Nomad Foods Limited (NOMD) 20-F2022 FY Annual report (foreign)

Unless the context otherwise requires, in this annual report, the term(s) “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company,” “Nomad” and “our business” refer to Nomad Foods Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries.

In this annual report, references to “Euro” and “€” are to the single currency adopted by participating member states of the European Union ("EU") relating to Economic and Monetary Union, references to “$”, “US$” and “U.S. Dollars” are to the lawful currency of the United States of America, and references to “Pound Sterling”, “Sterling” and “£” are to the lawful currency of the United Kingdom ("UK").

The historical financial information for the Company has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS IASB”) and International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (together with IFRS IASB, “IFRS”) which can differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP.

Unless otherwise noted, all financial information for the Company provided in this annual report is denominated in Euros.

This annual report includes our consolidated financial statements at and as of the years ended December 31, 2022 (the “Fiscal 2022 Period”), December 31, 2021 (the “Fiscal 2021 Period”) and December 31, 2020 (the “Fiscal 2020 Period”).

Some of the statements in this annual report constitute forward-looking statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. You should not place undue reliance on such statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of our business strategy. These statements often include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements included in this annual report include statements regarding:

The forward-looking statements contained in this annual report are based on assumptions that we have made in light of our management’s experience in the industry as well as our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors that we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. As you read and consider this annual report, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect our actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in these forward-looking statements.

All information contained in this annual report is materially accurate and complete as of the date of this annual report. You should keep in mind, however, that any forward-looking statement made by us in this annual report, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which we make it. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date of this annual report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In light of these risks and uncertainties, you should keep in mind that any event described in a forward-looking statement made in this annual report or elsewhere might not occur.

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The statement of income data for the Fiscal 2022 Period, Fiscal 2021 Period and Fiscal 2020 Period and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. 

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In addition, it is difficult to accurately predict the pricing or promotional actions of our competitors or their effect on consumer perceptions or the success of our own advertising and promotional efforts, particularly during the current period of high inflation. Our competitors develop and launch products targeted to compete directly with our products. In order to effectively compete, our products must provide higher value and/or quality than alternatives,

Furthermore, some of our competitors may have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than we have. This creates competitive pressures that could cause us to lose market share or require us to lower prices, increase advertising expenditures or increase the use of discounting or promotional campaigns. These competitive factors may also restrict our ability to increase prices, including in response to commodity and other cost increases. If we are unable to continue to respond effectively to these and other competitive pressures, our customers may reduce orders of our products, may insist on prices that erode our margins or may allocate less shelf space and fewer displays for our products. These or other developments could materially and adversely affect our sales volumes and margins and result in a decrease in our operating results, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

There are a number of trends in consumer preferences which have an impact on us and the frozen food industry as a whole. These include, among others, preferences for speed, convenience and ease of food preparation; natural, nutritious and well-proportioned meals; products that are sustainably sourced and produced and are otherwise environmentally friendly and the recent trend towards meat substitutes. Concerns as to the health impacts and nutritional value of certain foods may increasingly result in food producers being encouraged or required to produce products with reduced levels of salt, sugar and fat and to eliminate trans-fatty acids and certain other ingredients, including gluten and animal products. Consumer preferences are also shaped by concern over waste reduction, the level of processing of certain products and the environmental impact of products.

The success of our business depends on both the continued appeal of our products and, given the varied backgrounds and tastes of our customer base, our ability to offer a sufficient range of products to satisfy a broad spectrum of preferences. Any shift in consumer preferences in the UK, Italy, Germany, France, Sweden or Austria (the “Key Markets”) could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our competitiveness depends on our ability to predict and quickly adapt to consumer preferences and trends and to exploit profitable opportunities for product development without alienating our existing consumer base or focusing excessive resources or attention on unprofitable or short-lived trends. All of these efforts require significant

Activist groups have in the past, and may in the future, use pressure tactics to influence our decisions regarding commodities, raw materials and supply chains based on their stances regarding, for example, inhumane treatment of animals and deforestation by our suppliers. These groups may be able to coordinate their actions with other groups, threaten strikes or boycotts or enlist the support of well-known persons or organizations in order to increase the pressure on us to achieve their stated aims. In the future, these actions or the threat of these actions may force us to change our business practices or pricing policies, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We aim to introduce new products and re-launch and extend existing product lines on a timely basis in order to counteract obsolescence and decreases in sales of existing products as well as to increase overall sales of our products. The launch and success of new or modified products are inherently uncertain, especially as to the products’ appeal to consumers, and there can be no assurance as to our continuing ability to develop and launch successful new products or variations of existing products. The failure to launch a product successfully can give rise to inventory write-offs and other costs, can affect consumer perception of our other products and can lead to erosion of brand equity. Market factors and the need to develop and provide modified or alternative products may also increase costs. In addition, launching new or modified products can result in cannibalization of sales of our existing products if consumers purchase the new product in place of our existing products. If we are unsuccessful in developing new products in response to changing consumer demands or preferences in an efficient and economical manner, or if our competitors respond more effectively than we do, demand for our products may decrease, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

On February 24, 2022, Russian forces invaded Ukraine. While we do not have any direct operations or sales in either Russia or Ukraine, these countries are responsible for many commonly used raw materials and resources used in, or in the manufacturing of, our products such as some species of fish, edible oils (such as sunflower oil), wheat and energy. The ongoing conflict in the Ukraine, and the imposition of economic sanctions and additional tariffs could result in considerable reductions in the availability or increase the cost of such raw materials and resources. In particular, both before and following the invasion, the U.S., the EU and the UK have imposed economic sanctions and tariffs on Russia. It is not clear to what extent such sanctions and tariffs could continue to proliferate and increase, what raw materials and resources may be affected, nor for how long they will be in place. At present, there are no sanctions in place affecting any of the raw materials we buy. Our inability, and the inability of our suppliers, to source certain raw materials, particularly fish, and provide certain products to customers and consumers could materially and adversely affect our business. In addition, sanctions and tariffs are intended to and will have an impact on international trade and the global economy. Further steps that might be taken in response to the crisis and their consequences are unknown but could include further sanctions, tariffs, embargoes, regional instability, adverse effects on macroeconomic conditions and adverse effects on exchange rates and financial markets.

Should there be additional sanctions, tariffs or restrictions on the supply of fish from Russian waters that impact our supply chain or specific products, it would not be possible to replace entirely the required volumes of MSC certified fish in the short-to-medium term. Furthermore, should there be a reduction in availability we may also face higher costs for the raw materials and resources available. In anticipation of that possibility, we are continually seeking clarity from governments on the issue and diversifying our supply sources for raw materials and resources. For example, we have begun diversifying our fish supply by looking into alternative species and product formats. However, these efforts are subject to negotiation of acceptable contractual terms, availability of alternative species at comparable prices and the conformity of any alternatives to our standards. Where additional sanctions or tariffs are being considered, we are asking for a realistic transition period, similar to that of the approach being taken by countries phasing out Russian oil and gas supplies. There is no guarantee that any such transition period will be provided.

Russia and Ukraine are key suppliers of sunflower oil. We have seen sharp inflation in the price of edible oils as availability became a concern. Sunflower oil is used in some of the Company's products and in anticipation of availability constraints we have altered recipes to allow for the use of alternative oils. Global producers have also responded by moving to alternatives to address longer term supply issues.

Our factories in Europe use energy for which a proportion is sourced from Russia. If sanctions, tariffs or restrictions were to be implemented by Russia or the EU on the use of such resources this could materially and adversely affect our business.

Additionally, the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces could impact many of the other risk factors listed in these Risk Factors. In particular, but not limited to, the conflict could have an effect on our profitability, fluctuations on our future borrowings, fluctuations on the foreign currency market, the cost of borrowings, the creditworthiness of our customers and our suppliers, the laws and regulations affecting our business and the carrying value of goodwill and other assets in our business. The conflict is ongoing and as such the related sanctions, potential government actions and economic impact remain uncertain. At this time it is not possible to predict the extent or nature of these impacts on our business although we expect the current conflict to continue for some time. Any change or movement in any of the elements listed in this section could materially and adversely affect our business.

The food industry is currently experiencing a period of sustained high inflation, which has been caused by a number of factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine and labor shortages. Our ability to pass through increases in the prices of raw materials, energy, packaging or freight and logistics costs to our customers depends, among others, on prevailing competitive conditions and pricing methods in the markets in which we operate, and we may not be able to pass through such price increases to our customers. Even if we are able to pass through increases in prices, there is typically a time lag between cost increases impacting our business and implementation of product price increases during which time our profit margin may be negatively impacted. Recovery of cost inflation, driven by both commodity cost increases or changes in the foreign exchange rate of the currency the commodity is denominated in, can also lead to disparities in retailers’ shelf-prices between different brands which can result in a competitive disadvantage and volume decline. During our negotiations to increase our prices to recover cost increases, customers may take actions which exacerbate the impact of such cost increases, for example by ceasing to offer our products or deferring orders until negotiations have ended. Our inability to pass through price increases in raw materials, energy, packaging or freight and logistics and preserve our profit margins in the future could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The ultimate impact that a pandemic, such as COVID-19, or other contagious outbreaks will have on our business, results of operations and financial condition is uncertain. Restrictions, and future prevention and mitigation measures, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, have had and are continuing to have, an adverse impact on global economic conditions.

Currently, with the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine and labor shortages, we continue to experience increased inflationary and availability pressure on raw materials. If our suppliers, co-manufacturers, distributors or transportation and logistics providers are also subject to such inflationary and availability pressures, and we are unable to access alternatives, or to access alternatives on commercially reasonable terms, this could negatively impact our market share, our ability to increase revenue, cause harm to our reputation and have a material adverse impact on our operating results.

We operate production space in facilities across Europe. While we have not experienced any significant disruptions to our facilities, we could, in the future, be forced to close our facilities or reduce operations due to government responses to the pandemic or employee illness or health concerns, including as a result of sustained periods of employees working from home. If a significant percentage of our workforce is unable to work, including because of illness or travel or government restrictions in connection with COVID-19, or any other pandemic or contagious outbreak, or if we are required to shut down one or more of our facilities, this could have a material adverse effect on our revenue, operations and results of operations.

The extent of COVID-19’s effect on our operational and financial performance will depend on future developments, including the duration, spread, seasonality and intensity of further outbreaks, the emergence of new variants of the virus, the availability and effectiveness of vaccines and government responses to the pandemic (including any further lockdowns, mandatory social distancing or other restrictive measures), all of which are uncertain and difficult to predict considering the rapidly evolving landscape. If the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve in such a way that its effects are likely to continue for a longer period than currently envisaged, the disease could exacerbate other risks we face, and also have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows and adversely impact the trading price of our ordinary shares. Examples of trends which are in part the result of COVID-19

Since January 1, 2021, the UK has been trading as an independent country outside of the European Union following the UK electorate voting in favor of leaving the European Union (commonly referred to as “Brexit”) on June 23, 2016 and the conclusion of a new trading agreement between the European Union and the UK which was entered into on December 24, 2020. This means that new regulations are in place governing the import and export of goods between the UK and the European Union from this date which places a greater cost and administrative burden on us, for example by requiring veterinary certificates for exporting products of animal origin from the UK to the European Union. There are also additional regulations in place governing tariffs for products of non-EU origin when they are exported across the border from the UK to the European Union which also can place a greater cost and administrative burden on us. At some point to be determined in 2024, veterinary certificates will additionally be required for importing products from the European Union to the UK (delayed from July 1, 2022) and negotiations continue over the ongoing trade relationship with Europe, for example, the ongoing negotiations in relation to the Northern Ireland Protocol, which could lead to further changes which could lead to increased tariffs, packaging changes and a greater cost and administrative burden on us. The UK government may implement additional regulations governing trade movement into and out of the UK which could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, 27% of our revenue was derived from the UK, with production both in the UK and through imports from the EU. In addition, our manufacturing facilities in the UK export to EU countries. Furthermore, we have employees in both the UK and other European countries. As a result of Brexit, we may experience adverse impacts on profitability in the UK and other markets. The new Brexit administration requirements could mean that the UK suffers as a result of losing commercially favorable access to the EU single market, or specific countries in the EU, resulting in a negative impact on the general and economic conditions in the UK and the EU which could in turn have a negative impact on our business and results of operations. Future changes may occur in regulations that we are required to comply with as well as amendments to treaties governing but not limited to tax, duties and tariffs. which could adversely impact our operations and require us to modify our financial and supply arrangements. To avoid such impacts, we may have to restructure or relocate some or all of our operations which would be costly and negatively impact our profitability, cash flow and financial condition.

We conduct operations in our Key Markets from which approximately 70% of our revenue was generated during the year ended December 31, 2022. We are particularly influenced by economic developments and changes in consumer habits in those countries.

The geographic markets in which we compete have been affected by negative macroeconomic trends which have affected consumer confidence. For example, inflation and the COVID-19 pandemic have created political and economic uncertainty both in the UK and the other geographies in which we operate. Additionally, the continuing conflict in Ukraine will also affect different geographies in different ways depending on their reliance or otherwise on products of Russian origin. A deterioration in economic conditions could result in increased inflationary pressure, increased unemployment rates, increased short and long-term interest rates, consumer and commercial bankruptcy filings, a decline in the strength of national and local economies, and other results that negatively impact household incomes. This can result in changes to consumers purchasing habits, for example by purchasing more promoted products, purchasing cheaper private label products instead of equivalent branded products, switching to cheaper proteins and switching to discounter stores. Such macroeconomic trends could, among other things, negatively impact global demand for branded and premium food products, which could result in a reduction of sales or pressure on margins of our branded products or cause an increasing transfer to lower priced product categories.

We use significant quantities of food ingredients and packaging materials and are therefore vulnerable to fluctuations in the availability and price of such food ingredients, packaging materials and other supplies. In particular, raw materials have historically represented a significant portion of our cost of sales, and accordingly, adverse changes in raw material prices have in the past and may in the future, negatively impact our results of operations.

Specifically, the availability and the price of fish, vegetables and other agricultural commodities, including poultry and meat, can be volatile. The current conflict in Ukraine is also causing changes in the global supply chain with fish, poultry, energy, fuel, edible oils, wheat, vegetables and packaging materials affected among others. We are also affected by the availability of quality raw materials, most notably fish, which can be impacted by the fishing and agricultural policies of the UK, European Union and other countries including national or international quotas that can limit volume of raw materials.

General economic conditions, economic sanctions due to regional conflict, unanticipated demand, problems in manufacturing or distribution, natural disasters, weather conditions during the growing and harvesting seasons, farmers choosing to grow different crops due to changing economic conditions and commodity prices, plant, fish and livestock diseases, the availability of sustainably sourced raw materials, or national or international quarantines can all also adversely affect availability and prices of commodities in the long and short term.

While we attempt to negotiate fixed prices for certain materials with our suppliers for periods ranging from one month to a full year, we cannot guarantee that our strategy will be successful in managing input costs if prices increase for extended periods of time. Additionally, by entering fixed price agreements we may potentially be limiting our ability to benefit from possible price decreases. Moreover, there is no market for hedging against price volatility for certain raw materials and accordingly such materials are bought at the spot rate in the market.

Our ability to avoid the adverse effects of a pronounced, sustained price increase in raw materials is limited. Any increases in prices or scarcity of ingredients or packaging materials required for our products could increase our costs and disrupt our operations. If the availability of any of our inputs is constrained for any reason, we may not be able to obtain sufficient supplies or supplies of a suitable quality on favorable terms or at all. Such shortages could materially adversely affect our market share, business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our retail customers include supermarkets and large chain food retailers. Throughout our markets, the food retail segments are highly concentrated. For the year ended December 31, 2022, our top 10 retail customers accounted for 34% of revenue. In recent years, the major multiple (multi-channel) retailers in Key Markets have increased their share of the grocery market and price competition between retailers has intensified. The strength of the major multiple retailers’ bargaining position gives them significant leverage over their suppliers in negotiating pricing, product specification and the level of supplier participation in promotional campaigns and offers, which can reduce our margins. International alliances among retailers continue to become stronger, and the trend for consolidation in Europe at a local level and across borders is ongoing. Further consolidation among the major multiple retailers or disproportionate growth in relation to their competitors could increase their relative negotiating power and allow them to force a negative shift in our trade terms. Our results of operations could also be adversely affected if these retailers suffer a significant deterioration in sales performance, if we are required to reduce our prices or increase our promotional spending activity as a consequence, if we lose business from a major retail customer or if our relationship with a major retail customer deteriorates.

Our retail customers also offer private label products that compete directly with our products for retail shelf space and consumer purchases. Private label products typically have higher margins for retailers than other branded products. Accordingly, there is a risk that our retail customers may give higher priority to private label products or the branded products of our competitors as a result of a change in pricing strategy or a change in economic conditions which would adversely affect sales of our products. Our major multiple retail customers are also expanding into non-food product lines in their stores, thereby exerting pressure on available shelf space for other categories including our products. We may be unable to adequately respond to these trends and, as a result, the volume of our sales may decrease, or we may need to lower the prices of our products.

As is typical in our industry, sales to our retail customers in our markets are made on a daily demand basis. We generally do not have long-term contractual commitments to supply such customers and must renegotiate supply and pricing terms of our products on a regular basis. Customarily, trade terms are renegotiated annually or more frequently in periods of high inflation. It is not always the case that our retail customers accept more frequent negotiations of price increases nor the amount of them. In addition, ad hoc changes are often made on an informal basis, such as by email, to reflect discounts and promotional arrangements. Amounts paid can be subject to end of period reconciliations to reflect these informal arrangements. In some cases, our retail customers seek to claim reimbursement for informal discount arrangements going back multiple periods. In addition, we do not have written contractual arrangements with a number of our other retail customers. Most of our retail customer relationships or arrangements could be terminated or renegotiated at any time and, in some cases, without reasonable notice.

Our business is subject to the risks of non-payment and non-performance by our retail customers. We manage our exposure to credit risk through credit analysis and monitoring procedures, and sometimes use letters of credit, prepayments and guarantees. However, these procedures and policies cannot fully eliminate retail customer credit risk, and to the extent our policies and procedures prove to be inadequate, it could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, some of our retail customers may be highly leveraged and subject to their own operating and regulatory risks and, even if our credit review and analysis mechanisms work properly, we may experience financial losses in our dealings with such parties. Any future financial market disruptions or tightening of the credit markets could result in some of our retail customers experiencing a significant decline in profits and/or reduced liquidity. A significant adverse change in the financial position of a retail customer could require us to assume greater credit risk relating to that retail customer and could limit our ability to collect receivables. We do not maintain credit insurance to insure against retail customer credit risk.

Any of the above risk factors in relation to our retail customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are dependent on third parties for almost all of our transportation and distribution requirements and distribution costs have historically fluctuated significantly over time. Increases in such costs could result in reduced profits. In addition, certain factors affecting distribution costs are controlled by our third-party carriers. To the extent that the market price for fuel or freight or the number or availability of carriers fluctuates, our distribution costs could be affected. Furthermore, temporary or long-term disruption of transportation services due to weather-related problems, impacts of COVID-19, increased energy and fuel costs as a result of the conflict in Ukraine, strikes or other events could impair our ability to supply products affordably and in a timely manner or at all. Failure to receive our raw materials or to deliver our food products promptly could also result in inventory spoilage. These factors could impact our commercial reputation and result in our customers reducing their orders or ceasing to order our products. We require the use of refrigerated vehicles to ship our products and such distribution costs represent an important element of our cost structure. If we change the transportation services we use, we could face logistical difficulties that could delay deliveries, and we could incur costs and expend resources in connection with such change. Any increases in the cost of transportation, energy or fuel, and any disruption in transportation, including the availability of suitable transportation (including the availability of suitable refrigerated transport, freight containers or lorry drivers), could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

There is also a risk that other parties may have intellectual property rights covering some of our brands, products or technology. If any third parties bring a claim of intellectual property infringement against us, we may be subject to costly and time-consuming litigation, diverting the attention of management and our employees. If we are unsuccessful in defending against such claims, we may be subject to, among other things, significant damages, injunctions against development and sale of certain products, or we may be required to enter into costly licensing agreements, any of which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We outsource some of our business functions to third-party suppliers, such as the processing and supply of certain vegetables and other products, the manufacturing of certain products and packaging materials and distribution of our products. Our suppliers are subject to their own unique operational and financial risks, which are out of our control. Our suppliers may fail to meet timelines or contractual obligations or fail to provide us with sufficient products or services, which may adversely affect our business. For example, if a third-party supplier is impacted by increased costs or unavailability of energy and raw materials as a result of the conflict in Ukraine or COVID-19, or is prevented from supplying as a result of changes in the international sanctions or customs regimes, this could negatively affect the price and availability of our ingredients, products and/or packaging materials and may adversely impact our supply chain and operations. Moreover, there may be delays or shortages in procuring alternative suppliers, co-manufacturing capacity, or distribution capability.

Certain of our contracts with key suppliers, such as for the raw materials we use in our products, are short term, can be terminated by the supplier upon giving notice within a certain period and restrict us from using other suppliers. Also, a number of our supply contracts, including for fish and vegetables, may be terminated by the supplier upon a change in our ownership. Failure to appropriately structure or adequately manage our agreements with third parties may adversely affect our supply of raw materials or our supply of products to our customers. We are also subject to credit risk with respect to our third-party suppliers. If any such suppliers become insolvent, an appointed trustee could potentially ignore the service contracts we have in place with such party, resulting in increased charges or the termination of the service contracts. We may not be able to replace a service provider within a reasonable period of time, on as favorable terms or without disruption to our operations.

Any adverse changes to our relationships with third-party suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our image, brand and reputation, as well as on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, to the extent that our creditworthiness is impaired, or general economic conditions decline, certain of our key suppliers may demand different or onerous payment terms that could materially adversely affect our working capital position, or such suppliers may refuse to continue to supply to us or seek to re-negotiate the contracts they have with us. A number of our key suppliers have taken out trade credit insurance on our ability to pay them. To the extent that such trade credit insurance becomes unobtainable or more expensive due to market conditions, we may face adverse changes to payment terms by our key suppliers or they may refuse to continue to supply us.

Food safety and the public’s perception that our products are safe and healthy are essential to our image and business. We sell food products for human consumption, which subjects us to safety risks such as product contamination, spoilage, misbranding or product tampering. Product contamination, including the presence of foreign objects, undeclared allergens, substances, chemicals or other agents or residues or the introduction of genetically modified organisms, could require product withdrawals or recalls or the destruction of inventory, and could result in negative publicity, reputational harm, temporary plant closures and substantial costs of compliance or remediation. In addition, food producers, including us, have been targeted by extortion attempts that threatened to contaminate products displayed in supermarkets. Such attempts can result in the temporary removal of products from shelf displays as a precautionary measure and result in lost revenue. We may also be impacted by publicity concerning any assertion that our products caused illness, injury or death. In addition, we could be subject to claims or lawsuits relating to an actual or alleged illness stemming from product contamination or any other incidents that compromise the safety and quality of our products. Any significant lawsuit or widespread product recall or other events leading to the loss of consumer confidence in the safety and quality of our products could damage our brand, reputation and image and negatively impact our sales, profitability and prospects for growth.

We could also be adversely affected if consumers lose confidence in the safety and quality of certain food products or ingredients, the sustainability credentials of certain products or ingredients, for example, palm oil or soy, the frozen category or the food safety system generally. If another company recalls or experiences negative publicity related to a product in a category in which we compete, consumers might reduce their overall consumption of products in this category or confuse our products with those of such company. Adverse publicity about these types of concerns, whether valid or not, may discourage consumers from buying our products or cause production and delivery disruptions. In addition, product recalls are difficult to foresee and prepare for and, in the event we are required to recall one or more of our products, such recall may result in loss of sales due to unavailability of our products and may take up a significant amount of our management’s time and attention. We cannot guarantee that our efforts to monitor food safety risks and such efforts of our suppliers will be successful or that such risks will not materialize. In addition, we cannot

We are also subject to further risks affecting the food industry generally, including risks posed by widespread contamination and evolving nutritional, environmental/sustainability, animal welfare, social and health-related concerns. For example, we could be affected by overfishing in the seafood supply chain which poses a risk to current and future fish stocks, ecosystems, and communities. Further damage is being done by careless fishing practices, including avoidable by-catch of non-target species and fishing equipment left in the ocean (known as Ghost Gear), which is a significant contributor to plastic pollution. Seafood supply chains are also at risk of a range of human rights abuses, including modern slavery. Overfishing risks are compounded by the negative consequences of climate change, including ocean heating and acidification. All or any of these factors could give rise to a negative perception of the seafood supply chain and lead to reduced sales, higher prices and consumers choosing alternative products. Regulatory authorities may limit the supply of or place prohibitive charges on certain types of food products in response to public health concerns and consumers may perceive certain products to be unsafe, unsustainable, unhealthy or otherwise undesirable. In addition, governmental regulations may require us to discontinue certain offerings or limit the range of products we offer, for example by limiting the amount of certain nutrients in our products as is currently the case with regard to HFSS nutrients in the UK. We may be unable to find substitutes that are as appealing to our customer base, or such substitutes may not be widely available or may be available only at increased costs. Such substitutions or limitations could also reduce demand for our products

We could also be subject to claims or lawsuits relating to an actual or alleged illness or injury or death stemming from the consumption of a misbranded, altered, contaminated or spoiled product, even where such misbranding, alteration, contamination or spoilage is out of our control, which could negatively affect our reputation and business. Awards of damages, settlement amounts and fees and expenses resulting from such claims and the public relations implications of any such claims could be significant and have an adverse effect on our business. The availability and price of insurance to cover claims for damages are subject to market forces that we do not control, and such insurance may not cover all the costs of such claims and would not cover damage to our reputation. Even if product liability claims against us are not successful or fully pursued, these claims could be costly and time consuming, increase our insurance premiums and divert our management’s time and resources towards defending them rather than operating our business. In addition, any adverse publicity concerning such claims, even if unfounded, could cause customers to lose confidence in the safety and quality of our products and damage our reputation and brand image.

“Cold chain” requirements setting out the temperatures at which our ingredients and products are stored are established both by statute and by us to help guarantee the safety of our food products. The cold chain is maintained from the moment the ingredients arrive at, or are frozen by, our suppliers, through our manufacturing and transportation of products and ultimately to the time of sale in retail stores. These standards ensure the quality, freshness and safety of our products. A failure in the cold chain could lead to wastage, increased costs, food contamination, risks to the health of consumers, fines and damage to our brands and reputation, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings, audits and investigations from time to time. There is no guarantee that we will be successful in defending ourselves in civil, criminal or regulatory actions, including under general, commercial, employment, intellectual property, food quality and safety, anti-trust and trade, tax, advertising and claims, and environmental laws and regulations, or in asserting our rights under various new and existing laws and regulations. For example, we could face allegations of false, misleading or deceptive advertising, claims or marketing, allegations or investigations of anti-competitive practices or other criticisms which could result in litigation, arbitration or regulatory proceedings and result in potential liabilities or costs which may be significant and/or may damage our reputation. In addition, the defense of these lawsuits may divert our management’s attention from other business matters. The costs and other effects of potential and pending litigation and administrative actions against us, and new legal requirements, cannot be determined with certainty and may differ from expectations and may have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business is subject to risks resulting from differing legal, political, social and regulatory requirements, economic conditions and unforeseeable developments in our markets, all or any of which could result in disruption of our activities. These risks include, among others, political instability, differing economic cycles, tariffs, duties and adverse economic conditions, changes in regulatory and legislative environments, currency exchange rate fluctuations, inability to collect payments or seek recourse under or comply with ambiguous or vague commercial or other laws, changes in distribution and supply channels, foreign exchange controls and restrictions on repatriation of funds, and difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified management and employees. Our overall success in the markets in which we operate depends, to a considerable extent, on our ability to effectively manage differing legal, political, social and regulatory requirements, economic conditions and both foreseeable and unforeseeable developments. We cannot guarantee that we will succeed in developing and implementing policies and strategies which will be effective in each location where we do business.

We must comply with complex and evolving tax regulations in the various jurisdictions in which we operate, which subjects us to international tax compliance risks. Some tax jurisdictions in which we operate have complex and subjective rules regarding income tax, value-added tax, sales or excise tax, tariffs, duties and transfer tax. From time to time, our foreign subsidiaries are subject to tax audits and may be required to pay additional taxes, interest or penalties should the taxing authority assert different interpretations, or different allocations or valuations of our services which could be material and could reduce our income and cash flow from our international subsidiaries. We currently have several pending tax assessments and audits in various jurisdictions including Germany. The agreements by which we acquired certain businesses provide for certain indemnifications of tax liabilities which may arise in certain jurisdictions which we believe are sufficient to address these specific tax matters as far as they relate to those businesses but our belief that these indemnities are sufficient may prove incorrect. We have also established, where appropriate, reserves and provisions for tax assessments which we believe to be adequate to address potential tax liabilities but our belief that these reserves and provisions are adequate may prove incorrect. However, it is possible that the tax audits referred to above could result in the volatility of timings of cash tax payment and recoveries. In addition, it is possible that countries will increase tax rates in the future to address rising costs following the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic pressures.

The price and availability of electricity and other energy resources required in the manufacture, storage and distribution of our products is subject to volatile market conditions. These market conditions are often affected by political and economic factors beyond our control, including, for instance, the energy policies of the countries in which we operate. For example, the current conflict in Ukraine is resulting in volatility in the markets for energy and fuel as a result of the widespread usage of gas, oil and coal from Russia throughout Europe. Any sustained increases in energy costs, or disruptions to or limitations in supply, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and results of operations and could affect our competitive position if our competitors’ energy costs do not increase at the same rate as ours or if they do not suffer the same disruptions to or limitations in supply. Such disruptions may also occur as a result of the loss of energy supply contracts or the inability to enter into new energy supply contracts on commercially attractive terms. Furthermore, natural catastrophes, regional conflicts or similar events could affect the electricity grid. Any such disruptions or increases in energy costs as a result of the aforementioned factors or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Severe weather conditions and natural disasters, such as storms, floods, droughts, frosts, earthquakes or pestilence, may affect the supply of the raw materials and energy resources that we use for the manufacturing of our products. For example, changing climate may cause flooding and drought in crop growing areas or changes in sea temperatures may affect marine biomass, fishing catch rates and overall fishing conditions. In addition, drought or floods may affect the feed supply for red meat and poultry, which in turn may affect the quality and availability of protein sources for our products. Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters can reduce crop size and crop quality, which in turn can reduce our supplies of raw materials, lower recoveries of usable raw materials, increase the prices of our raw materials, increase our cost of transporting and storing raw materials and finished goods, or disrupt our production schedules. Competing food producers can be affected differently by weather conditions and natural disasters depending on the location of their supply sources. If our climate continues to change, whether as a result of increased greenhouse gas emissions or otherwise, and leads to increasingly severe weather conditions, shortages of raw materials, local water scarcity, soil health deterioration, ocean heating and acidification, increased price volatility, increased regulation, and impacts the quality of raw materials, together with any resulting social unrest, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.

Our supply network could also be adversely affected by the outbreak of various diseases or other public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic that may result in delays in procurement or an inability to access alternative supply on commercially reasonable terms, which may have an adverse impact on our operating results. In addition, a significant outbreak of a contagious disease in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could affect demand for our products and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

In addition, our manufacturing and distribution facilities may be subject to damage, disruption or closure resulting from conflict, fire, terrorist activity, natural disasters, health epidemics or other causes. For example, our Lowestoft and Bremerhaven manufacturing facilities are situated in regions which have historically been prone to flooding. Extensive damage to any of our nineteen major manufacturing facilities as a result of any of the foregoing reasons, could, to the extent that lost production could not be compensated for by unaffected facilities, severely affect our ability to conduct our business operations and, as a result, adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Furthermore, as we lease parts of our Boulogne, Bremerhaven, Lowestoft, and Tonsberg manufacturing sites, the use of these properties is subject to certain terms and conditions, the breach of which could affect our ability to continue use of these properties which in turn may disrupt our operations and may materially adversely affect our results of operations.

Also, while we do not have any direct operations or sales in either Russia or Ukraine, these countries are responsible for many commonly used raw materials and resources such as fish, edible oils, wheat and energy. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine could see considerable reductions in the availability or cost of such raw materials and resources, for example if the crops are not planted in as great a quantity in any year, and if we are not able to source or find suitable alternatives in a cost effective manner, then this may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our sales and working capital levels have historically been affected to a limited extent by seasonality. In general, sales volumes for savory frozen food are slightly higher in cold or winter months, partly because there are fewer fresh alternatives available for vegetables and because our customers typically allocate more freezer space to the ice cream segment in summer or hotter months. The Fortenova Acquisition follows a different seasonality to the legacy business, with stronger performance through the summer months as a result of the ice-cream business. In addition, variable production costs, including costs for seasonal staff, and working capital requirements associated with the keeping of inventories, vary depending on the harvesting and buying periods of seasonal raw materials, in particular vegetable crops. For example, inventory (and therefore net working capital) levels typically peak in August to September just after the pea harvest. If seasonal fluctuations are greater than anticipated, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

When required we take actions, such as workforce reductions, plant closures and consolidations, and other cost reduction initiatives, to align our resources with our growth strategies in order to operate more efficiently and control costs. As these plans and actions are complex, unforeseen factors could result in expected savings and benefits to be delayed or not realized to the full extent planned, could negatively impact labor relations, including causing work stoppages, and could lead to disruptions in our business and operations and higher short-term costs related to severance and related capital expenditures.

As of December 31, 2022, we employed approximately 7,535 employees, of which approximately 1,338 were located in Germany, 1,355 were located in the UK, 1,169 were located in Serbia, 977 were located in Croatia, , 481 were located in Italy, 406 were located in Sweden/Norway, 319 were located in Bosnia & Herzegovina, 305 were located in France and 1,185 employees in other locations. As of December 31, 2022, approximately 70% of our employees worked in our manufacturing operations. We have in the past, and may in the future, experience labor disputes and work stoppages at one or more of our manufacturing sites due to localized strikes or strikes in the larger retail food industry sector. We have also been involved in negotiations on collective bargaining agreements. A labor stoppage or other interruption at one of our nineteen manufacturing sites (or at the site of any of our suppliers) would impact our ability to supply our customers and could have a material adverse effect on such facility’s operations and, potentially, on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A sustained labor shortage or increased turnover rate within our workforce, caused by macroeconomic factors beyond our control, have led, and could in the future lead, to production delays and increased costs, such as increased overtime costs to meet demand. Such labor shortages and increased costs could adversely affect our business and financial results.

Additionally, we compete with other producers for good and dependable employees. The supply of such employees is limited and competition to hire and retain them may result in higher labor costs, for example as a result of higher wages negotiated in response to inflationary pressure and cost of living increases. Furthermore, a number of our employees are subject to national minimum wage requirements. If legislation is enacted that has the effect of raising national minimum wage requirements, requires additional mandatory employee benefits or affects our ability to hire or dismiss employees, we could face substantially higher labor costs. High labor costs could adversely affect our profitability if we are not able to pass them on to our customers.

Our success depends, in part, upon the continued services of key members of our management. Our executives’ and managers’ knowledge of the market, our business and our Company represents a key strength of our business, which cannot be easily replicated. The success of our business strategy and our future growth also depend on our ability to attract, train, retain and motivate skilled managerial, sales, administration, development and operating personnel. There can be no assurance that our existing personnel will be adequate or qualified to carry out our strategy, or that we will be able to hire or retain experienced, qualified employees to carry out our strategy. The loss of one or more of our key management or operating personnel, or the failure to attract and retain additional key personnel, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We have adopted a sustainability strategy which sets out our role in supporting the change to how food is produced and consumed, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and our corporate purpose. Our ability to successfully implement, and engage other stakeholders in implementing, our sustainability strategy, will depend on a number of factors which are beyond our control, including the extent to which our suppliers and other stakeholders prioritize sustainability initiatives themselves in their own businesses, the reaction of retailers and our customers to our sustainability strategy and broader macroeconomic and social trends. Further, unanticipated events, including changes in our ability to source sustainably produced food ingredients, for example as a result of the conflict in Ukraine's effect on the global supply chain or as a result of challenges with regard to the environmental risks posed by certain ingredients, including palm oil and soy, may have an impact on the extent to which we can meet our own sustainability targets in any

Our acquisitions strategy is largely based on our ability to grow through acquisitions of additional businesses to build an integrated group. Consummating acquisitions of businesses, or our failure to integrate such businesses successfully into our existing businesses, could result in unanticipated expenses and losses. Furthermore, we may not be able to realize any of the anticipated benefits from completed acquisitions, including the Findus Switzerland and Fortenova acquisitions.

We anticipate that any future acquisitions we may pursue as part of our business strategy may be partially financed through additional debt or equity. Any future financial market disruptions or tightening of the credit markets may make it more difficult for us to obtain financing for acquisitions or increase the cost of obtaining financing. If new debt is added to current debt levels, or if we incur other liabilities, including contingent liabilities, in connection with an acquisition, the debt or liabilities could impose additional constraints and requirements on our business and operations, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operation. In addition, to the extent our ordinary shares are used for all or a portion of the consideration to be paid for future acquisitions, dilution may be experienced by existing shareholders.

In connection with our completed and future acquisitions, the process of integrating acquired operations into our existing group operations may result in unforeseen operating difficulties and may require significant financial resources that would otherwise be available for the ongoing development or expansion of existing operations. Some of the risks associated with acquisitions include:

Typically, when acquiring a business, the seller will provide certain warranties regarding its ownership of the acquired business as well as warranties regarding the business and operations of the acquired business. We may also obtain a warranty & indemnity insurance policy which provides coverage in respect of certain of these warranties. Any unexpected liabilities, individually or in the aggregate, which are not subject to such warranties or which are not recoverable under such insurance policy, could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the acquired business following the acquisition, whether or not such liabilities result from breaches of warranties. There can be no assurance that we will be able to enforce any claims against the seller relating to breaches of such warranties or successfully claim under our insurance policy. Moreover, even if we are ultimately able to recover any amounts from the seller or the insurer, we may be required to temporarily bear some or all of the losses which may arise from any breaches of warranties, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Many jurisdictions in which we operate have antitrust regulations which involve governmental filings for certain acquisitions, impose waiting periods and require approvals by government regulators. Governmental authorities may seek to challenge potential acquisitions or impose conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions that may delay completion of the acquisition or materially reduce the anticipated benefits (financial or otherwise) as a result of applying the relevant antitrust regulations. Our inability to consummate potential future acquisitions or to receive the full benefits of such acquisitions because of antitrust regulations could limit our ability to execute on our acquisition strategy which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

There may be significant competition in some or all of the acquisition opportunities that we may explore. Such competition may for example come from strategic buyers, sovereign wealth funds, special purpose acquisition companies and public and private investment funds, many of which are well established and have extensive experience in identifying and completing acquisitions. Such competition may cause us to be unsuccessful in executing any acquisition or may result in a successful acquisition being made at a significantly higher price than would otherwise have been the case.

We intend to conduct such due diligence as we deem reasonably practicable and appropriate based on the facts and circumstances applicable to any potential acquisition. The objective of the due diligence process will be to identify material issues which may affect the decision to proceed with any one particular acquisition target or the consideration payable for an acquisition. We also intend to use information revealed during the due diligence process to formulate our business and operational planning for, and our valuation of, any target company or business. While conducting due diligence and assessing a potential acquisition, we may rely on publicly available information, if any, information provided by the relevant target company to the extent such company is willing or able to provide such information and, in some circumstances, third party investigations where certain of our diligence efforts may be delayed or prohibited due to government or practical restrictions.

There can be no assurance that the due diligence undertaken with respect to an acquisition will reveal all relevant facts that may be necessary to evaluate such acquisition including the determination of the price we may pay for an acquisition target or to formulate a business strategy. Furthermore, the information provided during due diligence may be incomplete, inadequate or inaccurate. As part of the due diligence process, we will also make subjective judgments regarding the results of operations, financial condition and prospects of a potential target. If the due diligence investigation fails to correctly identify material issues and liabilities that may be present in a target company or business, or if we consider such material risks to be commercially acceptable relative to the opportunity, and we proceed with an acquisition, we may subsequently incur substantial impairment charges or other losses.

In addition, following any acquisition, we may be subject to significant, previously undisclosed liabilities of the acquired business that were not identified during due diligence and which could contribute to poor operational performance, undermine any attempt to restructure the acquired company or business in line with our business plan and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

As a producer of food products for human consumption, we are subject to extensive regulation in our Key Markets and other countries in which we operate, at both a national and European Union level, that governs production, composition, manufacturing, animal welfare, sustainability, storage, transport, advertising, packaging, quality, marketing, including marketing to children, labeling, and distribution standards. It is unclear how such existing rules will be impacted following Brexit but there may be changes and further regulations that we must adhere to over time in the UK. Any failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject us to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, product recalls or asset seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions.

In addition, our facilities and our suppliers’ facilities are subject to licensing, reporting requirements and official quality controls by numerous governmental authorities. These governmental authorities include European, national and local health, environmental, labor relations, sanitation, building, zoning, and fire and safety departments. Difficulties in obtaining or failure to obtain the necessary licenses or approval could delay or prevent the development, expansion or operation of a given production or warehouse facility. Any changes in those regulations may require us or our suppliers to implement new quality controls and possibly invest in new equipment, which could delay the development of new products and increase our operating costs.

All of our products and production facilities must comply with strict national and international hygiene regulations. Our facilities and our suppliers’ facilities are subject to regular inspection by authorities for compliance with hygiene regulations applicable to the sale, storage and manufacturing of foodstuffs and the traceability of genetically modified organisms, meats and other raw materials. Additionally, in certain jurisdictions, food business operators, including those in the food storage, processing and distribution sectors, are required to trace all food, animal feed, and food-producing animals under their control using registration systems that track the source of the products through the supply chain. Despite the precautions we undertake, should any non-compliance with such regulations be discovered during an inspection or otherwise, authorities may temporarily shut down any of our facilities, demand a product recall and/or levy a fine for such non-compliance.

Our facilities and operations are subject to numerous health, safety and environmental regulations, including local and national laws, European directives and regulations governing, among other things, water supply and use, water discharges, air emissions, chemical safety, solid and hazardous waste management and disposal, clean-up of contamination, energy use, noise pollution, and workplace health and safety together with globally recognized health and safety standards, including BRC and ISO compliance. Health, safety and environmental legislation and standards in Europe and elsewhere has generally become more comprehensive and restrictive and more rigid over time and enforcement has become more stringent. Failure to comply with applicable requirements, or the terms of required permits, can result in penalties or fines, clean-up costs, third party property damage, personal injury claims and damage to our reputation and relationships with our suppliers and retail customers. In addition, if health, safety and environmental laws and regulations in our Key Markets and the other countries in which we operate or from which we source raw materials and ingredients become more stringent in the future, the extent and timing of investments required to maintain compliance may exceed our budgets or estimates and may limit the availability of funding for other investments.

Furthermore, under some environmental laws, we could be liable for costs incurred in investigating or remediating contamination at properties we own or occupy, even if the contamination was caused by a party unrelated to us or was not caused by us, and even if the activity which caused the contamination was legal at the time it occurred. The discovery of previously unknown contamination, or the imposition of new or more burdensome obligations to investigate or remediate contamination at our properties or at third-party sites, could result in substantial unanticipated costs.

In certain jurisdictions, we are also subject to legislation designed to significantly reduce industrial energy use, water use, carbon dioxide emissions and the emission of ozone depleting compounds more generally. If we fail to meet applicable standards for energy use reduction or are unable to decrease, and in some cases eliminate, certain emissions within the applicable period required by relevant laws and regulations, we could be subject to significant penalties or fines and temporary or long-term disruptions to production at our facilities. We are also subject to increasing pressure to reduce waste in our supply chains and to reduce packaging overall, reduce the use of certain substances in our packaging, for example non-recyclable plastic and increase the recyclability of our products. Any failure to do so could see a reduction in our sales, the imposition of penalties or fines, retailers destocking as a result of not meeting increased standards all or any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, reputation and results of operations.

Any failure to comply with any of the applicable directives, regulations and laws as set out in this section could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, reputation and results of operations.

Our operations are subject to a variety of regulatory schemes which require us to implement processes, procedures and controls to provide reasonable assurance that we are operating in compliance with applicable regulations, including the UK Bribery Act, the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the Trade Sanctions and Export Controls and the General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR"). In addition, our business, including our ability to operate and continue to expand internationally, could be adversely affected if local and foreign laws or regulations are adopted, interpreted, or implemented in a manner that is inconsistent with our current business practices and that require rapid changes to these practices or our products, services, policies and procedures. For example, if we are prevented from purchasing certain products and raw materials as a result of the increasing sanctions currently being imposed on Russia and Belarus. If we are not able to adapt our business practices or strategies to changes in laws or regulations, it could subject us to liability, increased costs and reduced product demand. Additionally, the costs of compliance with laws and regulations may increase in the future as a result of changes in interpretation. Failure to comply (or any alleged failure to comply) with the regulations referenced above or any other regulations could result in civil and criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties, and any such failure or alleged failure (or becoming subject to a regulatory enforcement investigation) could also damage our reputation, disrupt our business, result in loss of customers and cause us to incur significant legal and investigatory fees.

On May 25, 2018, the EU’s GDPR became enforceable. The GDPR relates to the collection, use, retention, security, processing and transfer of personally identifiable information of residents of European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and we are subject to these heightened standards. The GDPR created a range of new compliance obligations and imposes substantial fines for breaches and violations (up to the greater of €20 million or 4% of our annual global revenue). Furthermore, there is uncertainty with respect to compliance with privacy and data protection laws and regulations, including the GDPR, because such laws and regulations are continuously evolving and developing and may be interpreted and applied differently from country to country and may create inconsistent or conflicting requirements. Our efforts to comply with privacy and data protection laws in all our markets may impose significant costs and challenges that are likely to increase over time, in particular with Switzerland and other non-EU countries in which we operate. Since January 1, 2021 the GDPR has ceased to have direct effect in the UK but the Data Protection Act 2018 alongside the UK GDPR ensures that the UK has in effect the same high standards for data protection in place as under the GDPR. As with other EU-origin laws, how these are interpreted and applied by the UK post Brexit might change and differ from the EU approach over time.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, and to fund our operations, working capital and capital expenditures, depends on our ability to generate cash. To a certain extent, our cash flow is subject to general economic, industry, financial, competitive, operating, legislative, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future sources of cash will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay amounts due on our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs.

Additionally, if we incur additional indebtedness in connection with any future acquisitions or development projects or for any other purpose, our debt service obligations could increase. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness or obtain additional financing will depend on, among other things:

In addition, a significant part of our indebtedness includes provisions with respect to maintaining and complying with certain financial and operational covenants. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control. A breach of one or more of these covenants could result in an event of default and may give rise to an acceleration of the debt. In the longer term, such breach of covenants could have a material adverse effect on our operations and cash flows.

An increase in market interest rates may increase our interest expense arising on our existing and future floating rate indebtedness. Pursuant to the terms of the restated Senior Facilities Agreement dated November 8, 2022, the interest rate paid on indebtedness incurred under our senior loans and revolving credit facility varies based on a fixed margin over a base reference rate. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness will increase even though the amount borrowed remains the same, and our net income and cash flows, including cash available for operational or strategic purposes, will correspondingly decrease. Pursuant to our interest rate hedging policy, we may enter into interest rate derivatives that may involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments in order to reduce interest rate volatility. However, we may not maintain interest rate swaps with respect to all of our variable rate indebtedness, and any swaps we enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk.

Pursuant to the terms of the restated Senior Facilities Agreement dated November 8, 2022, the interest rate paid on indebtedness incurred under senior loans and our revolving credit facility varies based on a fixed margin over a base reference rate. Fallback language has been included in the restated Senior Facilities Agreement in relation to our revolving credit facility, to include use of risk-free interest rates (RFR) when the existing rates are phased out. The Sterling Overnight Index Average (“SONIA”) has replaced GBP LIBOR and is effective immediately. The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) will replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR and Swiss Average Rate Overnight (“SARON”) will replace CHF LIBOR.

The restated Senior Facilities Agreement dated November 8, 2022 uses term SOFR as the reference rate for USD denominated Term Loans. The EUR denominated term loans continue to use EURIBOR as their reference rate as there are no current plans to phase this out. If EURIBOR ceases to exist, we will need to renegotiate the interest rate payable on the Euro denominated portion of our Senior Facilities Agreement with our lenders.

We are exposed to exchange rate risk. Our reporting currency is the Euro. We are exposed to foreign exchange translation risk as we convert the results of our non-Euro businesses into our reporting currency of Euro. Pursuant to Company foreign exchange hedging policy, we have converted our USD term loan to EUR designated as a cash flow hedge. We are exposed to transactional exchange rate risk as many of our raw material purchases may be denominated in non-functional currencies of the purchasing entity, predominantly U.S. Dollars and Euro. Company policy is to reduce this risk by using foreign exchange forward contracts that are designated as cash flow hedges. Hedging arrangements are subject to changes in Company policy, may not fully protect us against currency fluctuations and may or not achieve hedge effectiveness. Fluctuations and sustained strengthening of non-functional currencies against the functional currency of the operating entities may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may experience significant pressure from our key suppliers to reduce trade payable terms. At the same time, we may experience pressure from our customers to extend trade receivable terms. European and country legislation can also set conditions and restrictions related to payment terms between suppliers and purchasers at different levels of the supply chain, for example, Directive 2019/633 on unfair trading practices in business to business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain, which has been widely implemented across the European Union. Any failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject us to civil remedies, including fines, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any such changes in commercial arrangements regarding trade payable and trade receivable payment terms, as a result of changes in legislation or otherwise, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our ordinary shares. We intend to pay such dividends only at such times, if any, and in such amounts, if any, as the board determines appropriate and in accordance with applicable law, and then only if we receive dividends from our operating subsidiaries. The board from time to time has announced share repurchase programs as set out further in the Financing and Acquisition section below. Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, and to fund our operations, working capital and capital expenditures, depends on cash flows. A significant part of our indebtedness includes provisions with respect to maintaining and complying with certain financial and operational covenants. In the event that we were to pay any dividends or to repurchase shares pursuant to any announced share repurchase programs, such dividends and share repurchases may have an impact on our cash flows and on our ability to make repayments on and refinance our indebtedness and to comply with those financial covenants.

Goodwill represents amounts arising from acquisitions and is the difference between the cost of the acquisition and the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. Intangible assets can include computer software, brands, customer relationships and other acquired intangibles as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and other intangibles expected to contribute indefinitely to our cash flows are not amortized but must be evaluated by management at least annually for impairment. If carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount, the intangible is considered impaired and is reduced to recoverable amount via a charge to earnings. Factors outside of our control which could result in an impairment include, but are not limited to: (i) reduced demand for our products; (ii) higher commodity prices; (iii) lower prices for our products or increased marketing as a result of increased competition; and (iv) significant disruptions to our operations as a result of both internal and external events. Should the value of one or more of the acquired intangibles become impaired, our consolidated profit or loss and net assets may be materially adversely affected. As of December 31, 2022, the carrying value of intangible assets totaled €4,559.2 million, of which €2,101.6 million was goodwill and €2,457.6 million represented brands, computer software, customer relationships and other acquired intangibles compared to total assets of €6,326.1 million.

From time to time we may acquire, various investment securities as part of our cash management and treasury activities. Factors beyond our control can significantly and adversely influence the fair value of our investment securities, including, but not limited to, the risk that the counterparty may not return the funds and that movements in financial, currency or interest rate markets may have an impact on the value of the investment securities. For example, fixed-rate securities are generally subject to decreases in market value when interest rates rise. Additional factors include, but are not limited to, rating agency downgrades of the securities, defaults by the issuer or individual borrowers with respect to the underlying securities, and instability in the credit markets. Any of the foregoing factors could cause other-than-temporary impairment in future periods and result in realized losses. The process for determining whether impairment is other-than-temporary may require, subjective judgments about the future financial performance of the issuer and any collateral underlying the security in order to assess the probability of receiving all contractual principal and interest payments on the security.

In the ordinary course of treasury activities, whether entering into derivative hedging arrangements, cash account deposits or otherwise, we are exposed to the risk that the financial counterparty with whom we have conducted dealings will not be able to perform the agreed services and as a result may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.

The Company has a mixture of partially funded and unfunded post-employment defined benefit plans in Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria as well as defined benefit indemnity arrangements in Italy and France. Deterioration in the value or lower than expected returns on investments may lead to an increase in our obligation to make contributions to these plans.

The obligations that arise from these plans are calculated using actuarial valuations which are based on assumptions linked to the performance of financial markets, interest rates and legislation which changes over time. Adverse changes to these assumptions will impact the obligations recognized and would lead to higher cash payments in the long term.

Our obligation to make contributions to the pension plans could reduce the cash available for operational and other corporate uses and may have a materially adverse impact on our operations, financial condition and liquidity.

We may enter into factoring, reverse factoring or supply chain financing arrangements with financial institutions from time to time to sell certain of our accounts receivables from customers without recourse or to otherwise finance aspects of our supply chain. If we were to cease entering into such arrangements, our operating results, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely impacted. However, by entering into these arrangements we are exposed to additional risks. If any of these financial institutions or other counterparties experiences financial difficulties or is otherwise unable to honor the terms of our factoring, reverse factoring or supply chain financing arrangements with them, we may experience material financial losses due to the failure of such arrangements which could have an adverse impact upon our operating results, financial condition and cash flows.

We are a holding company and rely on the earnings and cash flows of our subsidiaries, which are paid to us by our subsidiaries in the form of dividends and other payments or distributions, to meet our debt service and other obligations, or, if applicable, to pay dividends on our ordinary shares. The ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments or distributions to us will depend on their respective operating results and may be restricted by, among other things, the laws of their jurisdiction of organization (which may limit the amount of funds available for the payment of dividends and other distributions to us), their constitutional documents, documents governing any existing indebtedness and the covenants of any future outstanding indebtedness that our subsidiaries incur, and other factors which may be outside our control.

Our founders, Sir Martin Franklin and Noam Gottesman (the “Founders”) and/or one or more of their affiliates, including Mariposa Acquisition II, LLC and TOMS Acquisition I LLC (the “Founder Entities”) may in the future enter into and/or amend agreements with us that are not currently under contemplation. While we have implemented procedures to ensure we will not enter into any related party transaction without the approval of our Audit Committee, it is possible that the entering into of such an agreement might raise conflicts of interest between us and some or all of the Founders and/or the directors.

We are increasingly dependent upon on our information technology systems for communication among our suppliers, manufacturing plants, distribution functions, headquarters and customers. Our performance depends on the availability of accurate and timely data and other information from key software applications to aid day-to-day business and decision-making processes. We may be adversely affected if our controls designed to manage information technology operational risks fail to contain such risks. If we do not allocate and effectively manage the resources necessary to build and sustain the proper technology infrastructure and to maintain the related automated and manual control processes, we could be subject to adverse effects including billing and collection errors, business disruptions, in particular concerning our manufacturing and logistics functions, issues with or errors in system's maintenance and security and migration of applications to the cloud and security breaches. Any disruption caused by failings in our information technology infrastructure equipment or of communication networks, could delay or otherwise impact our day-to-day business and decision-making processes and negatively impact our performance. In addition, we are reliant on third parties to service our IT infrastructure. Failure on their part to provide good and timely service may have an adverse impact on our information technology network. We rely on 3rd parties for the support and maintenance of our software solutions and furthermore we do not control the facilities or operations of our suppliers or third parties. An interruption of operations at any of their or our facilities or any failure by them to deliver on their contractual commitments may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Although our information technology systems are protected through physical and software safeguards, it is difficult to protect against the possibility of damage or breach created by cyber-attacks or other security attacks in every potential circumstance that may arise. In addition, governmental authorities have warned that cybercriminals will take advantage of the uncertainty created by COVID-19, federal and state mandated quarantines and recent international conflicts to launch cybersecurity attacks. The risks could include more frequent malicious cybersecurity and fraudulent activities, as well as schemes which attempt to take advantage of employees’ use of various technologies to enable remote work activities. We believe the COVID-19 outbreak and conflict in Ukraine have increased our cyber risk profile, but we are unable to predict the extent or impacts of those risks at this time. As cyber-attacks are increasing in frequency and sophistication, it becomes even more difficult to protect against a breach of our information technology systems. Cybersecurity incidents including malfeasance, security breaches, computer viruses or other malicious codes, ransomware, unauthorized access attempts, denial of service attacks, phishing, hacking, and other cyberattacks that impact the availability, reliability, speed, accuracy, or other proper functioning of these information technology systems could have a significant impact on our operations. If we are unable to prevent physical and electronic break-ins, cyber-attacks and other information security breaches, we may suffer financial and reputational damage, be subject to litigation or incur remediation costs or penalties because of the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information belonging to us or to our customers, suppliers or employees. The mishandling or inappropriate disclosure of non-public sensitive or protected information could lead to the loss of intellectual property, negatively impact planned corporate transactions or damage our reputation and brand image. Misuse, leakage or falsification of legally protected information could also result in a violation of data privacy laws and regulations and have a negative impact on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

While, to date, we have not had a significant cybersecurity breach or attack that had a material impact on our business or operations, there can be no assurance that our efforts to maintain the security and integrity of our information technology systems will be effective or that attempted breached would not be successful in the future.

Generally accepted accounting principles and related accounting pronouncements, implementation guidelines and interpretations with regard to a wide range of matters that are relevant to our business, including but not limited to revenue recognition, leases, estimating valuation allowances and accrued liabilities (including allowances for returns, doubtful accounts and obsolete and damaged inventory), accounting for income taxes, valuation of long-lived and intangible assets and goodwill, stock-based compensation and loss contingencies, are highly complex and involve many subjective assumptions, estimates and judgments by our management. Changes in these rules or their interpretation or changes in underlying assumptions, estimates or judgments by our management could significantly change our reported or expected financial performance, and could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Management continues to assess new accounting pronouncements and their impact on the Company prior to their adoption dates.

While we seek to maintain appropriate levels of insurance, not all claims are insurable, and we may experience major incidents of a nature that are not covered by insurance. Our insurance policies cover, among other things, employee-related accidents and injuries, property damage and liability deriving from our activities. In particular, our Lowestoft and Bremerhaven manufacturing facilities are situated in regions that have historically been affected by flooding. We may not be able to obtain flood insurance on reasonable terms or at all with respect to those facilities. We maintain an amount of insurance protection that we believe is adequate, but there can be no assurance that such insurance will continue to be available on acceptable terms or that our insurance coverage will be sufficient or effective under all circumstances and against all liabilities to which we may be subject. We could, for example, be subject to substantial claims for damages upon the occurrence of several events within one calendar year. In addition, our insurance costs may increase over time in response to any negative development in our claims history or due to material price increases in the insurance market in general which could have a material impact on our business.

We are subject to reporting obligations under U.S. securities laws. The SEC, as required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, has adopted rules requiring every public company to include a report of management on the effectiveness of such company's internal control over financial reporting in its annual report. In addition, an independent registered public accounting firm must issue an attestation report on the effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial reporting.

We recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and our management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. If we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, we and our independent registered public accounting firm may not be able to conclude that we have effective internal control over financial reporting at a reasonable assurance level. This could in turn result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements. Furthermore, we have incurred and anticipate that we will continue to incur considerable costs and use significant management time and other resources in an effort to comply with Section 404 and other requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. If we are not able to continue to meet the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, we might be subject to sanctions or investigation by the SEC, the NYSE or other regulatory authorities. Any such action could adversely affect the accuracy and timeliness of our financial reporting.

We currently have 12,201,795 ordinary shares available for issuance under our LTIP. Additionally, as of February 20, 2023, we have 5,222,266 equity awards that have either been issued to participants or been granted and are outstanding under the LTIP, which may be converted into ordinary shares subject, in most cases, to meeting certain performance conditions.

The market price of the ordinary shares on the NYSE may fluctuate as a result of several factors, including the following:

The trading market for our ordinary shares will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about us, our business, our market or our competitors. Securities and industry analysts currently publish limited research on us. If there is limited or no securities or industry analyst coverage of our company, the market price and trading volume of our ordinary shares would likely be negatively impacted. Moreover, if any of the analysts who may cover us downgrade our ordinary shares, provide more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors or if our operating results or prospects do not meet their expectations, the market price of our ordinary shares could decline. If any of the analysts who may cover us were to cease coverage or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our share price or trading volume to decline.

We are Europe's leading frozen foods company based on net sales value. We were incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the British Virgin Islands under the BVI Companies Act on April 1, 2014 under the name Nomad Holdings Limited.

Our principal executive offices are located at No. 1 New Square, Bedfont Lakes Business Park, Feltham, Middlesex, TW14 8HA. Our telephone number is +(44) 208 918 3200 and our fax number is +(44) 208 918 3491. Our registered office is located at Ritter House, Wickhams Cay II, Road Town, Tortola, VG1110 British Virgin Islands and its telephone number is (284) 852-7900. Our registered agent in the United States is Mariposa Capital, LLC, 500 South Pointe Drive, Suite 240 Miami Beach, Florida 33139.

The SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding the Company and other issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The SEC's Internet website address is http://www.sec.gov. Our Internet website can be found at www.nomadfoods.com.

The European savory frozen food market is served by a number of national and international producers, both with branded and private label offerings, and within single or multiple product categories. We have the broadest participation by category and geography in Europe.

According to Nielsen, the market for savory frozen food in categories which the Company competes in across Europe is estimated to have generated €19 billion in retail sales value in 2022.

Frozen food products are particularly attractive because they address important global food trends. Consumers increasingly prefer products that allow them to prepare meals quickly and with confidence and expect products to be healthy and good value for money. In addition, consumers are increasingly focused on reducing food waste. Frozen food products can have all of these characteristics. They are easy to prepare, they reduce the need for artificial preservatives, they are often better value for money than chilled alternatives and they reduce waste at all points in the supply chain and also in-home (due to the long shelf life, and the ease of portionability).

Over the last seven years the European savory frozen food market has grown on average 2% per year, while experiencing a huge spike in category demand throughout the COVID pandemic, driven by the aforementioned ability to address global food consumption trends. Furthermore, the amount of space that frozen food as a category occupies within the grocery retail environment is relatively stable due to the fixed amount of freezer space at the retailer that is not exposed to reductions in shelf space in favor of other categories or formats, as can be the case in shelf-stable parts of the retailer.

We believe the following competitive strengths differentiate us from our competitors and contribute to our ongoing success.

As the leading branded savory frozen food producer in Europe, we benefit from economies of scale and have developed a strong platform for our products throughout Europe. We are market leaders in the savory categories where we offer products in sixteen geographies and have an 18% market share in the savory frozen food market in the countries we operate (excluding markets covered by the Fortenova acquisition). We benefit from longstanding relationships with our retail customers which provide access to our diversified distribution channels, including supermarkets, discount retailers, the food service channel and other food retailers that sell directly to consumers. We benefit from a diverse category and geographic mix and believe our strong existing platforms facilitate our expansion within a large addressable market and provide a broad set of potential acquisition targets in various food categories and geographic markets.

Our management team has extensive experience in the food industry and other fast-moving consumer goods markets and has worked with leading multinational consumer goods companies globally. Our management team is complemented by an experienced Board of Directors, and collectively, they have a proven track record of successfully acquiring, integrating and managing consumer businesses. We believe our management team and Board of Directors’ collective industry knowledge, coupled with our track record of achieving growth and responding to challenging market conditions, will enable us to continue to generate profitable growth.

We operate an efficient and centralized procurement and supply chain function which is closely aligned with our geographic footprint, allowing us to optimize our supply arrangements and reduce distribution costs. We source our products globally from a diverse supplier base and, as a result, we minimize our dependency on any one supplier. Our relationships with diverse suppliers enable us to safeguard the security of our supply and raw materials as well as enhance the quality and sustainability of such materials, while also delivering competitive pricing and limiting exposure to geographic risk and adverse currency movements.

We own and operate an efficient network of nineteen manufacturing facilities, all of which are located near the major markets we serve, balancing manufacturing and logistics costs and allowing for high levels of customer service. These facilities have what we believe to be sufficient spare capacity to accommodate future growth in our main product categories.

Innovation is core to our growth model. Our R&D team actively scan new and emerging technologies, alongside consumer trends and unmet consumer needs. The intersection of these insights leads us to identify new opportunities to drive penetration and frequency. In addition, we regularly benchmark our existing ranges to ensure that these continue to deliver experiences that delight our consumers. In response to these insights we establish multifunctional project teams that design new and improved products and packaging delivered through our core Must Win Battles for fish, veg, poultry, pizza and meat replacements. Each time we create a new product or pack we apply the principles of sustainable by design. To ensure the development and introduction of successful products, we follow a robust process through which we move from idea generation, concept screening, concept and product development, to scale up and final validation before launch.

Our strategy is underpinned by three fundamental pillars which are to expand the category, grow the core and accelerate innovation. In addition, we have developed and made significant progress in implementing the following strategic initiatives:

Our goal is to transform our Company into an integrated best-in-class, global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of food products, within the frozen food category and the broader food sector. We believe there are significant growth opportunities in the European and North American markets and that our acquisitions provide a strong platform on which to grow our business and expand and enhance our market share in the food industry in key geographic markets.

We continue our strategy which is rooted in relentless focus on our Core products, which include fish, vegetables, meals and poultry, and which, prior to the Fortenova Acquisition, represented approximately 70% of our branded channel sales. These strategies include improving product quality, packaging renovation and executing in-store initiatives such as ensuring the right product assortment, display strategies and promotional efficiencies. We believe focusing on these Core product initiatives will accelerate growth, lead to margin expansion and improve our return on investment. To further accelerate growth, we continue to pursue innovation which leverages consumer trends such as health, wellness and convenience, but which are anchored in our core categories.

Our goal is to create and acquire food businesses and brands that strongly align with consumer needs and preferences that have high growth and margin potential and that leverage our existing portfolio of brands. In addition, we seek to align our product innovation strategies with consumer trends such as increased demand for nutrition-packed meals that can be prepared in shorter times, vegetarian options, meat substitutes and sustainably sourced and produced food.

We are responding to the growing consumer shift to digital and mobile technologies, apparent across all of our markets, by investing in technology platforms and partnering with both existing and emerging retailer partners who are executing their own e-commerce strategies to meet changing consumer habits. Online sales represented approximately 8% of our total sales as of December 31, 2022 (compared to 8% in 2021 and 7% in 2020). COVID-19 dynamics have played a part in accelerating existing consumer shopping behavior trends. The need of social distancing measures due to COVID-19 resulted in many new consumers trialing online grocery shopping channels for the first time, and accelerated the expansion of other models, such as Quick Commerce in large cities across Europe. We believe that the full Digital Commerce channel will continue to provide further opportunities to drive market share gains through improved product content, allowing us to more fully share the benefits of the Frozen category directly to consumers, and driving our mealtime solution programs. In addition, our strategies are evolving in response to other consumer shopping trends such as increased purchases through the hard discounter channel, which has been growing significantly in the UK and Southern Europe.

We continue to increase our margins and cash flows by strengthening our revenue growth management capabilities and focusing on supply chain optimization and disciplined cost management. These efforts, which will be implemented over time, will include developing stronger promotional programs, price pack architecture and trade terms as well as continuing our focus on lean manufacturing, factory footprint optimization, and procurement productivity.

Our customers are typically supermarkets and large food retail chains supplying food products directly to consumers. Each key market in which we operate has its own distinct retail landscape. We consider our key retailer clients to be, in the UK, Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s; in Italy, Coop, Conad and Esselunga; in Germany, Rewe and Edeka; in Sweden, ICA, Axfood and Coop; and in France, Carrefour, Auchan and E.Leclerc. For the year ended December 31, 2022, our top ten customers (in terms of revenue) accounted for 34% of revenues.

The majority of our sales are to established retailers and we expect this channel to remain our most significant channel for the foreseeable future. We partner with traditional retailers when we identify commercial or marketing opportunities that can be of interest for both businesses. In addition, we are selectively building partnerships and are increasing our presence in the growing discounter channel.

The food service channel accounted for approximately 8% of our total sales for the year ended December 31, 2022. The majority of these sales were in the Nordics, Croatia and Spain and consisted primarily of sales to institutional and public sector customers such as schools and hospitals, and privately run work canteens and restaurants. The past few years have been a challenge in this sector, with governmental restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic having a significant adverse impact on sales in 2020 and 2021.

Our commercial strategy is centered around our Core products and our growth model focuses on three core elements: creating distinctive brands through leveraging our iconic brand assets, innovating to break penetration barriers balanced between renovation and innovation, and executing in store through category leadership driving the right assortment, display and promotional efficiency.

Our brand equity strategy aims to further increase brand awareness. We are utilizing our core iconic assets at all consumer touchpoints including traditional media, digital media, point of sale and packaging. Furthermore, we have invested and will continue to seek to invest at sufficient levels of media on all our Core products.

We maintain sales teams in each of our Key Markets with a small proportion of sales being sold via a distribution model. Our sales force is resourced to provide good store coverage. We have been chosen to lead category management projects by several leading supermarkets in each of our main product categories and have developed innovative presentations of our frozen food products and in-store marketing concepts with supermarkets in a number of our markets in order to increase shopper traffic and sales. Most recently, we have developed and are executing our “Perfect Store” concept which focuses on improving a consumer’s in-store shopping experience through presentation, layout and signage.

We own and operate nineteen manufacturing facilities which are located in Lowestoft and Hull (UK), Bremerhaven and Reken (Germany), Cisterna (Italy), Loftahammar and Bralanda (Sweden), Tonsberg and Larvik (Norway), Boulogne-sur-Mer (France), Valladolid (Spain), Longford and Naas (Republic of Ireland), Rorschach (Switzerland), Zagreb, Sesvete, and Daruvar (Croatia), Belgrade (Serbia) and Čitluk (Bosnia and Herzegovina). These facilities produce approximately 594 kilo tonnes of frozen product per year, representing approximately 74% of the total volumes of our sales. The manufacturing facilities are located near the major markets we serve, providing for a balance between manufacturing and logistics costs and customer service. Our manufacturing facilities are focused on in house manufacturing of our main product categories and emphasize quality and efficiency through scale. We continue investing in improving the safety and quality standards of our facilities.

Our procurement functions are structured around primes and indirect raw materials (materials used in manufacturing which form a part of the end product, such as fish, vegetables, meat, other ingredients and packaging), non-production items (items purchased and services used to design, market and distribute the product, such as logistics, operations, including maintenance, sales and marketing) and co-pack (finished products bought from third parties, such as most vegetables other than peas and spinach).

We have an efficient and centralized supply chain which is closely aligned with our geographic footprint, allowing us to optimize our supply arrangements and reduce distribution costs. We operate a centralized procurement function, with all procurement of primes and the majority of non-production items and co-pack procurement activities centralized to maximize scale efficiencies.

We operate a global sourcing platform. We are the world's largest buyer of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified wild caught whitefish sourcing globally and working with partners to bring to consumers nutritious, sustainable products. Our fish primarily originates from wild-caught fish in the North Pacific, predominantly from US and Russian waters whereby MSC certification can be assured. Russia holds a large percentage of global fish quota and accounts for nearly 40% of global whitefish catch and up to 75% of the most popular wild caught fish varieties that we and many other companies buy, including Alaska pollock, Atlantic cod, haddock and wild caught salmon. This would take some time to replace with volumes from alternative wild caught sources and therefore we are accelerating our species diversification strategy to bring a greater volume of responsibly farmed Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified products into our portfolio. Our suppliers use a range of processing methods which also extends to activities in China. Vegetables are sourced predominantly from Europe and poultry is sourced largely from South America (but also from Thailand and Eastern Europe). We have contracts in place with pea and spinach growers and third-party pea processors in regions close to where peas are harvested. In addition, we utilize various co-pack suppliers for vegetables other than peas and spinach. The contract terms we enter into with various suppliers differ extensively with respect to length and provisions. 

We aim to maintain an appropriately diverse supplier base to safeguard the security of our supply of raw materials as well as enhance the quality and sustainability of such materials, while also delivering competitive pricing.

We segregate vendors into “strategic” and “tactical” categories based on criteria such as bargaining power or opportunistic procurement. On that basis, we have identified a number of strategic suppliers with whom we maintain close relationships, particularly in relation to main product categories for which security of supply is critical. Raw materials are mostly directly shipped to our manufacturing facilities.

The price of fish, vegetables and other agricultural commodities, including poultry and meat, can be volatile. We limit our exposure to price increases of raw materials by contractually securing prices for periods

Our distribution network is made up of our manufacturing facilities, warehouses, local distribution centers and third-party providers of services (such as co-packers & transport). We outsource the majority of our distribution processes to third parties seeking to collaborate with shared sites and integrated transport networks. Our distribution network is well consolidated and aligned with our manufacturing footprint in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Sweden, France, Norway, Spain, Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. From our manufacturing plants, our products are sent to regional distribution centers to be further distributed to local markets. Our primary distribution centers are used to consolidate both local production and imported products to be sold locally. These sites include Wisbech in the UK, Naas in Ireland, Reken in Germany, Capua, Latina and Parma in Italy, Bjuv in Sweden, Brussels in Belgium, Vantaa in Finland, Froneri in Switzerland, Vienna in Austria, Lognes in France, Tonsberg and Moss in Norway, Lisbon in Portugal, Madrid in Spain. In 2021 added distribution centers in Podgorica in Montenegro, Skopje in North Macedonia, Milosheve in Kosovo, Szada in Hungary, Ljubljana in Slovenia, Sarajevo, Tuzla and Banja Luka in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Novi Beograd and Nis in Serbia, and Zagreb, Osijek and Slavonski Brod in Croatia to our Network coverage.

Our sales and working capital levels have historically been affected to a limited extent by seasonality. In general, sales volumes for savory frozen food are slightly higher in colder or winter months and variable production costs and working capital will vary depending on the harvesting and buying periods of seasonal raw materials, in particular vegetable crops. For example, inventory levels typically peak in August to September just after the pea harvest and as a result, more working capital is required during those months. The Fortenova Acquisition in September 2021 follows a different seasonality to the legacy business, with stronger performance through the summer months behind the ice-cream business.

Our IT systems are critical to operating and growing our business, in particular to our general operations and logistics functions but also to enable our teams to work from hybrid locations. A single SAP tool underpins the processes to support all of our operations and management reporting across countries with new tools being introduced to support Sales planning, S&OP and Net Revenue Management activities.

The IT architecture is designed as a consolidation platform enabling integration of future acquisitions. During 2022, the Company completed the integration of the Findus Switzerland business onto the Company's platform and also commenced the integration of the entities acquired as part of the Fortenova acquisition, which the Company refers to as the "Adriatics business". We believe that the role of data and analytics will continue to increase in importance in decision-making, and we therefore intend to continue to enhance our capability to use such data and analytics in our decision-making process. Our cyber capability has increased with multiple tools being implemented as well as training for everyone in the Company.

The Company is undertaking a business transformation project underpinned by an upgrade to the latest SAP S4/HANA. This has started and will continue throughout 2023 and finish in 2024. Additionally, we utilize a new outsourced service provider, maintaining best in class IT cost alongside improved capability to scale in line with business developments.

Intellectual Property remains a core focus for the business. In 2021, we saw our trademark portfolio expand dramatically with the acquisition of the Fortenova business, and we now have over 2000 trademarks across all our markets around the world. On the patent side, the dedicated drive to protect the business' innovations and new technology continues, particularly in the area of plant-based food products, packaging and food coatings - the business now has 20 pending or registered patents in place across the UK and Europe.

Each material contract to which we have been a party for the preceding two years, other than those entered into in the ordinary course of business, is listed as an exhibit to this annual report and is summarized elsewhere herein.

We operate a number of different pension schemes across our various countries of operation, the majority of which are defined contribution schemes. We operate defined benefit pension plans in Germany, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland and Austria which are all closed to new entrants, as well as various defined contribution plans in other countries, the largest of which include Sweden and the UK. Long term service awards and other employee benefits are also in operation in a number of countries.

Our activities are subject to laws and regulations regarding food safety, the environment and occupational health and safety.

As a manufacturer of foods intended for human consumption, we are subject to extensive legislation and regulation both from the European Union, the EU Member States and European free trade association (EFTA) members, UK adopted legislation and other European countries in which we operate. For the European Union, The European Commission, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety is responsible for EU policy on food safety and health and for monitoring the implementation of related laws. The European Food Safety Authority advises the European Commission, the European Parliament and the EU Member States on food safety matters. EU Member States must ensure adequate enforcement, control and supervision of principles set forth in numerous EU Directives and Regulations and may be allowed to maintain or establish more stringent measures in their own legislation. Other European countries may follow the EU Directives and Regulations as is the case currently in the UK through the adopted legislation process following Brexit, but it may be that there are additional regulations to comply with on a country by country basis. We expect the UK to start generating its’ own regulatory matters as time progresses and as a UK based entity, we will be duty bound to follow these. These regulations govern the composition, manufacture, storage, handling, packaging, labeling, marketing and safety of our products. These regulations generally impose on food business operators an obligation to ensure that the operations under their control satisfy the relevant food law requirements and impose a mandatory traceability requirement along the food chain. The tracing information must be kept for a period of five years and upon request, must be made available to the relevant authorities.

In addition, we are subject to specific food hygiene legislation that establishes rules and procedures governing the hygiene of food products. This legislation sets forth specific rules governing the proper hygiene for food products of animal origin and sets forth microbiological criteria for food products. In addition, there are a number of other specific EU, adopted UK and local country requirements relating to specific matters such as contaminants, packaging materials and additives. The new Brexit Trade Agreement has resulted in substantial delays at Border Control Points for all food businesses due to the new level of documentation and checking which accompany food shipments across the UK to EU. Nomad products are frozen and maintained at a temperature below 18 degrees therefore there are no issues with food hygiene due to any delays or blockages which we may experience.

Listed below are the various internal due diligence procedures we have established to ensure continuous compliance with all relevant regulatory and food safety standards:

Pre-packaged food products must comply with provisions on labeling, which are harmonized throughout the European Union. Pre-packaged food products must also comply with provisions on nutrition labeling, which are also harmonized throughout the European Union. Under the Food Information for Consumers Regulation nutrition labeling is mandatory unless exempted.

In addition to general and nutrition requirements, pre-packaged food products must bear a lot mark declaration via a manufacturing or packaging lot reference, which is also a harmonized system throughout the European Union. The lot reference allows consumers and businesses to trace the product in the event of a product withdrawal or recall.

There are also specific labeling requirements for certain ingredients we use in our products. Local laws may also impose additional requirements with which we must comply.

Our packaging protects the product against contamination, is designed to optimize logistics, helps with portion sizes, carries information for customers, and, by maintaining the quality of products for the duration of their shelf life, also helps to reduce food waste. However, packaging, in particular plastic packaging, has been in the spotlight because of its environmental impacts. Poor management of recycling or waste disposal of plastic packaging can result in plastic leaking from the waste management cycle into the ocean, threatening the lives of sea birds and marine animals, and disrupting ecosystems.

We primarily design our packaging around food safety needs and environmental impact concerns, ensuring that the packaging protects the product but does not waste natural resources. Our focus is on moving to recyclable materials. However, in some places we do need to use flexible materials such as plastic where innovation is required to find recyclable alternatives.

We expect packaging to be a focus for environmental law in the coming years, with the emergence of taxes or bans on the use of single-use plastic.

The European Commission, Directorate-General for the Environment is responsible for EU policy on the environment and for monitoring the implementation of related laws. The European Union has issued numerous directives relating to environmental protection, including those aimed at improving the quality of water, addressing air and noise pollution, assuring the safety of chemicals and setting standards for waste disposal and clean-up of contamination. European directives are given effect by specific regulations in Member States and applicable regulations have been implemented in each of the countries in which we conduct our manufacturing activities. In addition, there may also be further regulations implemented at a country level in other countries in which we operate. Accordingly, our facilities must obtain permits for certain operations and must comply with requirements relating to, among others, water supply and use, water discharges and air emissions, solid and hazardous waste storage, management and disposal of waste, clean-up of contamination and noise pollution.

We are also subject to legislation designed to reduce energy usage and carbon dioxide emissions and also restrictions on the use of ozone depleting substances such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons ("HCFCs"). HCFCs are used in refrigeration systems and their use will be phased out as part of our normal maintenance, repair and replacement activities and we do not expect a need for significant incremental capital expenditures for this purpose.

Compliance with environmental laws and regulations is managed at the facility level. The majority of our manufacturing facilities have a detailed environmental management system which are externally audited on an annual basis for compliance with ISO 14001 or BRC.

In addition, under some environmental laws and regulations, we could be responsible for contamination we may have caused and investigating or remediating contamination at properties we own or occupy, even if the contamination was caused by a prior owner or other third party or was not due to our fault, and even if the activity which resulted in the contamination was legal at the time it occurred.

The safety and health of our employees is the number one priority for the business and in 2022 we embarked on a "safety first everyone, everyday" program to embed the culture of safety first across our business. This program alongside our commitment to identifying and reducing risk in the workplace has resulted in a significant improvement in our safety performance.

We continue to develop our Group Safety Management system and are working towards certification to International Standards ISO45001 and ISO18001 at all our Manufacturing Facilities.

We have a legal responsibility to protect the health and safety of our employees, customers and any other persons who may be affected by our operations and aim to meet the European Framework Directive on Safety and Health at Work (89/391 EEC). We continually strive to comply with all the local and European legislation in all the countries we have a presence, ensuring we share best practices and procedures across our business to continuously improve our safety and environmental performance.

We strive to ensure that dangerous articles and substances are transported, stored and used safely; provide adequate welfare facilities; provide workers with the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to preserve and improve their health and safety; and consult with workers on health and safety matters.

In all of our locations we have removed Group specific COVID-19 protocols, but sites continue to monitor COVID conditions and are empowered to deploy site specific control measures if required.

We have established policies and procedures aimed at compliance with applicable legislation and regulations, including policies for Anti-Bribery and Corruption as well as Trade Sanctions. Our Code of Business Principles as our framework policy is designed to ensure compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements to drive a strong compliance culture throughout all of our operations. A breach of the Code of Business Principles can lead to disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

Our Safecall reporting line, which is operated by an external service provider, allows employees to report issues or ethical concerns anonymously. Compliance at the local level is based in large part on building strong local companies and developing a proper approach in coping with operational dilemmas within the boundaries of applicable laws and responsible conduct. Local management, assisted by the Internal Audit department, carries out reviews to identify compliance risks and to ensure that adequate procedures to manage those risks are in place. We continually analyze and assess changes in applicable laws and regulations, and implement appropriate adaptations when necessary.

We have a comprehensive Global Insurance Program covering all territories that the organization operates within and undertake regular risk reviews. We continually assess business risks as part of the review to ensure we maintain an effect insurance program covering risk exposures.

The Global Insurance Program encompasses coverages such as directors and officers, property damage and business interruption, public liability, product liability, employer's liability, personal accident and travel, advertising and motor.

We (Nomad Foods Limited) are a holding company with 52 subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned by us. The following table provides a list of all of our significant subsidiaries and their country of incorporation.

None.

Nomad operates in the European frozen food market, selling its products primarily to large grocery retailers either directly or through distribution arrangements primarily in the UK, Italy, Germany, France, Sweden, and Austria.

We currently operate nineteen manufacturing plants, three in Croatia, two in Germany, two in Sweden, two in Norway, two in Ireland, two in the UK and one each in Spain, Italy, France, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Switzerland.

We are monitoring the situation in Ukraine closely given the current and potential impacts of the conflict on our operations, financial condition and results of operations. Although we have no commercial operations or manufacturing footprint in either Russia or Ukraine, we have seen unprecedented input cost inflation and increased complexity and volatility in our supply chain due to the crisis.

We believe that reducing our exposure to Russia, partially by diversifying our source of fish and our alternative species of fish, is in the best interests of the company as well as the right action to take in light of recent events. We source a material amount of our fish from Russia and due to the conflict, are actively pursuing opportunities to introduce alternative species and product formats to reduce our Russian exposure as quickly and effectively as possible. Due to our status as frozen category leader and our commitment to source wild-caught fish to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification standard, this will take time to execute. We have taken steps to reduce our reliance on Russian sourced fish including, (i) increasing the amount of fish we purchase from the United States (to the extent permitted by quotas), (ii) exploring alternative species of fish, and (iii) expanding into new product formats such as farmed fish. For example, one of the ways we are diversifying our sources of sustainable fish is by signing 3 new contracts to secure the supply of high-quality Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified farmed pangasius from a leading Vietnamese supplier starting in 2023.

Additionally, we are accelerating relevant R&D projects and expanding into other categories such as “fishless fish” and expanding our vegetables category to create a broader range of options for our consumers.

In the last 12 months we have seen huge volatility in our macro environment driven by the war in Ukraine and further Covid restrictions impacting our supply chain (e.g. China). This has resulted in the need to focus on our two most urgent challenges: significantly higher raw material prices and risks to our fish supply.

For our consumers, the Ukraine and Russia conflict and supply chain restrictions have driven a cost of living crisis as well as an anticipated recession, and we have therefore made a number of interventions to our plans to ensure we remain on track to deliver our medium-term commitments.

Throughout 2022, we experienced higher than anticipated input cost inflation, including higher transportation and supply chain costs which we have attempted to mitigate through pricing increases. We anticipate such inflation to persist throughout 2023. Our clear priorities are pricing for inflation, securing the future of fish, and accelerating Green Cuisine as we believe these will have the biggest commercial impact on our short term and long-term success. We believe these agile commercial interventions, coupled with media investment, commercializing sustainability and accelerating our presence in discounters, will allow us to retain our existing consumer base and attract new consumers to the category and our brands. We believe these strong fundamentals will set us up for long-term sustained growth.

On March 13, 2020, the Company announced a share repurchase program to purchase up to an aggregate of $300.0 million of the Company’s ordinary shares. Acquisitions pursuant to the stock repurchase program may be made from time to time through a combination of open-market repurchases, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchase transactions, and/or other derivative transactions. After the announcement, the Company entered into a series of open-market repurchases. During 2020, the Company repurchased and cancelled 11,913,682 ordinary shares at an average price of $21.04, for aggregate gross costs of $250.9 million (€217.4 million). Directly attributed transaction costs of €0.2 million were incurred. During 2021, the Company repurchased and cancelled a further 507,396 ordinary shares at an average price of $25.29 for aggregate gross costs of $12.8 million (€10.5 million).

On September 15, 2020, the Company repurchased by way of a Dutch auction a total of 18,061,952 ordinary shares at a clearing price of $25.50 per share amounting to the aggregate purchase price of $460.6 million (€389.3 million) which was paid to the prevailing shareholders with all shares canceled as of the same date. Directly attributed transaction costs of €1.9 million were incurred.

On December 31, 2020, we completed the Findus Switzerland AG acquisition for consideration of €112.8 million which produces and sells frozen food in Switzerland. The deal extends the geographical reach of this brand, complementing the existing business model. The acquisition also included a production facility in Rorschach, Switzerland.

On June 24, 2021, the Company amended and restated its Senior Facilities Agreement to (i) refinance its existing €553.2 million senior secured term loan facility through a new 7-year term facility due 2028 (the "Senior EUR Loan"), paying interest at a rate equal to the EURIBOR with a zero floor plus a margin of 2.5%, and (ii) replace the existing €80.0 million revolving credit facility with a new €175 million facility, paying the interest rate applicable to the respective drawn down currency plus 2.25%. Per the restated Senior Facilities Agreement, the Sterling Overnight Index Average (“SONIA”) has replaced GBP LIBOR and is effective immediately if there is a drawdown on the facility. The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) will replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR and Swiss Average Rate Overnight (“SARON”) will replace CHF LIBOR, when existing benchmark rates are replaced. The revolving credit facility also includes margin ratchets linked to the future leverage of the Group, and achievement of ESG linked KPI's.

On June 24, 2021, the Company through its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary, Nomad Foods Bondco Plc, repaid the €400.0 million 3.25% senior secured notes due 2024 and completed a private offering of ��750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.5% senior secured notes due June 24, 2028. Interest on the Notes accrues from the date of issue and is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15, commencing on January 15, 2022. Subsequent to the Initial Bond Offering, on July 9, 2021 the Company completed a subsequent private offering of €50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.5% senior secured notes due 2028, issued at a price of €100.75.

On August 5, 2021, the Company announced a new share repurchase program to purchase up to an aggregate of $500.0 million of the Company’s ordinary shares to be executed. Acquisitions pursuant to the stock repurchase program may be made from time to time through a combination of open market repurchases, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchase transactions, and/or other derivative transactions, at the Company's discretion, as permitted by securities law and other legal requirements. Pursuant to the program, as at December 31, 2021, the Company repurchased and cancelled 3,090,082 ordinary shares at an average price of $24.50, for aggregate gross costs of $75.8 million (€67.1 million). Directly attributed transaction costs of €0.1 million were incurred. During 2022, the Company repurchased and cancelled a further 1,160,547 ordinary shares in open market transactions at an average price of $26.23 for aggregate gross costs of $30.5 million (€26.8 million) under this authorization.

On September 30, 2021, the Company announced the completion of the acquisition of the Fortenova Group’s Frozen Food Business Group (FFBG) for consideration of €641.6 million. FFBG is a leading European frozen food portfolio operating in attractive markets new to Nomad, including Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovenia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro. Its two anchor brands, Ledo and Frikom, have unparalleled consumer awareness and number one market share in many of these markets and offer a broad range of frozen food products including fish, fruits, vegetables, ready meals, pastry and ice cream.

On November 10, 2022, the Company announced that it closed on the issuance of both a $700.0 million (€700.6 million) term loan bearing interest at a rate per annum equal to the SOFR rate plus 3.75% and a €130.0 million term loan bearing interest at a rate per annum equal to EURIBOR plus 3.5%, both due November 10, 2029. The net proceeds from these loans were used to repay the Company's existing Senior Secured U.S. Dollar term loan due in 2024 in full, and for transaction expenses and general corporate purposes.

The Fortenova acquisition is reflected in our consolidated financial statements from September 30, 2021 (the date of the acquisition).

We have accounted for the acquisition using the purchase method as required by IFRS 3 "Business Combinations" which allows the Company a year after the acquisition date to finalize the valuation of identifiable assets acquired as well as liabilities assumed. Due to the timing of the acquisition, the valuation of the business had not been completed by December 31, 2021. The Company has since completed the exercise, resulting in a corresponding adjustment to Goodwill. These adjustments have not been considered material, thus did not result in a restatement of the previously reported Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2021 as disclosed in Note 14 "Acquisitions" within Item 18.

Information relating to “IFRSs recently issued and not yet adopted” are described in detail and are reported in Note 2 to the Financial Statements.

Set forth below is a brief description of key items from our consolidated statements of income. For additional information, see Note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements which appear elsewhere in this annual report.

We also utilize certain additional key performance indicators, as described below. We believe these measures provide an important alternative measure with which to assess our underlying operating performance on a constant basis. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin may be different from the calculations used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-IFRS measures and you should not consider them an alternative or substitute to operating profit or operating margin as a measure of operating performance.

Our consolidated financial statements have been presented in Euro, which is our functional currency. Unless specifically stated otherwise herein, transactions in foreign currencies have been translated at the foreign exchange rate at the date of the relevant transaction.

Changes in foreign currency rates have a translation impact on our reported operating results.

A significant portion of our operations have functional currencies other than Euro (including Pound Sterling, Norwegian Krone, Swedish Krona, Serbian Dinar and Swiss Franc amongst others). In preparing our financial statements, translations in currencies other than our functional currency are recognized at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of transaction. Accordingly, our results for each of the periods presented below have been impacted by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Where material, the impact of translation of currency on results has been provided. For a discussion on strategies to mitigate the effect of these fluctuations see Note 33 "Financial risk management".

Gross profit, defined as revenue offset by cost of sales, increased €71.0 million to €815.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 from €744.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in gross profit was driven by the increase in revenue and a reduction in gross margin. Gross Margin, defined as gross profit as a percentage of revenue, reduced by 90 basis points to 27.7% from 28.6% in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to:

There was a tax charge in the year ended December 31, 2022 of €71.2 million based on the underlying taxable profits. A taxation charge of €55.7 million was booked in the year ended December 31, 2021. This difference is principally caused by higher profits and movements in provisions for uncertain tax positions.

As noted in Item 3:D. Risk Factors, the future performance of the business is affected by a range of governmental economic, fiscal, monetary and political factors. In particular, the ongoing conflict between the Ukraine and Russia, the duration, spread and intensity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the outcome of Brexit agreements could have a material impact on the future results of the business.

We believe that cash flow from operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents and our access to our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund our liquidity and other requirements for at least the next 12 months. At December 31, 2022, we had €540.0 million of total liquidity, comprising €369.7 million in cash and €173.2 million of available borrowings under our revolving credit facility, offset by bank overdrafts of €2.9 million. We also continue to expect to be able to raise capital through equity and debt offerings to support the strategic aims of the Company when it is advisable to do so and market conditions allow. In addition, we may enter into working capital related facilities including receivables financing, reverse factoring and supply chain financing to support the requirements of the business. Our principal liquidity requirements are for working capital and general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures and debt service, as well as to identify and effect strategic acquisitions.

As a holding company, we depend on our receipt of cash dividends from our operating subsidiaries. For more information, see Item 3D: Key Information - Risk Factors - We are a holding company whose principal source of operating cash is the income received from our subsidiaries.

Nomad had cash and cash equivalents of €369.7 million at December 31, 2022, of which €0.3 million was restricted. This compares with cash and cash equivalents of €254.2 million at December 31, 2021 of which €0.2 million was restricted. Cash may be restricted for reasons including, but not limited to collateral as support for issuance of guarantees.

Our primary sources of liquidity for the periods reported were cash flow from operations and financing activities, including borrowings under credit facilities and Senior Secured notes. Our liquidity requirements arise primarily from the need to meet debt service requirements, to fund capital expenditures, to meet working capital requirements and to fund pension and tax obligations. Cash flows generated from operating activities together with cash flows generated from financing activities, have historically been sufficient to meet our liquidity needs and are expected to remain so for the foreseeable future.

Net cash provided by operating activities was €303.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to €306.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The €2.5 million decrease was due to an increase in working capital of €96.8 million compared to an increase of €23.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, offset by operating cash flows before changes in working capital of €521.6 million compared to €473.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash flows relating to exceptional items of €40.8 million compared to €48.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, as well as cash flows relating to tax of €80.2 million compared to €95.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2021.

Net cash used in investing activities was €78.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to €660.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The outflow in the year ended December 31, 2022 includes capital expenditures of €79.1 million.

Net cash used in financing activities was €108.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of €214.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The net cash outflow in the year ended December 31, 2022 is primarily due to payment of interest €54.2 million, payment of lease liabilities €26.5 million, and payments of €26.8 million for the repurchase of ordinary shares.

Our capital expenditures as of December 31, 2022 consisted, and in 2023 we expect to consist of, primarily expenditures for factory capacity expansion and maintenance, cost savings projects, information systems, innovation, regulatory compliance and other items. Capital expenditure is expected to increase in 2023 as the Company continues to grow but also due to the ongoing execution of its multi-year business transformation program which will include the implementation of new systems.

Capital commitments as of December 31, 2022 are not considered to be significant and are presented within Note 36 “Capital commitments” to our consolidated financial statements in Item 18. The anticipated source of such funds for such capital expenditures are cash flow from operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents and our revolving credit facility.

To assist in managing operating cash flow, we have historically entered into non-recourse factoring arrangements whereby we may sell specific account receivables to one or more external financial institutions. Under the terms of such arrangements, the Company may continue to collect the cash from the customer receivables sold, albeit acting solely as a collecting agent on behalf of the purchaser of receivables. The Company retains no credit loss exposure to the receivables following sale. As a consequence, the risks and rewards of ownership are considered to have been transferred at the date of sale. No factoring fees were incurred associated with the sale of factored receivables for the year ended December 31, 2022 (2021: minimal). All factoring facilities were cancelled during 2021 and no receivables were factored at the end of December 31, 2021, due to sufficient liquidity resources available to the Company. However, such facilities may be entered into again in future periods for strategic purposes.

The primary objective of our capital structure management is to maintain a strong financial profile for investor, creditor and customer confidence, and to support the growth of our business. We believe that the liquid assets of the Company, together with undrawn credit facilities and projections for future cash flows from operations, are sufficient to support the Company strategy. Access to external financing markets will be considered if funds are required other than from free cash flow to support the viability and growth of the business (e.g. supporting acquisitions).

We maintain defined benefit pension plans in Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy and Austria as well as various defined contribution plans in other countries. In addition, an unfunded post-retirement medical plan is operated in Austria. The defined benefit pension plans are partially funded in Germany and Austria and unfunded in Sweden and Italy. In Switzerland, the plan obligations are met via a contract with a collective foundation that offers a fully insured solution to provide a contribution-based cash balance retirement plan. With the exception of Switzerland, the defined benefit pension plans are closed to new entrants and there is no current requirement to fund the deficit in any plan. We also maintain various defined contribution pension plans in other countries, the largest of which include Sweden and the UK. In most countries, long term service awards are in operation.

For accounting purposes, as of December 31, 2022 (based on the assumptions used), the deficit for the net employee benefit obligations equaled €132.1 million (December 31, 2021: €244.2 million).

For the year ended December 31, 2022 pension costs related to defined benefit, defined contributions and long-term benefit plans equated to €22.4 million (2021: €19.8 million; 2020: €17.3 million). This includes all costs related to the pension schemes and other long-term benefits plans as well as associated interest costs.

For additional information, see Note 23 “Employee benefits” to our consolidated financial statements in Item 18.

A description of our principal accounting policies, critical accounting estimates and judgments is set out in Note 3 and Note 4 to our audited consolidated statements which appear elsewhere in this annual report.

We are contractually obliged to short and long term commitments regarding raw material expenditures as well as for purchases of finished or semi-finished products. Agreements with co-packers that require significant investment from the counterparty are generally negotiated to cover several years of our operational needs. Furthermore, a high proportion of Advertising and promotional expenditure is negotiated and committed to through annual contracts. We also have long term service contracts which we have committed to make but which are not yet payable. These include those for the provision of logistical operations as well as software and IT support which typically cover a number of years. All of these purchase commitments represent a modest proportion of our annual expenditure. As of December 31, 2022 these commitments total €350.1 million.

Furthermore, a number of our tangible fixed assets are leased under short and long term contracts for which a maturity profile is presented within Note 33 “Financial Risk Management” to our consolidated financial statements in Item 18.

We are subject to the following key industry trends and challenges which have impacted, and may continue to impact, our business, operations and financial performance.

Accelerating costs in non-discretionary spend areas of energy, transport and housing costs has squeezed household budgets. As a result, households are looking for savings, with an anticipated reduction in eating out, entertainment and clothing.

Inflation is expected to result in a decline in the number of ‘comfortable’ households which have higher incomes who are typically less impacted by inflation. Conversely, ‘struggling’ households with low incomes are expected to increase in the near future. We believe these 'struggling’ households will manage their spend by buying more products on promotional deals, buying cheaper brands and private labels or shopping in cheaper stores including discounters.

As a result of these market dynamics, we expect that discounters and eCommerce will accelerate their gain of market share. For example, we expect the growth of discounters to continue. Also, across all channels retailers are responding to these new challenges by focusing on driving value for money, including aggressive price comparisons, smaller packs and increasing private label offerings, and operating efficiency to help maintain their margins through range optimization to mitigate costs and complexity.

We believe the differing consumer groups and the impact on their spending will result in ‘in-flows’ to the frozen category and our brands (gaining consumers) but we also anticipate ‘out-flows’ (losing consumers) from the frozen category and our brands.

See Item 5 - Conflict between Ukraine and Russia and Macroeconomic for a discussion of trends and uncertainties we are experiencing as a result of political disruptions.

Information relating to “Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments” are described in Note 4 to the Financial Statements. The following is a review of the more significant assumptions and estimates as well as accounting policies we used to prepare our consolidated financial statements.

Discounts given by the Company include rebates, price reductions and incentives given to customers, promotional couponing and trade communication costs. Each customer has a unique agreement that is governed by a combination of observable and unobservable performance conditions.

Trade promotions comprise of amounts paid to retailers for programs designed to promote Company products and include pricing allowances, merchandising funds and customer coupons, which are offered through various programs to customers and consumers. The ultimate costs of these programs can depend upon retailer performance and is the subject of significant management estimates. The estimated ultimate cost of the program is based upon the programs offered, timing of those offers, estimated retailer performance based on history, management’s experience and current economic trends.

At each financial year end date, any discount or trade promotion activity incurred but not yet invoiced is estimated and accrued for. In certain cases, the estimate for discounts and trade promotions requires the use of forecast information for future trading periods and therefore a degree of estimation uncertainty exists. These estimates are sensitive to variances between actual results and forecasts. The estimate is based on accumulated experience and the principle that revenue is only recognized to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal will not occur. Management use judgment when considering when accruals can be released.

The Company is required to recognize separately, at the acquisition date, the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired or assumed in a business combination at their fair values. This involves a judgment as to what intangible assets can be separately identified as well as an estimate of fair value of all assets and liabilities acquired. Such estimates are based on valuation techniques, which require considerable estimation in forecasting future cash flows and developing other assumptions. These estimates are based on information available on the acquisition date and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by management.

Significant areas of judgment and estimation include valuing tangible and intangible assets, including the determination of their remaining useful lives, as well as the consideration of liabilities, including provisions for uncertain tax positions. Where such items are material to the financial statements, we engage third-party valuation firms to assist in the valuation. The valuation of these assets and liabilities is based on the assumptions and criteria which include, in some cases, estimates of future cash flows discounted at the appropriate rates. The choice of assumptions and valuation technique can lead to significant differences in the valuation. We believe that the assumptions and techniques applied are reasonable based on information available on the date of acquisition.

As disclosed in Note 14 in Item 18, one significant acquisition was made in 2021 with the acquisition accounting for this finalized during 2022.

The Group operates a number of defined benefit pension schemes and post-employment benefit schemes which are valued by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. Each scheme has an actuarial valuation performed and is dependent on a series of assumptions to estimate the projected obligations. The assumptions include variables which are revised periodically, that include discount rates, expected salary increases, inflation, employee turnover, retirement age, mortality and medical care costs. Our assumptions reflect historical experience and management's best judgment regarding future obligations. The assumptions used affect the current service cost and interest expense as well as changes in the obligation recognized. Net actuarial gains or losses arising from changes in assumptions and from experience are recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss).

Since defined benefit pension schemes and post-employment benefit schemes are measured on a discounted basis, the discount rate applied has an impact on the expense and obligation recognized. These discount rates are determined by reference to market yields at the end of the reporting period on high quality corporate bonds, except for Sweden where a deep market does not exist, where mortgage bonds are used. Our significant schemes operate in Germany and Sweden, where discount rates of 3.8% and 4.0% have been applied. A 1% increase in discount rates used throughout the Company would decrease the obligation by €28.5 million, whilst a 1% decrease in discount rates would increase the obligation by €35.8 million. The impact on profit before tax in either scenario is not significant. Management consider the discount rate to be the most significant assumption. Note 23 in Item 18 contains additional details on the schemes and obligation, including a sensitivity analysis over other key assumptions.

The Company operates in many different jurisdictions and in some of these, there are on-going tax audits and certain tax matters which are under discussion with local tax authorities. The Company considers these tax audits and discussions with local tax authorities as well as the local tax legislation relative to their tax positions in those jurisdictions when identifying uncertain tax positions. These discussions are often complex and can take many years to resolve, and are in different stages with respect to assessments, appeals and refunds. Where tax exposures can be quantified, a provision for uncertain tax positions is made based on management’s estimates and judgements with regard to the amounts expected to be paid to the relevant tax authority. Given the inherent uncertainties in assessing the outcomes of these exposures (which can sometimes be binary in nature), the Company could in future periods experience adjustments to these provisions. The factors considered include the progress of discussions with the tax authorities and the level of documentary support for historical positions taken by previous owners.

This section sets forth for the year ended December 31, 2022: (i) the aggregate compensation and benefits provided to our executive officers, (ii) a brief description of the bonus programs in which our executive officers participated, and (iii) the total amounts set aside for pension, retirement and similar benefits for our executive officers. This section also describes the Nomad Foods Amended and Restated Long Term 2015 Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) including a summary of the material terms of the LTIP, a description of current executive employment agreements and equity awards granted thereunder, and a description of our director compensation program.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, Nomad’s executive officers received total compensation, including base salary, cash and equity bonus, and certain perquisites, equal to €4.7 million in the aggregate.

Our executive officers who participate in our money purchase pension plans do so on generally the same terms as our other employees. The aggregate amount of the employer contributions to this plan for our executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2022 was less than €0.1 million.

Chief Executive Officer. Stéfan Descheemaeker was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as a Director of the Company effective on June 1, 2015. He entered into his Service Agreement with us on June 17, 2015. He entered into a new Service Agreement with the Company on May 1, 2020. Under the agreement, Mr. Descheemaeker will receive an annual salary that will be reviewed, but not necessarily increased, on an annual basis. Mr. Descheemaeker's salary was reviewed in 2022 resulting in an increased salary of £800,000. Mr. Descheemaeker is entitled to receive the following benefits under the terms of his agreement:

Chief Financial Officer. Samy Zekhout was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company and as a Director of the Company effective on April 1, 2018. He entered into his Service Agreement with us on February 15, 2018. Under the agreement, Mr. Zekhout will receive an annual salary that will be reviewed, but not necessarily increased, on an annual basis. A review took place in February 2022, with a base salary increase of 2.25% effective April 1, 2022, which took his annual salary to £467,300. Mr. Zekhout was or is entitled to receive the following benefits under the terms of his agreement:

The LTIP is discretionary and enables the Compensation Committee to make grants (“Awards”) to any director or employee of the Company, although the current intention of the Committee is that Awards be granted only to directors and senior management.

Under the LTIP, the Committee or Board may grant Awards in the form of rights over ordinary shares. Where an Award vests, the participant will receive ordinary shares free and clear of any restrictions, other than those imposed by applicable securities laws.

The vesting of Awards will be subject to conditions determined by the Committee. The current policy of the Committee is for vesting to be both time-based and related to the financial performance of the Company. Generally, the vesting period (i.e. the period over which performance is to be measured) will be between three and five years, and the ordinary shares subject to the Award will vest subject to the participant remaining an employee of the Company and any performance targets relating to the Award having been fulfilled (and in some circumstances an Award will lapse on the participant giving or receiving notice).

No Award may be granted on any date if, as a result, the total number of ordinary shares issued or remaining issuable pursuant to Awards or options granted in the previous ten years under the LTIP or any other employees’ share plan operated by the Company would exceed 10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company on that date.

Awards may at the discretion of the Committee be satisfied out of new issue shares, treasury shares or shares provided out of an employee trust. Ordinary shares issued will rank pari passu with ordinary shares in issue at that time, save in relation to rights arising by reference to a record date before the date of issue. Participants will not be entitled to votes or dividends on the ordinary shares subject to Awards until such Awards vest.

Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if a participant ceases to be employed by the Company due to death, disability, or otherwise as a good leaver, as determined by the Committee Awards will vest to the extent performance targets (adapted, if necessary, at the discretion of the Committee, to take into account the shortened vesting period) have been achieved and subject to the Committee’s discretion to waive the performance targets in whole or in part. If a participant ceases employment for any other reason their Award(s) will lapse to the extent unvested at the date of cessation.

Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, in the event of a Change of Control or winding up of the Company (including by reason of an offer or scheme of arrangement), Awards will vest in accordance with the performance targets applied at the date of the Change of Control, subject to the Committee’s discretion to waive such targets in whole or in part.

The Committee may make such adjustments to Awards as it considers appropriate to preserve their value in the event of any variation in the ordinary share capital of the Company or to take account of any demerger or special dividend paid (or similar event which materially affects the market price of ordinary shares).

The Committee may amend the LTIP as it considers appropriate, subject to the written consent of participants to changes to their disadvantage to existing Awards. Shareholder approval is required to increase the permitted dilution limits.

Benefits under the LTIP will not be pensionable. Awards are not transferable except to the participant’s personal representatives on death.

In 2022, each of our non-executive directors (other than Messrs. Gottesman and Franklin) received, and are entitled to receive in 2023, $50,000 per year together with an annual restricted stock grant issued under the LTIP equal to $100,000 of ordinary shares valued at the date of issue, which vest on the earlier of the date of the following year’s annual meeting of shareholders or 12 months from the issuance date. For those Directors who are members of board committees, each member is entitled to receive an additional $2,000 per year. The chairman of the Audit Committee, currently, is entitled to receive $10,000 per year and the chairmen of the Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees, currently and respectively, are entitled to receive $7,500 per year. Messrs. Gottesman and Franklin will not receive a fee in relation to their services as Directors.

Director fees are payable quarterly in arrears. In addition, all of the Directors are entitled to be reimbursed by us for travel, hotel and other expenses incurred by them in the course of their directors’ duties.

Our board of directors currently consists of ten members. Our Memorandum and Articles of Association provides that our board of directors must be composed of at least one director. The number of directors is determined from time to time by resolution of our board of directors. Messrs. Gottesman and Franklin serve as Co-Chairmen of our board of directors. The Co-Chairmen have primary responsibility for providing leadership and guidance to our board and for managing the affairs of our board. James E. Lillie is our lead independent director.

Pursuant to our Memorandum and Articles of Association, our directors are appointed at the annual meeting of shareholders for a one-year term, with each director serving until the annual meeting of shareholders following their election. For additional information regarding our board of directors, see Item 6A: Directors, Senior Management and Employees - Executive Officers and Directors.

Our non-executive directors do not have service contracts with us or any of our subsidiaries providing for benefits upon termination of employment.

Our board of directors has three standing committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

As of December 31, 2022, our Audit Committee consisted of three directors: Messrs. Lillie and MacFarlane and Ms. Stack, and Mr. Lillie served as its chairman. Our Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things, assisting the board of directors in its oversight of the integrity of our financial statements, of our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and of the independence, qualifications and performance of our independent auditors. In addition, it focuses on compliance with accounting policies and ensuring that an effective system of internal and external audit and financial controls is maintained, and oversees our policies and procedures with respect to risk assessment and risk management. Our Audit Committee will meet at least quarterly with management and the independent auditors and report on such meetings to the board of directors. The responsibilities of our Audit Committee as set forth in its charter include oversight of the following: external audit, financial reporting, public disclosure, internal controls, risk management and compliance and whistleblowing.

As of December 31, 2022, our Compensation Committee consisted of three directors: Messrs. Ashken and MacFarlane and Ms. Parry, and Mr. Ashken served as its chairman. Our Compensation Committee is responsible for determining the compensation of our executive officers. The responsibilities of our Compensation Committee as set forth in its charter include the following: assisting the board in evaluating potential candidates for executive positions, determining the compensation of our chief executive officer, making recommendations to the board with respect to the compensation of other executive officers, reviewing our incentive compensation and other equity-based plans, and reviewing, on a periodic basis, director compensation.

As of December 31, 2022, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “N&CG Committee”) consisted of three directors: Messrs. Ashken, Lillie and Ms. Parry and Mr. Ashken served as its chairman.

Our N&CG Committee is responsible for considering and making recommendations to the board of directors in respect of appointments to the board. The responsibility of our N&CG Committee as set forth in its Charter include the following: recommending directors to the board to serve as members of each committee, developing and recommending a set of corporate governance principles applicable to our company and overseeing board evaluations. It is also responsible for regularly reviewing the structure, size and composition of the board and making recommendations to the board with regard to any changes it deems necessary.

The following table sets forth, as of February 20, 2023, certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares by:

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares by each person known by us to be a beneficial owner of more than 5% of the ordinary shares. Currently we only have one class of listed shares issued and outstanding, that being ordinary shares, which have no par value. All of our ordinary shares have the same voting rights. Percentages are based on the 174,240,609 ordinary shares that were issued and outstanding on February 20, 2023.

On January 13, 2023, Allspring Global Investments Holdings, LLC filed a Schedule 13G/A to report that its percentage ownership in our ordinary shares decreased from 5.61% as of January 18, 2022 to 5.45% as of January 13, 2023.

On February 6, 2023, Wellington Management Group LLP filed a Schedule 13G/A to report that its percentage ownership in our ordinary shares increased from 7.98% as of February 4, 2022 to 8.55% as of February 6, 2023.

On February 9, 2023, FMR LLC filed a Schedule 13G/A to report that its percentage ownership in our ordinary shares increased from 5.17% as of February 9, 2022 to 7.39% as of February 9, 2023.

On February 14, 2023, AllianceBernstein L.P. filed a Schedule 13G to report that it beneficially

On February 14, 2023, T. Rowe Price Investment Management, Inc. filed a Schedule 13G to report that it beneficially owned 5.6% of our ordinary shares.

As of February 20, 2023, approximately 174,240,609 of our outstanding ordinary shares were held by one United States record holder (Cede and Company).

Except for the foregoing, no major shareholder has disclosed a significant change in its percentage ownership of our ordinary shares during the three years ended December 31, 2022.

For a description of our related party transactions, see Note 37, Related Parties, to our audited consolidated financial statements which appear elsewhere in this annual report.

On January 1, 2022, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Advisory Services Agreement with Mariposa Capital, LLC, an affiliate of Sir Martin, and TOMS Capital LLC, an affiliate of Mr. Gottesman. Pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Advisory Services Agreement, Mariposa Capital, LLC and TOMS Capital LLC provide high-level strategic advice and guidance to the Company. Under the terms of the Amended and Restated Advisory Services Agreement, Mariposa Capital, LLC and TOMS Capital LLC are entitled to receive an aggregate annual fee equal to $4.0 million, payable in quarterly installments. This agreement expires on January 1st annually and will be automatically renewed for successive one-year terms unless any party notifies the other parties in writing of its intention not to renew the agreement no later than 90 days prior to the expiration of the term. The agreement may only be terminated by the Company upon a vote of a majority of its directors. In the event that the agreement is terminated by the Company, the effective date of the termination will be 6 months following the expiration of the initial term or a renewal term, as the case may be.

The Audit Committee Charter provides that the Audit Committee shall review all related party transactions, as defined under Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Following such review, the Audit Committee determines whether such transaction should be approved based on the terms of the transaction, the business purpose for the transaction and whether the transaction is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders.

No member of the Audit Committee shall participate in any review, consideration or approval of any related party transaction with respect to which such member or any of his or her immediate family members is the related party.

Please see Item 18 below.

For a description of our export sales which constitute all of our sales, please see Geographical information - External revenue by geography in Item 18, Note 5 below.

We are not currently subject to any legal proceedings, nor to the best of our knowledge, is any proceeding threatened, the results of which would have a material impact on our properties, results of operation, or financial condition. Tax audits are taking place in a number of countries. Whenever there is a difference in view between local tax authorities and the Company, to the extent deemed necessary, provisions are made for exposures for which it will be probable that they will lead to additional tax liabilities. To the best of our knowledge, none of our officers or directors is involved in any legal proceedings in which we are an adverse party.

We have not declared or paid any dividends on our ordinary shares since our inception on April 1, 2014, and have no current plans to pay dividends on our ordinary shares. The declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our ordinary shares will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon many factors, including our financial condition, earnings, legal requirements, restrictions in our debt agreements and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. In addition, as a holding company, our ability to pay dividends depends on our receipt of cash dividends from our operating subsidiaries, which may further restrict our ability to pay dividends as a result of the laws of their respective jurisdictions of organization, agreements of our subsidiaries or covenants under future indebtedness that we or they may incur. See Item 3D: Key Information - Risk Factors - Risks Related to our Ordinary Shares - Dividend payments on our ordinary shares are not expected, and for a discussion of taxation of any dividends, see Item 10E: Additional Information - Taxation.

The Founder Preferred Shares were entitled to receive an annual stock dividend based on the market price of our ordinary shares if such market price exceeded certain trading price minimums and to participate in any dividends on the ordinary shares. For the year ended December 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021, no Founder Preferred Shares Annual Dividend Amount was payable pursuant to the terms of the Founder Preferred Shares. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we approved a 2020 Founder Preferred Share Dividend in an aggregate of 3,875,036 ordinary shares. The dividend price used to calculate the 2020 Founder Preferred Shares Annual Dividend Amount was $25.2127 and the Ordinary Shares were issued on January 2, 2020. On January 3, 2023, each of the Founder Preferred Shares converted into one ordinary share and, as of such date, no Founder Preferred Shares remained outstanding and no future dividend will be paid.

No significant change has occurred since the date of the annual financial statements included in this annual report.

Our ordinary shares are currently listed for trading on the NYSE under the symbol “NOMD”.

Not applicable.

A copy of our Memorandum and Articles of Association have been previously filed as Exhibit 99.1 to our Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K (File No. 001-37669), filed with the SEC on January 14, 2016, and is incorporated by reference into this annual report. A description of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act is filed as Exhibit 2.3 to this annual report on Form 20-F and includes a summary of the additional information required by this Item 10B and is incorporated by reference herein. Such summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our Memorandum and Articles of Association, as amended, and to the relevant laws and regulations. There are no limitations on the rights to own securities, including the rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on the securities imposed by the laws of the British Virgin Islands or by our Memorandum.

Each material contract to which the Company has been a party for the preceding two years, other than those entered into in the ordinary course of business, is listed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and is summarized elsewhere herein.

We are not aware of any governmental laws, decrees, regulations or other legislation in the British Virgin Islands that restrict the export or import of capital, including the availability of cash and cash equivalents for use by our affiliated companies, or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our securities.

The following discussion is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax issues relevant to the acquisition, holding and disposition of the ordinary shares. Additional tax issues may exist that are not addressed in this discussion and that could affect the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the acquisition, holding and disposition of the ordinary shares.

This discussion does not address any tax consequences other than U.S. federal income tax consequences, such as U.S. state and local tax consequences, U.S. estate and gift tax consequences, or non-U.S. tax consequences. The discussion applies, unless indicated otherwise, only to holders of ordinary shares who acquire the ordinary shares as capital assets. It does not address special classes of holders that may be subject to different treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), such as:

This section is based on the Code, its legislative history, existing and proposed Treasury regulations, published rulings by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and court decisions, all as currently in effect. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. Holders of ordinary shares should consult their own tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of ordinary shares in their particular circumstances.

As used herein, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of ordinary shares that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes: (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof; (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust if (1) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more “United States persons” (within the meaning of the Code) have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (2) it has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a “United States person”.

This discussion does not consider the tax treatment of partnerships or other pass-through entities that hold ordinary shares, or of persons who hold ordinary shares through such entities. If a partnership (or other entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of

This discussion is based upon certain understandings and assumptions with respect to the business, assets and shareholders, including that the Company is not, does not expect to become, nor at any time has been, a controlled foreign corporation as defined in Section 957 of the Code (a “CFC”). The Company believes that it is not and has never been a CFC, and does not expect to become a CFC. In the event that one or more of such understandings and assumptions proves to be inaccurate, the following discussion may not apply, and material adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences may result to U.S. Holders.

The U.S. federal income tax treatment of U.S. Holders will differ depending on whether the Company is considered a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

In general, the Company will be considered a PFIC for any taxable year in which: (i) 75 percent or more of its gross income consists of passive income; or (ii) 50 percent or more of the average quarterly market value of its assets in that year are assets (including cash) that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. For purposes of the above calculations, if the Company, directly or indirectly, owns at least 25 percent by value of the stock of another corporation, then the Company generally would be treated as if it held its proportionate share of the assets of such other corporation and received directly its proportionate share of the income of such other corporation. Passive income generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest, rents, royalties, certain gains from the sale of stock and securities, and certain other investment income.

Based on the current and anticipated composition of the income, assets and operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, the Company believes that it will not be a PFIC in its current taxable year and is not likely to be a PFIC in future taxable years. However, there is no assurance that the Company will not be a PFIC in any taxable year because PFIC status is factual in nature, depends upon factors not wholly within the Company's control, generally cannot be determined until the close of the taxable year in question, and is determined annually. If the Company is a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds (or, in the case of a lower-tier PFIC, is deemed to hold) its ordinary shares, such U.S. Holder will be subject to significant adverse U.S. federal income tax rules. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors on the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Company being treated as a PFIC.

In general, subject to the PFIC rules discussed above, a distribution on an ordinary share will constitute a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent that it is made from the Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. If a distribution exceeds the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, it will be treated as a non-taxable reduction of basis to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the ordinary share on which it is paid, and to the extent it exceeds that basis it will be treated as capital gain. For purposes of this discussion, the term “dividend” means a distribution that constitutes a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, it is not expected that the Company will maintain calculations of its earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. U.S. Holders should therefore assume that any distribution by the Company with respect to the Company’s ordinary shares will be reported as dividend income. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the appropriate U.S. federal income tax treatment of any distribution received from the Company.

The gross amount of any dividend on an ordinary share (which will include the amount of any foreign taxes withheld) generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as foreign source dividend income, and generally will not be eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction allowed to corporations in respect of dividends received from U.S. corporations. The amount of a dividend paid in foreign currency will be its value in U.S. Dollars based on the prevailing spot market exchange rate in effect on the day the U.S. Holder receives the dividend. A U.S. Holder will have a tax basis in any distributed foreign currency equal to its U.S. Dollar amount on the date of receipt, and any gain or loss realized on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of foreign currency generally will be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss. If dividends paid in foreign currency are converted into U.S. Dollars on the date they are received by a U.S. Holder, the U.S. Holder generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income.

Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, a dividend that a non-corporate holder receives on an ordinary share will be subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 20 percent if the dividend is a “qualified dividend” not including the Medicare Contribution Tax described below. A dividend on an ordinary share will be a qualified dividend if (i) either (a) the ordinary shares are readily tradable on an established market in the United States or (b) the Company is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the Secretary of the Treasury determines is satisfactory for purposes of these rules and that includes an exchange of information program, and (ii) the Company was not, in the year prior to the year the dividend was paid, and is not, in the year the dividend is paid, a PFIC. Since the ordinary shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the ordinary shares should be treated as readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Even if dividends on the ordinary shares would otherwise be eligible for qualified dividend treatment, in order to qualify for the reduced qualified dividend tax rates, a non-corporate holder must hold the ordinary share on which a dividend is paid for more than 60 days during the 120-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date, disregarding for this purpose any period during which the non-corporate holder has an option to sell, is under a contractual obligation to sell or has made (and not closed) a short sale of substantially identical stock or securities, is the grantor of an option to buy substantially identical stock or securities or, pursuant to Treasury regulations, has diminished its risk of loss by holding one or more other positions with respect to substantially similar or related property. In addition, to qualify for the reduced qualified dividend tax rates, the non-corporate holder must not be obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. Payments in lieu of dividends from short sales or other similar transactions will not qualify for the reduced qualified dividend tax rates.

A non-corporate holder that receives an extraordinary dividend eligible for the reduced qualified dividend rates must treat any loss on the sale of the stock as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the dividend. For purposes of determining the amount of a non-corporate holder’s deductible investment interest expense, a dividend is treated as investment income only if the non-corporate holder elects to treat the dividend as not eligible for the reduced qualified dividend tax rates. Special limitations on foreign tax credits with respect to dividends subject to the reduced qualified dividend tax rates apply to reflect the reduced rates of tax.

The U.S. Treasury has announced its intention to promulgate rules pursuant to which non-corporate holders of stock of non-U.S. corporations, and intermediaries through whom the stock is held, will be permitted to rely on certifications from issuers to establish that dividends are treated as qualified dividends. Because those procedures have not yet been issued, it is not clear whether the Company will be able to comply with them.

Non-corporate holders of ordinary shares are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the availability of the reduced qualified dividend tax rates with respect to dividends received on the ordinary shares in light of their own particular circumstances.

Subject to the PFIC rules discussed above, on a sale or other taxable disposition of an ordinary share, a U.S. Holder will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. Holder’s adjusted basis in the ordinary share and the amount realized on the sale or other disposition, each determined in U.S. Dollars. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of the sale or other taxable disposition the ordinary share has been held for more than one year. In general, any adjusted net capital gain of an individual is subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 20 percent, not including the Medicare Contribution Tax, discussed below. Capital gains recognized by corporate U.S. holders generally are subject to U.S. federal income tax at the same rate as ordinary income. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Any gain a U.S. Holder recognizes generally will be U.S. source income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes, and, subject to certain exceptions, any loss will generally be a U.S. source loss. If a non-U.S. income tax is paid on a sale or other disposition of an ordinary share, the amount realized will include the gross amount of the proceeds of that sale or disposition before deduction of the non-U.S. tax. The generally applicable limitations under U.S. federal income tax law on crediting foreign income taxes may preclude a U.S. Holder from obtaining a foreign tax credit for any non-U.S. tax paid on a sale or other disposition of an ordinary share. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are complex, and U.S. holders are urged to consult with their own tax advisers regarding the application of such rules. Alternatively, any non-U.S. income tax paid on the sale or other disposition of an ordinary share may be taken as a deduction against taxable income, provided the U.S. Holder takes a deduction and not a credit for all foreign income taxes paid or accrued in the same taxable year.

Dividends received with respect to ordinary shares and capital gains from the sale or other taxable disposition of the ordinary shares recognized by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders will be includable in computing net investment income of such U.S. Holder for purposes of the 3.8 percent Medicare Contribution Tax.

As used herein, a "non-U.S. Holder" is a beneficial owner of ordinary shares that is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership (or entity or arrangement classified as a partnership) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

A non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding on dividends received from the Company with respect to ordinary shares, other than in certain specific circumstances where such income is deemed effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States. If a non-U.S. Holder is entitled to the benefits of a U.S. income tax treaty with respect to those dividends, that income is generally subject to U.S. federal income tax only if it is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. Holder in the United States. A non-U.S. Holder that is subject to U.S. federal income tax on dividend income under the foregoing exception generally will be taxed with respect to such dividend income on a net basis in the same manner as a U.S. Holder unless otherwise provided in an applicable income tax treaty; a non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may also be subject to a branch profits tax with respect to such dividend income at a rate of 30 percent (or at a reduced rate under an applicable income tax treaty).

A non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding with respect to any gain recognized on a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of ordinary shares unless:

If the first exception applies, the non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to such gain on a net basis in the same manner as a U.S. Holder unless otherwise provided in an applicable income tax treaty; a non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may also be subject to a branch profits tax with respect to such gain at a rate of 30 percent (or at a reduced rate under an applicable income tax treaty). If the second exception applies, the non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30 percent (or at a reduced rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on the amount by which such non-U.S. Holder’s capital gains allocable to U.S. sources exceed capital losses allocable to U.S. sources during the taxable year of disposition of the ordinary shares.

Under U.S. federal income tax laws, certain categories of U.S. Holders must file information returns with respect to their investment in, or involvement in, a foreign corporation (including IRS Forms 926). Persons who are required to file these information returns and fail to do so may be subject to substantial penalties. Pursuant to Section 1298(f) of the Code, for any year in which the Company is a PFIC, each U.S. Holder will be required to file an information statement, Form 8621, regarding such U.S. Holder’s ownership interest in the Company. U.S. Holders of ordinary shares should consult with their own tax advisers regarding the requirements of filing information returns.

Furthermore, certain U.S. Holders who are individuals and to the extent provided in future regulations, certain entities, will be required to report information with respect to such U.S. Holder’s investment in “foreign financial assets” on IRS Form 8938. An interest in the Company constitutes a foreign financial asset for these purposes. Persons who are required to report foreign financial assets and fail to do so may be subject to substantial penalties. Potential shareholders are urged to consult with their own tax advisers regarding the foreign financial asset reporting obligations and their application to an investment in ordinary shares.

Payments of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries generally are subject to information reporting and to backup withholding unless the U.S. Holder is a corporation or other exempt recipient, or, in the case of backup withholding, the U.S. Holder provides a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle such U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.

Non-U.S. Holders generally are not subject to information reporting or backup withholding with respect to dividends paid on ordinary shares, or the proceeds from the sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares, provided that each such non-U.S. Holder certifies as to its foreign status on the applicable duly executed IRS Form W-8 or otherwise establishes an exemption.

Under certain circumstances, the Company or its paying agent may be required, pursuant to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ("FATCA"), to withhold U.S. tax at a 30 percent rate on all or a portion of payments of dividends or other corporate distributions to holders of ordinary shares that are treated as "foreign pass-thru payments" made on or after the date that is two years after the issuance of final regulations concerning such foreign pass-thru payments are published, if such payments are not in compliance with FATCA. Such regulations have not yet been issued. The rules regarding FATCA and "foreign pass-thru payments," including the treatment of proceeds from the disposition of ordinary shares, are complex and holders of ordinary shares are encouraged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the impact of the FATCA rules on them.

We are not subject to any income, withholding or capital gains taxes in the British Virgin Islands. No capital or stamp duties are levied in the British Virgin Islands on the issue, transfer or redemption of ordinary shares.

Shareholders who are not tax resident in the British Virgin Islands will not be subject to any income, withholding or capital gains taxes in the British Virgin Islands, with respect to the ordinary shares of the Company owned by them and dividends received on such ordinary shares, nor will they be subject to any estate or inheritance taxes in the British Virgin Islands.

The following is a general summary of material UK tax considerations relating to the ownership and disposal of our ordinary shares. The comments set out below are based on current UK tax law as of the date of this summary, which is subject to change, possibly with retrospective effect. This summary does not constitute legal or tax advice and applies only to shareholders holding our ordinary shares as an investment and who are the beneficial owners thereof, whose ordinary shares are not held through an individual savings account or a self-invested personal pension and who have not acquired their or another person’s ordinary shares by reason of their or another person’s employment. These comments may not apply to certain classes of persons, including dealers in securities, insurance companies and collective investment schemes.

This summary is for general information only and is not intended to be, nor should it be considered to be, legal or tax advice to any particular investor. It does not address all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to specific investors in light of their particular circumstances or to investors subject to special treatment under UK tax law. Potential investors should consult their own tax advisers concerning the overall tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of our ordinary shares in their particular circumstances.

As previously stated, on January 12, 2016, we became centrally managed and controlled in the UK and therefore became resident in the UK for UK taxation purposes.

Accordingly, since that date, we are subject to UK taxation on our income and gains, except where an exemption applies. Dividend income will generally be exempt from UK corporation tax on income if certain conditions are met.

We may be treated as a dual resident company for UK tax purposes. As a result, our right to claim certain reliefs from UK tax may be restricted, and changes in law or practice in the UK could result in the imposition of further restrictions on our right to claim UK tax reliefs.

Subject to their individual circumstances, shareholders who are resident in the UK for UK taxation purposes will potentially be liable to UK taxation, as further explained below, on any gains which accrue to them on a sale or other disposition of their ordinary shares which constitutes a “disposal” for UK taxation purposes.

A shareholder who is not resident in the UK for UK tax purposes will not generally be subject to UK tax on chargeable gains on a disposal of ordinary shares unless such a shareholder carries on a trade, profession or vocation in the UK through a branch or agency or, in the case of a corporate shareholder, a permanent establishment. For shareholders in such circumstances, a gain on a disposal of our ordinary shares may be subject to UK taxation.

An individual shareholder who acquires ordinary shares while UK resident, who temporarily ceases to be UK resident or becomes resident in a territory outside the UK for the purposes of double taxation relief arrangements, and who disposes of our ordinary shares during that period of temporary non-UK residence, may on his or her return to the UK be liable to UK capital gains tax on any chargeable gain realized on that disposal.

For an individual shareholder within the charge to capital gains tax, a disposal of ordinary shares may give rise to a chargeable gain or allowable loss for the purposes of UK capital gains tax. The rate of capital gains tax is generally 10% for individuals who are subject to income tax at the basic rate and 20% to the extent that an individual shareholder’s chargeable gains, when aggregated with his or her income chargeable to income tax, exceeds the basic rate band for income tax purposes. However, an individual shareholder is entitled to realize £12,300 of gains (the annual exempt amount) in the UK tax year ended April 5, 2023, without being liable to tax.

For a shareholder within the charge to UK corporation tax, a disposal (or deemed disposal) of ordinary shares may give rise to a chargeable gain or allowable loss for the purposes of UK corporation tax. Corporation tax is charged on chargeable gains at the rate applicable to that company, subject to any available exemption or relief. Indexation allowance may reduce the amount of chargeable gain that is subject to corporation tax (but may not give rise to or increase an allowable loss). No indexation allowance is available in respect of any period of ownership falling after December 2017.

No UK tax will be withheld or deducted at source from dividends paid by us on our ordinary shares.

Shareholders who are resident in the UK for tax purposes may, subject to their individual circumstances, be liable to UK income tax or, as the case may be, UK corporation tax on dividends paid to them by us.

A nil rate of income tax applies to the first £2,000 of dividend income received by an individual shareholder in the UK tax year ended April 5, 2023. If and to the extent that an individual shareholder who is subject to UK income tax receives dividends in the tax year which, in aggregate, do not exceed that allowance, the individual will not be liable to UK income tax on those dividends. If and to the extent that an individual shareholder who is subject to UK income tax receives dividends in the tax year which, in aggregate, exceed that allowance, the individual will be subject to UK income tax on those dividends at the rate of 8.75% (in the case of basic rate taxpayers), 33.75% (in the case of higher rate taxpayers) and 39.35% (in the case of additional rate taxpayers), and the individual will not be entitled to any tax credit in respect of those dividends. In calculating into which income tax band any dividend income in excess of the above nil rate allowance falls, savings and dividend income are treated as the highest part of an individual's income.

Shareholders who are within the charge to UK corporation tax are generally likely to be exempt from corporation tax on dividends they receive from us, provided the dividends fall within an exempt class and certain conditions are met.

No UK stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax will be payable on the issue of ordinary shares.

UK stamp duty will in principle be payable on any instrument of transfer of our ordinary shares that is executed in the UK or that relates to any property situated, or to any matter or thing done or to be done, in the UK. An exemption from stamp duty is available on an instrument transferring ordinary shares where the amount or value of the consideration is £1,000 or less and it is certified on the instrument that the transaction effected by the instrument does not form part of a larger transaction or series of transactions in respect of which the aggregate amount or value of the consideration exceeds £1,000. Shareholders should be aware that, even where an instrument of transfer is in principle subject to stamp duty, stamp duty is not required to be paid unless it is necessary to rely on the instrument for legal purposes, for example to register a change of ownership or in litigation in a UK court. An instrument of transfer need not be stamped in order for the British Virgin Islands register of ordinary shares to be updated, and the register is conclusive proof of legal ownership.

Provided that the ordinary shares are not registered in any register maintained in the UK by or on behalf of us and are not paired with any shares issued by a UK incorporated company, any agreement to transfer ordinary shares will not be subject to UK stamp duty reserve tax.

We currently do not intend that any register of our ordinary shares will be maintained in the UK.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Documents concerning us that are referred to herein may be inspected at our principal executive offices at: No. 1 New Square, Bedfont Lakes Business Park, Feltham, Middlesex, TW14 8HA. Those documents, which include our registration statements, periodic reports and other documents which were filed with the SEC, may be obtained electronically from the Investor section of our website at www.nomadfoods.com or from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. We do not incorporate the information contained on, or accessible through, our website into this annual report, and you should not consider it a part of this annual report.

Not applicable.

We are exposed to certain market risks during the normal course of our business, such as risk arising from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, as well as fluctuations in interest rates. In attempts to manage these risks, we employ certain strategies to mitigate the effect of these fluctuations. For a detailed discussion of these risks, see Note 33 “Financial risk management” to our audited consolidated financial statements which appear elsewhere in this annual report.

Not applicable.

None.

None.

None.

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d - 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report in providing a reasonable level of assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods in SEC rules and forms, including providing a reasonable level of assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the period covered by this report, there have been no changes to our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is 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. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Company’s management and directors, and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 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.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 using criteria described in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Based on this assessment, management concluded that the internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2022 based on the criteria established in this Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013).

The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer and all senior financial officers. The Code of Ethics is located on our Internet website at www.nomadfoods.com under "Investor Relations - Corporate Governance".

We intend to provide disclosure of any amendments or waivers of our Code of Ethics on our website within five business days following the date of the amendment or waiver.

Audit fees in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are related to the audit of our consolidated financial statements and other audit or interim review services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

Audit-related fees in the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are related to other assurance services on capital market transactions.

Tax fees in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are related to tax compliance and other tax related services.

Other fees in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 relate to other non-audit assurance services.

The advance approval of the Audit Committee or members thereof, to whom approval authority has been delegated, is required for all audit and non-audit services provided by our auditors.

All services provided by our auditors are approved in advance by either the Audit Committee or members thereof, to whom authority has been delegated, in accordance with the Audit Committee’s pre-approval policy. No such services were approved pursuant to the procedures described in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X, which waives the general requirement for pre-approval in certain circumstances.

None.

The table below presents a summary of the ordinary shares repurchased by the Company in 2022:

Not applicable.

We are incorporated under, and are governed by, the laws of the British Virgin Islands. The following discussion summarizes material differences between the rights of holders of ordinary shares and the rights of holders of common stock of a typical corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware.

Under Delaware corporate law, a director of a solvent Delaware corporation owes fiduciary duties to the corporation and its shareholders. These duties have two components: the duty of care and the duty of loyalty. The duty of care requires that a director inform himself of all material information regarding a decision. The duty of loyalty requires that a director act in a manner he reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation and its shareholders. A director must not use his corporate position for personal gain or advantage. The duty of loyalty prohibits self-dealing by a director and mandates that the best interest of the corporation and its shareholders take precedence over any interest possessed by a director, officer or controlling shareholder that is not shared by the shareholders generally. In general, the “business judgment rule” presumes that actions of the board of directors are made on an informed basis, in good faith and in the honest belief that the action taken was in the best interests of the corporation and its shareholders. This presumption may be rebutted by evidence of a breach of the directors’ fiduciary duties. If this presumption is rebutted, the board of directors bear the burden of proving that the actions were “entirely fair” to the corporation or its minority shareholders. In addition, Delaware common law imposes “heightened” judicial scrutiny on actions of directors in certain circumstances, such as upon a sale of the corporation.

British Virgin Islands law provides that every director of a British Virgin Islands company in exercising his powers or performing his duties, shall act honestly and in good faith and in what the director believes to be in the best interests of the company. Additionally, the director shall exercise the care, diligence, and skill that a reasonable director would exercise in the same circumstances taking into account the nature of the company, the nature of the decision and the position of the director and his responsibilities. In addition, British Virgin Islands law provides that a

Under Delaware corporate law, with very limited exceptions, a vote of the shareholders of a corporation is required to amend the certificate of incorporation. In addition, Delaware corporate law provides that shareholders have the right to amend the corporation’s bylaws, but the certificate of incorporation may also confer such right on the directors of the corporation.

Under Delaware corporate law, a consent in lieu of a meeting of the directors must be unanimous to take effect. Under British Virgin Islands law and our Memorandum and Articles, only a majority of the directors are required to sign a written consent.

Under Delaware corporate law, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, any action to be taken at any annual or special meeting of shareholders of a corporation may be taken without a meeting by consent of the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to take that action at a meeting at which all shareholders entitled to vote were present and voted. If any shareholder action is taken by less than unanimous consent, notice of such action must be given to those shareholders who have not consented and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for notice of such meeting had been the date that consents signed by a sufficient number of shareholders were delivered to the corporation.

Our Memorandum and Articles provides that any shareholder action permitted to be taken at a shareholder meeting may also be taken by written consent of a majority of the votes of shares entitled to vote thereon. If any shareholder resolution is adopted otherwise than by the unanimous written consent of all shareholders, a copy of such resolution shall be sent to all shareholders not consenting to such resolution.

Under Delaware corporate law, a shareholder has the right to put any proposal before the annual meeting of shareholders, provided it complies with any notice provisions in the corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws. A meeting of shareholders may be called by the board of directors or any other person authorized to do so by the corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws; shareholders may be precluded therein from calling special meetings. British Virgin Islands law and our Memorandum and Articles provide that our directors shall call a meeting of the shareholders if requested in writing to do so by shareholders entitled to exercise at least 30% of the voting rights in respect of the matter for which the meeting is requested.

Under Delaware corporate law, a vote of the shareholders is required to approve a sale, lease or exchange of property and assets of a corporation (including property and assets of its qualifying subsidiaries) only when all or substantially all of the corporation’s property and assets are being sold other than to a qualifying subsidiary of the corporation. Under British Virgin Islands law generally, shareholder approval is required when more than 50% of a company’s total assets by value are being disposed of or sold to any person if not made in the usual or regular course of the business carried out by the company. Under our Memorandum and Articles, this requirement of British Virgin Islands law has been disapplied and accordingly no shareholder approval is required in relation to such a disposal or sale.

Under Delaware corporate law, by provision of the certificate of incorporation, any class or series of stock may be made subject to redemption by the corporation at its option, at the option of the holders of that stock or upon the happening of a specified event, provided that after such redemption shares of a class or series of stock with full voting power remain outstanding. The class or series of stock may, by provision of the certificate of incorporation, be made redeemable for cash, property or rights, as specified in the certificate of incorporation or in the resolution of the board of directors providing for the issue of the stock pursuant to the power expressly vested in the board of directors by the certificate of incorporation. Under Delaware corporate law, shares also may be repurchased with the consent of both the corporation and the holder, except that shares may not be repurchased for more than the price at which such shares may then be redeemed at the option of the corporation. Both the redemption and repurchase of shares of a Delaware corporation are subject to certain solvency limitations established by Delaware corporate law and Delaware common

Under the Delaware General Corporation Law § 253, in a process known as a “short form” merger, a corporation that owns at least 90% of the outstanding shares of each class of voting stock of another corporation and where at least one of the corporations is a Delaware corporation and the laws of the jurisdiction of the other corporation don’t prohibit such action, may either merge the other corporation into itself or merge itself into the other corporation by executing, acknowledging and filing with the Delaware Secretary of State a certificate of ownership and merger setting forth a copy of the resolution of its board of directors authorizing such merger. If the parent corporation is a Delaware corporation that is not the surviving corporation, the merger also must be approved by a majority of the outstanding stock of the parent corporation entitled to vote thereon and the resolution must include provision for the pro rata issuance of stock of the surviving corporation to the holders of the stock of the parent corporation on surrender of any certificate therefor. If the parent corporation does not own all of the stock of the subsidiary corporation immediately prior to the merger, the minority shareholders of the subsidiary corporation party to the merger have appraisal rights as set forth in § 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Under the BVI Act, subject to any limitations in a company’s memorandum and articles of association, members holding 90% of the votes of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, and members holding 90% of the votes of the outstanding shares of each class of shares entitled to vote, may give a written instruction to the company directing the company to redeem the shares held by the remaining members. In our Memorandum and Articles, we have opted out of the BVI Act’s squeeze out provisions.

Under Delaware corporate law, a corporation may vary the rights of a class of stock with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon, and, in certain circumstances, including if such variation would change the rights of such class so as to affect them adversely, with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of such class, voting separately as a single class.

As permitted by British Virgin Islands law and our Memorandum and Articles, we may vary the rights attached to any class with the written consent of at least 50% of the holders of each class of shares affected or by a resolution passed by at least 50% of the votes cast by eligible holders of the issued shares of the affected class at a separate meeting of the holders of that class.

Under Delaware corporate law generally, unless otherwise specified in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of a corporation, directors are elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares entitled to vote on the election of directors and vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office (although less than a quorum) or by the sole remaining director. Subject to the BVI Act and pursuant to our Memorandum and Articles, directors shall be appointed at any time, and from time to time, by our directors, without the approval of shareholders, either to fill a vacancy or as an alternate or additional director. The shareholders may, by a majority vote, appoint any person as a director. In addition, for so long as an initial holder of Founder Preferred Shares holds 20% or more of the Founder Preferred Shares in issue, such holder is entitled to nominate, and the directors are required to appoint, a person as director. If such holder notifies the Company to remove any director nominated by him or her, the other directors shall remove such director, and the holder will have the right to nominate a director to fill the resulting vacancy. In the event an initial holder ceases to be a holder of Founder Preferred Shares or holds less than 20% of the Founder Preferred Shares in issue, such initial holder will no longer be entitled to nominate a person as a director, and the holders of a majority of the Founder Preferred Shares in issue will be entitled to exercise that initial holder’s former rights to appoint a director instead.

Under Delaware corporate law generally, a director of a corporation without a classified board may be removed, with or without cause, by the holders of a majority (or such larger portion set forth in the certificate of incorporation) of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at an election of directors. Under Delaware corporate law, generally a director of a corporation with a classified board may be removed only for cause with the approval of a majority (or such larger portion set forth in the certificate of incorporation) of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at an election of directors, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under Delaware corporate law, generally a director may resign at any time upon notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the corporation.

Our Memorandum and Articles provide that a director may be removed at any time if: (i) he resigns by written notice to the Company; (ii) he is requested to resign by written notice of all of the other directors; (iii) he ceases to be a director by virtue of any provision of law or becomes prohibited by law from or is disqualified from being a director; (iv) he becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors generally or otherwise has any judgment executed on any of his assets; (v) he becomes of unsound mind or incapable; (vi) he is absent from meetings of directors for a consecutive period of 12 months and the other directors resolve that his office shall be vacated; (vii) he dies; or (viii) a resolution of shareholders is approved by a majority of the shares entitled to vote on such matter passed at a meeting of shareholders called for the purposes of removing the director or for purposes including the removal of the director or a written special resolution of shareholders is passed by at least 75% of the votes of shares entitled to vote thereon.

Under Delaware corporate law, one or more constituent corporations may merge into and become part of another constituent corporation in a process known as a merger. A Delaware corporation may merge with a foreign corporation as long as the law of the foreign jurisdiction permits such a merger. To effect a merger under Delaware General Corporation Law § 251, an agreement of merger must be properly adopted and the agreement of merger or a certificate of merger must be filed with the Delaware Secretary of State. In order to be properly adopted, the agreement of merger must be adopted by the board of directors of each constituent Delaware corporation by a resolution or unanimous consent in lieu of a meeting. In addition, the agreement of merger generally must be approved at a meeting of shareholders of each constituent Delaware corporation by a majority of the outstanding stock of such corporation entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides for a supermajority vote. In general, the surviving corporation is vested in all of the assets and liabilities of the disappearing corporation or corporations as a result of the merger.

Under the BVI Act, two or more companies may merge or consolidate in accordance with the statutory provisions. A merger means the merging of two or more constituent companies into one of the constituent companies, and a consolidation means the uniting of two or more constituent companies into a new company. In order to merge or consolidate, the directors of each constituent company must approve a written plan of merger or consolidation, which must be authorized by a resolution of shareholders. One or more companies may also merge or consolidate with one or more companies incorporated under the laws of jurisdictions outside the British Virgin Islands if the merger or consolidation is permitted by the laws of the jurisdictions in which the companies incorporated outside the British Virgin Islands are incorporated. In respect of such a merger or consolidation, a British Virgin Islands company is required to comply with the provisions of the BVI Act, and a company incorporated outside the British Virgin Islands is required to comply with the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation.

Shareholders not otherwise entitled to vote on the merger or consolidation may still acquire the right to vote if the plan of merger or consolidation contains any provision that, if proposed as an amendment to the memorandum and articles of association, would entitle them to vote as a class or series on the proposed amendment. In any event, all shareholders must be given a copy of the plan of merger or consolidation irrespective of whether they are entitled to vote at the meeting or consent to the written resolution to approve the plan of merger or consolidation.

Under Delaware corporate law, any shareholder of a corporation may, upon proper demand, and for any proper purpose, inspect or make copies of the corporation’s stock ledger, list of shareholders and other books and records. Members of the public, on payment of the requisite fee, can obtain a copy of a Delaware corporation’s certificate of incorporation.

Under British Virgin Islands law, members of the general public, on payment of a nominal fee, can obtain copies of the public records of a company available at the office of the British Virgin Islands Registrar of Corporate Affairs, including the company’s certificate of incorporation, its memorandum and articles of association (with any

                of which he is a shareholder.

In addition, a shareholder may make copies of or take extracts from the documents and records referred to in (a) through (d) above. However, subject to the memorandum and articles of association of the company, the directors may, if they are satisfied that it would be contrary to the company’s interests to allow a shareholder to inspect any document, or part of any document, specified in (b), (c) or (d) above, refuse to permit the shareholder to inspect the document or limit the inspection of the document, including limiting the making of copies or the taking of extracts from the records. Where a company fails or refuses to permit a shareholder to inspect a document or permits a shareholder to inspect a document subject to limitations, that shareholder may apply to the court for an order that he should be permitted to inspect the document or to inspect the document without limitation.

Where a British Virgin Islands company keeps a copy of the register of members or the register of directors at the office of its registered agent, it is required to notify the registered agent of any changes to the originals of such registers, in writing, within 15 days of any change; and to provide the registered agent with a written record of the physical address of the place or places at which the original register of members or the original register of directors is kept. Where the place at which the original register of members or the original register of directors is changed, the company is required to provide the registered agent with the physical address of the new location of the records within 14 days of the change of location.

A British Virgin Islands company is also required to keep at the office of its registered agent or at such other place or places, within or outside the British Virgin Islands, as the directors determine the minutes of meetings and resolutions of shareholders and of classes of shareholders, and the minutes of meetings and resolutions of directors and committees of directors. If such records are kept at a place other than at the office of the company’s registered agent, the company is required to provide the registered agent with a written record of the physical address of the place or places at which the records are kept and to notify the registered agent, within 14 days, of the physical address of any new location where such records may be kept. The Company’s registered agent in the British Virgin Islands is: Intertrust Corporate Services (BVI) Limited, Ritter House, Wickhams Cay II, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Under Delaware corporate law, a contract or transaction between a corporation and a director or officer, or between a corporation and any other organization in which a director or officer has a financial interest or is a director or officer, is not void or voidable as long as (i) the material facts as to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest are disclosed or known and either (A) a majority of the disinterested directors authorizes the contract or transaction in good faith or (B) the shareholders vote in good faith to approve the contract or transaction or (ii) the contract or transaction is fair to the corporation when it is authorized, approved or ratified by the board of directors, a committee thereof or the shareholders. Delaware corporate law permits the corporation to renounce, in its certificate of incorporation or by action of its board of directors, any interest or expectancy of the corporation in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, specified business opportunities or specified classes or categories of business opportunities that are presented to the corporation or one or more of its officers, directors or stockholders.

The BVI Act provides that a director shall, forthwith after becoming aware that he is interested in a transaction entered into or to be entered into by the company, disclose that interest to the board of directors of the company. The failure of a director to disclose that interest does not affect the validity of a transaction entered into by the director or the company, so long as the director’s interest was disclosed to the board prior to the company’s entry into the transaction or was not required to be disclosed because the transaction is between the company and the director himself and is otherwise in the ordinary course of business and on usual terms and conditions. As permitted by British Virgin Islands law and our Memorandum and Articles, a director interested in a particular transaction may vote on it, attend meetings at which it is considered and sign documents on our behalf that relate to the transaction. In addition, if our directors have other fiduciary obligations, including to other companies on whose board of directors they presently sit and

Delaware corporate law contains a business combination statute applicable to Delaware public corporations whereby, unless the corporation has specifically elected not to be governed by that statute by appropriate action, it is prohibited from engaging in certain business combinations with an “interested stockholder” for three years following the date that the person becomes an “interested stockholder.” An “interested stockholder” generally is a person or group that owns or owned 15% or more of the corporations’s outstanding voting stock within the past three years. This statute has the effect of limiting the ability of a potential acquirer to make a two-tiered bid for the corporation in which all shareholders would not be treated equally. The statute does not apply if, among other things, prior to the date on which the shareholder becomes an “interested stockholder,” the board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the person becoming an “interested stockholder.”

British Virgin Islands law has no comparable provision. However, although British Virgin Islands law does not regulate transactions between a company and its significant shareholders, it does provide that these transactions must be entered into in the bona fide best interests of the company and not with the effect of constituting a fraud on the minority shareholders.

There are no provisions under Delaware corporate law or under the BVI Act that require a majority of our directors to be independent.

Under Delaware corporate law, cumulative voting for elections of directors is not permitted unless the corporation’s certificate of incorporation specifically provides for it. Cumulative voting potentially facilitates the representation of minority shareholders on a board of directors since it permits the minority shareholder to cast all the votes to which the shareholder is entitled on a single director, which increases the shareholder’s voting power with respect to electing such director. There are no prohibitions on cumulative voting under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, but our Memorandum and Articles do not provide for cumulative voting.

The BVI Act provides for certain remedies that may be available to shareholders. Where a company incorporated under the BVI Act or any of its directors engages in, or proposes to engage in, conduct that contravenes the BVI Act or the company’s memorandum and articles of association, British Virgin Islands courts can issue a restraining or compliance order. However, shareholders cannot also bring derivative, personal and representative actions under certain circumstances. The traditional English basis for shareholders’ remedies has also been incorporated into the BVI Act: where a shareholder of a company considers that the affairs of the company have been, are being or are likely to be conducted in a manner likely to be oppressive, unfairly discriminating or unfairly prejudicial to him, he may apply to the court for an order based on such conduct. In addition, any shareholder of a company may apply to the courts for the appointment of a liquidator of the company and the court may appoint a liquidator of the company if it is of the opinion that it is just and equitable to do so.

The BVI Act also provides that any shareholder of a company is entitled to payment of the fair value of his shares upon dissenting from any of the following: (i) a merger, if the company is a constituent company, unless the company is the surviving company and the shareholder continues to hold the same or similar shares; (ii) a consolidation, if the company is a constituent company; (iii) any sale, transfer, lease, exchange or other disposition of more than 50% in value of the assets or business of the company if not made in the usual or regular course of the business carried on by the company but not including (a) a disposition pursuant to an order of the court having jurisdiction in the matter, (b) a disposition for money on terms requiring all or substantially all net proceeds to be distributed to the shareholders in accordance with their respective interest within one year after the date of disposition, or (c) a transfer pursuant to the power of the directors to transfer assets for the protection thereof; (iv) a redemption of 10% or fewer of the issued shares

Generally, any other claims against a company by its shareholders must be based on the general laws of contract or tort applicable in the British Virgin Islands or their individual rights as shareholders as established by a company’s memorandum and articles of association.

As a “foreign private issuer,” as defined by the SEC, we are permitted to follow certain corporate governance practices of our home country, the British Virgin Islands, instead of those otherwise required under the NYSE for domestic issuers. While we voluntarily follow most NYSE corporate governance rules, we intend to take advantage of the following limited exemptions:

None.

Not applicable.

See item 18.