings relating to the other defendants shall continue as planned.
 

F - 38


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 25 – Contingent liabilities and commitments (continued)
 
   -
On July 23, 2017, Mr. Iram Graiver, former CEO of the Company and Willi-Food (hereinafter - “Mr. Graiver”) filed a lawsuit to the Regional Labor Court in Tel Aviv Jaffa (hereinafter - “the Labor Court”) claiming payment of social rights and different compensations at the total amount of NIS 2,377,305. On November 26, 2017, the Company filed a statement of defense. On July 27, 2017, the Company filed a lawsuit to the Labor Court against Mr. Graiver, demanding that he repays funds that he has taken unlawfully from the Company, amounting to NIS 1,694,325.
     
   
According to the Company, throughout his term of employment as an office holder in the Company, the defendant has unlawfully taken from the Company salary, bonus in respect of 2016 and reimbursement of expenses. According to the Company, Mr. Graiver has done so while breaching his fiduciary duty and his duty of care towards the Company as well as the cogent provisions of the Companies Law, 5759-1999, whereby it is mandatory that payments of the type taken from the Company by Mr. Graiver are approved by the General Meeting of the Company’s shareholders; according to the Company, Mr. Graiver has not obtained such an approval. On November 2, 2017, a resolution was issued to join the hearings pertaining to the two proceedings described above. On November 26 2017 statements of defense were filed by the Company and Mr. Graiver and on March 7 2018 a preliminary hearing was held. The parties are in the process of document discovery and review. Proof hearing was held on January 15 2020. Second Proof hearing was held on June 7 2020.Third Proof hearing (and last) held on October 31 2021. On March 17, 2022, summaries were submitted on behalf of Mr. Graver, on July 7, 2022, summaries were submitted on behalf of the company. On August 14, 2022, response summaries were submitted on behalf of Mr. Graver. A judgment was given on November 27, 2022 and it was ruled that the company must pay an immaterial amount to Mr. Graver. Both, the company and Mr. Graver submitted requests to appeal the verdict and the company also filed a request for a temporary stay order against the payment of the stipulated amount received on December 29, 2022. A hearing was held before the National Labor Court on September 11, 2023. No judgment has yet been given. In light of the above, the company's management estimates that the registration, in the financial statements and in the notes to the financial statements regarding the procedure, is satisfactory.
     
   -
On June 24, 2020, a lawsuit and request for approval as a representative was submitted to the Central District Court against the company, Euro Dairy Europe Ltd. and another respondent. According to the applicant, the company marketed a number of products with misleading labeling and contrary to the provisions of the law and the relevant standards. The Company reply to the request on January 22, 2024. Response summaries have been submitted, awaiting a decision on the approval request. At this stage, the Company and its legal advisors cannot assess the chances of the lawsuit.
     

F - 39


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 25 – Contingent liabilities and commitments (continued)
 
   -
A lawsuit and a motion to approve it as class action was filed on September 8, 2020, against Euro European Dairies to the Haifa district court. The applicant claimed that Euro European Dairies violated its obligations to import and market Gaude cheese in the quantities and prices it undertook as part of duty-free tenders. The applicant claims that he and the members of the group suffered damages in the amount of NIS 57 million. A mediation meeting was held on February 26, 2023. The parties reached an understanding without relinquishing or waving their respective claims. On July 24, 2023, a request was submitted to approve the settlement agreement reached by the parties. In accordance with the settlement agreement approved by the court on September 28, 2023, Euro Dairies of Europe undertook to provide an additional amount of 107 additional tons at controlled prices, to pay NIS 300,000 for the requesting and compensation to the lawyer in the amount of NIS 300,000, as well as to pay NIS 200,000 to the fund for class actions (according to S. 27A of the Law on Class Actions). The company included the contingent liability in its financial statements.
     
  - 
A lawsuit and a motion to approve it as class action was filed on August 2, 2021, against G. Willi-Food and another 5 respondents to the District Court. The applicant claimed that the Company marketed several products with misleading captions and contrary to the provisions of the law and the relevant regulations. The applicant claims that he and the members of the group suffered financial damages in amount of NIS 100 million and Non-financial damages in amount of NIS 378 million. A pre-trial hearing that was scheduled for January 22, 2024, cancelled and has not yet been rescheduled. At this early stage, the Company and/or its legal advisors are unable to assess the chances of the lawsuit.
     
   -
A lawsuit and a motion to approve it as class action was filed on November 8, 2021, against the Company to the District Court. The applicant claimed that the Company marketed a product with misleading captions and contrary to the provisions of the law and the relevant regulations. The applicant claims that he and the members of the group suffered damages in amount of NIS 57 million. A response was submitted on February 9, 2022. On November 14, 2022, a pre-trial hearing was held, at the end of which it was decided that the parties must reach agreements by December 15, 2022. On January 24, 2023, an agreed notification was submitted according to which the parties were unable to reach an agreement. On September 14, 2023 another pre-trial hearing was held. Summaries on behalf of the applicant were submitted on December 27, 2023. Response summaries have been submitted, awaiting a decision on the approval request. At this preliminary stage, it is difficult to assess the chances of the application and the lawsuit.
     

F - 40


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 25 – Contingent liabilities and commitments (continued)
 
   -
On May 25, 2022, a request for a lawsuit and a request for approval as a representative was submitted to the Central District Court against the company. According to the applicant, the company marketed a product with a misleading label and contrary to the provisions of the law and the relevant standards. The applicant claims that he and the other members of the group suffered monetary and non-monetary damage in the amount of NIS 2.5 million. A request for outright dismissal was submitted. A hearing for the request was held on March 12, 2023. The court recommended to the parties an outline of a compensated withdrawal. On March 19, 2023, the parties announced their agreement to withdraw.
     
  - 
On February 20, 2023, the Euro European Dairies (the Company) received, from the Ashdod Customs House, a notice of a charge for a deficit of NIS 1.75 million, which includes interest and fine. In the letter of demand, it is claimed that the company imported soft cheeses in a salt water solution and paid duty only for the weight of the cheese without the weight of the salt water solution. According to the customs house, customs must also be paid for the salt water solution. After the customs house rejected the appeal that the company filed on the debit notices, The company paid the debt in the debit notices and submitted a lawsuit to the Magistrate's Court in Petah Tikva to cancel the notices and to recover the amounts paid by it plus interest and linkage. A pre-trial was scheduled to May 1, 2024. At this stage, the Company and its legal advisors cannot assess the chances of the lawsuit.

 

Note 26 – Events during and after the reporting period

 

  -

On May 17, 2021, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved the appointment of Mr. Erez Winner as the Company’s active CEO.

     
  -

On January 17, 2023, Mr. Erez Winner finished his position as the company CEO, but continues to provide management services to the company in the field of business development, building and manufacture.

     
  -
On January 17, 2023, Mr. Yosef Williger was appointed as the company active CEO.
     
  - 
On September 16, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors announced a dividend distribution in the amount of NIS 60 million (NIS 4.33 per share).
     
  -
On March 15, 2022, the Company's Board of Directors announced a dividend distribution in the amount of NIS 20 million (a total of NIS 1.44 per share).
 

F - 41


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 26 – Events during and after the reporting period (continued)
 
  - 
On August 31, 2022, the Company's Board of Directors announced a dividend distribution in the amount of NIS 20 million (a total of NIS 1.44 per share).
     
  - 
On November 24, 2022, the Company's Board of Directors announced a dividend distribution in the amount of NIS 15 million (a total of NIS 1.08 per share).
     
  - 
On March 24, 2023, the Company's Board of Directors announced a dividend distribution in the amount of NIS 30 million (a total of NIS 2.16 per share).
 
  - 
On August 30, 2023, the Company's Board of Directors announced a dividend distribution in the amount of NIS 10 million (a total of NIS 0.72 per share).
     
  - 
On April 25, 2022, investigators from the Competition Authority searched the Company's offices and took documents and computer equipment. In addition, the chairman of the Company's board of directors, Mr. Zvi Williger, was questioned at the Competition Authority's offices. In the search warrant issued to the Company, it was stated that the search was based on suspicion of a binding arrangement.
     
  - 
On February 14, 2024, the Company received a notification letter from the Competition Authority, according to which the authority is considering filing an indictment against the Company, subject to a hearing, on the grounds of the suspicions listed in the "Letter of Suspicions". In addition, A similar message was further delivered to the chairman of the board of directors of the Company, Mr. Zvi Williger, one of the controlling owners of the Company. The Company is currently reviewing the claims and will address them at the hearing which is yet to be scheduled.
     

F - 42


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 26 – Events during and after the reporting period (continued)
 
  - 
During October 2023, the Israeli government declared a state of war due to the terror attack that was launched on the State of Israel on that day, and which still continues. At the same time, the Hezbollah organization has since been carrying out missile and rocket attacks on various areas in Israel’s northern regions, targeting both military and civilian locations ("the war"). The war has led to various consequences and restrictions on the Israeli economy, including, among other things, an extensive mobilization of reserves, the evacuation of many settlements, both in the area bordering the Gaza strip and near the northern border, as well as taking actions for maintaining public safety and security, such as, among other things, imposing restrictions on gatherings, depending on the proximity thereof to the combat zones, including at workplaces and in the education system. Taking such actions caused a decline and a slowdown in the activity of the Israeli economy. In addition, the ongoing operation of many companies has suffered by the reduction in workforce availability, including due to the departure of foreign workers, extensive recruitment of reserves and absence from work due to the restrictions on the activity of the education system. In addition, on February 9, 2024, the rating Company S&P lowered the credit rating forecast of the State of Israel from stable to negative and the international rating agency Moody's announced the lowering of the credit rating of the State of Israel to level A2 (from the level of A1) with a "negative forecast", and further lowered the credit rating of the five largest banks in Israel by one grade (to A3).
 
   
The Company's activity is concentrated, among other things, in the supply of basic food products, the sale of which has not been significantly affected by the warfare and has even increased during the period following the outbreak of the war mainly by orders for products with a long shelf life. Due to repeated attacks by the Houthi forces on marine going vessels in the Red Sea, many shipping companies decided to stop sailing in the Red Sea, which is a major and significant sea trade route between the Far East and Israel, and to change the sailing routes to the bypass of Africa, or alternatively, to suspend or stop their arrival in Israel at all. As a result, the transport time from the Far East was extended by approximately 3-4 weeks, resulting in an increase in the costs of marine transportation and delays in receiving goods. About 35% of the Company's products are imported from the Far East. In the Company's estimation, a substantial increase in the cost of marine transportation could have a negative impact on the Company's results.
 
   
To the Company’s estimation, in practice, from the start of the war until December 31, 2023, the war had no material effect on the Company’s financial situation and on the results of the Company's activities. Also, the Company had succeeded to maintain operational and functional continuity, including maintaining an effective staff volume and effective ongoing operations with its customers and suppliers. As of the date of the report, the war still goes on and there is uncertainty as to its duration, further development and scope.
     

F - 43


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 26 – Events during and after the reporting period (continued)
 
   
Given the above, the Company is unable to assess the scope of the war's impact on its business and financial results in the upcoming quarters. As long as the war continues, the arrival of goods shall be delayed due to the circumstances in the Red Sea and the economic situation in the Israeli economy will deteriorate. This may have a negative impact on the Company's financial results, which the Company is currently unable to estimate.

 

Note 27 – Accounting policies
 
Revenue
 
Performance obligations and timing of revenue recognition:
 
The majority of the Company's revenue is derived from selling goods in the Israeli market with revenue recognized at a point in time when control of the goods has transferred to the customer. This is generally when the goods are delivered to the customer. However, for export sales, control might also be transferred when delivered either to the port of departure or port of arrival, depending on the specific terms of the contract with a customer. There is limited judgement needed in identifying the point control passes: once physical delivery of the products to the agreed location has occurred, the group no longer has physical possession, usually will have a present right to payment (as a single payment on delivery) and retains none of the significant risks and rewards of the goods in question.
 
Determining the transaction price:
 
Most of the Company's revenue is derived from fixed price contracts, therefore the amount of revenue to be earned from each contract is determined by reference to those fixed prices agreed with the customers. Customers have the right to return products they purchase from the company in some transactions. Whenever a transaction includes the possibility of a return, the company recognizes revenue according to the consideration it expects to receive for products not expected to be returned, and on the other hand, it recognizes the obligation to refund.

 

Historical experience enables the Company to estimate reliably the value of good that will be returned and restrict the amount of revenue that is recognized such that it is highly probable that there will not be a reversal of previously recognized revenue when goods are return.
 
Allocating amounts to performance obligations:
 
For most contracts, there is a fixed unit price for each product sold, with reductions given for bulk orders placed at a specific time. Therefore, there is no judgement involved in allocating the contract price to each unit ordered in such contracts (it is the total contract price divided by the number of units ordered). Where a customer orders more than one product line, the Company is able to determine the split of the total contract price between each product line by reference to each product’s standalone selling prices (all product lines are capable of being, and are, sold separately).

 

F - 44


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 27 – Accounting policies (continued)
 
Inventories
 
Inventories are initially recognized at cost, and subsequently at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost comprises all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition.
 
Weighted average cost is used to determine the cost of the inventories.
 
The Company continuously reviews its inventory levels to identify slow-moving merchandise and markdowns necessary to clear slow-moving merchandise, which reduces the cost of inventories to its estimated net realizable value. Consideration is given to a number of quantitative and qualitative factors, including current pricing levels and the anticipated need for subsequent markdowns, aging of inventories, historical sales trends, and the impact of market trends and economic conditions. Estimates of markdown requirements may differ from actual results due to changes in quantity, quality and mix of products in inventory, as well as changes in consumer preferences, market and economic conditions. The Company’s historical estimates of these costs and its markdown provisions have not differed materially from actual results.
 
Basis of consolidation
 
Where the Company has control over an investee, it is classified as a subsidiary. The Company controls an investee if all three of the following elements are present: power over the investee, exposure to variable returns from the investee, and the ability of the investor to use its power to affect those variable returns. Control is reassessed whenever facts and circumstances indicate that there may be a change in any of these elements of control.
 
The consolidated financial statements present the results of the Company and its subsidiaries as if they formed a single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between group companies are therefore eliminated in full.
 
Cash and Cash equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits and term deposits in banks that are not restricted as to usage, with an original period to maturity of not more than three months.
 
Deposits that are restricted as to usage are classified as pledged deposits.
 
Deposits with an original period to maturity exceeding three months, which as of the statement of financial position do not exceed one year, are classified as short-term investments
 

F - 45


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 27 – Accounting policies (continued)
 
Leases
 
The majority of the Company's accounting policies for leases are set out in note 19.
 
Identifying leases
 
The Company accounts for a contract as a lease when it conveys the right to use an asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Leases are those contracts that satisfy the following criteria:
 
- There is an identified asset;
- The Company obtains substantially all the economic benefits from use of the asset; and
- The company has the right to direct use of the asset
 
The Company considers whether the lessor has substantive substitution rights. If the supplier does have those rights, the contract is not identified as giving rise to a lease.
 
In determining whether the Company obtains substantially all the economic benefits from use of the asset, the Company considers only the economic benefits that arise from the use of the asset, not those incidental to legal ownership or other potential benefits.
 
In determining whether the Company has the right to direct use of the asset, the Company considers whether it directs how and for what purpose the asset is used throughout the period of use. If there are no significant decisions to be made because they are pre-determined due to the nature of the asset, the Company considers whether it was involved in the design of the asset in a way that predetermines how and for what purpose the asset will be used throughout the period of use. If the contract or portion of a contract does not satisfy these criteria, the Company applies other applicable IFRSs rather than IFRS 16.
 
Property, plant and equipment
 
Property, plant and equipment are tangible items, which are held for use in the manufacture or supply of goods or services, or leased to others, which are predicted to be used for more than one period. The Company presents its property, plant and equipment items according to the cost model.
 
Under the cost method - a property, plant and equipment are presented at the balance sheet at cost (net of any investment grants), less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. The cost includes the cost of the assets acquisition as well as costs that can be directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

 

F - 46


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 27 – Accounting policies (continued)
 
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method at rates considered adequate to depreciate the assets over their estimated useful lives. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed over the shorter of the term of the lease, including any extension period, where the Company intends to exercise such option, or their useful life.
 
   
Useful life (Years)
   
%
   
               
Building
 
50
   
2
   
Construction
 
25
   
4
   
Motor vehicles
 
5
   
15-20
 
(Mainly 20%)
Office furniture and equipment
 
6
   
6-15
 
(Mainly 15%)
Computers
 
3
   
20-33
 
(Mainly 33%)
Machinery and equipment
 
10
   
10
   
 
The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognized in the Income statement.
 
Provisions
 
Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Company will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
 
The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the balance sheet date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation.
 
Where a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, it carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows.
 
When some or all of the economic benefits to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, the receivable is recognized as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.
 

F - 47


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 27 – Accounting policies (continued)
 
Share-based payments
 
Where equity settled share options are awarded to employees, the fair value of the options at the date of grant is charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income over the vesting period. Non-market vesting conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of equity instruments expected to vest at each reporting date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognized over the vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest. Non-vesting conditions and market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of the options granted. As long as all other vesting conditions are satisfied, a charge is made irrespective of whether the market vesting conditions are satisfied. The cumulative expense is not adjusted for failure to achieve a market vesting condition or where a non-vesting condition is not satisfied.
 
Deferred taxes
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized where the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the consolidated statement of financial position differs from its tax base.
 
Recognition of deferred tax assets is restricted to those instances where it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the difference can be utilized.
 
The amount of the asset or liability is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date and are expected to apply when the deferred tax liabilities/(assets) are settled/(recovered).
 
Defined benefit schemes
 
Defined benefit scheme surpluses and deficits are measured at:
 
- 
The fair value of plan assets at the reporting date; less
- 
Plan liabilities calculated using the projected unit credit method discounted to its present value using yields available on high quality corporate bonds that have maturity dates approximating to the terms of the liabilities and are denominated in the same currency as the post-employment benefit obligations; less
- 
The effect of minimum funding requirements agreed with scheme trustees.
 
Remeasurements of the net defined obligation are recognized directly within equity. The remeasurements include:
 
- 
Actuarial gains and losses.
- 
Return on plan assets (interest exclusive).
- 
Any asset ceiling effects.
 

F - 48


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 27 – Accounting policies (continued)
 
Service costs are recognized in profit or loss, and include current and past service costs as well as gains and losses on curtailments.
 
Net interest expense (income) is recognized in profit or loss, and is calculated by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation (asset) at the beginning of the annual period to the balance of the net defined benefit obligation (asset), considering the effects of contributions and benefit payments during the period. Gains or losses arising from changes to scheme benefits or scheme curtailment are recognized immediately in profit or loss.
 
Settlements of defined benefit schemes are recognized in the period in which the settlement occurs.
 
Share capital
 
Financial instruments issued by the Company are classified as equity only to the extent that they do not meet the definition of a financial liability or financial asset.
 
The Company's ordinary shares are classified as equity instruments.
 
Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the impairment test is carried out on the smallest group of assets to which it belongs for which there are separately identifiable cash flows; its cash generating units ('CGUs'). Goodwill is allocated on initial recognition to each of the Company's CGUs that are expected to benefit from a business combination that gives rise to the goodwill.
 
Impairment charges are included in profit or loss, except to the extent they reverse gains previously recognized in other comprehensive income. An impairment loss recognized for goodwill is not reversed.
 
Financial assets and liabilities
 
The Company classifies its financial assets and liabilities into one of the categories discussed below, the Company's accounting policy for each category is as follows:
 
- 
Fair value through profit or loss
 
Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period They are carried in the statement of financial position at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statement of income in the finance income or expense line.
 

F - 49


 
G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(NIS in thousands)
(Cont.)

 

Note 27 – Accounting policies (continued)
 
Amortized cost
 
The Company's financial assets (liabilities) measured at amortized cost comprise trade and other receivables, loans to others, cash and cash equivalents and trade payables in the consolidated statement of financial position.
 
Impairment provisions for trade receivables are recognized based on the simplified approach within IFRS 9 using a provision matrix in the determination of the lifetime expected credit losses. During this process the probability of the non-payment of the trade receivables is assessed. This probability is then multiplied by the amount of the expected loss arising from default to determine the lifetime expected credit loss for the trade receivables.

 

 
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