UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 


 

☒ Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended

December 31, 20212022

 

OR

 

☐ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 0-9376

 

INNOVATIVE FOOD HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

FloridaFLORIDA

20-1167761

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

28411 Race Track Rd.

Bonita Springs, Florida 34135

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(239) 596-0204

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:

NONE

 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:

COMMON STOCK, $0.0001 PAR VALUE PER SHARE

(Title of class)

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer 

Smaller reporting company ☒

 

Emerging Growth Company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

 

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $8,421,120$5,554,043 as of June 30, 2021,2022, based upon a closing price of $0.33$0.24 per share for the registrant’s common stock on such date.

 

On March 28, 2022,2023, a total of 46,041,75148,756,694 shares of our common stock were outstanding.

 

 

 

INNOVATIVE FOOD HOLDINGS, INC.

 

INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

 

 

PART I

PAGE

 

 

 

Item 1.

Business

5

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

109

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

N/A

Item 2.

Properties

1817

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

1917

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

1918

 

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

2019

Item 6.

Reserved

2220

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

2220

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

N/A

Item 8.

Financial Statements

3028

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID Number 287)5036)

30

28

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

5657

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

5657

Item 9B.

Other Information

5758

Item 9C.

Disclosures Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions That Prevent Inspections

57

58

 

 

 

 

PART III

 

 

 

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

5859

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

6163

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

6467

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

6568

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

6568

 

 

 

 

PART IV

 

 

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits

6669

 

 

 

 

Signatures

6972

 

 

 

EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

As ofDuring the date of filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”),fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, there arewere many uncertainties regarding the current Novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic, including the scope of scientific and health issues, the anticipated duration of the pandemic, and the extent of local and worldwide social, political, and economic disruption it may cause. To date, thedisruption. The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching impacts on many aspects of the operations of Innovative Food Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”, “we,” “our” or “us”), directly and indirectly, including on consumer behavior, customer store traffic, production capabilities, timing of product availability, our people, and the market generally. The scope and nature of these impacts continue to evolve each day. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in, and may continue to result in regional quarantines, labor stoppages and shortages, changes in consumer purchasing patterns, mandatory or elective shut-downs of restaurants, retail locations and other public gatherings, disruptions to supply chains, including the inability of our suppliers and service providers to deliver materials and services on a timely basis, or at all, severe market volatility, liquidity disruptions, and overall economic instability, which, in many cases, have had and we expect will continue to have, adverse impacts on our business, financial condition and results of operations. This situation is changing rapidly, and additional impacts may arise that we are not aware of currently.

 

In light of the uncertain and rapidly evolving situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have takentook certain precautionary measures intended to help minimize the risk to our Company, employees, and customers, including the following:

 

We identified safety precautions that we implemented in our warehouses and offices From March 2020, and into 2022;2022.

Although our warehouse currently continuescontinued to operate, we continue to evaluateevaluated their operations and may elect, or be required,in case we had to shut down their operations temporarily at any time in the future;future.

 

Each ofDuring the remedial measures taken byyear ended December 31, 2022, we made the Company has had, and we expect will continue to have, adverse impacts on our current business, financial condition and results of operations, and may create additional risks for our Company. While we anticipatedetermination that the foregoing measures are temporary, we cannot predict the specific duration for which these precautionary measures will stay in effect, and we may elect or need to take additional measures as the information available to us continues to develop, including with respectCOVID-19 possessed no continued serious risk to our employees inventory receipts, and relationships with our licensors. We expect to continue to assess the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our customers, consumers, employees, supply chain, and operations, and intend to make adjustments to our responses accordingly. However, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic and our precautionary measures in response thereto may impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations will depend on how the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts to continue to develop, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time.

In light of these uncertainties, for purposes of this report, except where otherwise indicated, the descriptions of our business, our strategies, our risk factors, and any other forward-looking statements, including regarding us, our business, and the market generally, do not reflect the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or our responses thereto. In addition, the disclosures contained in this report are made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligationreturned to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. For further information, see “Forward Looking Information.” and “Risk Factors.”

operating under pre-COVID-19 protocols.

 

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

MAY PROVE INACCURATE

 

THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K CONTAINS CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION RELATING TO US THAT ARE BASED ON THE BELIEFS OF MANAGEMENT, AS WELL AS ASSUMPTIONS MADE BY AND INFORMATION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO US. WHEN USED IN THIS DOCUMENT, THE WORDS “ANTICIPATE,” “BELIEVE,” “ESTIMATE,” “SHOULD,” “MAY,” “COULD,” “PLAN,” AND “EXPECT” AND SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS, AS THEY RELATE TO US, ARE INTENDED TO IDENTIFY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH STATEMENTS REFLECT OUR CURRENT VIEWS WITH RESPECT TO FUTURE EVENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND ASSUMPTIONS, INCLUDING THOSE DESCRIBED IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K. SHOULD ONE OR MORE OF THESE RISKS OR UNCERTAINTIES MATERIALIZE, OR SHOULD UNDERLYING ASSUMPTIONS PROVE INCORRECT, ACTUAL RESULTS MAY VARY MATERIALLY FROM THOSE DESCRIBED HEREIN AS ANTICIPATED, BELIEVED, ESTIMATED, PLANNED OR EXPECTED. WE DO NOT INTEND TO UPDATE THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. Business

 

Our History

 

We (or “IVFH”) (or(or the “Company”) were initially formed in June 1979 as Alpha Solarco Inc., a Colorado corporation. From June 1979 through February 2003, we were either inactive or involved in discontinued business ventures. We changed our name to Fiber Application Systems Technology, Ltd in February 2003. In January 2004, we changed our state of incorporation by merging into Innovative Food Holdings, Inc. (IVFH), a Florida corporation formed for that purpose. As a result of the merger, we changed our name to that of Innovative Food Holdings, Inc. In January 2004, we also acquired Food Innovations, Inc. (“FII” or “Food Innovations”), a Florida corporation, for 500,000 shares of our common stock.corporation.

 

On May 18, 2012, the Company executed a Stock Purchase Agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Artisan Specialty Foods, Inc., an Illinois corporation (“Artisan”), from its owner, Mr. David Vohaska. The purchase price was $1.2 million, with up to another $300,000 (with a fair value of $131,000) payable in the event certain financial milestones are met over the next one or two years. Those milestones have been met..

 

On November 2, 2012, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Haley Acquisition”) with The Haley Group, LLC whereby we acquired all existing assets of The Haley Group, LLC and its customers. The Haley Acquisition was valued at a total cost of $119,645.LLC.

 

On June 30, 2014, pursuant to a purchase agreement, the Company purchased 100% of the membership interest of Organic Food Brokers, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (“OFB”), for $300,000, 100,000 four year options at a price of $1.46 per share, and up to an additional $225,000 in earn-outs if certain milestones are met..

 

On August 15, 2014, pursuant to a merger agreement, the Company acquired The Fresh Diet, Inc. (“FD”). Effective February 23, 2016, the Company closed a transaction to sell 90% of its ownership in FD for consideration consisting primarily of a restructuring of our loans, which includes the ability to convert to additional amounts of FD under certain circumstances.FD. There isare no continuing cash inflows or outflows to or from or to the discontinued operations.FD.

 

Pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of January 1, 2017 the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Oasis Sales Corp. (“Oasis”), purchased substantially all of the assets of Oasis Sales and Marketing, L.L.C. for $300,000 cash; a $200,000 structured equity instrument which can be paid in cash or shares of the Company stock at the Company’s option, anytime under certain conditions, or is automatically payable via the issuance of 200,000 shares if the Company’s shares close above $1.00 for ten consecutive days; a $100,000 note; and up to an additional $400,000 in earn-outs over two years if certain milestones are met. The Agreement also contains claw-back provisions if certain revenue conditions are not met. The milestones have been met.LLC.

 

Effective January 24, 2018, pursuant to an asset acquisition agreement, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Innovative Gourmet LLC (“Innovative Gourmet”, “igourmet”), acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of igourmet LLC and igourmet NY LLC, privately-held New York limited liability companies located in West Pittston, Pennsylvania (collectively, “Sellers”) engaged in the sale, marketing, and distribution of specialty food and specialty food items through www.igourmet.com, online marketplaces, additional direct-to-consumer platforms, distribution to foodservice, retail stores and other wholesale accounts, pursuant to the terms of an Asset Purchase Agreement. The consideration for and in connection with the acquisition consisted of: (i) $1,500,000, which satisfied or reduced secured, priority and administrative debt of Sellers; (ii) in connection with and prior to the acquisition, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Food Funding, LLC (“Food Funding”), funded advances of $325,000 to Sellers on a secured basis, pursuant to certain loan documents and as bridge loans, which loans were reduced by the proceeds of the Asset Purchase Agreement; (iii) the purchase for $200,000 of certain debt owed by Sellers, to be paid out of, if available, Innovative Gourmet’s cash flow; (iv) potential contingent liability allocation for a percentage of Sellers’ approximately $2,300,000 of certain debt, not purchased or assumed by Innovative Gourmet, which under certain circumstances, Innovative Gourmet may determine to pay; and (v) additional purchase price consideration of (a) up to a maximum of $1,500,000, if EBITDA of Innovative Gourmet reaches $800,000 thousand in 2018, (b) up to a maximum of $1,750,000, if EBITDA of Innovative Gourmet in 2019 exceeds its EBITDA in 2018 by at least 20% and if its EBITDA reaches $5,000,000; and (c) up to a maximum of $2,125,000, if EBITDA of Innovative Gourmet in 2020 exceeds its EBITDA in 2019 by at least 20% and if its EBITDA reaches $8,000,000. The EBITDA based earnout shall be paid 37.5% in cash, 25% in IVFH shares valued at the time of the closing of this transaction and 37.5%, at Innovative Gourmet’s option, in IVFH shares valued at the time of the payment of the earnout or in cash. The additional purchase price consideration milestone for 2018 and 2019 and 2020 were not met. In connection with the acquisition, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Food Funding, purchased Seller’s senior secured note at a price of approximately $1,187,000, pursuant to the terms of a Loan Sale Agreement with UPS Capital Business Credit. That note was reduced by the proceeds of the Asset Purchase Agreement. See Item (i) above.

5

 

Effective July 6, 2018, pursuant to an asset purchase agreement between Mouth Foods, Inc. (“Mouth”) and our wholly-owned subsidiary M Innovations LLC (“M Innovations”) (the “MFI APA”), the Company acquired certain assets of Mouth from MFI (assignment for the benefit of creditors), LLC, in connection with a Delaware assignment proceeding. The MFI APA was accounted for as an acquisition of an ongoing business where the Company was treated as the acquirer and the acquired assets and assumed liabilities were recorded by the Company at their preliminary estimated fair values. Mouth, a privately held New York company operating out of Brooklyn, was an expert curator and online retailer of high quality specialty foods from small-batch makers in the US.

 

The consideration for and in connection with the acquisition consisted of (i) closing related cash payments of $208,355; (ii) additional revenue-based contingent liabilities valued by management at $100,000 related to certain future sales of purchased assets payable under the following terms: payment of 5% of certain revenues, with no payments on the first $500,000 of revenues and no payments on revenues after June 30, 2020; (iii) additional revenue based contingent liabilities of up to $185,000 associated with the purchase of certain debt of the seller; and (iv) additional contingent liability consideration valued by management at approximately $20,000.

Effective July 23, 2019, through our subsidiary P Innovations LLC, (“P Innovations”)we acquired certain assets of GBC Sub, Inc. (d/b/a The GiftBox) (“GiftBox”) (the “GiftBox Asset Purchase Agreement”). GiftBox, a privately held Nevada corporation controlled by David Polinsky, a director of the Company, was in the business of subscription-based ecommerce. The consideration for the assets purchased was a nominal amount of cash. The GiftBox Asset Purchase Agreement also provides the sellers the option to acquire 30% of P Innovations subject to dilution for a period of thirty-six months following the date of the Giftbox Asset Purchase Agreement; the option will only be exercisable if there is a spinoff of P Innovations to Innovative Food Holdings’ shareholders. The Company is evaluating its preliminary purchase price allocation.

 

Our Operations

 

Our business is currently conducted by our wholly owned subsidiaries, some of which are non-operating, Artisan Specialty Foods, Inc. (“Artisan”), Food Innovations, Inc. (“FII”), Food New Media Group, Inc. (“FNM”), Organic Food Brokers, LLC (“OFB”), Gourmet Foodservice Group, Inc. (“GFG”), Gourmet Foodservice Group Warehouse, Inc. (“GFW”), Gourmeting, Inc. (“Gourmeting”), Haley Food Group, Inc. (“Haley”), Oasis Sales Corp. (“Oasis”), 4 The Gourmet, Inc. (d/b/a For The Gourmet, Inc.), (“Gourmet”), Innovative Food Properties LLC (“IFP”), Innovative Gourmet, LLC (“Innovative Gourmet” or “igourmet”), Food Funding, LLC (“Food Funding”), Logistics Innovations, LLC (“L Innovations”), M Innovations, LLC (“M Innovations” or “Mouth”), P Innovations, LLC “P(“P Innovations”), MI Foods, LLC (“MIF”), M Foods Innovations, LLC (“M Foods”), PlantBelly, LLC (“PlantBelly”), Innovative Foods, Inc. (“IFI”), Innovative Gourmet Partnerships, LLC (“IGP”) and Plant Innovations, Inc. (“Plant Innovations”), and collectively with IVFH and its other subsidiaries, the “Company” or “IVFH” have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation of these entities.

5

 

Overall, our business activities are focused around the creation and growth of platforms which provides distribution or the enabling of distribution of high quality, unique specialty food and food related products ranging from specialty foodservice products to Consumer-Packaged Goods (“CPG”) products through a variety of sales channels ranging from national partnership based and regionally based foodservice related sales channels to e-commerce sales channels offering products both direct to consumers (“D2C”) and direct to business (“B2B”). In our business model, we receive orders from our customers and then work closely with our suppliers and our warehouse facilities to have the orders fulfilled. In order to maintain freshness and quality, we carefully select our suppliers based upon, among other factors, their quality, uniqueness, reliability and access to overnight courier services. The Company’s new management is reviewing the Company’s operations with a view to increasing sales levels, profit margins, and overall profitability.

 

FII, through its relationship with the producers, growers, and makers of thousands of unique specialty foodservice products and through its relationship with US Foods, Inc. (“U.S. Foods” or “USF”), has been in the business of providing premium restaurants, within 24 – 72 hours, with the freshest origin-specific perishable, and healthcare products shipped directly from our network of vendors and from our warehouses. Our customers include restaurants, hotels, country clubs, national chain accounts, casinos, hospitals and catering houses.

 

For The Gourmet has been in the business of providing specialty food via e-commerce through its own website at www.forethegourmet.comwww.forthegourmet.com and through other ecommerce channels, with unique specialty gourmet food products shipped directly from our network of vendors and from our warehouses within 24 – 72 hours. GFG is focused on expanding the Company’s program offerings to additional customers.

 

Artisan is a supplier of over 1,500 unique specialty foodservice products to over 500 customers such as chefs, restaurants, etc. in the Greater Chicago area and serves as a national fulfillment center for certain of the Company’s other subsidiaries.

 

IFP was formed to hold the Company’s real estate holdings including the recently acquired facility in PA.

6

 

P Innovations’ focus is to leverage acquired assets to expand the Company’s subscription-based e-commerce business activities.

 

Plant Innovations is focused on plant-based D2C brands and online retail within the e-commerce space.

 

L Innovations provides 3rd party warehouse and fulfillment services, out of its first location at the Company’s Mountaintop, Pennsylvania facility.

 

Haley is a dedicated foodservice consulting and advisory firm that works closely with companies to access private label and manufacturers’ private label food service opportunities with the intent of helping them launch and commercialize new products in the broadline foodservice industry and assists in the enabling of the distribution of products via national broadline food distributors.

 

OFB and Oasis function as outsourced national sales and brand management teams for emerging organic and specialty food CPG companies of a variety of sizes and business stages and provides emerging and unique CPG specialty food brands with distribution and shelf placement access in all of the major metro markets in the food retail industry.

 

igourmet has been in the business of providing D2C specialty food via e-commerce through its own website at www.igourmet.com and through other channels including www.amazon.com, and www.walmart.com. In addition, igourmet.com offers a line of B2B specialty foodservice items. Products are primarily shipped directly from igourmet.com’s approximately 100,000 square feet warehouse in Pennsylvania via igourmet.com owned trucks and via third party carrier directly to thousands of customers nationwide.

 

Mouth (www.mouth.com) is an online retailer of specialty foods, monthly subscription boxes and curated gift boxes to thousands of consumers and corporate customers nationwide. Mouth sources high quality specialty foods mainly crafted in the US by independent and small batch makers, and expertly curates them into standout food gifts for both consumers and corporate customers. Mouth also has launched a private label brand, including several award-winning products.

 

Our Products

 

We distribute over 7,000 perishable and specialty food and food related products, including origin-specific seafood, domestic and imported meats, exotic game and poultry, artisanal cheeses, freshly prepared meals, caviar, wild and cultivated mushrooms, micro-greens, organic farmed and manufactured food products, estate-bottled olive oils and aged vinegars and expertly curated food gift baskets, gift boxes and a full of line of food subscription based offerings. Products are sold under the brand of the respective vendor and are also offered under a variety of Company owned brands. In addition, we offer a line of niche specialty healthcare related products. On a regular basis we add additional products including new products from small batch makers and other unique specialty food products. We offer our nationwide customers access to the best food products available from around the world, quickly, most direct, and cost-effectively.

 

6

Some of the items we sell include:

 

Seafood - Alaskan wild king salmon, Hawaiian sashimi-grade ahi tuna, Gulf of Mexico day-boat snapper, Chesapeake Bay soft shell crabs, New England live lobsters, Japanese Hamachi

 

 

Meat & Game - Prime rib of American kurobuta pork, dry-aged buffalo tenderloin, domestic lamb, Cervena venison, elk tenderloin

 

 

Produce - White asparagus, baby carrot tri-color mix, Oregon wild ramps, heirloom tomatoes

 

 

Poultry - Grade A foie gras, Hudson Valley quail, free range and organic chicken, airline breast of pheasant

 

 

Specialty - Truffle oils, fennel pollen, prosciutto di Parma, wild boar sausage

 

 

Mushrooms - Fresh morels, Trumpet Royale, porcini powder, wild golden chanterelles

 

 

Cheese - Maytag blue, buffalo mozzarella, Spanish manchego, Italian gorgonzola dolce

7

 

Customer Service and Logistics

 

Our foodservice focused, live chef-driven customer service department is generally available by telephone Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Florida time. Our consumer-focused multi-lingual, customer care specialists are available by live chat and telephone Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 7:00 pm (ET), and on Friday from 9:00 am to 5 pm (ET). Our team is available and can be contacted 7 days a week via email and on social media platforms. The customer service departments are made up of a team of chefs and culinary experts, including a team of culinary trained chefs, who are full-time employees of the Company, and who are experienced in all aspects of perishable and specialty products. By employing chefs and culinary experts to handle customer service, we are able to provide our customers with extensive information about our products, including:

 

Flavor profile and eating qualities

 

 

Recipe and usage ideas

 

 

Origin, seasonality, and availability

 

 

Cross utilization ideas and complementary uses of products

 

Our logistics team manages the shipping and delivery process of every package to ensure timely delivery of products to our customers. We have developed the web-based capability to allow customers to seamlessly receive and send personal orders and gifts according to their desired schedule. The logistics manager receives shipping information on all products ordered, and packages are monitored from origin to delivery. In the event that delivery service is interrupted, our logistics department begins the process of expediting the package to its destination or potentially reshipping the package with a goal of 100% customer satisfaction for our customers. Our logistics manager works directly with our suppliers on an ongoing basis, to ensure that the appropriate packaging and shipping specifications are in place at all times. At the beginning of March 2020, as early signs were beginning to emerge that Covid-19 might potentially be a significant issue in the United states, we initiated additional preventative safety measuremeasures in our facilities and we continued adding additional preventative safety measures including protective gear for employees, temperature testing, ongoing onsite team of cleaning and sanitizing specialists, social distancing, special no contact package handling protocols andprotocols. While we continue to assess and modify as appropriate, measures targeted towards the safety of our employees and the safety of our facilities and our products.products, as of December 31, 2022, we have returned to our pre-COVID-19 protocols.

 

Relationship with U.S. Foods

 

We have historically sold the majority of our products, $28,415,263$39,531,207 and $20,748,819,$28,415,263, respectively, representing 46%49% and 40%46% of total sales, respectively, in each of the years ended December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, through a distributor relationship between FII, one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, and subsidiaries of U.S. Foods, a leading broadline distributor. On January 26, 2015 we executed a contract directly between FII and U.S. Foods (the “U.S. Foods Agreement”). The term of the U.S. Foods Agreement was from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016 and provided for a limited number of automatic annual renewals thereafter if no party gives the other 30 days’ notice of its intent not to renew. Based on the terms, the U.S. Foods Agreement was extended through December 31, 2018. Effective January 1, 2018 the U.S. Foods Agreement was further amended to remove the cap on renewals, and provide for an unlimited number of additional 12-month terms unless either party notifies the other in writing, 30 days prior to the end date, of its intent not to renew.

 

Growth Strategy

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States the economic outlook for restaurant-based specialty food remains unclear. According to National Restaurant Association, restaurant and foodservice sales are expected to grow from $799 billion in 2021 to $898 Billion in 2022. This projection would exceed the $846 in restaurant and foodservice sales for pre-Covid 2019 In addition, according to the National Restaurant Association, eating food that is not prepared at home continues to be a strong part of consumers lifestyles with 54% of adults and 72% of millennials saying that take out or food delivery is essential to the way they live.

Credit Suisse Group had also previously estimated that 80% of U.S. household food spend now goes towards food-at-home vs. food-away-from-home. This is greater than the food-at-home spending share in 2018 of 47.6% and post-Great Recession peak of 50%, as per the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. In addition, commentary from Neilsen indicates that with improvements in technology, infrastructure and experience, coupled with a reduction in barriers to trial, such as delivery length or shipping costs, buyer adoption of online CPG shopping has consistently increased over the last two years. Yet while those changes have increased adoption of online ordering, COVID-19 has caused another step change in the way consumers shop. These consumer behaviors have also accelerated e-commerce trends. According to Satisa.com revenue from the e-commerce food and beverage industry in the United States stood at 34.2 billion U.S dollars in 2021. The Statista Digital Market Outlook estimates further that by 2025, this figure will rise to 47.6 billion dollars. In addition, The National Retail Federation predicts online sales will make up 20% of the grocery business within five years.

87

 

Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, industry trends were very favorable towards market acceptance and continued growth of specialty food brands, which was a trend that boded well for us and our products.Growth Strategy

 

To drive growth within the specialty food space, we intend to focus our efforts in demand driven active sales channels and leverage our ability to offer our products across multiple selling channels including to professional chefs within the restaurant channel as well as directly to consumerconsumers at home via ecommerce. We expect to continue offering unique and premium quality products as well as new product introduction and innovation to our customers and potential customers. In addition, we plan on continuing to value and strive for a high level of personalized customer service.

 

We anticipate attempting to grow our business through:

-

Introduction of new products, suppliers, and food trends to customers across all of our sales channels.

 

 

-

Increased ecommerce conversion rates by improving the shopping experience on our website.

 

 

-

Growth in the number of unique visitors to our various ecommerce sites.

 

 

-

Maximize sales of current product catalog to our existing customers and potential new customers.

-

Introduction of new products to customers.

 

 

-

Expansion of availability of branded products and new brands which are consistent with the changing demands of customers in the U.S.

 

 

-

Leveraging igourmet.com and mouth.com toward further expansion of our sales and distribution channels either organically or through acquisition.

 

 

-

Leveraging our platforms to partner, build and/or acquire both foodservice brands and other consumer oriented entities and consumer brands such as D2C digitally native brands including stand alone brands and online retailer brands.

 

In addition to attempting to grow our current business, we believe that there are lateral opportunities in the food industry and related markets. We may consider the possibility of acquiring specialty food manufacturers, specialty food distributors, small specialty food brands especially digitally native D2C brands, or e-commerce retailers and other business. We anticipate that, given our current cash flow levels, any acquisition could potentially involve the issuance of additional shares of our common stock or third party financing, which may not be available on acceptable terms. No acquisition will be consummated without thorough due diligence. No assurance can be given that we will be able to identify and successfully conclude negotiations with any potential target.

The Company’s new management is reviewing the Company’s operations with a view to increasing sales levels, profit margins, and overall profitability.

 

Competition

 

While we face intense competition in the marketing of our products and services, it is our belief that there are few companies offering a platform similar to ours, which include expansive backend and front end capabilities in both ecommerce and foodservice in addition there are few companies offering a broad range of customer service oriented, quality, chef driven products and specialty gourmet products, for nationwide delivery from same day, depending on market location to 72 hours. Our primary competition is from local purveyors that supply a limited local market and have a limited range of products and from the other specialty gourmet distributors and specialty food retail stores or ecommerce stores, and from the national, regional or local expansion of specialty and non-specialty food distributers and food stores and food focused ecommerce sites. In addition, many purveyors are well established, have reputations for success in the development and marketing of these types of products and services and have significantly greater financial, marketing, distribution, personnel and other resources. These financial and other capabilities permit such companies to implement extensive advertising and promotional campaigns, both generally and in response to efforts by additional competitors such as us, to enter into new markets and introduce new products and services.

 

Insurance

 

We maintain a Business Owners Policy with a general liability per occurrence limit of $1,000,000 and aggregate policy covering $2,000,000 of liability for all entities. The Company carries an Auto Policy with non-owned automobile bodily injury and property damage coverage with a limit of $1,000,000 for all entities. The Company also carries an Umbrella policy of up to $14,000,000 which covers all entities, along with two excess umbrella policies that sit over the BOP and Umbrella policies. The excess umbrella policies have limits of $5,000,000 and $6,000,000. The Company carries a Cyber policy of up to $2,000,000 which insures the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company carries two Commercial Property Policies, for its buildings in PA and FL, with a limit of up to $12,490,000 for PA and a limit of up to $1,630,000 for FL .FL. Such insurance may not be sufficient to cover all potential claims against us and additional insurance may not be available in the future at a reasonable price.

 

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Government Regulation

 

Various federal and state laws currently exist, and more are sure to be adopted, regulating the delivery of fresh food products. We require specialty foodservice third-party vendors to certify that they maintain at least $3,000,000 liability insurance coverage in aggregate and compliance with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), an FDA- and USDA-mandated food safety program, or a similar standard. Any changes in the government regulation of delivering of fresh food products that hinders our current ability and/or cost to deliver fresh products, could adversely impact our net revenues and gross margins and, therefore, our profitability and cash flows could also be adversely affected.

 

Employees

 

We currently employ 127128 full-time employees, including 87 chefs and 2 executive officers. We believe that our relations with our employees are satisfactory. None of our employees are represented by a union.

 

Transactions with Major Customers

 

Transactions with a major customer and related economic dependence information is set forth (1) following our discussion of Liquidity and Capital Resources, (2) Under the heading Major Customer in Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, (3) in Business – Relationship with U.S. Foods, (4) as the third item under Risk Factors.

 

How to Contact Us

 

Our executive offices are located at 28411 Race Track Rd., Bonita Springs, Florida 34135; our Internet address is www.ivfh.com; and our telephone number is (239) 596-0204. The contents of our website are not incorporated in or deemed to be a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

 

We face risks related to health epidemics and other widespread outbreaks of contagious disease, which could significantly disrupt our sales and supply chain and impact our operating results.

 

Significant outbreaks of contagious diseases, and other adverse public health developments, could have a material impact on our business operations and operating results. In December 2019, a strain of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) causing respiratory illness and death emerged in the city of Wuhan in the Hubei province of China. The coronavirus was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization and has been spreadingspread throughout the world, including the United States, resulting in emergency measures includingsuch as travel bans, closure of retail stores, and restrictions on gatherings of more than a maximum number of people. Included in these emergency measures is the mandated full or partial closure of restaurants and other foodservice establishments across the United States. These foodservice establishments represent a significant portion of our revenues and their continued closure and/or operation with capacity limits would likely continue to have a detrimental effect on our business.

 

In addition,We believe the risks associated with COVID-19 have significantly diminished during the year ended December 31, 2022. However, the risk of future contagious disease outbreaks remains a significant risk factor for us which could result in the relatively short period with which the world has been dealing with this pandemic, significant economic turmoil has already impacted world markets.turmoil. Should a recession occur, either as a result of thea pandemic, lack of stability, armed conflicts in various countries or for any other reason, we can expect that our sales, net income and cash flows will be negatively impacted. While the governmental organizations of the United States, as well as governments across the world, are implementing emergency economic measures and announcing the consideration of additional emergency economic assistance packages, it is unclear what impact they are having, and will have, on the economy in the United States and worldwide. Great uncertainty surrounds the length of time this disease will continue to spread, the potential effect the disease, or the fear of the disease, could have on any area of our business operations, the number of people it will impact, directly and indirectly, and the extent governments will continue to impose, or add additional, quarantines, curfews, travel restrictions and closures of restaurants and other foodservice establishments. In addition, even following control of the disease and the end of the pandemic, the economic dislocation caused by the disease to so many people may linger and be so significant that consumers’ focus could be directed away from spending for products such as ours for an extended period of time. In addition, if the economy does not begin recovering and foodservice revenues do not continue to increase or if there are changes in any of the markets which we sell into or in any of our relationships , there could be financial stress on the Company which may require the Company to take additional measures appropriate under those circumstances. For all of these reasons, the impact on sales, net income and cash flows can be significant depending on the items mentioned above but at this time we cannot quantify the specific extent of the impact this disease or other market factors will have on our sales, net income and cash flows.

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We Have a History of Losses Requiring Us to Seek Additional Sources of Capital.

 

As of December 31, 2021,2022, we had an accumulated deficit of $33,116,124.$34,466,126. We cannot assure you that we can achieve profitability on a quarterly or annual basis in the future. If revenues grow more slowly than we anticipate, or if operating expenses exceed our expectations or cannot be adjusted accordingly, or other extraordinary events occur, we will incur losses. Our possible success is dependent upon the successful development and marketing of our services and products, as well as continued expansion of our products and customers, as to which we can give no assurance. Any future success that we might enjoy will depend upon many factors, including factors out of our control or which cannot be predicted at this time. These factors may include changes in or increased levels of competition, including the entry of additional competitors and increased success by existing competitors, changes in general economic conditions, increases in operating costs, including costs of supplies, personnel, marketing and promotions, reduced margins caused by competitive pressures and other economic and non-economic factors. These conditions may have a materially adverse effect upon us or may force us to curtail operations. In addition, we could require additional funds to sustain and expand our sales and marketing activities, particularly if a well-financed competitor emerges. We can give no assurance that financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Our inability in such instance to obtain sufficient funds from our operations or external sources could require us to curtail operations.

 

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We Have Historically Derived Substantially Most of Our Revenue From One Client and if We Were to Lose Such Client and Be Unable to Generate New Sales to Offset Such Loss, We May Be Forced to Cease or Curtail Our Operations.

 

In 2003, Next Day Gourmet initially contracted with our subsidiary, Food Innovations, to handle the distribution of over 3,000 perishable and specialty food products to customers of USF. Effective January 1, 2018, we executed a contract amendment between Food Innovations, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, and U.S. Foods which provides for no limit on automatic annual renewals thereafter if no party gives the other 30 days’ notice of its intent not to renew. Our sales through USF’s sales force generated gross revenues for us of $39,531,207 in the year ended December 31, 2022, and $28,415,263 in the year ended December 31, 2021, and $20,748,819 in the year ended December 31, 2020.2021. Those amounts contributed 46%49% and 40%46% of our total sales for each of 20212022 and 2020,2021, respectively. Our sales efforts within specialty foodservice are for the most part substantially dependent upon the efforts of the USF sales force. Although we have generated revenues from additional customers other than USF, if our relationship with USF were to be materially changed and we are unable to generate substantial new sales to offset such loss, we may be forced to significantly curtail our operations.

 

A Variety of Factors, Including Seasonality and the Economic Environment, May Cause Our Quarterly Operating Results to Fluctuate, Leading to Volatility in Our Stock Price.

 

Our quarterly results have fluctuated in the past and may fluctuate in the future, depending upon a variety of factors, including changes in economic conditions, including both COVID-19 related and non-related conditions, and shifts in the timing of holiday related purchases. While our annual sales have always had a significant seasonal aspect, this has increased with our acquisition of substantially all of the assets of igourmet LLC and Mouth Foods, Inc, as further described below. As a result of the seasonal nature of our business, we would be significantly and adversely affected, in a manner disproportionate to the impact on a company with sales spread more evenly throughout the year, by unforeseen events such as a terrorist attack or economic shock (including shock caused by world-wide pandemic or otherwise) that harm the retail environment or consumer buying patterns during our key selling season, or by events such as pandemic, strikes or weather related delays that interfere with the shipment of goods, during the critical period of the holiday season.

 

The Loss of Availability of our Bank Loans Could Adversely Impact our Business and Financial Condition.

 

We currently have multiple loans with Fifth ThirdMapleMark Bank. All of these contain cross-default provisions which means that all outstanding borrowings can be accelerated and can become immediately due and payable in the event of a default in any of such loans, which includes, among other things, failure to comply with certain financial covenants one of which was not met at year end, or breach of representations contained in the loan documents, defaults under other loans or obligations or involvement in bankruptcy proceedings (as such terms are defined in the loan documents). We are also subject to negative covenants which, during the life of the loans, prohibit and/or limit us from, among other things, incurring certain types of other debt, acquiring other companies, making certain expenditures or investments, and changing the character of our business. Any material change to the business and economic landscape negatively impacting our business, including among other things, an outbreak of infectious disease, a pandemic or a similar public health threat, such as the COVID-19 outbreak, or bank failures, inflation, recession, or other significant economic turmoil, could adversely impact our ability to comply with such covenants. Our failure to comply with such covenants or any other breach of the loan documents could cause a default and we may then be required to repay all of such borrowings with capital from other sources. Under these circumstances, other sources of capital may not be available or may be available only on unfavorable terms. In the event of a default, it is possible that our assets and certain of our subsidiaries’ assets may be attached or seized by the lenders. Any (i) failure by us to comply with the covenants or other provisions of the loan documents, (ii) difficulty in securing any required future financing, or (iii) any such seizure or attachment of assets could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

 

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The Acquisition of Substantially All of the Assets of igourmet LLC and Mouth Foods, Inc. Could Create Additional Risks to Our Business.

 

On January 23, 2018, our subsidiary, Innovative Gourmet LLC, acquired substantially all of the assets of igourmet, LLC. On July 6, 2018, our subsidiary, M Innovations LLC, acquired substantially all of assets of Mouth Foods, Inc. These businesses are very seasonal in nature, which generates certain operational considerations and could exacerbate the seasonality of our business. To wit, if Innovative Gourmetigourmet or Mouth does not have a strong holiday season, it likely will not be successful. In addition, while our subsidiary acquired only certain discrete liabilities of igourmet LLC, creditors of igourmet or Mouth may seek to impose liability on us or our subsidiaries, the payment of which, if required, could impair our cash flow and even if there may be no actual liability or responsibility to pay such claims, our challenge to such claims could involve significant legal fees and be a distraction to our management. The business model of the assets acquired from igourmet LLC and Mouth differ from our currentother businesses and operations, and therefore the success of its operations and its business model may create unforeseen complications requiring the use of our limited resources to resolve.

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Computer System Disruption and Cyber Security Attacks or a Data Breach Could Damage Our Relationships With Our Customers, Harm Our Reputation, Expose Us To Litigation And Adversely Affect Our Business.

 

Our systems are subject to damage or interruption from computer viruses, malicious attacks and other security breaches. The possibility of a cyberattack on any one or all of these systems is a serious threat.

 

As part of our business model, we collect, retain, and transmit confidential information over public networks. In addition to our own databases, we use third party service providers to store, process and transmit this information on our behalf. Although we contractually require these service providers to implement and use reasonable security measures, we cannot control third parties and cannot guarantee that a security breach will not occur in the future either at their location or within their systems. We have confidential security measures in place to protect both our physical facilities and digital systems from attacks. Despite these efforts, we may be vulnerable to targeted or random security breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human errors, or other similar events.

 

Given the growing nature of our e-commerce presence and digital strategy, it is imperative that we and our partners maintain uninterrupted and secure operation of our: (i) computer hardware, (ii) software systems, (iii) customer marketing databases and other customer information, and (iv) ability to email our current and potential customers.

 

If our systems are damaged or fail to function properly or reliably, we may incur substantial repair or replacement costs, experience data loss or theft and impediments to our ability to conduct our operations. Any material disruptions in our e-commerce presence or information technology systems could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

A Failure to Establish and Maintain Strategic Online and Social Media Relationships, and Other Relationships Targeted Towards Driving Web Traffic to our Websites, that Generate a Significant Amount of Traffic Could Limit the Growth of the Assets Acquired from igourmet LLC and Mouth Foods Inc.

 

We rely on third party websites, search engines and affiliates with which we have strategic relationships for traffic. If these third parties do not attract a significant number of visitors, we may not receive a significant number of online customers from these relationships and our revenues from these relationships may remain flat or decrease. There continues to be strong competition to establish or maintain relationships with leading Internet companies, and we may not successfully enter into additional relationships, or renew existing ones beyond their current terms. We may also be required to pay significant fees to maintain and expand existing relationships or possibly not achieve the desired results with existing relationships. Our online revenues may suffer if we do not enter into new relationships or maintain existing relationships or if these relationships do not result in traffic sufficient to justify their costs.

 

If a Significant Number of Customers are not Satisfied with their Purchase, We will be Required to Incur Substantial Costs to Issue Refunds, Credits or Replacement Products.

 

If customers are not satisfied with the products they receive, we may either replace the product for the customer or issue the customer a refund or credit. Ours net income would decrease if a significant number of customers request replacement products, refunds or credits and we are unable to pass such costs onto the supplier.

 

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If We Fail to Continuously Improve Our Website, it May Not Attract or Retain Customers.

 

If potential or existing customers do not find our websites including www.igourmet.com, www.mouth.com or any of the company’s other websites, a convenient place to shop, we may not attract or retain customers and our sales may suffer. To encourage the use of our website, we must continuously improve its accessibility, mobile capabilities, content and ease of use. In addition, customer traffic and our business would be adversely affected if competitors’ websites are perceived as easier to use or better able to satisfy customer needs. Furthermore, e-commerce conversion rates could be adversely affected by a variety of website related factors.

 

Our Marketing Efforts to Help Grow Our Business May Not be Effective.

 

Maintaining and promoting awareness of our websites, including www.igourmet.com and www.mouth.com , is important to our ability to attract and retain visitors. Generating a meaningful return on our investments in marketing initiatives may be difficult. The marketing efforts we implement may not succeed for a variety of reasons, including our inability to execute and implement our plans. External factors beyond our control may also impact the success of our marketing initiatives. Search engines frequently change the algorithms that determine the ranking and display of results of a user’s search and may make other changes to the way results are displayed, which can negatively affect the placement of links to our websites and, therefore, reduce the number of visits to our websites.

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The growing use of online ad-blocking software, including on mobile devices, may also impact the success of our marketing efforts because we may reach a smaller audience and fail to bring more visitors to our websites. In addition, ongoing privacy regulatory changes may impact the scope and effectiveness of marketing and advertising services generally, including those used related to our websites. We also seek to obtain website visitors through email. If we are unable to successfully deliver emails to potential customers or customers do not open our emails, whether by choice or because those emails are marked as low priority or spam, or for other reasons, our business could be adversely affected. Social networking websites, such as Facebook and others are another source of visits to our websites. As ecommerce and social networking evolve, we must continue to evolve our marketing tactics accordingly and, if we are unable to do so, our business could be adversely affected.

 

If We Do Not Accurately Predict Customer Demand for Our Products, We May Lose Customers or Experience Increased Costs.

 

As we expand the volume of products offered to our customers, we may be required or may elect for business purposes, to increase inventory levels and the number of products maintained in our warehouses. If we overestimate customer demand for our products, excess inventory and outdated merchandise could accumulate, tying up working capital and potentially resulting in reduced warehouse capacity and inventory losses due to damage, theft and obsolescence. If we underestimate customer demand, it may disappoint customers who may turn to our competitors.

 

The Laws with Respect to Taxes Have Changed and May Change Again Which Could Impact Our Operating Results.

 

The U.S. Congress has enacted legislation that significantly reforms the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The new legislation, among other things, includes changes to U.S. federal tax rates, imposes significant additional limitations on the deductibility of interest and net operating losses, and allows for the expensing of certain capital expenditures. Our net deferred tax assets and liabilities will be revalued at the newly enacted U.S. corporate rate, and the impact will be recognized in our tax expense in the year of enactment. We have adjusted our deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018, using the new corporate rate of 21 percent; however, we base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. itIt is possible that the application of these new rules may have a material and adverse impact on our operating results, cash flows and financial condition. Furthermore, the recent Supreme Court Ruling in South Dakota V. Wayfair, Inc, in which the Court upheld South Dakota’s economic nexus law, which requires companies to collect sales tax when their sales or the number of transactions withwithin the state exceed certain thresholds. could have an adverse impact on our business. In addition, any other changes to applicable tax laws, whether on a federal or state level, could also decrease our ability to compete with traditional retailers, and otherwise harm our business.

 

If We Fail to Attract and Retain Key Personnel, Our Business and Operating Results May be Harmed.

 

Our future success depends to a significant degree on the skills, experience and efforts of key personnel in our senior management, whose vision for our company, knowledge of our business and expertise would be difficult to replace. If any one of our key employees leaves, is unable to work, or fails to perform and we are unable to find a qualified replacement, we may be unable to execute our business strategy.

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We May Be Unable to Manage Our Growth Which Could Result in Our Being Unable to Maintain Our Operations.

 

Our strategy for growth is focused on continued enhancements and expansion to our existing business model, offering a broader range of services and products, affiliating with additional vendors and through possible joint ventures. Pursuing this strategy presents a variety of challenges. We may not experience an increase in our services to our existing customers, and we may not be able to achieve the economies of scale, or provide the business, administrative and financial services, required to sustain profitability from servicing our existing and future customer base. Should we be successful in our expansion efforts, the expansion of our business would place further demands on our management, operational capacity and financial resources. To a significant extent, our future success will be dependent upon our ability to maintain adequate financial controls and reporting systems to manage a larger operation and to obtain additional capital upon favorable terms. We can give no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement our planned expansion (whether due to the impact of COVID-19, difficult economic conditions, or other unrelated reasons), finance its growth, or manage the resulting larger operations, if any. In addition, we can give no assurance that our current systems, procedures or controls will be adequate to support any expansion of our operations. Our failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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The Specialty Food and Foodservice Industry is Very Competitive, Which May Result in Decreased Revenue for Us as Well as Increased Expenses Associated with Marketing Our Services and Products.

 

The specialty food and foodservice businesses are highly competitive. We compete against other providers of quality foods, some of which sell their services globally, and some of these providers have considerably greater resources than we have. These competitors may have greater marketing and sales capacity, established distribution networks, significant goodwill and global name recognition. Our e-commerce and product catalog websites and paper mailings compete with other e-commerce websites and other catalogs, and other specialty foodservice providers that market lines of products similar to ours. We compete with national, regional and local businesses utilizing a similar strategy, as well as traditional specialty food and foodservice distributors. The substantial sales growth in the direct-to-customer industry within the last decade has encouraged the entry of many new competitors, new business models, and an increase in competition from established companies. Furthermore, it may become necessary for us to reduce our prices in response to competition. This could negatively impact our ability to be profitable.

 

We Rely Upon Outside Vendors and Shippers for Our Specialty Food Products and Interruption in the Supply of Our Products or their Failure to Adhere to Our Quality Standards May Negatively Impact Our Revenues.

 

Shortages in supplies of the food products we sell may impair our ability to provide our services. Our vendors are independent and we cannot guarantee their future ability to source the products that we sell. Many of our products are wild-caught, and we cannot guarantee their availability in the future. Unforeseen strikes and labor disputes as well as adverse weather conditions may result in our inability to deliver our products in a timely manner. Also, if our suppliers fail to supply quality product in a timely and effective manner it could lead to an increase in recalls and customer litigation against us which could harm our brands’ images and negatively affect our business and operating results. The success of our business depends, in part, on our ability to timely and effectively deliver merchandise (e.g. fresh products) to our customers. We cannot control all of the various factors that might affect our fulfillment rates in direct-to-customer sales. We are heavily dependent upon one national carrier for the delivery of our fresh products to our customers. Accordingly, we are subject to risks, including labor disputes, union organizing activity, inclement weather, technology breakdowns, natural disasters, the closure of their offices or a reduction in operational hours due to an economic slowdown or health related crisis, possible acts of terrorism, their ability to provide delivery services to meet our shipping needs, disruptions or increased fuel costs, and costs associated with any regulations to address climate change. Since our customers rely on us to deliver their orders daily or within 24-72 hours, delivery delays could significantly harm our business.

 

In Order to be Successful, We Must be able to Enhance Our Existing Products and Develop and Introduce New Products and Services to Respond to Changing Market Demand.

 

The markets in which we operate are characterized by frequently changing customer demand and the introduction of new “flavors of the month” as certain foods become more and less popular. Changes in customer preferences and buying trends may also affect our products differently. We must be able to stay current with preferences and trends in specialty food and address the customer tastes for each of our target customer demographics. We must also be able to identify and adjust products to cater to customer demands and dietary needs. For example, a change in customer preferences for gluten free items may not correlate to a similar change in buying trends for other specialty food. In order to be successful, we must be able to enhance our existing products and anticipate and develop and introduce new products and services to respond to changing market demand for new tastes. The development and enhancement of services and products entails significant risks, including:

 

o the inability to effectively adapt new food types to our business;

 

o the failure to conform our services and products to evolving industry standards;

 

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o the inability to develop, introduce and market enhancements to our existing services and products or new services and products on a timely basis; and

 

o the non-acceptance by the market of such new service and products.

 

If we misjudge either the market for our products or our customers’ purchasing habits, our sales may decline significantly which would negatively impact our business and operating results.

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Any Acquisitions We Make or Have Made Could Result in Difficulties in Successfully Managing Our Business and Consequently Harm Our Financial Condition.

 

We seek to expand by acquiring complementary businesses or assets in our current or ancillary markets. We cannot accurately predict the timing, size and success of our acquisition efforts and the associated capital commitments that might be required. We expect to face competition for acquisition candidates, which may limit the number of acquisition opportunities available to us and may lead to higher acquisition prices. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify, acquire or profitably manage additional businesses or successfully integrate acquired businesses, if any, without substantial costs, delays or other operational or financial difficulties. In addition, acquisitions involve a number of other risks, including:

 

failure of the acquired businesses or assets acquired to achieve expected results;

failure to integrate acquired business or assets into current operations

diversion of management’s attention and resources to acquisitions;

failure to retain key customers or personnel of the acquired businesses or assets;

disappointing quality or functionality of acquired equipment and people; and

risks associated with unanticipated events, liabilities or contingencies.

 

Client dissatisfaction or performance problems at a single acquired business could negatively affect our reputation. The inability to acquire businesses on reasonable terms or successfully integrate and manage acquired companies, or the occurrence of performance problems at acquired companies, both prior and after acquisition, could result, or has resulted, in dilution, potential violations of bank covenants, unfavorable accounting treatment or one-time charges, and difficulties in successfully managing our business, requiring us to expend additional effort and expense in obtaining waivers, settling matters and otherwise addressing any such issues.

 

Our Future Results Depend on Continued Evolution of the Internet and its Use by Consumers and Businesses for Buying Our Products.

 

Our future results can depend on the use of the Internet for information, publication, distribution and commerce. Our growth may also be dependent on increasing availability to business consumers of broadband Internet access which will allow such persons to access higher-capacity content through the Internet. Our business could suffer if Internet usage and broadband availability does not continue to grow and evolve. In addition, the concept of ordering food, including ingredients, while it has recently grown, is a relatively new concept and represents a change from the way it had been previously done.

 

If We are Unable to Effectively Manage Our IT Dependent Business Our Reputation and Operating Results May be Harmed.

 

The success of our business depends, in part, on third parties and factors over which we have limited control. We are also vulnerable to certain additional risks and uncertainties associated with our e-commerce and product catalog websites, our internal IT systems and IT integration with our partners, including: changes in required technology interfaces; system issues and limitations, website downtime and other technical failures; internet connectivity issues; costs and technical issues as we upgrade our website software; computer viruses; changes in applicable federal and state regulations; security breaches; and consumer privacy concerns. In addition, we must keep up to date with competitive technology trends, including the use of new or improved technology, creative user interfaces and other e-commerce marketing tools such as paid search and mobile applications, among others, which may increase our costs and which may not succeed in increasing sales or attracting customers. Our failure to successfully respond to these risks and uncertainties might adversely affect our sales, as well as damage our reputation and brands.

 

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We May be Exposed to Risks and Costs Associated with Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft that could Cause Us to Incur Unexpected Expenses and Loss of Revenue.

 

An increasing portion of our customer orders are placed through our e-commerce websites and a significant portion of our orders are submitted via networked applications. In addition, a significant portion of sales made through our retail channel require the collection of certain customer data, such as credit card information. In order for our sales channels to function and develop successfully, we and other parties involved in processing customer transactions must be able to transmit confidential information, including credit card information, securely over public networks. Third parties may have the technology or knowledge to breach the security of customer transaction data. Although we take the security of our systems and the privacy of our customers’ confidential information extremely seriously, we cannot guarantee that our security measures will effectively prevent others from obtaining unauthorized access to our information and our customers’ information. Any person who circumvents our security measures could destroy or steal valuable information or disrupt our operations. Any security breach could cause consumers to lose confidence in the security of our websites and choose not to purchase from us. Any security breach could also expose us to risks of data loss, litigation and liability and could seriously disrupt our operations and harm our reputation, any of which could harm our business.

 

In addition, states and the federal government are increasingly enacting laws and regulations to protect consumers against identity theft. Compliance with these laws will likely increase the costs of doing business and, if we fail to implement appropriate safeguards or to detect and provide prompt notice of unauthorized access as required by some of these new laws, we could be subject to potential claims for damages and other remedies, which could harm our business.results of operations.

 

Earthquakes, Inclement Weather or Other Events Out of Our Control May Damage or Limit Production from Our Facilities and Our Ability to Timely Deliver Products Thereby Adversely Affecting Our Results of Operations.

 

We have significant operations in Florida, Illinois, and in other areas where weather or other events such as an earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, flood, fire, high winds, extreme heat or cold, or other natural or manmade events, could disrupt our operations and impair production or distribution of our products, damage inventory, interrupt critical functions, or otherwise affect our business negatively, adversely affecting our results of operations.

 

Declines in General Economic Conditions and the Resulting Impact on Consumer Confidence and Consumer Spending Could Adversely Impact Our Results of Operations.

 

Our financial performance is subject to declines in general economic conditions and the impact of such economic conditions on levels of consumer confidence and consumer spending. Consumer confidence and consumer spending may deteriorate significantly and could remain depressed for an extended period of time, whether due to COVID-19, inflation, bank failure, or other unrelated reasons. Consumer purchases of discretionary items, including specifically our merchandise, generally decline during periods when disposable income is limited, unemployment rates increase, and consumer perceptions of personal well-being and security declines or there is economic uncertainty. An uncertain economic environment could adversely impact our business and operating results.

 

We Are and May Be Subject to Regulatory Compliance and Legal Uncertainties.

 

Changes in government regulation and supervision or proposed Department of Agriculture or other regulatory agency reforms or rule changes could impair our sources of revenue and limit our ability to expand our business. In the event any future laws or regulations are enacted which apply to us, we may have to expend funds and/or alter our operations to ensure compliance. New legislation or regulation, or the application of existing laws and regulations to the areas related to our business could add additional costs and risks to doing business. In addition, we are subject to regulations applicable to businesses generally and laws and regulations directly applicable to communications over the Internet and access to e-commerce. In addition, it is possible that a number of laws and regulations may be adopted with respect to the Internet and other areas of our business, covering issues such as user privacy, pricing, content, copyrights, distribution, antitrust, taxation and characteristics and quality of products and services.

 

Since we do Not Intend to Pay Any Cash Dividends on Our Shares of Common Stock, Our Stockholders Will Not be Able to Receive a Return on Their Shares Unless They Sell Them.

 

We intend to retain any future earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Unless we pay dividends, our stockholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell them at a price higher than that which they initially paid for such shares.

 

1615

 

We may be Subject to Legal Proceedings that Could be Time Consuming, Result in Costly Litigation, Require Significant Amounts of Management Time and Result in the Diversion of Significant Operational Resources.

 

We are involved in lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the ordinary course of our business. Litigation is inherently unpredictable. Any claims against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly arbitration or litigation, require significant amounts of management time and result in the diversion of significant operational resources. Even if we believe that we have meritorious defenses against these actions, and we resolve to vigorously defend against them, the cost of defending against all these types of claims against us or the ultimate resolution of such claims, whether by settlement or adverse court decision, may harm our business and operating results and may be in excess of any amounts previously reserved for legal expenses. In addition, the increasingly regulated business environment and the nature of our products may result in a greater number of enforcement actions and private litigation. This could subject us to increased exposure to stockholder lawsuits. Also, we (and our affiliates) may be subject to attempts to bring legal claims by creditors and other third parties related to the liabilities or potential liabilities, of our former subsidiary, FD, or of igourmet LLC,subsidiaries, or of the liabilities related to any company whose assets we acquired or do business with.

 

We are a Smaller Reporting Company, and We Cannot be Certain if the Reduced Reporting Requirements Applicable to Smaller Reporting Companies Will Make our Common Stock Less Attractive to Investors.

 

We are a smaller reporting company, as defined in the Securities Act of 1933.1934. For as long as we continue to be a smaller reporting company, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not smaller reporting companies, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding historical financial statements, executive compensation in our periodic reports, registration statements, and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding nonbinding advisory votes on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.

 

We will remain a smaller reporting company until the beginning of a year in which we had a public float of $250 million held by non-affiliates or revenues below $100 million and a public float below $700 million, in each case as determined as of the last business day of the second quarter of the prior year.

 

Our Common Stock is Subject to the Penny Stock Rules of the SEC and the Trading Market in our Securities is Limited, Which Makes Transactions in Our Stock Cumbersome and May Reduce the Value of an Investment in Our Stock.

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted Rule 15g-9 which establishes the definition of a “penny stock,” for the purposes relevant to us, as any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price, for warrants or options or conversion price for convertible notes, of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require:

 

●that a broker or dealer approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks; and

●the broker or dealer receives from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased.

 

In order to approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must:

 

●obtain financial information and investment experience objectives of the person; and

●make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and the person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks.

 

The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the Commission relating to the penny stock market, which, in highlight form:

 

●Sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination, and

●that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction.

 

17

Disclosure also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and about the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.

 

16

Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the “penny stock” rules. This may make it more difficult for investors to dispose of our common stock and cause a decline in the market value of our stock.

 

ITEM 2. Properties

 

On March 8, 2013, we purchased a building and property located at 28411 Race Track Road, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135. The property consists of approximately 1.1 acres of land and close to 10,000 square feet of combined office and warehouse space. The purchase price of the property was $770,000 and was financed in part by a five year mortgage in the amount of $546,000. In March 2018, the remaining balance under this mortgage was extended to February 28,May 27, 2023. The company relocated all of its Florida-based office and warehouse facilities into this facility on July 15, 2013.

 

On May 14, 2015, we purchased a building and property located at 2528 S. 27th Avenue, Broadview, Illinois 60155. The property consists of approximately 1.33 acres of land and approximately 28,711 square feet of combined office and warehouse space. The purchase price of $914,350 was initially financed primarily by a draw-down of $900,000 on the Company’s credit facility with Fifth Third Bank. On May 29, 2015, a permanent financing facility was provided by Fifth Third Bank in the form of a loan in the amount of $980,000. $900,000 of this amount was used to pay the balance of the credit facility; the additional $80,000 was used for refrigeration and other improvements at the property. The interest on the loan is at the LIBORWSJP rate plus 3.0%1.25%. The building is used for office and warehouse space primarily for the Company’s Artisan subsidiary. We have also recently completed an additional property improvement and upgrade buildout at the Artisan building which include a fully functional commercial test kitchen and training center and conference room. The test kitchen and training room will be used by Artisan and other subsidiaries of the Company for the purposes of new product testing, and development and approval, Quality Assurance and Quality Control as well as sales presentations and customer demonstrations. In addition, we recently added a packaging room to the Artisan building, which is built to FDA, FSMA and SQF food safety standards and purchased new, technologically advanced semi-automated fillers for the packaging room. The packaging room addition will allow for expansion of proprietary private label product lines as well as packing of organic, non GMO, diet specific and other specialty foods. The test kitchen, packaging room and additional improvements were financed by a loan from Fifth Third Bank. On June 6, 2022, this loan was transferred to MapleMark Bank.

 

On November 8, 2019 the Company, through a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased a logistics and warehouse facility (the “Facility”) for $4.5 million. The Facility is approximately 200,000 square feet and is situated on approximately 15 acres in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania. The Facility’s appraised value by a third party appraisal firm in 2022 was $16,400,000. Related to the Facility purchase, the Company entered into a commercial loan agreement for both the purchase price and planned improvements to the Facility. The amount of the loan was $5,500,000, of which the Company drew down $3,600,000 for the acquisition of the Facility; the lender was Fifth Third Bank and the loan is secured by a mortgage on the property and other Company assets. The interest on the loan is LIBORWSJP rate plus 2.75%1.25%, with interest only payments due through SeptemberJune 30, 2020, thereafter with principal amortized over 20 years and maturity on September 2, 2025.2024. Related to Facility purchase, the Company also acquired certain leases from certain tenants of the Facility, all of which were in good standing at the time of purchase. On June 6, 2022, this loan was transferred to MapleMark Bank.

 

On October 5, 2020, the Company completed work to upgrade the Facility at a cost of $2,231,458 in order to better support the Company’s focus on e-commerce and logistics.

 

18

ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

 

On September 16, 2019, an action (the “PA Action”) was filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Trial Division, against, among others, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Innovative Gourmet LLCigourmet and Food Innovations, Inc. Since that time, other parties involved in the incident have joined as plaintiffs in the PA Action. The complaint in the PA Action alleges, inter alia, wrongful death and negligence by a driver formerly employed by Innovative Gourmet,igourmet and plaintiffs filedindicates a demand and offer to settle for fifty million dollars. We expect that should a settlement occur the amount to resolve the Action would be substantially lower. The Company and its subsidiaries and their employees had auto and umbrella insurance policies, among others, that were in effect for the relevant period.period The Company and its subsidiaries’ insurers have agreed to defend the Company and its subsidiaries and the driver in the PA Action (and the related actions)action), subject to a reservation of rights. The Company believes that the likely outcome would result in the liabilities being covered by its insurance carriers. However, if the Company was found responsible for damages in excess of its available insurance coverage, such damages in excess of the coverage could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations. On July 16, 2020, the court granted the Company's motion to stay theThe case through the final adjudication of an additional pending legal proceeding against the driver in connection with the events related to the case. It is not anticipated that the Company and its subsidiaries will be a party to any other legal proceedings in connection with this matter.has been set for trial for April 1, 2024. Because the statute of limitations on the incident has now run, it is not anticipated that any new plaintiffs involved in the incident will come forward against the Company and its subsidiaries.

17

 

From time to time, the Company has become and may become involved in certain lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business, or as the result of current or previous investments, or current or previous subsidiaries, or current or previous employees, or current or previous directors, or as a result of acquisitions and dispositions or other corporate activities. The Company intends to vigorously defend its positions. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our financial position or our business, and the outcome of these matters cannot be ultimately predicted.

 

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosure

 

Not Applicable.

 

1918

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5. Market For Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Market Information

 

Prices for our common stock are quoted on the OTCQB. Since March 2004, our common stock has traded under the symbol “IVFH”. Prior thereto, our common stock traded under the symbol “FBSN”. 46,041,751At March 28, 2023, there were 48,756,694 shares of our common stock were outstanding as of March 1, 2022.outstanding.

 

Security Holders

 

On March 1, 2022,23, 2023, there were approximately 5558 record holders of our common stock. In addition, we believe there are at least several hundred additional beneficial owners of our common stock whose shares are held in “street name.”

 

Dividends

 

We have not paid dividends during the three most recently completed fiscal years and have no current plans to pay dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all earnings, if any, for use in our business.

 

Recent Sales and Other Issuances of Our Equity Securities

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021,2022, the Company had the following equity related, nonregistered transactions:

 

On August 26, 2021 the Company issued 9,375,000 shares of common stock to investors with a fair value of $3,580,372 for cash.

During the year ended December 31, 2021,2022, the Company accrued the amount of $385,000$466,186 representing 961,8971,768,348 shares of common stock issuable at an average price of $0.4177$0.29 per share to its then Chief Executive Officer pursuant to his compensation agreement.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021,2022, the Company accrued the amountissued 142,857 shares with a value of $17,116 representing 59,016 shares of common stock issuable at an average price of $0.29 per share$48,543 to its Chief Strategy Officer pursuant to his compensation agreement.a service provider.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021,2022, the Company accrued the amountissued 33,445 shares issued with a value of $90,000 representing 200,282 shares of common stock issuable$11,405 to two Directors.an employee as compensation.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021,2022, the Company issued 74,076accrued a total of $40,000 representing 103,256 shares with a fair value of $31,861 as a bonus.common stock issuable to two Directors.

 

All of the issuances described above were exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 for the following reasons: (1) none of the issuances involved a public offering or public advertising for the payment of any commissions or fees; (2) the issuances to investors were to “accredited investors”; (3) the issuances upon conversion of notes were for notes held at least 12 months and did not involve the payment of any other consideration; and (4) all issuances to affiliates and to non-affiliates holding the securities for less than six months carried restrictive legends.

 

Dilutive Securities

December 31, 2022

The following table summarizes the options outstanding and the related prices for the options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock issued by the Company at December 31, 2022:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Number

 

 

Contractual

 

 

Price

 

 

of Options

 

 

Life (years)

 

 

$

0.41

 

 

 

125,000

 

 

 

1.32

 

 

$

0.50

 

 

 

125,000

 

 

 

1.32

 

 

$

0.60

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

2.99

 

 

$

0.62

 

 

 

360,000

 

 

 

1.00

 

 

$

0.85

 

 

 

540,000

 

 

 

1.00

 

 

$

1.00

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

2.99

 

 

$

1.20

 

 

 

1,050,000

 

 

 

0.90

 

 

$

0.93

 

 

 

2,300,000

 

 

 

1.07

 

2019

Dilutive Securities

 

December 31, 2021

 

The following table summarizes the options outstanding and the related prices for the options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock issued by the Company atas of December 31, 2021:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Number

 

 

Contractual

 

 

Price

 

 

of Options

 

 

Life (years)

 

 

$

0.60

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

3.99

 

 

$

0.62

 

 

 

360,000

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

$

0.85

 

 

 

540,000

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

$

1.00

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

3.99

 

 

$

1.20

 

 

 

1,100,000

 

 

 

1.84

 

 

$

0.99

 

 

 

2,100,000

 

 

 

2.01

 

December 31, 2020

The following table summarizes the options outstanding and the related prices for the options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock issued by the Company as of December 31, 2020:

        

Weighted

 
        

Average

 
        

Remaining

 

Exercise

  

Number

  

Contractual

 

Price

  

of Options

  

Life (years)

 
$0.60   50,000   4.99 
$0.62   360,000   1.00 
$0.85   540,000   2.84 
$1.00   50,000   4.99 
$1.10   75,000   0.37 
$1.20   1,050,000   2.84 
$1.50   125,000   1.00 
$1.02   2,250,000   2.82 

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

As of December 31, 2021,2022, the following shares are issuable pursuant to outstanding stock options, warrants, and rights issued under the 2011 Stock Option Plan:

 

Plan Category

 

Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights

  

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants, and rights

  

Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))

 
             

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

  2,100,000  $0.99   92,565,189 

Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders

  -  $N/A  $N/A 

21

Plan Category

 

Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights

 

 

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants, and rights

 

 

Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

 

2,300,000

 

 

$

0.93

 

 

 

92,365,189

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders

 

 

-

 

 

$

N/A

 

 

$

N/A

 

 

ITEM 6. [Reserved]

 

ITEM 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, as well as all other related notes, and financial and operational references, appearing elsewhere in this document.

 

Certain information contained in this discussion and elsewhere in this report may include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and is subject to the safe harbor created by that act. The safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act will not apply to certain “forward looking statements” because we issued “penny stock” (as defined in Section 3(a)(51) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 3(a)(51-1) under the Exchange Act) during the three year period preceding the date(s) on which those forward looking statements were first made, except to the extent otherwise specifically provided by rule, regulation or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution readers that certain important factors may affect our actual results and could cause such results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements which may be deemed to have been made in this Report or which are otherwise made by or on our behalf. For this purpose, any statements contained in this report that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “explore”, “consider”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “could”, “estimate”, “plan”, “propose” or “continue” or the negative variations of those words or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that may affect our results include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties associated with:

 

Our ability to raise capital necessary to sustain our anticipated operations and implement our business plan,

 

 

Our ability to implement our business plan,

 

20

Our ability to generate sufficient cash to pay our lenders and other creditors,

 

Our dependence on one major customer,

 

 

Our ability to employ and retain qualified management and employees,

 

Our dependence on the efforts and abilities of our current employees and executive officers,

 

Changes in government regulations that are applicable to our current or anticipated business,

 

Changes in the demand for our services and different food trends,

 

The degree and nature of our competition,

 

The lack of diversification of our business plan,

 

The general volatility of the capital markets and the establishment of a market for our shares, and

 

Disruption in the economic and financial conditions primarily from the impact of past terrorist attacks in the United States, threats of future attacks, police and military activities overseas and other disruptive worldwide political and economic events, health pandemics, rising inflation, bank failures, and environmental weather conditions.

 

We are also subject to other risks detailed from time to time in our other filings with the SEC and elsewhere in this report. Any one or more of these uncertainties, risks and other influences could materially affect our results of operations and whether forward-looking statements made by us ultimately prove to be accurate. Our actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether from new information, future events or otherwise.

 

22

Critical Accounting Policy and Estimates

 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

 

The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates include certain assumptions related to, among others, doubtful accounts receivable, valuation of stock-based services, valuation of financial instruments, operating right toof use assets and liabilities, and income taxes. On an on-going basis, we evaluate these estimates, including those related to revenue recognition and concentration of credit risk. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Accounts subject to estimate and judgements are accounts receivable reserves, income taxes, intangible assets, contingent liabilities, and equity-based instruments. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe our estimates have not been materially inaccurate in past years, and our assumptions are not likely to change in the foreseeable future.

 

(a) Warrants:

 

There were no warrants outstanding at December 31, 20212022 and 2020.2021.

 

(b) Embedded conversion features of notes payable:

 

There were no outstanding convertible notes outstanding at December 31, 20212022 and 2020:2021:

21

 

(c) Stock options:

 

The Company accounts for options in accordance with FASB ASC 718-40. Options are valued upon issuance utilizing the Black-Scholes valuation model. Option expense is recognized over the requisite service period of the related option award. The following table illustrates certain key information regarding our options and option assumptions at December 31, 20212022 and 2020:2021:

 

 

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
 

2021

  

2020

  

2022

  

2021

 

Number of options outstanding

  2,100,000   2,250,000   2,300,000   2,100,000 

Value at December 31

  N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 

Number of options issued during the year

  50,000   200,000   250,000   50,000 

Value of options issued during the year

 $8,616  $16,498  $2,092  $8,616 

Number of options recognized during the year

  50,000   200,000   250,000   50,000 

Number of options exercised or expired during the year

  200,000   475,000   50,000   200,000 

Value of options recognized during the year

 $144,274  $142,512  $8,738  $144,274 

Revaluation (gain) during the period

 $N/A  $N/A  $N/A  $N/A 
                

Black-Scholes model variables:

                

Volatility

  71.26

%

  41.7-82.7

%

  24.43

%

  71.26

%

Dividends

  0   0   0   0 

Risk-free interest rates

  0.23

%

  0.37-1.37

%

  2.63

%

  0.23

%

Term (years)

  2.00   3.00-5.00   2.00   2.00 

 

Provision for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

 

The Company maintained an allowance in the amount of $375,931$340,225 and $343,832$375,931 for doubtful accounts receivable at December 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020.respectively. The Company has an operational relationship of several years with our major customers, and we believe this experience provides us with a solid foundation from which to estimate our expected losses on accounts receivable. Should our sales mix change or if we develop new lines of business or new customers, these estimates and our estimation process will change accordingly. These estimates have been accurate in the past.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

23

The Company measures its financial assets and liabilities in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The estimated fair values approximate their carrying value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments or the stated interest rates are indicative of market interest rates. These fair values have historically varied due to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of valuation.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company has a historyuses the liability method of losses, and as such has recorded no liabilityaccounting for income taxes. Until such time asDeferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the Company beginsfuture tax consequences attributable to providefinancial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. The measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities is based on provisions of applicable tax law. The measurement of deferred tax assets is reduced, if necessary, by a valuation allowance based on the amount of tax benefits that, based on available evidence, that a continued profit is a reasonable expectation, management will not determine that there is a basis for accruing an income tax liability. These estimates have been accurate in the past.expected to be realized. At December 31, 2021,2022, the Company has a net operating loss carryforward of approximately $15,800,000.

Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating lease right-of-use assets (“ROU assets”) and short-term and long-term lease liabilities are included on the face of the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Finance lease ROU assets are presented within other assets, and finance lease liabilities are presented within accrued liabilities.

22

ROU assets represent the right of use to an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease ROU asset also excludes lease incentives. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are accounted for as a single lease component. For lease agreements with terms less than 12 months, the Company has elected the short-term lease measurement and recognition exemption, and it recognizes such lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

Background

 

We were initially formed in June 1979 as Alpha Solarco Inc., a Colorado corporation. From June 1979 through February 2003, we were either inactive or involved in discontinued business ventures. We changed our name to Fiber Application Systems Technology, Ltd in February 2003. In January 2004, we changed our state of incorporation by merging into Innovative Food Holdings, Inc. (“IVFH”), a Florida corporation formed for that purpose. As a result of the merger, we changed our name to that of Innovative Food Holdings, Inc. In January 2004, we also acquired Food Innovations, Inc. (“FII” or “Food Innovations”), a Delaware corporation, for 500,000 shares of our common stock.

 

On November 2, 2012, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Haley Acquisition”) with The Haley Group, LLC wherebyOur strategy has been to increase our sales through a combination of acquisitions and organic growth; through December 31, 2022 we acquired all existing assets of The Haley Group, LLC and its customers. The Haley Acquisition was valued athave completed a total cost of $119,645. On June 30, 2014, pursuant to a purchase agreement, the Company purchased 100% of the membership interest of Organic Food Brokers, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (“OFB”), for $300,000, 100,000 four year options at a price of $1.46 per share, and up to an additional $225,000 in earn-outs if certain milestones are met. Pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of January 1, 2017 the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Oasis Sales Corp. (“Oasis”), purchased substantially all of the assets of Oasis Sales and Marketing, L.L.C. for $300,000 cash; a $200,000 structured equity instrument which can be paid in cash or shares of the Company stock at the Company’s option, anytime under certain conditions, or is automatically payable via the issuance of 200,000 shares if the Company’s shares close above $1.00 for ten consecutive days; a $100,000 note; and up to an additional $400,000 in earn-outs over two years if certain milestones are met. The Agreement also contains claw-back provisions if certain revenue conditions are not met.

On August 15, 2014, pursuant to a merger agreement, the Company acquired The Fresh Diet, Inc. (“FD”). Effective February 23, 2016, the Company closed a transaction to sell 90% of our ownership in FD for consideration consisting primarily of a restructuring of our loans, which includes the ability to convert to additional amounts of FD under certain circumstances. There is no continuing cash inflows or outflows from or to the discontinued operations.

Effective January 24, 2018, pursuant to an asset acquisition agreement (the “igourmet Asset Acquisition Agreement”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, Innovative Gourmet, LLC acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of igourmet LLC and igourmet NY LLC, privately-held New York limited liability companies located in West Pittston, Pennsylvania and engaged in the sale, marketing, and distribution of specialty food and specialty food items through www.igourmet.com, online marketplaces, additional direct-to-consumer platforms, distribution to foodservice, retail stores and other wholesale accounts, pursuant to the terms of an Asset Purchase Agreement. The consideration for and in connection with the acquisition consisted of: (i) $1,500,000, which satisfied or reduced secured, priority and administrative debt of Sellers; (ii) in connection with and prior to the acquisition, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Food Funding, LLC (“Food Funding”), funded advances of $325,000 to Sellers on a secured basis, pursuant to certain loan documents and as bridge loans, which loans were reduced by the proceeds of the Asset Purchase Agreement; (iii) the purchase for $200,000 of certain debt owed by Sellers, to be paid out of, if available, Innovative Gourmet’s cash flow; (iv) potential contingent liability allocation for a percentage of Sellers’ approximately $2,300,000 of certain debt, not purchased or assumed by Innovative Gourmet, which under certain circumstances, Innovative Gourmet may determine to pay; and (v) additional purchase price consideration of (a) up to a maximum of $1,500,000, if EBITDA of Innovative Gourmet reaches $800,00 in 2018, (b) up to a maximum of $1,750,000, if EBITDA of Innovative Gourmet in 2019 exceeds its EBITDA in 2018 by at least 20% and if its EBITDA reaches $5,000,000; and (c) up to a maximum of $2,125,000, if EBITDA of Innovative Gourmet in 2020 exceeds its EBITDA in 2019 by at least 20% and if its EBITDA reaches $8,000,000. The EBITDA based earnout shall be paid 37.5% in cash, 25% in IVFH shares valued at the time of the closing of this transaction and 37.5%, at Innovative Gourmet’s option, in IVFH shares valued at the time of the payment of the earnout or in cash. The 2018, 2019 and 2020 earnout milestones were not met. In connection with the acquisition, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Food Funding, purchased Seller’s senior secured note at a price of approximately $1,187,000, pursuant to the terms of a Loan Sale Agreement with UPS Capital Business Credit. That note was reduced by the proceeds of the Asset Purchase Agreement. See Item (i) above.

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Effective July 6, 2018, pursuant to an asset purchase agreement between Mouth Foods, Inc. (“Mouth”) and our wholly-owned subsidiary M Innovations LLC (“M Innovations”) (the “MFI APA”), the Company acquired certain assets of Mouth from MFI (assignment for the benefit of creditors), LLC, in connection with a Delaware assignment proceeding. The MFI APA was accounted for as an acquisition of an ongoing business where the Company was treated as the acquirer and the acquired assets and assumed liabilities were recorded by the Company at their preliminary estimated fair values. Mouth, a privately held New York company operating out of Brooklyn, was an expert curator and online retailer of high quality specialty foods from small-batch makers in the US.

The consideration for and in connection with the acquisition consisted of (i) closing related cash payments of $208,355; (ii) additional revenue-based contingent liabilities valued by management at $100,000 related to certain future sales of purchased assets payable under the following terms: payment of 5% of certain revenues, with no payments on the first $500,000 of revenues and no payments on revenues after June 30, 2020; (iii) additional revenue based contingent liabilities of up to $185,000 associated with the purchase of certain debt of the seller; and (iv) additional contingent liability consideration valued by management at approximately $20,000.

Effective July 23, 2019, P Innovations acquired certain assets of GBC Sub, Inc. (d/b/a The GiftBox) (“GiftBox”) (the “GiftBox Asset Purchase Agreement”). GiftBox, a privately held Nevada corporation controlled by David Polinsky, a director of the Company, was in the business of subscription-based ecommerce. The consideration for the assets purchased was a nominal amount of cash. The GiftBox Asset Purchase Agreement also provides the sellers the option to acquire 30% of P Innovations subject to dilution for a period of thirty-six months following the date of the Giftbox Asset Purchase Agreement; the option will only be exercisable if there is a spinoff of P Innovations to Innovative Food Holdings shareholders.eight acquisitions.

 

Transactions With a Major Customer

 

Transactions with a major customer and related economic dependence information is set forth (1) following our discussion of Liquidity and Capital Resources, (2) under the heading Major Customer in Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and (3) in Business – Relationship with U.S. Foods, and (4) as the second item under Risk Factors.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

This discussion may contain forward looking-statementslooking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our future results could differ materially from the forward looking-statementslooking statements discussed in this report. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, the notes thereto and other financial information included elsewhere in the report.

 

Year Ended December 31, 20212022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 20202021

 

Revenue

 

Revenue increased by $10,536,120$17,890,816 or approximately 20%29% to $62,212,148$80,102,964 for the year ended December 31, 20212022 from $51,676,028$62,212,148 in the prior year. The increase in revenues is primarily attributable to an increase in specialty foodservice revenues which was driven by the nationwide opening of restaurants and other foodservice establishments previously affected by COVID-19. As moreCOVID-19 as well as increases in travel related foodservice, establishments and restaurants have re-opened we have experienced improving foodservice revenues, although revenues still remain slightly below historical levels.restaurant dining. The increase in specialty foodservice revenue was partially offset with decreases mainly associated within e-commerce revenues. ThoughThe decrease in e-commerce revenue remains significantly above historical levels, the decreases during the current period were the result ofwas related to decreases in COVID-19 driven demand in 20212022 compared to 2020.2021 partially driven by the continued re-opening of bricks and mortar stores, and by decreases in digital marketing related in part to a more challenging digital marketing environment as compared to 2021 which has been driven partially by industrywide marketing challenges related to expanded privacy rules that significantly reduce data sharing.

 

We continue to assess the potential of new revenue sources from the manufacture and sale of proprietary food products, private label products and additional sales channel opportunities in both the foodservice and consumer space and will implement a strategy which based on our analysis provides the most beneficial opportunity for growth.

 

Any changes in the food distribution and specialty foods operating landscape that materially hinders our current ability and/or cost to deliver our products to our customers could potentially cause a material impact on our net revenue and gross margin and, therefore, our profitability and cash flows could be adversely affected.

 

23

Currently, a small portion of our revenues comes from imported products or international sales. Our current sales from such markets may be hampered and negatively impacted by any economic tariffs that may be imposed in the United States or in foreign countries.

 

See “Transactions with Major Customers” and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) mandated FR-60 disclosures following the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section for a further discussion of the significant customer concentrations, loss of significant customer, critical accounting policies and estimates, and other factors that could affect future results.

 

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Cost of goods sold

 

Our cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 20212022 was $45,261,401,$61,414,765, an increase of $7,401,901$16,153,364 or approximately 20%36% compared to cost of goods sold of $37,859,500$45,261,401 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in cost of goods sold is attributed mainly to increases in revenues.2021. Cost of goods sold was made up of the following expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021:2022: cost of goods of specialty, meat, game, cheese, seafood, poultry and other sales categories in the amount of $30,492,406;$41,897,142; shipping, delivery, handling, and purchase allowance expenses in the amount of $14,208,233;$18,989,389; and cost of goods associated with logistics of $560,762. Total gross margin was approximately 27.2% of sales in 2021 compared to approximately 26.7% of sales in 2020.$528,233. Gross margins as a percentage of sales improved slightlydeclined during the current period to 27.2%23.3% compared to 26.7%27.2% during the comparable period, primarily due to variation in product and revenue mix across our various selling channels. channels, increases in fuel costs and fuel surcharges associated with the higher cost of fuel in the United States and higher shipping costs contributed to the decline in gross margins as a percentage of sales.

 

In 2022, we continuecontinued to price our products in order to increase sales, gain market share and increase the number of our end users and customers. We currently expect, if market conditions, overall economic conditions, and our product revenue mix remain constant, that our cost of goods sold may increase and may result in a decrease in profit margin.

 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increaseddecreased by $1,008,411$814,636 or approximately 5%4% to $20,540,229$19,725,593 during the year ended December 31, 20212022 compared to $19,531,818$20,540,229 for the year ended December 31, 2020.2021. The increasedecrease in selling, general, and administrative expenses was primarily due to an increasea decrease in advertising and digital marketing costs in the amount of $499,610, a decrease in payroll and related costs of approximately $915,262 (net of an increase in non-cash compensation in the amount of $142,815), an increase in advertising and marketing costs of $550,770, an increase in insurance costs of $118,119, an increase in office, facilities, and vehicles costs $47,374, and an increase in taxes of $26,868. These increases were partially offset by$424,308, including a decrease of $91,287 in bad debt expense of $223,143, a decrease in amortizationnon-cash compensation; and depreciation of $177,087, a decrease in banking and credit card fees of $125,877,$187,156. Other components of the decrease in selling, general, and administrative expenses include a decrease in bad debt expense in the amount of $33,671 and taxes in the amount of $7,589. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in travel and entertainment costs of $105,297, an increase in office & facilities costs of $73,457, an increase in computer and IT expense of $52,115, an increase in professional fees of $48,434, a$47,371, an increase in amortization and depreciation of $36,344, and an increase in insurance costs of $23,263. The decrease in ITsales, general, and computer costsadministrative expenses represent the results of $44,021. The increases were driven mainly by additional costs including increases in costs including warehouse fulfillment costs associated with COVID-19, increased costs associated with additional personnel mainly related to warehouse operations,our overall employee costscost-cutting efforts as well as the restructuring of our marketing and insurance costs, increased legal, accounting, facility and IT costs including costs associated with the planned launch of new websites, and increased advertising associated with increased spending in digital marketing related to certain of the Company’s e-commerce websites.programs.

 

Gain on forgivenessImpairment of debtInvestment

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021,2022, we made the Companydetermination that our investments in seven food-related companies were unlikely to be recovered, and we recorded a gain on forgiveness of debt in connection with the PPP Loans in the amount of $3,425,015, consisting of $3,398,635 of principal and $26,380 of accrued interest.

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

During the year-ended December 31, 2020, the Company performed impairment tests of our goodwill and intangible assets that incorporated the use of a discounted cash flow model that involves many management assumptions that are based upon future growth projections which include estimates of COVID-19’s impact on our business. Assumptions include estimates of future revenues, growth rates which take into account estimated inflation rates, estimates of future levels of gross profit and operating profit, projected capital expenditures and discount rates based upon industry and competitor analyses. As a result of impairment tests, the Company was required by applicable accounting rules to record an impairment of goodwill and intangible assetson these investments in the aggregate amount of $1,698,952. There was no such comparable charge during the current period. At December 31, 2021, the net carrying value of other amortizable and unamortizable assets on the Company’s balance sheet is $1,605,040.

Impairment of Investment$286,725.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the founder of one of the food related companies passed away in an untimely tragic accident, and as a result the food related company ceased operations and the Company recognized an impairment in the amount of $209,850 in connection with that investment. There was no such comparable transaction in the current period.

Other Income

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized other income in the amount of $294,000 in connection with the termination of the interest rate swap. There was no comparable transaction in the prior period.

Gain on forgiveness of debt

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded a gain on forgiveness of debt in connection with the IVFH PPP Loans in the amount of $3,425,015, consisting of $3,398,635 of principal and $26,380 of accrued interest. There was no comparable transaction in the current period.

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Gain on contingent liabilities

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a total of $295,600 in gains on contingent liabilities. This was composed of two contingent liabilities recorded in connection with the igourmet acquisition on January 24, 2018, with a total remaining balance in the amount of $175,600; and two contingent liabilities recorded in connection with the Mouth acquisition on July 6, 2018, with a total remaining balance in the amount of $120,000. In each instance, the contingent event was not met and the payment period has passed; accordingly, the Company has reversed these liabilities.

Loss on extinguishment of debt

During the year ended December 31, 2022, we entered into a revolving line of credit agreement and two term loan agreements with MapleMark Bank, replacing our revolving line of credit and term loans with Fifth Third Bank. We wrote off the existing discounts to the Fifth Third Bank loans in the amount of $40,556 resulting in a loss on extinguishment of debt. There was no comparable transaction during the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

Other leasing income

 

On November 8, 2019 the Company purchased a logistics and warehouse facility located in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania and leased portions of this facility to a third party for a cell tower installation. During the year ended December 31, 2021,2022, the Company recognized revenueincome in the amount of $10,840$11,226 in connection with the lease of space in thisour Mountaintop warehouse facility, an increase of $386 or approximately 4% compared to $43,810$10,840 during the year ended December 31, 2020 The decrease was due to (i) the Company recognized income in the amount of $22,380 in the current period as revenues in connection with customers for whom the Company provides other logistical services; this category of income was classified as other leasing income during the prior year; (ii) On January 18, 2021, the Company entered into a 50 year easement agreement for total proceeds of $380,000.  The 2021 revenue represents the recognition of the proceeds of the easement over the term of the agreement; the Company recognized additional revenues in the amount of  $10,879 from the previous short-term cell tower leasing agreement in the prior year.

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Gain on disposal of fixed assets

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a gain on the sale of warehouse equipment in the amount of $7,984, compared to a gain on sale of equipment of $0 during the current period. This type of transaction occurs infrequently.2021.

 

Interest expense, net

 

Interest expense, net of interest income, increased by $51,160$233,299 or approximately 17%66% to $353,854$586,153 during the year ended December 31, 2021,2022, compared to $302,576$352,854 during the year ended December 31, 2020.2021. The increase was due primarily to an increase in interest accrued or paid on the Company’s commercial loans and notes payable in the amount of $296,897 during the year ended December 31, 2020$165,703 due to $348,864 during the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company also recordedhigher interest expenserates and an increase in connection with the amortization of prepaid loan fees in the amount of $12,525 during$103,235 due to loan fees incurred in connection with the year ended December 31, 2021 comparedMapleMark and Fifth Third loans. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the amount of $20,639 in connection with the interest rate swap, and a decrease in $14,852 related to $12,560 during the prior period.PPP loans.

 

Net loss

 

For the reasons above, the Company had a net loss for the year ended December 31, 20212022 of $716,331$1,350,002 compared to a net loss of $7,665,024$716,331 during the year ended December 31, 2020.2021. The loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 includes a net total of $1,580,162 in non-cash charges, including charges for non-cash compensation in the amount of $576,964; depreciation expense of $520,848; impairment of investments of $286,725; amortization of prepaid loan fees of $115,760; amortization of intangible assets in the amount of $41,224; and loss on extinguishment of debt of $40,556. These charges were partially offset by a gain on contingent liabilities in the amount of $295,600 and provision for doubtful accounts of $1,915. The loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 includes a total of $1,449,236$1,551,951 in non-cash charges, including amortization of intangible assets in the amount of $8,912; depreciation expense of $517,942; charges for non-cash compensation in the amount of $668,251; depreciation expense of $517,942; impairment of investment of $209,850; provision for doubtful accounts of $31,756; amortization of prepaid loan fees of $12,525; and provision for doubtful accountsamortization of $31,756.intangible assets in the amount of $8,912. These non-cash losses were offset by a gain on forgiveness of debt in the amount of $3,425,015. The loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 includes a total of $3,159,751 in non-cash charges, including impairment of intangible assets in amount of $1,698,952; amortization of intangible assets in the amount of $212,902; depreciation expense of $491,039; charges for non-cash compensation in the amount of $525,436; and amortization of prepaid loan fees of $12,560, and allowance for doubtful accounts of $218,862.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources at December 31, 20212022

 

As of December 31, 2021,2022, the Company had current assets of $12,803,526,$13,212,077, consisting of cash and cash equivalents of $6,122,671;$4,899,398; trade accounts, net receivable of $3,256,764$4,969,395; inventory of $3,109,984;$3,053,852; and other current assets of $314,107.$289,432. Also at December 31, 2021,2022, the Company had current liabilities of $10,197,532,$16,412,609, consisting of trade payables and accrued liabilities of $5,702,905,$6,853,253, accrued interest of $29,349,$18,104, deferred revenue of $1,631,406,$1,558,155, line of credit of $2,000,000,$2,014,333, current portion of notes payable (net of discount) of $412,961,$5,711,800, current portion of operating leaseslease liability of $74,088,$64,987, and current portion of financing leaseslease liability of $159,823, and current portion of contingent liabilities of $187,000.$191,977.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021,2022, the Company had cash used in operating activities of $3,661,569.$599,086. Cash flow used in operations consisted of the Company’s consolidated net loss of $716,331 subtracted by the$1,350,002 less depreciation and amortization of $526,854, non-cash$562,072, stock-based compensation in the amount of $668,251,$576,964, impairment of investment of $286,725, amortization of right-of-use assets of $102,715, provision for doubtful accounts of $31,756,$66,740, and amortization of prepaid loan fees in the amount of $12,525.$115,760, and loss on extinguishment of debt of $40,556. These amounts were partially offset by a gain on contingent liabilities in the forgivenessamount of debt$295,600 and recoveries of $3,425,015, and proceeds from the saledoubtful accounts of common stock.$1,915. The Company’s cash position increaseddecreased by $1,072,174$600,386 as a result of changes in the components of current assets and current liabilities.

 

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The Company had cash used in investing activities of $24,511$114,966 for the year ended December 31, 2021,2022, which consisted of cash paid for the acquisition of property and equipment in the amount of $24,511.equipment.

 

The Company had cash provided byused in financing activities of $4,748,736$509,221 for the year ended December 31, 2021,2022, which consisted of proceeds from a PPP loan in the amount of $1,748,414 and proceeds from the sale of common stock, net of issuances costs of $3,580,372; these amounts were partially offset by principal payments on loans and notes payable in the amount of $433,087 and$172,422; principal payments on financing leases in the amount of $146,963.$176,494; cost of debt financing of $110,305; and payment of offering costs for stock previously accrued of $50,000.

 

The Company had a net working capital deficit of $2,605,994$3,200,532 as of December 31, 2021.2022. The Company had cash used in operationsoperating activities during the year ended December 31, 20212022 in the amount of $3,661,569,$599,086, compared to cash used in operating activities of $1,759,883$3,661,569 during the year ended December 31, 2020.2021. The Company intends to continue to focus on increasing market share and cash flow from operations by focusing its sales activities on specific market segments and new product lines and improving operating efficiencies. Currently, we do not have any material long-term obligations other than those described in Notes 11, 12 and 13 to the financial statements included in this report. As we seek to increase our sales of new items and enter new markets, acquire new businesses as well as identify new food oriented products and services, we may use existing cash reserves, long-term financing, or other means to finance such diversification, although no assurance can be given that such growth will occur.

 

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The Company intends to continue to focus on increasing market share and cash flow from operations by focusing its sales activities on specific market segments and new product lines. As we seek to increase our sales of new items and enter new markets, acquire new businesses as well as identify new and other consumer and food service oriented products and services, we may use existing cash reserves, long-term financing, or other means to finance such diversification.

 

If the Company’s cash flow from operations is insufficient to fully implement its business plan, the Company may require additional financing in order to execute its operating plan. The Company cannot predict whether this additional financing will be in the form of equity or debt, or be in another form. The Company may not be able to obtain the necessary additional capital on a timely basis, on acceptable terms, or at all.

 

In any of these events, the Company may be unable to implement its current plans for expansion, repay its debt obligations as they become due or respond to competitive pressures, any of which circumstances would have a material adverse effect on its business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

 

20222023 Plans

 

Since 2020 theThe world has been in the grip of a pandemic since March 2020 which has wreaked havoc on economies world-wide, including in the U.S., which is our primary market. As a result of the pandemic, restaurants, hotels, country clubs, casinos, catering houses and other segments of our primary customers havecustomer base were either been closed completely or arehave only partially openopened with significantly reduced operations. Accordingly, foodservice revenues, which historically have been a significant overall portion of our overall revenues havehad been significantly reduced as most foodservice establishments cross the United States closed or had limited operations. As a result, foodservice revenue commencing in the second half of March 2020 and continuing throughoutthrough the year and intoend of 2021 experienced unprecedented declines. AsIn 2022, as the pandemic has begunbegan to decline in the United Statesrecede and foodservice establishments have begun to reopen,reopened and travel resumed, we have experienced improvingstrong foodservice revenue growth. Concurrently, while ecommerce revenues although our revenues have not yet reached its previousremained above pre-pandemic historical levels, for the full year. While the declinelower deferred revenues recognized in the pandemictwelve months of 2022 and decreases in COVID-19 driven demand in 2022 compared to 2021 (partially driven by the continued re-opening of bricks and mortar stores resulted in a decline of e-commerce revenues compared to the comparable quarter in 2020, ecommerce revenues remainedstores), and an increasingly challenging digital marketing environment fueled by industry-wide marketing challenges, including expanded privacy rules that significantly above pre-pandemic historical levels.

In April 2020 we applied for and received a loan of approximately $1,650,221 under a program established under a congressionally approved program which is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. In 2021 we applied for and received $1,748,414 in new loans under a similar government program administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. During the year ended December 31, 2021,  the Company received notifications from Fifth Third Bank, N.A. that principal and accrued interest in the aggregate amounts of $3,398,635 and $26,380, respectively, due under the  PPP Loans had been forgiven; at December 31, 2021, the balance due under the PPP loans was $0. Between cash on hand, access to outside capital, and our current expectations of incoming revenues, we believe we have sufficient resources to continue operating for at least the next 12 months. However, inasmuch as we cannot predict the timing and the effect of the pandemic on general economic activities, we cannot predict the trajectory of the pandemic and the amount of economic stress we could experience if the pandemic were to worsen in the United States and worldwide. While we intend to continue to focus on executing on our strategic growth plans, given the current economic conditions, we are not able to determine the exact timeframe in 2022, if at all, that we can then again consider fully implementing portions of the plans described below.reduce data sharing.

 

During 2022,2023, as Mr. Bennett has now recently taken the role of CEO, we will be doing a holistic review of the Company’s portfolio of businesses and go to market strategies. In the meantime, we plan to continue to expand our business by expanding our focus toon additional specialty foods markets and by leveraging our e-commerce platform to launch and grow either organically and/or through acquisition, new D2C brands and e-commerce sites within targeted consumer areas on the Company’seither organically and/or through acquisition of new D2C brands and e-commerce platform.sites within targeted consumer areas. In addition, we will continue exploring potential acquisition and partnership opportunities with influencers and other celebrities to continue to extend our focus in the specialty food market through the growth of the Company’s existing sales channels and through a variety of additional potential sales channel relationships. Additionally, to further optimize the Company’s return on marketing spend, the company has meaningfully reduced its digital marketing spend in traditional digital marketing channels and has shifted focus to increasing our strategic loyalty and retention focused customer experience improvements across our branded online retailers. Additional focus includes further improving the customer experience on our existing food subscription offerings, expanding our traditional monthly subscription offerings and launching a “subscribe and save” subscription offering.

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In addition, we are currently exploring the introduction of, or have introduced into the market, a variety of new product categories and new product lines, including private label products and proprietary branded products to leverage our existing foodservice and consumer customer base.

 

Furthermore, the Company intends to continue to expand its activities in the direct to consumerdirect-to-consumer space and the overall consumer packaged goods (CPG) space throughby leveraging its overall capabilities in the consumer space, including leveraging its direct to consumer e-commerce platform to reach both additional customers in multiple channels, and to expand availability of its e-commerce capabilities to additional products and markets.

 

The Company also plans on expanding its B2B offerings, including of its managed services which provide a complete customer backend experience solution for small to large brands by leveraging the platform's procurement, logistics and fulfillment capabilities. The Company also manages monthly subscription offerings on behalf of third party B2B clients and the Company plans on expanding this offering in 2023. In addition, the Company is focused on formally launching its B2B managed marketplace offerings, currently in beta testing, in which the Company offers its B2B customers a complete managed solution including warehousing fulfillment and listing management, for third party marketplace for marketplaces such as Amazon, Walmart and other third party marketplaces.

No assurances can be given that any of these plans will come to fruition or that if implemented that they will necessarily yield positive results.

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues, or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

 

Inflation

 

In the opinion of management, inflation has not had a material effect on the Company’s financial condition orand results of its operations. The Company has seen inflation across its costs for fuel, shipping, cost of goods, and marketing. Balancing the management of these increases with the willingness of our customers to pay higher prices will be a key focus for the Company this year. However, no assurance can be given that we will be successful and inflationary pressure on our profits will likely continue into 2023.

 

Transactions with Major Customers

 

The Company's largest customer, U.S. Foods, Inc. and its affiliates, accounted for approximately 46%49% and 40%46% of total sales in each of the years ended December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, respectively; and approximately 46% of total sales in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to 40% of total sales in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to 32% of total sales in the fourth quarter of 2020.2021. A contract between our subsidiary, Food Innovations, and USF entered an optional renewal period in December 2012 but was automatically extended for an additional 12 months in each of January 1, 2013 and 2014. On January 26, 2015 we executed a contract directly between Food Innovations, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, and U.S. Foods, Inc. The term of the Agreement was from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016 and provided for a limited number of automatic annual renewals thereafter if no party gives the other 30 days' notice of its intent not to renew. Based on the terms, the Agreement was extended through 2018. Effective January 1, 2018 the Agreement was further amended to remove the cap on renewals, and provide for an unlimited number of additional 12-month terms unless either party notifies the other in writing, 30 days prior to the end date, of its intent not to renew.

 

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ITEM 8. Financial Statements

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders’ and Board of Directors
Innovative Food Holdings, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Innovative Food Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related consolidated notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

ASSURANCE DIMENSIONSCERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS & ASSOCIATES

also d/b/a McNAMARA and ASSOCIATES, PLLC

TAMPA BAY: 4920 W Cypress Street, Suite 102 | Tampa, FL 33607 | Office: 813.443.5048 | Fax: 813.443.5053

JACKSONVILLE: 4720 Salisbury Road, Suite 223 | Jacksonville, FL 32256 | Office: 888.410.2323 | Fax: 813.443.5053

ORLANDO:  1800 Pembrook Drive, Suite 300 | Orlando, FL 32810 | Office: 888.410.2323 | Fax: 813.443.5053

SOUTH FLORIDA:  2000 Banks Road, Suite 218 | Margate,  FL 33063 | Office: 754.800.3400 | Fax: 813.443.5053

www.assurancedimensions.com

28

Going Concern

Description of the matter and considerations leading to the matter

As described in Notes 11 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has a revolving credit facility and term loan agreement with MapleMark which is due to mature on May 27, 2023, resulting in negative working capital as of December 31, 2022. This raises substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern for a period of one year from the date of our report  if (i) the maturity date is not extended by the bank and (ii) the loan becomes in default and payable on demand as per the terms of the loan agreements. Given that the Company did not have a sufficient cash balance at December 31, 2022 or thereafter to pay down the loans and given that net cash was used in operations during the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company may not be able to repay the loan balance if called upon by the bank which resulted in the going concern risk noted.

Furthermore, as discussed in Note 11 and 12, the Company is waiting on the approval of a guarantee from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) which the bank has applied for and would (i) guarantee the loan up to 80% and (ii) extend the maturity date to 2052. As of the date of the audit opinion the guarantee had not been received which further added to the going concern risk noted above.

As a result of the foregoing, management has developed plans which it determined alleviate the substantial doubt regarding its ability to continue as a going concern. See Note 19.

Description of how the matter was addressed

We obtained management’s assessment of going concern and their plans to meet financial obligations in the instance the guarantee is not obtained which included (i) proposed financing by various lenders of two owned buildings with an appraised value greater than the loan amount along with working capital financing collateralized by accounts receivable and inventory evidenced by multiple term sheets; (ii) the ability to refinance with the current bank and extend the loan maturity date supported by written correspondence from the lender ; and (iii) management’s development of and review of projections showing increased sales and projected cash flows from operations, supporting the basis for the term sheets and other financing correspondence from the various lenders.

In addition, we reviewed the conditional commitment issued by the USDA to the Company which outlines the terms and conditions of the guarantee and conditions to be met by the Company and which will be presented to the USDA committee for approval.  We had conversations with the Company’s bank representative who corroborated the status of the application and that conditional commitment terms have been met and the willingness of the bank to assist the Company with refinance or other options if the guarantee is not obtained from the USDA.

Conclusion

Based on management’s plans and related evidence obtained, substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is alleviated and as such, we did not include a going concern emphasis of a matter in our report herein.

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We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2022

Margate, Florida

March 31, 2023

29

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of:

Innovative Food Holdings, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetssheet of Innovative Food Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the periodyear ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as “the consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the periodyear ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal controls over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

30

 

Critical Audit Matters

 

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

 

Contingencies

 

As described in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company is involved in a number of legal proceedings and has made accruals with respect to certain of these matters. Where a liability is reasonably possible and may be material, such matters have been disclosed. Management exercised judgment and assessed the probability of occurrence based on the ability to predict the number of claims that may be filed and whether it can reasonably estimate any loss or range of loss that may arise from that proceeding.

 

Auditing management’s accounting for, and disclosure of, loss contingencies was highly judgmental as it involved our assessment of the significant judgments made by management when assessing the probability of occurrence or when determining whether an estimate of the loss or range of loss could be made.

 

To test the Company’s assessment of the probability of occurrence or determination of an estimate of loss, or range of loss, among other procedures, we read the legal documentations, reviewed opinions provided to the Company by certain outside legal counsel, read letters received directly by us from external counsel, and evaluated the current status of contingencies based on discussions with legal counsel. We also evaluated the appropriateness of the related disclosures.

 

 

/s/ Liggett & Webb, P.A.

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2012

 

Boynton Beach, Florida

March 31, 2022

 

3031

 

Innovative Food Holdings, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 
         

ASSETS

        

Current assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $6,122,671  $5,060,015 

Accounts receivable, net

  3,256,764   2,380,305 

Inventory

  3,109,984   3,719,786 

Other current assets

  314,107   286,815 

Total current assets

  12,803,526   11,446,921 
         

Property and equipment, net

  8,186,227   8,550,401 

Investments

  286,725   496,575 

Right to use assets, operating leases, net

  232,381   246,737 

Right to use assets, finance leases, net

  669,039   776,439 

Other amortizable intangible assets, net

  72,218   100,380 

Other unamortizable intangible assets

  1,532,822   1,532,822 

Total assets

 $23,782,938  $23,150,275 
         

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

        

Current liabilities

        

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 $5,702,905  $5,098,523 

Accrued interest, current portion

  29,349   28,873 

Deferred revenue

  1,631,406   2,917,676 

Line of Credit

  2,000,000   2,000,000 

Notes payable - current portion, net of discount

  412,961   1,741,571 

Lease liability - operating leases, current

  74,088   87,375 

Lease liability - finance leases, current

  159,823   146,004 

Contingent liability - current portion

  187,000   187,000 

Total current liabilities

  10,197,532   12,207,022 
         

Lease liability - operating leases, non-current

  158,293   159,362 

Lease liability - finance leases, non-current

  499,240   638,137 

Contingent liability - long-term

  108,600   116,600 

Note payable - long term portion, net

  5,409,172   6,151,345 

Total liabilities

  16,372,837   19,272,466 
         

Commitments & Contingencies (see note 17)

  -   - 
         

Stockholders' equity

        

Common stock: $0.0001 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 48,879,331 and 38,209,060 shares issued, and 46,041,751 and 35,371,480 shares outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively

  4,885   3,817 

Additional paid-in capital

  41,662,710   37,415,155 

Treasury stock: 2,623,171 shares outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020

  (1,141,370

)

  (1,141,370

)

Accumulated deficit

  (33,116,124

)

  (32,399,793

)

Total stockholders' equity

  7,410,101   3,877,809 
         

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $23,782,938  $23,150,275 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

31

Innovative Food Holdings, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

  

For the

  

For the

 
  

Year Ended

  

Year Ended

 
  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 
         
         

Revenue

 $62,212,148  $51,676,028 

Cost of goods sold

  45,261,401   37,859,500 

Gross margin

  16,950,747   13,816,528 
         

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  20,540,229   19,531,818 

Impairment of intangible assets

  -   1,698,952 

Total operating expenses

  20,540,229   21,230,770 
         

Operating loss

  (3,589,482

)

  (7,414,242

)

         

Other income (expense):

        

Gain on forgiveness of debt

  3,425,015   - 

Impairment of investment

  (209,850

)

  - 

Gain on sale of fixed assets

  -   7,984 

Other leasing income

  10,840   43,810 

Interest expense, net

  (352,854

)

  (302,576

)

Total other income (expense)

  2,873,151   (250,782

)

         

Net loss before taxes

  (716,331

)

  (7,665,024

)

         

Provision for income tax expense

  -   - 
         

Net loss

 $(716,331

)

 $(7,665,024

)

         

Net loss per share - basic

 $(0.02

)

 $(0.22

)

         

Net loss per share - diluted

 $(0.02

)

 $(0.22

)

         

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

  39,448,041   34,871,785 
         

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted

  39,448,041   34,871,785 
  

 December 31,

  

 December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
         

ASSETS

        

Current assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $4,899,398  $6,122,671 

Accounts receivable, net

  4,969,395   3,256,764 

Inventory, net

  3,053,852   3,109,984 

Other current assets

  289,432   314,107 

Total current assets

  13,212,077   12,803,526 
         

Property and equipment, net

  7,921,561   8,186,227 

Investments

  -   286,725 

Right of use assets, operating leases, net

  152,425   232,381 

Right of use assets, finance leases, net

  570,323   669,039 

Other amortizable intangible assets, net

  30,994   72,218 

Tradenames and other unamortizable intangible assets

  1,532,822   1,532,822 

Total assets

 $23,420,202  $23,782,938 
         

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

        

Current liabilities

        

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 $6,853,253  $5,702,905 

Accrued interest, current portion

  18,104   29,349 

Deferred revenue

  1,558,155   1,631,406 

Line of Credit

  2,014,333   2,000,000 

Notes payable - current portion, net of discount

  5,711,800   412,961 

Lease liability - operating leases, current

  64,987   74,088 

Lease liability - finance leases, current

  191,977   159,823 

Contingent liability - current portion

  -   187,000 

Total current liabilities

  16,412,609   10,197,532 
         

Lease liability - operating leases, non-current

  87,438   158,293 

Lease liability - finance leases, non-current

  333,092   499,240 

Contingent liability - long-term

  -   108,600 

Note payable - long term portion, net

  -   5,409,172 

Total liabilities

  16,833,139   16,372,837 
         
         

Commitments & Contingencies (see note 16)

        
         

Stockholders' equity

        

Common stock: $0.0001 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 50,927,237 and 48,879,331 shares issued, and 48,089,657 and 46,041,751 shares outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively

  5,088   4,885 

Additional paid-in capital

  42,189,471   41,662,710 

Treasury stock: 2,623,171 shares outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021

  (1,141,370

)

  (1,141,370

)

Accumulated deficit

  (34,466,126

)

  (33,116,124

)

Total stockholders' equity

  6,587,063   7,410,101 
         

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $23,420,202  $23,782,938 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

32

 

Innovative Food Holdings, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsOperations

 

  

For the

  

For the

 
  

Year Ended

  

Year Ended

 
  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 
         

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net loss

 $(716,331

)

 $(7,665,024

)

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

        

Gain on forgiveness of debt

  (3,425,015

)

  - 

Impairment of intangible assets

  -   1,698,952 

Impairment of investment

  209,850   - 

Depreciation and amortization

  526,854   703,941 

Amortization of right-of-use asset

  102,715   161,926 

Amortization of prepaid loan fees

  12,525   12,560 

Stock based compensation

  668,251   525,436 

Gain on sale of fixed assets

  -   (7,984

)

Provision for doubtful accounts

  31,756   254,899 
         

Changes in assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable, net

  (930,595

)

  674,626 

Inventory and other current assets, net

  604,890   (1,443,640

)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  650,516   1,108,451 

Deferred revenue

  (1,286,270

)

  2,417,900 

Contingent liabilities

  (8,000

)

  (40,000

)

Operating lease liability

  (102,715

)

  (161,926

)

Net cash used in operating activities

  (3,661,569

)

  (1,759,883

)

         

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Cash paid for website development

  -   (19,250

)

Acquisition of property and equipment

  (24,511

)

  (431,137

)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (24,511

)

  (450,387

)

         

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Proceeds from line of credit

  -   2,000,000 

Proceeds from Payroll Protection Plan Loan

  1,748,414   1,650,221 

Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of costs

  3,580,372   - 

Principal payments on debt

  (433,087

)

  (278,668

)

Principal payments financing leases

  (146,963

)

  (67,318

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

  4,748,736   3,304,235 
         

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

  1,062,656   1,093,965 
         

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

  5,060,015   3,966,050 
         

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 $6,122,671  $5,060,015 
         

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

        
         

Cash paid during the period for:

        

Interest

 $298,481  $201,679 
         

Taxes

 $-  $- 
         

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

        

Building improvements financed under note payable

 $-  $1,900,000 

Increase in right to use assets & liabilities

 $88,359  $214,930 

Reclassification of accounts receivable to other current assets and investment

 $22,380  $61,350 

Capital lease for purchase of fixed assets

 $21,885  $677,021 
  

For the

  

For the

 
  

Year Ended

  

Year Ended

 
  

 December 31,

  

 December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
         

Revenue

 $80,102,964  $62,212,148 

Cost of goods sold

  61,414,765   45,261,401 

Gross margin

  18,688,199   16,950,747 
         

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  19,725,593   20,540,229 

      Total operating expenses

  19,725,593   20,540,229 
         

Operating loss

  (1,037,394

)

  (3,589,482

)

         

Other income (expense:)

        

   Impairment of investment

  (286,725

)

  (209,850

)

   Other income

  294,000   - 

   Gain on forgiveness of debt

  -   3,425,015 

   Gain on contingent liability

  295,600   - 

   Loss on extinguishment of debt

  (40,556

)

  - 

   Other leasing income

  11,226   10,840 

   Interest expense, net

  (586,153

)

  (352,854

)

      Total other income (expense)

  (312,608

)

  2,873,151 
         

Net loss before taxes

  (1,350,002

)

  (716,331

)

         

Income tax expense

  -   - 
         

Net loss

 $(1,350,002

)

 $(716,331

)

         

Net loss per share - basic

 $(0.03

)

 $(0.02

)

         

Net loss per share - diluted

 $(0.03

)

 $(0.02

)

         

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

  47,129,511   39,448,041 
         

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted

  47,129,511   39,448,041 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

33

 

Innovative Food Holdings, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

For the Years Ended December 31, 20212022 and 20202021

 

          

Additional

                 
  

Common Stock

  

Paid-in

  

Treasury Stock

  

Accumulated

     
  

Amount

  

Value

  

Capital

  

Amount

  

Value

  

Deficit

  

Total

 
                             

Balance - December 31, 2019

  37,210,859  $3,718  $36,889,818   2,623,171  $(1,141,370

)

 $(24,734,769

)

 $11,017,397 

Fair value of vested stock and stock options issued to management and directors

  954,496   95   505,920   -   -   -   506,015 

Fair value of shares issued to employees and service providers

  43,705   4   19,417   -   -   -   19,421 

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020

  -   -   -   -   -   (7,665,024

)

  (7,665,024

)

Balance - December 31, 2020

  38,209,060  $3,817  $37,415,155   2,623,171  $(1,141,370

)

 $(32,399,793

)

 $3,877,809 
                             

Fair value of vested stock and stock options issued to management and directors

  1,295,271   130   668,121   -   -   -   668,251 

Common stock sold for cash, net of costs

  9,375,000   938   3,579,434   -   -   -   3,580,372 

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021

  -   -   -   -   -   (716,331

)

  (716,331

)

Balance - December 31, 2021

  48,879,331  $4,885  $41,662,710   2,623,171  $(1,141,370

)

 $(33,116,124

)

 $7,410,101 
          

 Additional

                 
  

Common Stock

  

Paid-in

  

Treasury Stock

  

Accumulated

     
  

Amount

  

Value

  

Capital

  

Amount

  

Value

  

Deficit

  

Total

 
                             

Balance - December 31, 2020

  38,209,060  $3,817  $37,415,155   2,623,171  $(1,141,370

)

 $(32,399,793

)

 $3,877,809 

Shares issued for compensation

  1,295,271   130   523,847   -   -   -   523,977 

Vesting of stock options

  -   -   144,274   -   -   -   144,274 

Common stock sold for cash, net of costs

  9,375,000   938   3,579,434   -   -   -   3,580,372 

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021

  -   -   -   -   -   (716,331

)

  (716,331

)

Balance - December 31, 2021

  48,879,331  $4,885  $41,662,710   2,623,171  $(1,141,370

)

 $(33,116,124

)

 $7,410,101 
                             

Shares issued for compensation

  1,871,604   186   506,000   -   -   -   506,186 

Vesting of stock options

  -   -   8,738   -   -       8,738 

Offering expenses for stock previously sold for cash

  -   -   (50,000

)

  -   -   -   (50,000

)

Common stock issued for services

  176,302   17   59,931   -   -   -   59,948 

Fair value of options issued to consultant

  -   -   2,092   -   -   -   2,092 

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022

  -   -   -   -   -   (1,350,002

)

  (1,350,002

)

Balance - December 31, 2022

  50,927,237  $5,088  $42,189,471   2,623,171  $(1,141,370

)

 $(34,466,126

)

 $6,587,063 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

34

Innovative Food Holdings, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  

For the

  

For the

 
  

Year Ended

  

Year Ended

 
  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net loss

 $(1,350,002

)

 $(716,331

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

        

Gain on forgiveness of debt

  -   (3,425,015

)

Gain on contingent liabilities

  (295,600

)

  - 

Impairment of investment

  286,725   209,850 

Depreciation and amortization

  562,072   526,854 

Amortization of right of use asset

  66,740   102,715 

Amortization of prepaid loan fees

  115,760   12,525 

Stock based compensation

  576,964   668,251 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

  40,556   - 

Provision (recoveries) for doubtful accounts

  (1,915

)

  31,756 
         

Changes in assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable, net

  (1,710,716

)

  (930,595

)

Inventory and other current assets, net

  80,807   604,890 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  1,169,514   650,516 

Deferred revenue

  (73,251

)

  (1,286,270

)

Contingent liabilities

  -   (8,000

)

Operating lease liability

  (66,740

)

  (102,715

)

Net cash used in operating activities

  (599,086

)

  (3,661,569

)

         

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Acquisition of property and equipment

  (114,966

)

  (24,511

)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (114,966

)

  (24,511

)

         

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Payment of offering costs for stock previously issued

  (50,000

)

  - 

Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of costs

      3,580,372 

Proceeds from Payroll Protection Plan Loan

  -   1,748,414 

Principal payments on debt

  (172,422

)

  (433,087

)

Principal payments financing leases

  (176,494

)

  (146,963

)

Cost of debt financing

  (110,305

)

  - 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  (509,221

)

  4,748,736 
         

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  (1,223,273

)

  1,062,656 
         

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  6,122,671   5,060,015 
         

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $4,899,398  $6,122,671 
         

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

        
         

Cash paid during the period for:

        
         

Interest

 $461,563  $298,481 
         

Taxes

 $-  $- 
         

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

        

(Decrease) Increase in right to use assets & liabilities

 $(13,216

)

 $88,359 

Finance lease for fixed assets

 $42,500  $21,885 

Debt to Fifth Third Bank paid directly by Maple Mark Bank

 $7,686,481  $- 

Reclassification of accounts receivable to other assets

 $-  $22,380 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

35

 

INNOVATIVE FOOD HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20212022 and 20202021

 

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Business Activity

 

Our business is currently conducted by our wholly owned subsidiaries, some of which are non-operating, Artisan Specialty Foods, Inc. (“Artisan”), Food Innovations, Inc. (“FII”), Food New Media Group, Inc. (“FNM”), Organic Food Brokers, LLC (“OFB”), Gourmet Foodservice Group, Inc. (“GFG”), Gourmet Foodservice Group Warehouse, Inc. (“GFW”), Gourmeting, Inc. (“Gourmeting”), Haley Food Group, Inc. (“Haley”), Oasis Sales Corp. (“Oasis”), 4 The Gourmet, Inc. (d/b/a For The Gourmet, Inc.), (“Gourmet”), Innovative Food Properties, LLC (“IFP”), Plant Innovations, Inc. (“Plant Innovations”), Innovative Gourmet, LLC (“Innovative Gourmet” or “igourmet”), Food Funding, LLC (“Food Funding”), Logistics Innovations, LLC (L Innovations”), M Innovations, LLC (“M Innovations” or “Mouth”), MI Foods, LLC (“MIF”), M Foods Innovations, LLC (“M Foods”), P Innovations, LLC (“P Innovations”), PlantBelly, LLC (“PlantBelly”), Innovative Foods, Inc. (“IFI”) and Innovative Gourmet Partnerships, LLC (“IGP”), and collectively with IVFH and its other subsidiaries, the “Company” or “IVFH”) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation of these entities.

 

Overall, our business activities are focused around the creation and growth of a platform which provides distribution or the enabling of distribution of high quality, unique specialty food and food related products ranging from specialty foodservice products to Consumer-Packaged Goods (“CPG”) products through a variety of sales channels ranging from national partnership based and regionally based foodservice related sales channels to e-commerce sales channels offering products both direct to consumers (“D2C”) and direct to business (“B2B”). In our business model, we receive orders from our customers and then work closely with our suppliers and our warehouse facilities to have the orders fulfilled. In order to maintain freshness and quality, we carefully select our suppliers based upon, among other factors, their quality, uniqueness, reliability and access to overnight courier services.

 

FII, thoughthrough its relationship with the producers, growers, and makers of thousands of unique specialty foodservice products and through its relationship with US Foods, Inc. (“U.S. Foods” or “USF”), has been in the business of providing premium restaurants, within 24 – 72 hours, with the freshest origin-specific perishable, and healthcare products shipped directly from our network of vendors and from our warehouses. Our customers include restaurants, hotels, country clubs, national chain accounts, casinos, hospitals and catering houses.

 

Gourmet has been in the business of providing specialty food via e-commerce through its own website at www.forthegourmet.com and through other ecommerce channels, with unique specialty gourmet food products shipped directly from our network of vendors and from our warehouses within 24 – 72 hours.

 

Artisan is a supplier of over 1,500 unique specialty foodservice products to over 500 customers such as chefs, restaurants, etc. in the Greater Chicago area and serves as a national fulfillment center for certain of the Company’s other subsidiaries.

 

GFG is focused on expanding the Company’s program offerings to additional specialty foodservice customers.

 

Haley is a dedicated foodservice consulting and advisory firm that works closely with companies to access private label and manufacturers’ private label food service opportunities with the intent of helping them launch and commercialize new products in the broadline foodservice industry and assists in the enabling of the distribution of products via national broadline food distributors.

 

IFP was formed to hold the Company’s real estate holdings including the recently acquired facility in Mountaintop, Pennsylvania.

 

OFB and Oasis function as outsourced national sales and brand management teams for emerging organic and specialty food CPG companies of a variety of sizes and business stages, and provides emerging and unique CPG specialty food brands with distribution and shelf placement access in all of the major metro markets in the food retail industry.

 

igourmet has been in the business of providing D2C specialty food via e-commerce through its own website at www.igourmet.com and through other channels such as www.amazon.com, www.ebay.com, and www.walmart.com. In addition, igourmet.com offers a line of B2B specialty foodservice items. Products are primarily shipped directly from igourmet.com’s approximately 100,000 square feet warehouse in Pennsylvania via igourmet.com owned trucks and via third party carrier directly to thousands of customers nationwide.

 

3536

 

Mouth.com (www.mouth.com) is an online retailer of specialty foods, monthly subscription boxes and curated gift boxes to thousands of consumers and corporate customers across the United States. Mouth sources high quality specialty foods crafted in the US by independent and small batch makers, and expertly curates them into standout food gifts for both consumers and corporate customers. Mouth also has launched a private label brand, including several award-winning products.

 

P Innovations focus is to leverage acquired assets to expand the Company’s subscription-based e-commerce business activities and to launch new businesses leveraging the Company’s e-commerce platform.

 

Plant Innovations is focused on plant-based D2C brands and online retail within the e-commerce space.

 

L Innovations provides 3rd party warehouse and fulfillment services out of its location at the Company’s PA facility.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate these estimates, including those related to revenue recognition and concentration of credit risk. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Accounts subject to estimate and judgements are accounts receivable reserves, inventory reserves, income taxes, intangible assets, contingent liabilities, operating and finance right toof use assets and liabilities, and equity-based instruments. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe our estimates have not been materially inaccurate in past years, and our assumptions are not likely to change in the foreseeable future.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Innovative Food Holdings, Inc., and its wholly owned operating subsidiaries, some of which are non-operating, Artisan, FII, FNM, OFB, GFG, GFW, Gourmeting, Haley, Oasis, Innovative Gourmet,igourmet, Food Funding, IFP, L Innovations, M Innovations, P Innovations, MIF, M Foods, PlantBelly, Plant Innovations, IFI, IGP, and Gourmet. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation of these entities.entities, some of which are non-operating.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue upon product delivery. All of our products are shipped either same day or overnight or through longer shipping terms to the customer and the customer takes title to product and assumes risk and ownership of the product when it is delivered. Shipping charges to customers and sales taxes collectible from customers, if any, are included in revenues.

 

For revenue from product sales (i.e., specialty foodservice and e-commerce), the Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. A five-step analysis must be met as outlined in Topic 606: (i) identify the contract with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) performance obligations are satisfied. Provisions for discounts and rebates to customers, estimated returns and allowances, and other adjustments are provided for in the same period the related sales are recorded. The Company defers any revenue for which the product has not been delivered or is subject to refund until such time that the Company and the customer jointly determine that the product has been delivered or no refund will be required.

 

Revenue from brand management services are comprised of fees and/or commissions associated with client sales. Revenue from brand management services are recognized at the point in time when services are rendered to the client.

Warehouse and logistic services revenue is primarily comprised of inventory management, order fulfilment and warehousing services. Warehouse & logistics services revenues are recognized at the point in time when the services are rendered to the customer.

 

3637

 

Disaggregation of Revenue

 

The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue by from sales for the years ended December 31, 20212022 and 2020:2021:

 

 

Year Ended

  

Year Ended

 
 

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
 

2021

  

2020

  

2022

  

2021

 

Specialty foodservice

 $40,757,952  $27,544,188  $64,012,458  $40,757,952 

E-Commerce

  19,518,169   22,371,386   13,992,138   19,518,169 

National Brand Management

  1,036,564   1,099,735   1,171,335   1,036,564 

Warehouse and Logistic Services

  899,463   660,719   927,033   899,463 

Total

 $62,212,148  $51,676,028  $80,102,964  $62,212,148 

 

Cost of goods sold

 

We have included in cost of goods sold all costs which are directly related to the generation of revenue. These costs include primarily the cost of food and raw materials, packing and handling, shipping, and delivery costs.

 

We have also included all payroll costs as cost of goods sold in our leasing and logistics services business.

 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

 

We have included in selling, general, and administrative expenses all other costs which support the Company’s operations, but which are not includable as a cost of sales. These include primarily payroll, facility costs such as rent and utilities, selling expenses such as commissions and advertising, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation, and other administrative costs including professional fees and costs associated with non-cash stock compensation. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash equivalents include all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less which are not securing any corporate obligations.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments and related items, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and trade receivables. The Company places its cash and temporary cash in investments with credit quality institutions. At times, such investments may be in excess of applicable government mandated insurance limit. At December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, trade receivables from the Company’s largest customer amounted to 28%20% and 22%28%, respectively, of total trade receivables. During the year ended December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, sales from the Company’s largest customer amounted to 46%49% and 40%46% of total sales, respectively.

 

The Company maintains cash balances in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limits. At December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, the total cash in excess of these limits was $4,555,032$3,205,568 and $3,385,113,$4,555,032, respectively.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to the estimated uncollectible amounts. The Company’s estimate is based on historical collection experience and a review of the current status of trade accounts receivable. It is reasonably possible that the Company’s estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts will change. Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $375,931$340,225 and $343,832$375,931 at December 31, 2021,2022, and 2020,2021, respectively.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are valued at cost. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives up to five years using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

 

3738

 

The estimated service lives of property and equipment are as follows:

 

Computer Equipment

3 years

Warehouse Equipment

5 years

Warehouse Equipment - Heavy

10 years

Office Furniture and Fixtures

5 years

Vehicles

5 years

Buildings

30 years

 

Inventories

 

Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market and is determined by the first-in, first-out method.  In lieu of an inventory reserve, the Company adjusts inventory based upon bi-weekly cycle counts and upon the expiration date of food products.

 

Deferred Revenue

 

Certain customer arrangements in the Company's business such as gift cards and e-commerce subscription purchases result in deferred revenues when cash payments are received in advance of performance. Gift cards issued by the Company generally have an expiration of five years from date of purchase. The Company records a liability for unredeemed gift cards and advance payments for monthly club memberships as cash is received, and the liability is reduced when the card is redeemed or product delivered.

 

The following table represents the changes in deferred revenue as reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets:

 

Balance acquired as of December 31, 2019

 $499,776 

Cash payments received

  3,060,226 

Net sales recognized

  (642,326

)

Balance as of December 31, 2020

 $2,917,676 
    

Balance acquired as of December 31, 2020

 $2,917,676 

Cash payments received

  2,392,745   2,392,745 

Net sales recognized

  (3,679,015

)

  (3,679,015

)

Balance as of December 31, 2021

 $1,631,406  $1,631,406 

Cash payments received

  1,833,947 

Net sales recognized

  (1,907,198

)

Balance as of December 31, 2022

 $1,558,155 

 

Income Taxes

 

Deferred tax assetsIn December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”), which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and liabilities are recognizedalso clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2021; the future tax consequences attributable to differences between theadoption of this standard has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assetsstatements and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets, including tax loss and credit carryforwards, and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as income in the period that includes the enactment date.related disclosures.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes payable, line of credit, accounts payable and accrued expenses, none of which is held for trading, approximates their estimated fair values due to the short-term maturities of those financial instruments.

 

The Company adopted ASC 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements”, which provides a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP. ASC 820-10 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820-10 requires that valuation techniques maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

 

3839

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews its property and equipment and any identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The test for impairment is required to be performed by management at least annually. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted operating cash flow expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.  No impairment of long-lived assets was deemed necessary at December 31, 2022.

 

Cost Method Investments

 

The Company has made several investments in early stage private food related companies and are accounting for these investments under the cost method. At December 31, 2022, the Company made the determination that it was unlikely to recover the cost of these investments, and recorded an impairment in the amount of $286,725.

 

Basic and Diluted Income Per Share

 

Basic net earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, while fully-diluted net earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potentially dilutive securities assumed to be outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive securities consist of options and warrants to purchase common stock, and convertible debt. Basic and diluted net loss per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.

 

The Company uses the treasury stock method to calculate the impact of outstanding stock options and warrants. Stock options and warrants for which the exercise price exceeds the average market price over the period have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per common share and, accordingly, are excluded from the calculation.

 

Dilutive shares at December 31, 2021:2022:

 

Convertible notesStock Options

The following table summarizes the options outstanding and interestthe related prices for the options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock issued by the Company at December 31, 2022:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Number

 

 

Contractual

 

 

Price

 

 

of Options

 

 

Life (years)

 

 

$

0.41

 

 

 

125,000

 

 

 

1.32

 

 

$

0.50

 

 

 

125,000

 

 

 

1.32

 

 

$

0.60

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

2.99

 

 

$

0.62

 

 

 

360,000

 

 

 

1.00

 

 

$

0.85

 

 

 

540,000

 

 

 

1.00

 

 

$

1.00

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

2.99

 

 

$

1.20

 

 

 

1,050,000

 

 

 

0.90

 

 

$

0.93

 

 

 

2,300,000

 

 

 

1.07

 

Restricted Stock Awards

 

At December 31, 20212022, there were no convertible notes outstanding.are 300,000 unvested restricted stock awards remaining from grants in a prior year. Those 300,000 restricted stock awards will vest as follows: 125,000 restricted stock awards will vest contingent upon the attainment of a stock price of $2.00 per share for 20 straight trading days, and an additional 175,000 restricted stock awards will vest contingent upon the attainment of a stock price of $3.00 per share for 20 straight trading days.

 

40

WarrantsStock-based compensation

 

AtDuring the year ended December 31, 2021 there2022, the Company incurred obligations to issue the following shares of common stock pursuant to employment agreements: an aggregate total of 2,149,384 shares of common stock with a market value of $561,600 were no warrants outstanding.accrued for issuance to its Chief Executive Officer; of this amount, 381,036 with a market value of $95,414 were withheld for the payment of income taxes, and the net number of shares issuable to the Chief Executive Officer was 1,768,348 with a market value of $466,186. Also during the period an aggregate total of 103,256 shares of common stock with a market value of $40,000 were accrued for issuance to two board members. These restricted stock grants are being amortized over their vesting periods of one to three years. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the total amount of $506,186 was charged to non-cash compensation and $95,414 was charged to cash compensation in connection with these grants.

Dilutive shares at December 31, 2021:

 

Stock Options

 

The following table summarizes the options outstanding and the related prices for the options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock issued by the Company at December 31, 2021:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Number

 

 

Contractual

 

 

Price

 

 

of Options

 

 

Life (years)

 

 

$

0.60

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

3.99

 

 

$

0.62

 

 

 

360,000

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

$

0.85

 

 

 

540,000

 

 

 

2.00

 

 

$

1.00

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

3.99

 

 

$

1.20

 

 

 

1,100,000

 

 

 

1.84

 

 

$

0.99

 

 

 

2,100,000

 

 

 

2.01

 

 

39

Restricted Stock Awards

 

At December 31, 2021, there are 300,000 unvested restricted stock awards remaining from grants in a prior year. Those 300,000 restricted stock awards will vest as follows: 125,000 restricted stock awards will vest contingent upon the attainment of a stock price of $2.00 per share for 20 straight trading days, and an additional 175,000 restricted stock awards will vest contingent upon the attainment of a stock price of $3.00 per share for 20 straight trading days.

 

Stock-based compensation

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company incurred obligations to issue the following shares of common stock pursuant to employment agreements: an aggregate total of 961,897 shares of common stock to its Chief Executive Officer; 59,016 to its Director of Strategic Acquisitions, an aggregate total of 200,282 shares to board members; and 74,076 shares to an employee. These restricted stock grants are being amortized over their vesting periods of one to three years. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the amount of $523,977 was charged to operations in connection with these grants.

 

Dilutive shares at December 31, 2020:

Convertible notes and interest

At December 31, 2020 there were no convertible notes outstanding.

Warrants

At December 31, 2020 there were no warrants outstanding.

Stock Options

The following table summarizes the options outstanding and the related prices for the options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock issued by the Company at December 31, 2020

         

Weighted

 
         

Average

 
         

Remaining

 
 

Exercise

  

Number

  

Contractual

 
 

Price

  

of Options

  

Life (years)

 
 $0.60   50,000   4.99 
 $0.62   360,000   1.00 
 $0.85   540,000   2.84 
 $1.00   50,000   4.99 
 $1.10   75,000   0.37 
 $1.20   1,050,000   2.84 
 $1.50   125,000   1.00 
 $1.02   2,250,000   2.82 

Restricted Stock Awards

At December 31, 2020, there are 300,000 unvested restricted stock awards remaining from grants in a prior year. Those 300,000 restricted stock awards will vest as follows: 125,000 restricted stock awards will vest contingent upon the attainment of a stock price of $2.00 per share for 20 straight trading days, and an additional 175,000 restricted stock awards will vest contingent upon the attainment of a stock price of $3.00 per share for 20 straight trading days.

40

Stock-based compensation

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company incurred obligations to issue the following shares of common stock pursuant to employment agreements: an aggregate total of 775,748 shares of common stock to its Chief Executive Officer; 38,892 to its Director of Strategic Acquisitions, an aggregate total of 139,854 shares to board members; 38,943 shares to an employee.  These restricted stock grants are being amortized over their vesting periods of one to three years. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the amount of $380,638 was charged to operations in connection with these grants.  Also, during the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued 4,762 shares of restricted common stock with a fair value of $2,286 to a service provider and charged this amount to operations.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to conform prior period data to the current presentation.

Leases

 

The Company accounts for leases in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 842, “Leases”. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating lease right-of-use assets (“ROU assets”) and short-term and long-term lease liabilities are included on the face of the consolidated balance sheet. Finance lease ROU assets are presented within other assets, and finance lease liabilities are presented within current and long-term liabilities.

 

41

ROU assets represent the right of use to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease ROU asset also excludes lease incentives. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are accounted for as a single lease component. For lease agreements with terms less than 12 months, the Company has elected the short-term lease measurement and recognition exemption, and it recognizes such lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”), which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2021; we do not expect the adoption to haveof this standard has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)”. This ASU reduces the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible Preferred Stock. As well as amend the guidance for the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity to reduce form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions. In addition, this ASU improves and amends the related EPS guidance. This standard is effective for us on January 1, 2022, including interim periods within such fiscal year. Adoption is either a modified retrospective method or a fully retrospective method of transition. We are currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Management does not believe that any other recently issued but not yet effective accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

2. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

 

At December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, accounts receivable consists of:

 

 

2021

  

2020

  

2022

  

2021

 

Accounts receivable from customers

 $3,632,695  $2,724,137  $5,309,620  $3,632,695 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  (375,931

)

  (343,832

)

  (340,225

)

  (375,931

)

Accounts receivable, net

 $3,256,764  $2,380,305  $4,969,395  $3,256,764 

 

41

During the years ended December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, the Company charged (recovered) the amount of $31,756$(1,915) and $254,899,$31,756, respectively, to bad debt expense.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company entered into a note receivable agreement with a customer in exchange for accounts receivable in the amount of $22,380. This note bears an interest rate of 5% per annum and is due in full on July 31, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company converted accounts receivable in the amount of $61,350 into an equity investment in a food related company (see note 7).

 

3. INVENTORY

 

Inventory consists of specialty food products. At December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, inventory consisted of the following:

 

  

2021

  

2020

 

Finished Goods Inventory

 $3,109,984  $3,719,786 
  

2022

  

2021

 

Finished goods inventory

 $3,053,852  $3,109,984 

 Allowance for slow moving & obsolete inventory

  -   - 

Finished goods inventory, net

 $3,053,852  $3,109,984 

 

4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Acquisition of Building

The Company owns a building and property located at 28411 Race Track Road, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135. The property consists of approximately 1.1 acres of land and approximately 10,000 square feet of combined office and warehouse space, and was purchased as part of a bank short sale. The Company moved its operations to these premises on July 15, 2013. The purchase price of the property was $792,758.

On May 14, 2015, the Company purchased a building and property located at 2528 S. 27th Avenue, Broadview, Illinois 60155. The property consists of approximately 1.33 acres of land and approximately 28,711 square feet of combined office and warehouse space. The purchase price of $914,350 was initially financed primarily by a draw-down of $900,000 on the Company’s credit facility with Fifth Third Bank, National Association (“Fifth Third Bank”). On May 29, 2015, a permanent financing facility was provided by Fifth Third Bank in the form of a loan in the amount of $980,000. $900,000 of this amount was used to pay the balance of the credit facility; the additional $80,000 was used for refrigeration and other improvements at the property. The interest on the loan is at the LIBOR rate plus 3.0%. The building is used for office and warehouse space primarily for the Company’s Artisan subsidiary. We have also recently completed an additional property improvement and upgrade buildout at the Artisan building which include a fully functional commercial test kitchen and training center and conference room. The test kitchen and training room is used by Artisan and other subsidiaries of the Company for the purposes of new product testing and development and approval, Quality Assurance and Quality Control as well as sales presentations and customer demonstrations. In addition, we added a packaging room to the Artisan building, which is built to FDA, FSMA and SQF food safety standards and purchased new, technologically advanced semi-automated fillers for the packaging room. The packaging room addition will allow for expansion of private label product lines as well as packing of organic, non-GMO, diet specific and other specialty foods. The test kitchen, packaging room and additional improvements were financed by a loan from Fifth Third Bank.

Depreciation on the building and the related improvements, furniture, fixtures, and equipment began when the Company occupied the facility in October, 2015.

On November 8, 2019 the Company, through a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased a logistics and warehouse facility (the “Facility”) for $4.5 million. The Facility is approximately 200,000 square feet and is situated on approximately 15 acres in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania. The Facility’s appraised value by a third party appraisal firm in 2022 was $16,400,000. Related to the Facility purchase, the Company entered into a commercial loan agreement for both the purchase price and planned improvements to the Facility. The amount of the loan was $5,500,000, of which $3,600,000 had been utilized at December 31, 2021 in connection with the purchase of the Facility; the lender is Fifth Third Bank and the loan is secured by a mortgage on the property and other Company assets. The interest on the loan is LIBOR plus 2.75%, with interest only payments due through September 30, 2020, thereafter with principal amortized over 20 years with the balance due at maturity on September 2, 2025. Related to Facility purchase, the Company also acquired certain leases from certain tenants of the Facility, all of which were in good standing at the time of purchase. Depreciation on the building began when the Company commenced recognizing revenue from leasing and logistics services associated with the Facility. On October 5, 2020, the Company completed work to upgrade the Facility at a cost of $2,231,458 in order to better support the Company’s focus on e-commerce and logistics. Of the build out costs, $1,900,000 was funded by the loan described below (See Note 12).

42

 

4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

A summary of property and equipment at December 31, 20212022 and 20202021 is as follows:

 

 

December 31,

2021

  

December 31,

2020

  

December 31,

2022

  

December 31,

2021

 

Land

 $1,256,895  $1,256,895  $1,256,895  $1,256,895 

Building

  7,191,451   7,191,451   7,191,451   7,191,451 

Computer and Office Equipment

  593,566   578,362   609,018   593,566 

Warehouse Equipment

  376,667   373,150   378,957   376,667 

Furniture and Fixtures

  944,233   938,471   1,021,481   944,233 

Vehicles

  109,441   109,441   109,441   109,441 

Total before accumulated depreciation

  10,472,253   10,447,770   10,567,243   10,472,253 

Less: accumulated depreciation

  (2,286,026

)

  (1,897,369

)

  (2,645,682

)

  (2,286,026

)

Total

 $8,186,227  $8,550,401  $7,921,561  $8,186,227 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment amounted to $388,657$379,632 and $417,781$388,657 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, respectively.respectively, which is recorded in selling, general & administrating expenses on the Company’s statement of operations.

 

5. RIGHT TOOF USE (ROU) ASSETS AND LEASE LIABILITIES OPERATING LEASES

 

The Company has operating leases for offices, warehouses, vehicles, and office equipment. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 43 years, some of which include options to extend.

 

The Company’s lease expense for the years ended December 31, 20212022 and December 31, 20202021 was entirely comprised of operating leases and amounted to $120,304$78,849 and $171,624,$120,304, respectively. The Company’s ROU asset amortization for the years ended December 31, 20212022 and December 31, 20202021 was $102,715$66,740 and $161,926,$102,715, respectively. The difference between the lease expense and the associated ROU asset amortization consists of interest.

 

Right toof use assets – operating leases are summarized below:

 

 

December 31, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

  

December 31, 2022

  

December 31, 2021

 

Warehouse equipment

 $55,047  $12,695  $36,170  $55,047 

Office

  148,529   186,302   106,601   148,529 

Office equipment

  12,677   1,812   9,654   12,677 

Vehicles

  16,128   45,928   -   16,128 

Right to use assets, net

 $232,381  $246,737  $152,425  $232,381 

 

Operating lease liabilities are summarized below:

 

 

December 31, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

  

December 31, 2022

  

December 31, 2021

 

Warehouse equipment

 $55,047  $12,695  $36,170  $55,047 

Office

  148,529   186,302   106,601   148,529 

Office equipment

  12,677   1,812   9,654   12,677 

Vehicles

  16,128   45,928   -   16,128 

Lease liability

 $232,381  $246,737  $152,425  $232,381 

Less: current portion

  (74,088

)

  (87,375

)

  (64,987

)

  (74,088

)

Lease liability, non-current

 $158,293  $159,362  $87,438  $158,293 

Maturity analysis under these lease agreements are as follows:

Year ended December 31, 2023

 $72,031 

Year ended December 31, 2024

  72,294 

Year ended December 31, 2025

  20,689 

Total

 $165,014 

Less: Present value discount

  (12,589

)

Lease liability

 $152,425 

 

43

 

Maturity analysis under these lease agreements are as follows:

Year ended December 31, 2022

 $85,875 

Year ended December 31, 2023

  78,605 

Year ended December 31, 2024

  73,391 

Year ended December 31, 2025

  20,691 

Total

 $258,562 

Less: Present value discount

  (26,181

)

Lease liability

 $232,381 

During the years ended December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, the Company recorded right to use assets and lease liabilities in the amount of $88,359$0 and $214,930,$88,359, respectively, due to the execution of new operating lease agreements. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded the removal of a right to use asset and lease liability in the amount of $13,216 due to damage to the asset.

 

6. RIGHT TOOF USE ASSETS FINANCING LEASES

 

The Company has financing leases for vehicles and warehouse equipment. See(See note 13.15.) Right toof use asset – financing leases are summarized below:

 

 

December 31,

2021

  

December 31,

2020

  

December 31,

2022

  

December 31,

2021

 

Vehicles

  362,358   362,358   404,858   362,358 

Warehouse Equipment

  555,416   533,531   555,416   555,416 

Total before accumulated depreciation

  917,774   895,889   960,274   917,774 

Less: accumulated depreciation

  (248,735

)

  (119,450

)

  (389,951

)

  (248,735

)

Total

 $669,039  $776,439  $570,323  $669,039 

 

Depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $141,216 and 2020 was $129,285, and $73,258, respectively.

 

During the years ended December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, the Company recorded right toof use assets and lease liabilities in the amount of $21,885$42,500 and $677,021,$21,885, respectively, due to the execution of new financing lease agreements.

Financing lease liabilities are summarized below:

  

December 31,

2022

  

December 31,

2021

 
         

Financing lease obligation under a lease agreement for a forklift dated July 12, 2021 in the original amount of $16,070 payable in thirty-six monthly installments of $489 including interest at the rate of 6.01%. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $5,192 and $675, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $2,482 and $452, respectively.

 $8,396  $13,588 
         

Financing lease obligation under a lease agreement for a pallet truck dated July 15, 2021 in the original amount of $5,816 payable in thirty-six monthly installments of $177 including interest at the rate of 6.01%. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $1,879 and $244, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $898 and $163, respectively.

 $3,040  $4,918 
         

Financing lease obligation under a lease agreement for warehouse furniture and equipment truck dated October 14, 2020 in the original amount of $514,173 payable in sixty monthly installments of $9,942 including interest at the rate of 6.01%. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amount of $97,964 and $21,337, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amount of $92,269 and $27,034, respectively.

 $301,726  $399,688 
         

Financing lease obligation under a lease agreement for a truck dated March 31, 2020 in the original amount of $152,548 payable in eighty-four monthly installments of $2,188 including interest at the rate of 5.44%. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $20,334 and $5,923, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $19,259 and $6,998, respectively.

 $97,685  $118,020 

44

  

December 31,

2022

  

December 31,

2021

 
         

Financing lease obligation under a lease agreement for a truck dated November 5, 2018 in the original amount of $128,587 payable in seventy monthly installments of $2,326 including interest at the rate of 8.33%. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $23,240 and $4,669, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $21,388 and $6,521 respectively.

 $43,287  $66,526 
         

Financing lease obligation under a lease agreement for a truck dated August 23, 2019 in the original amount of $80,413 payable in eighty-four monthly installments of $1,148 including interest at the rate of 5.0%. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $11,215 and $2,562, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $10,669 and $4,903, respectively.

 $45,109  $56,323 
         

Financing lease obligation under a lease agreement for a truck dated February 4, 2022 in the original amount of $42,500 payable in twenty-four monthly installments of $1,963 including interest at the rate of 10.1%. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $16,675 and $740, respectively.

 $25,826  $- 
         

Total

 $525,069  $659,063 
         

Current portion

 $191,977  $159,823 

Long-term maturities

  333,092   499,240 

Total

 $525,069  $659,063 

Aggregate maturities of lease liabilities – financing leases as of December 31, 2022 are as follows:

For the year ended December 31,

2023

 $191,977 

2024

  171,335 

2025

  124,235 

2026

  33,174 

2027

  4,348 

Thereafter

  - 

Total

 $525,069 

 

7. INVESTMENTS

 

The Company has made investments in certain early stage food related companies which it expects can benefit from synergies with the Company’s various operating businesses.companies. At December 31, 20212022 and 20202021 the Company hashad investments in seven food related companies in the aggregate amount of $286,725 and $496,575, respectively. The$286,725. At December 31, 2022, the Company does not have significant influence overmade the operationsdetermination that it was unlikely to recover the cost of these companies.investments, and recorded an impairment in the amount of $286,725.

 

The Company’s investments may take the form of debt, equity, or equity in the future including convertible notes and other instruments which provide for future equity under various scenarios including subsequent financings or initial public offerings. The Company has evaluated the guidance in ASC No. 325-20, “Investments – Other”, in determining to account for the investment using the cost method since the equity securities are not marketable and do not give the Company significant influence.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company converted accounts receivable in the amount of $0 and $61,350, respectively, into an equity investment in a food related company. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the founder of one of the food related companies passed away in an untimely tragic accident, and as a result the food related company ceased operations and the Company recognized an impairment in the amount of $209,850 in connection with that investment.

 

45

8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The Company acquired certain intangible assets pursuant to the acquisitions through Artisan, Oasis, Innovative Gourmet,igourmet, OFB, Haley, and M Innovations. These assets include non-compete agreements, customer relationships, trade names, internally developed technology, and goodwill. The Company has also capitalized the development of its website.

 

44

Other Amortizable Intangible Assets

 

As detailedOther amortizable intangible assets consist of $1,055,400 of trade names held by igourmet, $260,422 of trade names held by Mouth, and $217,000 of trade names held by Artisan. The Company followed the guidance of ASC 360 “Property, Plant, and Equipment” (“ASC 360”) in assessing these assets for impairment. ASC 350 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other”, the Company tests for goodwill360 states that impairment in the fourth quarter of each year andtesting should be completed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value and may not be recoverable. As detailed in ASC 350-20-35-3A, in performing its testing for goodwill impairment, management has completed a qualitative analysis to determine whether it was more likely than notIn management’s judgment there are no indications that the fair value of the Company’s reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. To complete this review, management followed the steps in ASC 350-20-35-3C to evaluate the fair value of goodwill and considered all known events and circumstances that might trigger an impairment of goodwill.

COVID-19 has had a material negative impact on some of the Company’s foodservice customers. In an effort to limit the spread of the virus, federal, state and local governments have implemented measures that have resulted in the closure of non-essential businesses in many of the markets the Company serves, which has forced its customers in those markets to either transition their establishments to take-out service, delivery service or temporarily cease operations. These actions have led to a significant decrease in demand for certain of the Company’s foodservice products. The adverse impact to the Company’s foodservice customer base was a triggering event and accordingly, as required by ASC 350, the Company performed interim goodwill and long-lived asset quantitative impairment tests during the first quarter of 2020. While the triggering event was a result of the negative impact related to foodservice customers, the applicable accounting rules then required an impairment test targeted specifically to any available carrying value of goodwill or intangible assets. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company performed thethese trade names may not be recoverable, and it determined that impairment tests on certain intangible assets and goodwill pursuant to the acquisitions through Artisan, Oasis, Innovative Gourmet and M Innovations.

Goodwill Impairment Test

The Company estimated the fair value of the Company’s reporting unit using an income approach that incorporates the use of a discounted cash flow model that involves many management assumptions that are based upon future growth projections which include estimates of COVID-19’s impact on our business. Assumptions include estimates of future revenues, growth rates which take into account estimated inflation rates, estimates of future levels of gross profit and operating profit, projected capital expenditures and discount rates based upon industry and competitor analyses. As a result of impairment test, ittesting was calculated that the net carrying value of goodwill exceeded the fair value by $650,243, and the Company was required by ASC 350 to record an impairment charge to operations during the year ended December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the net carrying value of goodwill on the Company’s balance sheet was $0.

Long-lived Impairment Test

Long-lived assets, including other intangible assets, were tested for recoverability at the asset group level. The Company estimated the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the asset group over the expected useful life of the asset group’s primary asset. Key assumptions include future revenues, growth rates, estimates of future levels of gross profit and operating profit and projected capital expenditures necessary to maintain the operating capacity of each asset group. As a result of the impairment test, it was calculated that the net carrying values of other intangible assets exceeded the undiscounted cash flows for each of the Company’s asset groups by a total of $1,048,692, and the Company was required by the applicable accounting rules to record an impairment charge to operations during the year ended December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the net carrying value of other intangible assets on the Company’s balance sheet was $1,605,040 and $1,633,202, respectively.not required.

 

The Company acquired certain intangible assets pursuant to the acquisitions through Artisan, Oasis, Innovative Gourmet,igourmet, OFB, Haley, and M Innovations. The following is the net book value of these assets:

 

 

December 31, 2021

  

December 31, 2022

 
     

Accumulated

          

Accumulated

     
 

Cost

  

Amortization

  

Net

  

Cost

  

Amortization

  

Net

 

Non-Compete Agreement - amortizable

 $505,900  $(505,900

)

 $- 

Customer Relationships - amortizable

  3,068,034   (3,068,034

)

  - 

Trade Name

  1,532,822   -   1,532,822   1,532,822   -   1,532,822 

Internally Developed Technology

  875,643   (875,643

)

  -   875,643   (875,643

)

  - 

Goodwill

  650,243   (650,243

)

  - 

Website

  84,000   (11,782

)

  72,218   84,000   (53,006

)

  30,994 

Total

 $6,716,642  $(5,111,602

)

 $1,605,040  $2,491,925  $(926,649

)

 $1,563,276 

 

45

 

December 31, 2020

  

December 31, 2021

 
     

Accumulated

          

Accumulated

     
 

Cost

  

Amortization

  

Net

  

Cost

  

Amortization

  

Net

 

Non-Compete Agreement - amortizable

 $505,900  $(505,900

)

 $- 

Customer Relationships - amortizable

  3,068,034   (3,068,034

)

  - 

Trade Name

  1,532,822   -   1,532,822   1,532,822   -   1,532,822 

Internally Developed Technology

  875,643   (875,643

)

  -   875,643   (875,643

)

  - 

Goodwill

  650,243   (650,243

)

  - 

Website

  103,250   (2,870

)

  100,380   84,000   (11,782

)

  72,218 

Total

 $6,735,892  $(5,102,690

)

 $1,633,202  $2,491,925  $(887,425

)

 $1,604,500 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company charged to operations amortization expense in the amount of $41,224. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company charged to operations amortization expense in the amount of $8,912. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company charged to operations amortization expense in the amount of $212,902 in addition to the impairment charge of $1,698,952.

 

Amortization of finite life intangible assets as of December 31, 20212022 is as follows:

 

2022

 $41,325 

2023

  30,893 

Total

 $72,218 

Twelve months ended December 31, 2023

  30,994 

Total

 $30,994 

 

The trade names are not considered finite-lived assets, and are not being amortized. The non-compete agreement is being amortized over a period of 48 months. The customer relationships acquired in these transactions are being amortized over periods of 24 to 36 months. The internally developed technology is being amortized over 60 months. The website is being amortized over a period of 36 months.

 

9. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 20212022 and December 31, 20202021 are as follows:

 

 

December 31,

2021

  

December 31,

2020

  

December 31,

2022

  

December 31,

2021

 

Trade payables and accrued liabilities

 $5,414,731  $4,914,050  $6,599,903  $5,414,731 

Accrued payroll and commissions

  288,174   184,473   253,350   288,174 

Total

 $5,702,905  $5,098,523  $6,853,253  $5,702,905 

46

 

10. ACCRUED INTEREST

At December 31, 2022, accrued interest - on notes outstanding was $18,104.

 

At December 31, 2021, accrued interest - on notes outstanding was $29,349 During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company paid cash for interest in the aggregate amount of $298,481.$29,349.

At December 31, 2020, accrued interest on a note outstanding was $28,873. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company paid cash for interest in the aggregate amount of $201,679.

46

 

11. REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES

 

 

December 31,

2021

  

December 31,

2020

  

December 31,

2022

  

December 31,

2021

 
                

Line of credit facility with Fifth Third Bank in the original amount of $2,000,000 with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.00% (the “Fifth Third Bank Line of Credit”). Effective August 1, 2019, this credit facility was extended to August 1, 2021. Effective as of July 31, 2021 this credit facility was extended to November 1, 2021, effective as of October 29, 2021, this credit facility was extended to March 1, 2022; and effective March 1, 2022, this credit facility was extended to June 30, 2022. The debt covenants of this credit facility were waived until December 31, 2022. On March 20, 2020, the Company drew down the amount of $2,000,000. During the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company paid interest in the amount of $57,396 and $58,382, respectively, on the Fifth Third Bank Line of Credit.

 $2,000,000  $2,000,000 

On June 6, 2022, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility (the “MapleMark Revolver”) with MapleMark Bank ("MapleMark”) in the initial amount of $2,014,333. The borrowing base amount is based upon 80% of eligible accounts receivables and 60% of eligible inventory. This amount was paid by MapleMark directly to Fifth Third Bank in satisfaction of the Fifth Third Bank Line of Credit. Any amounts borrowed under the MapleMark Revolver will bear interest at the greater of (a) the Base Rate (the rate of interest per annum quoted in the “Money Rates” section of The Wall Street Journal from time to time and designated as the “Prime Rate”) plus 0.25% per annum and (b) 3.50% per annum. At December 31, 2022, the interest rate was 7.75%. The MapleMark Revolver matures on May 27, 2023 and in the event United States Department of Agriculture issues a guarantee of repayment of the MapleMark Revolver in favor of the Company pursuant to its Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program (the “USDA Guarantee”), at the Company’s option, the amount of the MapleMark Revolver can be expanded to $3,000,000 and its term extended to November 28, 2023. The Company has applied for a USDA Guarantee; at December 31, 2022, this guarantee had not yet been received. The MapleMark Revolver contains certain negative covenants. The Company is also subject to a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant for the Revolver Loan as described in more detail in the MapleMark Revolver. The Company recorded a discount to this loan in the amount of $29,832 in connection with financing costs which was amortized to interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid interest in the amount of $71,145 on the MapleMark Revolver.

 $2,014,333  $- 
        

Line of credit facility with Fifth Third Bank in the original amount of $2,000,000 with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.00% (the “Fifth Third Bank Line of Credit”). Effective August 1, 2019, this credit facility was extended to August 1, 2021. Effective as of July 31, 2021 this credit facility was extended to November 1, 2021: effective as of October 29, 2021, this credit facility was extended to March 1, 2022; and effective March 1, 2022, this credit facility was extended to June 30, 2022. The debt covenants of this credit facility were waived until June 30, 2022. On March 20, 2020, the Company drew down the amount of $2,000,000. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid interest in the amount of $47,389 on the Fifth Third Bank Line of Credit. On June 9, 2022, the total outstanding principal in the amount of $2,000,000 and accrued interest in the amount of $14,333 were paid directly to Fifth Third Bank by MapleMark in connection with the MapleMark Revolver. As of December 31, 2022, the Fifth Third Bank Line of Credit is paid in full.

 $-  $2,000,000 
                

Total

 $2,000,000  $2,000,000  $2,014,333  $2,000,000 

 

12. NOTES PAYABLE

 

 

December 31,

2021

 

 

December 31,

2020

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secured mortgage note payable for the acquisition of land and building in Bonita Springs, Florida in the amount of $546,000. Principal payments of $4,550 plus interest at the rate of Libor plus 3% are due monthly. The balance of the principal amount was originally due February 28, 2018. On March 23, 2018 and effective February 26, 2018, this note was amended and renewed in the amount of $273,000, with monthly payments of principal and interest of $4,550 payable through the maturity date of February 28, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made payments of principal and interest on this note in the amounts of $54,600 and $3,079, respectively; during the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company made payments of principal and interest on this note in the amounts of $54,600 and $5,743, respectively.

 

$

68,250

 

 

$

122,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secured mortgage note payable for the acquisition of land and building in Broadview, Illinois in the amount of $980,000. Principal payments of $8,167 plus interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 2.75% are due monthly through April 2020, the remaining principal balance in the amount of $490,000 was originally due May 29, 2020. Effective May 29, 2020, the note was amended and renewed such that principal payments of $8,303 plus accrued interest were due beginning June 29, 2020 and continuing for sixty months; the entire principal balance and all accrued interest will be due on May 29, 2025. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made payments of principal and interest on this note in the amounts of $98,000 and $11,826, respectively; during the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company made payments of principal and interest on this note in the amounts of $81,667 and $17,532, respectively.

 

 

351,165

 

 

 

449,166

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Promissory note dated March 22, 2019 in the original amount of $391,558 (the “Artisan Equipment Loan”) payable to Fifth Third Bank. This loan is secured by the Company’s tangible and intangible personal property and bears interest at the rate of 5.20%. The entire principal balance and all accrued interest is due on the maturity date of March 21, 2024. Monthly payments in the amount of $7,425 including principal and interest commenced in April, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2019, equipment financed under the Artisan Equipment Loan in the amount of $33,075 was returned for credit. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made payments of principal and interest on this loan in the amounts of $70,618 and $10,957, respectively; year ended December 31, 2020, the Company made payments of principal and interest on this loan in the amounts of $67,064 and $14,755, respectively.

 

 

172,146

 

 

 

242,765

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A note payable in the amount of $20,000. The Note was due in January 2006 and the Company is currently accruing interest on this note at 1.9%. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company accrued interest in the amount of $378 and $372, respectively, on this note; at December 31, 2021 and 2020, accrued interest on this note was $17,723 and $17,345, respectively.

 

 

20,000

 

 

 

20,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vehicle acquisition loan dated December 6, 2018 in the original amount of $51,088, payable in sixty monthly installments of $955 including interest at the rate of 4.61% maturing November 5, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made principal and interest payments in the amount of $11,067 and $1,349, respectively, on this loan; during the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company made principal and interest payments in the amount of $9,737 and $1,723, respectively.

 

 

20,984

 

 

 

32,051

 

47

 

  

December 31,

2021

  

December 31,

2020

 
  (unaudited)     
         

Secured mortgage facility in the amount of $5,500,000 with Fifth Third Bank for the acquisition of land and building in Mountaintop, Pennsylvania dated November 8, 2019 (the “Fifth Third Mortgage Facility”). The Fifth Third Mortgage Facility is secured by the assets acquired. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company drew down $3,600,000 of this facility. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company drew down an additional $1,900,000 of this facility. The interest rate is LIBOR plus 2.75% with interest only due through September 30, 2020, thereafter with principal amortized at a 20 years amortization rate and the balance due on the maturity date of September 2, 2025. The Company prepaid loan fees in connection with this loan in the amount of $72,916 which are considered a discount to the loan and are being amortized over the term of the note; $12,525 and $12,560 of this discount was amortized to interest expense during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2021 the Company made principal and interest payments in the amount of $198,800 and $142,073, respectively, on this loan. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company paid principal and interest in the amount of $65,600 and $154,955, respectively, on this loan. The Company also has in place an interest rate swap agreement (the “Fifth Third Interest Rate Swap”) with Fifth Third bank in connection with the Fifth Third Mortgage Facility. Pursuant to the Fifth Third Interest Rate Swap, the Company pays an additional base rate of 0.59% reduced by the difference between an initial LIBOR rate of 0.1513% and the month-end LIBOR rate. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company paid additional interest in the amount of $26,258 and $6,084, respectively, pursuant to the Fifth Third Interest Rate Swap.

  5,235,600   5,434,400 
         

Loan payable to Fifth Third Bank dated April 21, 2020 pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “IVFH PPP Loan”) established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) in the principal amount of $1,650,221. The term of the IVFH PPP Loan is two years, and the annual interest rate is 1%. Under the terms of the CARES Act, PPP Loan recipients can apply for, and be granted forgiveness for, all or a portion of loans granted under the Paycheck Protection Program. No assurance is provided that the Company will obtain forgiveness of the IVFH PPP Loan in whole or in part. During the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company accrued interest in the amount of $4,069 and $11,528, respectively, on the IVFH PPP Loan. Effective July 8, 2021, the entire principal amount due under this loan of $1,650,221 and accrued interest of $15,597 was forgiven and the Company recorded a gain on forgiveness of debt during the year ended December 31, 2021.

  -   1,650,221 
         

Five loans payable to Fifth Third Bank dated from February 12, 2021 to April 11, 2021 were received by subsidiaries of the Company pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “Additional PPP Loans”) established under the CARES Act in the aggregate principal amount of $1,748,414. Each of the Additional PPP Loans are due five years from inception and the annual interest rate is 1%. Under the terms of the CARES Act, PPP Loan recipients can apply for, and be granted forgiveness for, all or a portion of loans granted under the Paycheck Protection Program. No assurance is provided that the Company will obtain forgiveness of the Additional PPP Loans in whole or in part. During the year ended December 31, 2021 , the Company received cash in the aggregate amount of $1,748,414 under these loans. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company accrued interest in the amount of $10,783, on the Additional PPP Loans. Effective between the dates October 5, 2021 through December 13, 2021, all of these loans in the aggregate principal amount of $1,748,414 and accrued interest of $10,783 were forgiven.

  -   - 
         

Total

  5,868,145   7,951,453 

Discount

  (46,012

)

  (58,537

)

Net of discount

 $5,822,133  $7,892,916 
         

Current portion

 $458,973  $1,800,108 

Long-term maturities

  5,409,172   6,151,345 

Total

 $5,868,145  $7,951,453 

12. NOTES PAYABLE

  

December 31,

2022

  

December 31,

2021

 
         

On June 6, 2022, the Company entered into a term loan agreement with MapleMark (the “MapleMark Term Loan 1”) for the original amount of $5,324,733. This amount was paid by MapleMark directly to Fifth Third Bank in satisfaction the outstanding principal and interest due under existing loans with Fifth Third Bank. The MapleMark Term Loan 1 matures on May 27, 2023. Upon receipt of the USDA Guarantee, the Company will have the option of extending the term of the MapleMark Term Loan 1 to June 6, 2052.

 

Amounts outstanding under the Term Loans will bear interest at the rate equal to the lesser of (a) the Maximum Lawful Rate, or (b) the greater of (i) WSJP (the “Prime Rate” as published by The Wall Street Journal) plus 1.25% per annum or (ii) 4.50% per annum. At December 31, 2022, the interest rate was 8.75%. The MapleMark loan matures on May 27, 2023 and in the event United States Department of Agriculture issues a guarantee of repayment of the MapleMark loan in favor of the Company pursuant to its Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program (the “USDA Guarantee”), at the Company’s option, the amount of the MapleMark loan can be expanded to $7,775,680. The Company has applied for a USDA Guarantee; at December 31, 2022, this guarantee had not yet been received. The Term Loan Agreements contain negative covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limits the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, make restricted payments, pledge their assets as security, make investments, loans, advances, guarantees and acquisitions, undergo fundamental changes and enter into transactions with affiliates. The Term Loan Agreements also provides that the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, meet a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as described in detail in the Loan Agreements. The Term Loan Agreements contain events of default that are customary for a facility of this nature, including (subject in certain cases to grace periods and thresholds) nonpayment of principal, nonpayment of interest, fees or other amounts, material inaccuracy of representations and warranties, violation of covenants, cross-default to certain other existing indebtedness, bankruptcy or insolvency events, and certain judgment defaults as specified in the Term Loan Agreements. If an event of default occurs, the maturity of the amounts owed under the Term Loan Agreements may be accelerated. The obligations under the Term Loan Agreements are guaranteed by the Company and IFP and are secured by mortgages on their real estate located in Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania and substantially all of their assets, in each case, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens. The Company recorded a discount to this loan in the amount of $57,106 in connection with financing costs which was amortized to interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company accrued interest in the amount of $219,238 on this loan.

 $5,324,733  $- 

48

  

December 31,

2022

  

December 31,

2021

 
         

On June 6, 2022, the Company entered into a term loan agreement with MapleMark (the “MapleMark Term Loan 2”) for the original amount of $356,800. This amount was paid by MapleMark directly to Fifth Third Bank in satisfaction the outstanding principal and interest due under existing loans with Fifth Third Bank. The MapleMark Term Loan 2 matures on May 27, 2023. Upon receipt of the USDA Guarantee, the Company will have the option of extending the term of the Term Loan 2 to June 6, 2052.

 

Amounts outstanding under the Term Loans will bear interest at the rate equal to the lesser of (a) the Maximum Lawful Rate, or (b) the greater of (i) WSJP (the “Prime Rate” as published by The Wall Street Journal) plus 1.25% per annum or (ii) 4.50% per annum. At December 31, 2022, the interest rate was 8.75%, The MapleMark loan matures on May 27, 2023 and in the event United States Department of Agriculture issues a guarantee of repayment of the MapleMark loan in favor of the Company pursuant to its Food & Supply Guaranteed Loan Facility (the “USDA Guarantee”), at the Company’s option, the amount of the MapleMark loan can be expanded to $2,680,000. The Company has applied for a USDA Guarantee; at December 31, 2022, this guarantee had not yet been received. The Term Loan Agreements contain negative covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limits the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, make restricted payments, pledge their assets as security, make investments, loans, advances, guarantees and acquisitions, undergo fundamental changes and enter into transactions with affiliates. The Term Loan Agreements also provides that the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, meet a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as described in detail in the Loan Agreements. The Term Loan Agreements contain events of default that are customary for a facility of this nature, including (subject in certain cases to grace periods and thresholds) nonpayment of principal, nonpayment of interest, fees or other amounts, material inaccuracy of representations and warranties, violation of covenants, cross-default to certain other existing indebtedness, bankruptcy or insolvency events, and certain judgment defaults as specified in the Term Loan Agreements. If an event of default occurs, the maturity of the amounts owed under the Term Loan Agreements may be accelerated. The obligations under the Term Loan Agreements are guaranteed by the Company and IFP and are secured by mortgages on their real estate located in Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania and substantially all of their assets, in each case, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens. The Company recorded a discount to this loan in the amount of $23,367 in connection with financing costs which was amortized to interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company accrued interest in the amount of $14,690 on this loan.

 $356,800  $- 
         

Secured mortgage note payable for the acquisition of land and building in Bonita Springs, Florida in the amount of $546,000. Principal payments of $4,550 plus interest at the rate of Libor plus 3% are due monthly. The balance of the principal amount was originally due February 28, 2018. On March 23, 2018 and effective February 26, 2018, this note was amended and renewed in the amount of $273,000, with monthly payments of principal and interest of $4,550 payable through the maturity date of February 28, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company made payments of principal and interest on this note in the amounts of $22,750 and $655, respectively. On June 9, 2022, the principal and interest due on this note in the amount of $45,500 and $66, respectively, were paid directly to Fifth Third Bank by MapleMark in connection with MapleMark Term Loan 2.

 $-  $68,250 
         

Secured mortgage note payable for the acquisition of land and building in Broadview, Illinois in the amount of $980,000. Principal payments of $8,167 plus interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 2.75% are due monthly through April 2020, the remaining principal balance in the amount of $490,000 was originally due May 29, 2020. Effective May 29, 2020, the note was amended and renewed such that principal payments of $8,303 plus accrued interest were due beginning June 29, 2020 and continuing for sixty months; the entire principal balance and all accrued interest will be due on May 29, 2025. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company made payments of principal and interest on this note in the amounts of $40,833 and $3,781, respectively. On June 9, 2022, the principal and interest due on this note in the amount of $310,333 and $901, respectively, were paid directly to Fifth Third Bank by Maple Mark in connection with MapleMark Term Loan 2.

 $-  $351,165 

49

  

December 31,

2022

  

December 31,

2021

 
         

Promissory note dated March 22, 2019 in the original amount of $391,558 (the “Artisan Equipment Loan”) payable to Fifth Third Bank. This loan is secured by the Company’s tangible and intangible personal property and bears interest at the rate of 5.20%. The entire principal balance and all accrued interest is due on the maturity date of March 21, 2024. Monthly payments in the amount of $7,425 including principal and interest commenced in April, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2019, equipment financed under the Artisan Equipment Loan in the amount of $33,075 was returned for credit. During year ended December 31, 2022, the Company made payments of principal and interest on this loan in the amounts of $30,523 and $3,467, respectively. On June 9, 2022, the principal and interest due on this note in the amount of $141,623 and $143, respectively, were paid directly to Fifth Third Bank by MapleMark in connection with MapleMark Term Loan 1.

 $-  $172,146 
         

A note payable in the amount of $20,000. The Note was due in January 2006 and the Company is currently accruing interest on this note at 1.9%. During the two years ended December 31, 2022, the Company accrued interest in the amount of $381 and $381, respectively, on this note. At December 31, 2022, accrued interest on this note was $18,104.

 $20,000  $20,000 
         

Vehicle acquisition loan dated December 6, 2018 in the original amount of $51,088, payable in sixty monthly installments of $955 including interest at the rate of 4.61% maturing November 5, 2023. During the year ended December 30, 2022, the Company made principal and interest payments in the amount of $10,717 and $743, respectively. During the year ended December 30, 2021, the Company made principal and interest payments in the amount of $10,235 and $1,225, respectively.

 $10,267  $20,984 
         

Secured mortgage facility in the amount of $5,500,000 with Fifth Third Bank for the acquisition of land and building in Mountaintop, Pennsylvania dated November 8, 2019 (the “Fifth Third Mortgage Facility”). The Fifth Third Mortgage Facility is secured by the assets acquired. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company drew down $3,600,000 of this facility. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company drew down an additional $1,900,000 of this facility. The interest rate is LIBOR plus 2.75% with interest only due through September 30, 2020, thereafter with principal amortized at a 20 years amortization rate and the balance due on the maturity date of September 2, 2025. The Company prepaid loan fees in connection with this loan in the amount of $72,916 which are considered a discount to the loan and are being amortized over the term of the note; during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, $0 and $12,525, respectively, of this discount was amortized to interest expense. During the years ended December 31, 2021, the Company made principal and interest payments in the amount of $198,800 and $142,073, respectively, on this loan. On June 9, 2022, the principal and interest due on this note in the amount of $5,168,000 and $14,967, respectively, were paid directly to Fifth Third Bank by MapleMark in connection with MapleMark Term Loan 1. The Company recorded a loss in the amount of $40,556 on this transaction in connection with the write-off of the unamortized portion of the discount.

 

The Company also had in place an interest rate swap agreement (the “Fifth Third Interest Rate Swap”) with Fifth Third bank in connection with the Fifth Third Mortgage Facility. Pursuant to the Fifth Third Interest Rate Swap, the Company paid an additional base rate of 0.59% reduced by the difference between an initial LIBOR rate of 0.1513% and the month-end LIBOR rate resulting in additional interest expense of $5,632 and $26,258, respectively, during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. On March 28, 2022 the Interest Rate Swap was terminated. Upon termination the Company received a cash payment of $294,000, which is reflected as a gain on the interest rate swap on the statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 $-  $5,235,600 

50

  

December 31,

2022

  

December 31,

2021

 
         

Total

 $5,711,800  $5,868,145 

Discount

  (-

)

  (46,012

)

Net of discount

 $5,711,800  $5,822,133 
         

Current portion

 $5,711,800  $458,973 

Long-term maturities

  -   5,409,172 

Total

 $5,711,800  $5,868,145 

 

Aggregate maturities of long-term notes payable as of December 31, 20212022 are as follows:

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

2022

 $458,973 

2023

  399,680 

2024

  330,026 

2025

  4,679,466 

Total

 $5,868,145 

48

2023

  5,711,800 

Total

 $5,711,800 

 

13. LEASE LIABILITIES - FINANCING LEASES

  

December 31,

2021

  

December 31,

2020

 
         

Financing lease obligation under a lease agreement for a forklift dated July 12, 2021 in the original amount of $16,070 payable in thirty-six monthly installments of $489 including interest at the rate of 6.01%. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $2,482 and $452, respectively.

 $13,588  $- 
         

Financing lease obligation under a lease agreement for a pallet truck dated July 15, 2021 in the original amount of $5,816 payable in thirty-six monthly installments of $177 including interest at the rate of 6.01%. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $898 and $163, respectively.

  4,918   - 
         

Financing lease obligation under a lease agreement for warehouse furniture and equipment truck dated October 14, 2020 in the original amount of $514,173 payable in sixty monthly installments of $9,942 including interest at the rate of 6.01%. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amount of $92,269 and $27,034, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amount of $22,216 and $7,609, respectively.

  399,688   491,957 
         

Financing lease obligation under a lease agreement for a truck dated March 31, 2020 in the original amount of $152,548 payable in eighty-four monthly installments of $2,188 including interest at the rate of 5.44%. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $19,259 and $6,998, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $15,270 and $6,612, respectively.

  118,020   137,278 
         

Financing lease obligation under a lease agreement for a truck dated November 5, 2018 in the original amount of $128,587 payable in seventy monthly installments of $2,326 including interest at the rate of 8.33%. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $21,388 and $6,521, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $19,683 and $8,225, respectively.

  66,526   87,914 
         

Financing lease obligation under a lease agreement for a truck dated August 23, 2019 in the original amount of $80,413 payable in eighty-four monthly installments of $1,148 including interest at the rate of 5.0%. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $10,669 and $4,903, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company made principal and interest payments on this lease obligation in the amounts of $10,148 and $3,626, respectively.

  56,323   66,992 
         

Total

 $659,063  $784,141 
         

Current portion

 $159,823  $146,004 

Long-term maturities

  499,240   638,137 

Total

 $659,063  $784,141 

Aggregate maturities of lease liabilities – financing leases as of December 31, 2021 are as follows:

For the year ended December 31,

2022

 

$

159,823

 

2023

 

 

170,001

 

2024

 

 

167,456

 

2025

 

 

124,235

 

2026

 

 

33,173

 

Thereafter

 

 

4,375

 

Total

 

$

659,063

 

49

14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

For the year ended December 31, 2021:

Vesting of shares to officers

During the year ended December 31, 2021 in connection with stock based compensation based upon the terms of employment agreements with its employees and compensation agreements with the Company’s independent board members, the Company charged to operations the amount of $90,000 for the vesting of a total of 200,278 shares of common stock issuable to two of its independent board members, and $402,116 for the vesting of a total of 1,020,913 shares of common stock issuable to its Chief Executive Officer and its Director of Strategic Acquisitions pursuant to their employment agreements. The Company also recognized non-cash compensation in the amount of $144,274 during the year ended December 31, 2021 in connection with stock options issuable to management and board members.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company issued 50,000 two-year stock options with a fair value of $8,616 and an exercise price of $1.20 to a director.

 

On August 26, 2021, the Company sold a total of 3,125,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.40 per share to an entity controlled by Hank Cohn, a director of the Company; the Company sold 3,125,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.40 per share to an entity controlled by Jefferson Gramm, a director of the Company; and the Company sold 3,125,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.40 per share to an entity controlled by James C. Pappas, a director of the Company, for total proceeds, net of costs, of $3,580,372.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2020:

Vesting of shares to officers

During the year ended December 31, 2020 in connection with stock based compensation based upon the terms of employment agreements with its employees and compensation agreements with the Company’s independent board members, the Company charged to operations the amount of $70,000See note 15 for the vesting of a total of 139,854 shares of common stock issuable to two of its independent board members, and $293,503 for the vesting of a total of 814,640 shares of common stock issuable to its Chief Executive Officer and its Director of Strategic Acquisitions pursuant to their employment agreements, which includes 330,758 shares with a market value of $113,887 received by the Chief Executive Officer subsequent to the expiration of a limited waiver provided through June 29, 2020 (see below). The Company also recognized non-cash compensation in the amount of $142,512 during the year ended December 31, 2020 in connection with stock options issuable to management and board members.

The chief executive officer provided a limited waiver through June 29, 2020 of certain rights and benefits contained in his employment agreement following a Change in Control (as defined in the employment agreement).

On January 30, 2020, the Company issued to each of 2 directors options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock (an aggregate of 100,000 options) at a price of $1.20 per share, vesting January 30, 2021, and expiring January 30, 2023.

On December 29, 2020, the Company issued to its Chief Financial Officer options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.60 per share, and options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at a price of $1.00 per share; these options vest quarterly over two years and expire December 28, 2025.equity related transactions.

 

15.14. INCOME TAXES

 

Deferred income taxes result from the temporary differences primarily attributable to amortization of intangible assets and debt discount and an accumulation of net operating loss carryforwards for income tax purposes with a valuation allowance against the carryforwards for book purposes.

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Included in deferred tax assets are Federal and State net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $15,800,000,$15,808,000, which can be carried forward indefinitely subject to limitation, except $4,900,000 which can be carried forward through 2037. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Due to significant changes in the Company’s ownership, the Company’s future use of its existing net operating losses may be limited.

 

50

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 20212022 and 20202021 consist of the following:

 

 

2021

  

2020

  

2022

  

2021

 
                

Current

 $-  $-  $-  $- 

Deferred

  -   -   -   - 

Total

 $-  $-  $-  $- 

 

51

The provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the applicable statutory income tax rate of 27.6% for the years ended December 31, 20212022 and 20202021 to the loss before taxes as a result of the following differences:

 

 

2021

  

2020

  

2022

  

2021

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 $(716,331

)

 $(7,665,024

)

 $(1,350,002

)

 $(716,331

)

Statutory tax rate

  27.6

%

  27.6

%

  27.6

%

  27.6

%

Total tax (benefit) at statutory rate

  (198,000

)

  (2,115,000

)

  (373,000

)

  (198,000

)

                

Permanent difference

  (669,565

)

  152,000   176,000   (669,565

)

Other adjustments

  8,765   1,100   (219,136)  8,765 

Changes in valuation allowance

  858,800   1,961,900   416,136   858,800 

Income tax expense

 $-  $-  $-  $- 

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the tax impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured by tax laws and regulations.

 

Deferred income taxes include the net tax effects of net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards and the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. As of December 31, 2021,2022, and 20202021 significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets are as follows:

 

 

2021

  

2020

  

2022

  

2021

 

Deferred Tax Assets:

                

Net operating loss carryforwards

 $4,016,400  $3,166,700  $4,363,000  $4,016,400 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  104,000   94,900   94,000   104,000 

Property and equipment

  158,200   158,200   158,200   158,200 

Intangible assets

  607,500   607,500   607,500   607,500 

Net deferred tax assets

  4,886,100   4,027,300   5,222,700   4,886,100 

Valuation allowance

  (4,886,100

)

  (4,027,300

)

  (5,222,700

)

  (4,886,100

)

Net deferred tax assets

 $-  $-  $-  $- 

 

The Company’s tax returns for the previous three years remain open for audit by the respective tax jurisdictions.

 

16.15. EQUITY

 

Common Stock

 

At December 31, 20212022 and 20202021 a total of 2,837,580 shares are deemed issued but deemed not outstanding by the Company.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021:2022:

 

On August 26, 2021,April 8, 2022, the Company entered intoissued 33,445 shares with a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”)value of $11,405 to an employee as compensation.

On April 25, 2022, the Company issued 142,857 shares with eacha value of JCP Investment Partnership LP, Bandera Master Fund LP and SV Asset Management LLC (collectively, the “Investors”). Pursuant$48,543 to the SPA, each Investor purchased 3,125,000 shares of the Company’sa service provider.

At December 31, 2022, total common stock for an aggregate of 9,375,000 shares from the Company at a price of $0.40 per share. The Company received $3,580,372 proceeds from the sale of the shares, net of costsoutstanding in the amount of $169,628. JCP Investment Partnership, LP is controlled48,089,657 includes 1,319,940 shares vested by James C. Pappas, a director of the Company; Bandera Master Fund LP is controlled by Jefferson Gramm, a director of the Company;management and SV Asset Management LLC is controlled by Hank Cohn, a director of the Company.directors pursuant to their compensation plans but not yet issued.

 

51

During the year endedAt December 31, 2021, in connection with stock based compensation based upon the terms of employment agreements with its employees and compensation agreements with the Company’s independent board members, the Company charged to operations the amount of $90,000 for the vesting of a total of 200,282 shares of common stock issuable to two of its independent board members, and $402,116 for the vesting of a total of 1,020,913 shares of common stock issuable to its Chief Executive Officer and its Director of Strategic Acquisitions pursuant to their employment agreements. The Company also recognized non-cash compensationoutstanding in the amount of $144,274 during the year ended December 31, 2021 in connection with stock options issuable to46,041,751 includes 584,774 shares vested by management and board members, and $31,861 in connection with 74,076 shares of common stock issueddirectors pursuant to an employee as a bonus.their compensation plans but not yet issued.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2020:

��

The Company charged the amount of $142,512 in connection with the vesting of stock options issuable to board members and employees in connection with their compensation agreements.

The Company charged the amount of $363,503 in connection with the vesting of 954,496 shares of common stock issuable to board members and employees in connection with their employment agreements. These shares are included in common stock outstanding at December 31, 2020.

The Company issued 38,943 shares of common stock with a fair value of $0.44 to an employee as a bonus. The fair value of $17,135 was charged to operations during the year ended December 31, 2020.

The Company issued 4,762 shares of common stock with an average fair value of $0.48 to a service provider; the fair value of $2,286 was charged to operations during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Treasury Stock

At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had 2,623,171 shares of treasury stock.

Warrants

The Company had no warrants outstanding at December 31, 2021 or 2020.2021:

 

Options

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022:

The Company issued 125,000 two-year options with an exercise price of $0.41 per share and a grant date fair value of $1,708 to a service provider. These options vested upon issuance and will expire on April 25, 2024.

The Company issued 125,000 two-year options with an exercise price of $0.50 per share and a grant date fair value of $384 to a service provider. These options vested upon issuance and will expire on April 25, 2024.

52

For the year ended December 31, 2021:

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company issued 50,000 two-yeartwo-year options with a fair value on the date of grant of $8,616 to a director at a price of $1.20 per share, vesting September 10, 2022, and expiring September 10, 2023.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2020:

On January 30, 2020, the Company issued to each of 2 directors options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock (an aggregate of 100,000 options) at a price of $1.20 per share, vesting January 30, 2021, and expiring January 30, 2023. Each grant of 50,000 options had a fair value of $1,216 on the date of the grant.

On December 29, 2020, the Company issued to its Chief Financial Officer options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at a price of $0.60 per share with a fair value on the date of the grant of $7,775, and options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at a price of $1.00 per share with a fair value on the date of the grant of $6,291; these options vest quarterly over two years and expire December 28, 2025.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, an aggregate of 475,000 options to purchase shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $1.76 expired.

52

The following table summarizes the options outstanding and the related prices for the options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock issued by the Company as of December 31, 2021:2022:

 

             

Weighted

      

Weighted

 
         

Weighted

  

average

      

average

 
         

average

  

exercise

      

exercise

 
 

Range of

  

Number of

  

Remaining

  

price of

  

Number of

  

price of

 
 

exercise

  

options

  

contractual

  

outstanding

  

options

  

exercisable

 
 

Prices

  

Outstanding

  

life (years)

  

Options

  

Exercisable

  

Options

 
 $0.60   50,000   3.99  $0.60   25,000  $0.60 
 $0.62   360,000   2.00  $0.62   360,000  $0.62 
 $0.85   540,000   2.00  $0.85   540,000  $0.85 
 $1.00   50,000   3.99  $1.00   25,000  $1.00 
 $1.20   1,100,000   1.84  $1.20   1,062,500  $1.20 
      2,100,000   2.01  $0.99   2,012,500  $0.99 

The following table summarizes the options outstanding and the related prices for the options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock issued by the Company as of December 31, 2020:

             

Weighted

      

Weighted

 
         

Weighted

  

average

      

average

 
         

average

  

exercise

      

exercise

 
 

Range of

  

Number of

  

Remaining

  

price of

  

Number of

  

price of

 
 

exercise

  

options

  

contractual

  

outstanding

  

options

  

exercisable

 
 

Prices

  

Outstanding

  

life (years)

  

Options

  

Exercisable

  

Options

 
 $0.60   50,000   4.99  $0.60   -  $- 
 $0.62   360,000   3.00  $0.62   240,000  $0.62 
 $0.85   540,000   3.00  $0.85   360,000  $0.85 
 $1.00   50,000   4.99  $1.00   -   - 
 $1.10   75,000   0.37  $1.10   75,000  $1.10 
 $1.20   1,050,000   2.84  $1.20   650,000  $1.20 
 $1.50   125,000   1.00  $1.50   125,000  $1.50 
      2,250,000   2.82  $1.02   1,450,000  $1.04 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

average

 

 

 

 

 

 

average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average

 

 

exercise

 

 

 

 

 

 

exercise

 

 

Range of

 

 

Number of

 

 

Remaining

 

 

price of

 

 

Number of

 

 

price of

 

 

exercise

 

 

options

 

 

contractual

 

 

outstanding

 

 

options

 

 

exercisable

 

 

Prices

 

 

Outstanding

 

 

life (years)

 

 

Options

 

 

Exercisable

 

 

Options

 

 

$

0.41

 

 

 

125,000

 

 

 

1.32

 

 

$

0.41

 

 

 

125,000

 

 

$

0.41

 

 

$

0.50

 

 

 

125,000

 

 

 

1.32

 

 

$

0.50

 

 

 

125,000

 

 

$

0.50

 

 

$

0.60

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

2.99

 

 

$

0.60

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

$

0.60

 

 

$

0.62

 

 

 

360,000

 

 

 

1.00

 

 

$

0.62

 

 

 

360,000

 

 

$

0.62

 

 

$

0.85

 

 

 

540,000

 

 

 

1.00

 

 

$

0.85

 

 

 

540,000

 

 

$

0.85

 

 

$

1.00

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

2.99

 

 

$

1.00

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

$

1.00

 

 

$

1.20

 

 

 

1,050,000

 

 

 

0.90

 

 

$

1.20

 

 

 

1,050,000

 

 

$

1.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,300,000

 

 

 

1.07

 

 

$

0.93

 

 

 

2,300,000

 

 

$

0.93

 

 

Transactions involving stock options are summarized as follows:

 

 

Number of Shares

  

Weighted Average

Exercise Price

 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2019

  2,525,000  $1.23 

Granted

  200,000   1.00 

Exercised

  -   - 

Cancelled / Expired

  (475,000

)

  1.76 
         

Number of Shares

  

Weighted Average

Exercise Price

 

Options outstanding at December 31, 2020

  2,250,000  $1.02   2,525,000  $1.02 

Granted

  50,000   1.20   50,000   1.20 

Exercised

  -   -   -   - 

Cancelled / Expired

  (200,000

)

  1.35   (200,000

)

  1.35 
                

Options outstanding at December 31, 2021

  2,100,000  $0.99   2,100,000  $0.99 

Granted

  250,000   0.46 

Exercised

  -   - 

Cancelled / Expired

  (50,000

)

  1.20 
        

Options outstanding at December 31, 2022

  2,300,000  $0.93 

 

Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 20212022 and 20202021 was $0. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the fiscal period, which was $0.33$0.21 and $0.29$0.33 as of December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, respectively, and the exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding.

 

53

During the year ended December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, the Company charged $144,274$8,738 and $142,512,$144,274, respectively, to operations related to recognized stock-based compensation expense for stock options.

 

The exercise price at grant dates in relation to the market price during 20212022 and 20202021 are as follows:

 

 

2021

  

2020

  

2022

  

2021

 

Exercise price lower than market price

  -   -   -   - 
                

Exercise price equal to market price

  -   -   -   - 
                

Exercise price exceeded market price

 $0.62 to 1.20  $0.62 to 1.50  $0.41 to 0.50  $0.62 to 1.50 

 

As of December 31, 2021,2022, and 2020,2021, there were 87,5000 and 800,000,87,500, respectively, non-vested options outstanding.

 

53

Accounting for warrants and stock options

 

The Company valued warrants andstock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model utilizing the following variables:

 

 

December 31,

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
 

2021

  

2020

  

2022

  

2021

 

Volatility

  71.26

%

  41.7-82.7

%

  24.43

%

  71.26

%

Dividends

 $-  $-  $-  $- 

Risk-free interest rates

  0.23

%

  0.37-1.37

%

  2.63

%

  0.23

%

Term (years)

  2.00   3.00-5.00   2.00   2.00 

 

17.16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

Contingent Liability

 

Pursuant to the igourmet Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company recorded contingent liabilities in the original amount of $787,800. This amount relates to certain performance-based payments over the twenty-four months following the acquisition date as well as to certain additional liabilities that the Company has evaluated and has recorded on a contingent basis. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company reduced this amount by $392,900 as the performance goals for the first year were not met. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company reduced this amount by $132,300 as the performance goals for the second year were not met. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company paid the amount of $39,000 in connection with the additional liabilities. During the years ended December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, the Company paid the amount of $8,000 and $40,000,80,000, respectively, in connection with the additional liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company determined that these contingent liabilities were no longer needed as the time period for attainment of the contingencies had lapsed; accordingly, the balances of the contingent liabilities in the amounts of $67,000 and $108,000 were de-recognized and credited to gain on contingent liabilities. At December 31, 2021 and 2020,2022, the amount of $67,000 remainscontingent liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a current contingent liability, and $108,600 and $116,600, respectively, as a long term contingent liability.in connection with the igourmet acquisition was $0.

 

Pursuant to the Mouth Foods LLC Asset Acquisition, the Company recorded contingent liabilities in the amount of $240,576. These amounts relate to the estimate of certain performance-based payments following the acquisition date as well as to certain additional liabilities that the Company has evaluated and has recorded on a contingent basis. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company paid the amount of $120,576 in connection with these liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company determined that these contingent liabilities were no longer needed as the time period for attainment of the contingencies had lapsed; accordingly, the balance of the contingent liabilities in the amount of $120,000 was de-recognized and credited to gain on contingent liabilities. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, $120,000 is classified as a current2022 the amount of contingent liability.liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet was $0.

 

License Agreements

 

In May 2019, the Company entered into a royalty-based license agreement, through December 31, 2022 with a lifestyle brand, which provides the exclusive right, with certain carve-outs and limitations, to sell and promote branded gift baskets for certain channels including: retail, warehouse club stores, certain of the Company’s current e-commerce channels, and other e-commerce channels such as amazon.com (the “May 2019 License Agreement”). Pursuant to the May 2019 License Agreement, the Company paid an initial royalty deposit in the amount of $50,000 towards the minimum royalty, which is classified as other current assets on the Company’s balance sheet at December 31, 2019. Future royalty amounts owed for minimum payments in connection with the May 2019 License Agreement will be deducted from this depositdeposit. The royalty rate is 5% of net sales, and the Company is required, with certain exceptions and exclusions, to make minimum royalty payments of $100,000 through the end of 2020, $110,000 in 2021, and $125,000 in 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has made the required minimum royalty payments.2022.

 

54

Litigation

 

On September 16, 2019, an action (the “PA Action”) was filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Trial Division, against, among others, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Innovative Gourmet LLCigourmet and Food Innovations, Inc. Since that time, other parties involved in the incident have joined as plaintiffs in the PA Action. The complaint in the PA Action alleges, inter alia, wrongful death and negligence by a driver formerly employed by Innovative Gourmet,igourmet and plaintiffs filedindicates a demand and offer to settle for 50 million dollars.$50,000,000. We expect that should a settlement occur the amount to resolve the Action would be substantially lower. The Company and its subsidiaries and their employees had auto and umbrella insurance policies, among others, that were in effect for the relevant period.period The Company and its subsidiaries’ insurers have agreed to defend the Company and its subsidiaries and the driver in the PA Action (and the related actions)action), subject to a reservation of rights. The Company believes that the likely outcome would result in the liabilities being covered by its insurance carriers. However, if the Company was found responsible for damages in excess of its available insurance coverage, such damages in excess of the coverage could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations. On July 16, 2020, the court granted the Company's motion to stay theThe case through the final adjudication of an additional pending legal proceeding against the driver in connection with the events related to the case. It is not anticipated that the Company and its subsidiaries will be a party to any other legal proceedings in connection with this matter.has been set for trial for April 1, 2024. Because the statute of limitations on the incident has now run, it is not anticipated that any new plaintiffs involved in the incident will come forward against the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

54

From time to time, the Company has become and may become involved in certain lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business, or as the result of current or previous investments, or current or previous subsidiaries, or current or previous employees, or current or previous directors, or as a result of acquisitions and dispositions or other corporate activities. The Company intends to vigorously defend its positions. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our financial position or our business and the outcome of these matters cannot be ultimately predicted.

 

18.17. MAJOR CUSTOMERCUSTOMERS

 

The Company’s largest customer, U.S. Foods, Inc. and its affiliates, accounted for approximately 46%49% and 40%46% of total sales in each of the years ended December 31, 20212022 and 2020.2021. A contract between our subsidiary, Food Innovations, and U.S. Foods entered an optional renewal period in December 2012 but was automatically extended for an additional 12 months in each of January 1, 2013 and 2014. On January 26, 2015 we executed a contract directly between Food Innovations, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, and U.S. Foods, Inc. The term of the contract was from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016 and provided for a limited number of automatic annual renewals thereafter if no party gives the other 30 days’ notice of its intent not to renew. Based on the terms, the Agreement was extended through December 31, 2018. Effective January 1, 2018 the Agreement was further amended to remove the cap on renewals, and provide for an unlimited number of additional 12-month terms unless either party notifies the other in writing, 30 days prior to the end date, of its intent not to renew. In addition, Gate Gourmet, the leading global provider of airline catering solutions and provisioning services for airlines, in partnership with igourmet, represented 13% of total sales for the year ended December 31, 2022. 

 

19.18. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Our short-term financial instruments, including cash, accounts payable and other liabilities, consist primarily of instruments without extended maturities, the fair value of which, based on management’s estimates, reasonably approximate their book value. The fair value of the Company’s stock option, convertible debt features and warrant instrumentsoptions is determined using option pricing models.

 

As a result of the adoption of ASC 815-40, the Company is required to disclose the fair value measurements required by ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” Hierarchical levels, defined by ASC 820 are directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuations of these liabilities are as follows:

 

Level 1 -

Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date;

 

 

Level 2 -

Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and

 

 

Level 3 -

Unobservable inputs, for which little or no market data exist, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

 

As December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, the Company did not have financial assets or liabilities that are required to be accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

20. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS19. LIQUIDITY

 

None.On June 6, 2022, the  Company entered into three loan agreements with MapleMark Bank: the MapleMark Revolver in the amount of $2,014,333, the MapleMark Term Loan 1 in the amount of $5,324,733, and the MapleMark Term Loan 2 in the amount of $356,800.  See note 11.  The aggregate principal amount of these loans is $7,695,866 at December 31, 2022.  Each of these loans is currently due on May 27, 2023.  These loans were entered into with the expectation of receiving a loan guarantee from the United States Department of Agriculture.  The USDA Guarantee would provide the Company with the ability to: (i) increase the amount available under the MapleMark Revolver to a maximum of $3,000,000 and extend the due date to November 28, 2023; (ii) increase the amount available under the MapleMark Term Loan 1 to $7,775,680 and extend the due date to June 6, 2052; and (iii) increase the amount available under the MapleMark Term Loan 2 to $2,680,000 and extend the due date to June 6, 2052. The Company has submitted its application for the USDA Guarantee, but it has not been received as of March 28, 2023. 

55

 

We maintain a dialogue with MapleMark Bank regarding the status of the USDA Guarantee and the MapleMark Loans. We have previously secured two 90 day extensions of the MapleMark loans, from November 26, 2022 to February 26, 2023; and to May 27, 2023. If the USDA Guarantee is not received by May 6, 2023, we will apply for an additional 90 day extension of the MapleMark Loans. If, by May 15, 2023, we are unable to obtain an additional extension from MapleMark or if the USDA Guarantee is denied, we will begin renewed negotiations with MapleMark for loans to replace the existing loans but with terms not supported by the USDA Guarantee.  MapleMark has indicated their willingness to proceed along these lines if necessary. If we are unable to negotiate revised loan agreements with MapleMark by June 1, 2023, we will begin negotiations with other lenders who have previously expressed interest in providing the Company with debt financing. The Company has received appraisals of our land and buildings at a combined value of approximately $19,900,000 which would be available to collateralize any such loans. In the highly unlikely event that we are unable to secure alternative debt financing pursuant to these negotiations by June 15, 2023, we would enter into factoring arrangements in order to partially finance the payment of the MapleMark principal balances.  At March 28, 2023, we had cash on hand of approximately $1,895,000 (unaudited) and accounts receivable of approximately $4,262,000 (unaudited) which would be available to pay down and collateralize further paydown of the MapleMark Loans.

20. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Appointment of Bill Bennett as CEO and Director

On February 3, 2023, the Company entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with Robert William (Bill) Bennett (the “RWB Agreement”). The RWB Agreement provides, among other things, for Mr. Bennett to become the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Bennett, and one designee, to be nominated to the Company’s Board of Directors during his tenure as CEO.

Resignation of Sam Klepfish as CEO

On February 3, 2023, the Company entered into an Agreement and General Release and a Side Letter thereto with Sam Klepfish (the “SK Agreements”). The SK Agreements provide, among other things, for Mr. Kelpfish’s resignation from all positions with the Company and its subsidiaries on the Separation Date, except that Mr. Klepfish will remain a director and Chairman of the Board of the Company.

Resignation of Justin Weirnasz as Director of Strategic Alliances and Director

Effective March 1, 2023, for personal reasons, Mr. Justin Wiernasz resigned as our Director of Strategic Acquisitions and as a director.

Appointment of Denver Smith as Director

Effective March 13, 2023, Mr. Denver J. Smith was appointed to our Board of Directors.

Extension of MapleMark loans

On February 26, 2023, the MapleMark loans were extended to May 27, 2023.

Issuance of Common Stock

On February 28, 2023, the Company recorded  400,007 shares of common stock with a weighted average price of $0.23 per share issuable to Sam Klepfish, its Chairman and ex-CEO, pursuant to his employment agreement.

On February 28, 2023, the Company issued a total of 267,030 shares of common stock at a price of $0.37 per share as compensation to three employees.

56

ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act were effective as of December 31, 20212022 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, and summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and our disclosure controls and procedures are also effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive and financial officers to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting are designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and

(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021.2022. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting — Guidance for Smaller Public Companies issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013). Management haspreviously identified a control deficiency regarding the integration of two acquisitions in 2018 and as a result management hashad previously concluded our internal control over financial reporting was ineffective at December 31, 2021 at the reasonable assurance level. Management of the Company believes that this deficiency is primarily due to the smaller size of the company’s accounting staff in relation to certain continued system integrations related to the 2018 acquisitions of certain assets of igourmet LLC and Mouth Foods, Inc. To address this matter, we recently named a new Chief Financial Officer effective December 29, 2020 and also expect to retainretained additional qualified personnel and accounting and systems consultants to continue to remediate thispersonnel. As a result, Management concluded that the Company’s internal control deficiency inover financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 is effective at the future.reasonable assurance level.

 

Inherent Limitations over Internal Controls

 

Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error and circumvention by collusion or overriding of controls. Accordingly, even an effective internal control system may not prevent or detect material misstatements on a timely basis. 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. Accordingly, our internal controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.

 

5657

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have made no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 9B. Other Information

 

None.

 

ITEM 9C. Disclosures Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions That Prevent Inspections

 

Not applicable.

 

5758

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

Set forth below are the directors and executive officers of our Company, their respective names and ages, positions with our Company, principal occupations and business experiences during at least the past five years.

 

Name

 

Age

 

Position

Bill Bennett

41

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Sam Klepfish

 

4748

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Justin Wiernasz

55

Director of Strategic Acquisitions and Director

Joel Gold

 

8081

 

Director

Hank Cohn

 

5253

 

Director

David Polinsky

 

5152

 

Director

James C. Pappas

 

4041

 

Director

Mark Schmulen

 

4142

 

Director

Jefferson Gramm

4647

Director

Denver J. Smith

35

 

Director

Richard Tang

 

5859

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

Directors

 

Bill Bennett, Chief Executive Officer and Director

William (Bill) Bennett has been a director and our CEO since February 28, 2023. Prior thereto, Mr. Bennett was most recently Vice President of eCommerce for The Kroger Co. from 2020 until 2023. In this role, he was responsible for the company’s $10 billion eCommerce business, leading cross-functional partners in marketing, merchandising, product management, supply chain, technology, and analytics to develop and lead a robust eCommerce go-to-market and growth strategy across the enterprise. Mr. Bennett joined Kroger from Walmart where he served for seven years, from 2013 to 2020, in a variety of eCommerce and store leadership roles, including finance, merchandising, strategy, analytics, and product management. Prior to Walmart, from 2011 to 2013, Mr. Bennett led the pricing strategy team at S.C. Johnson and served in a variety of leadership roles at General Mills from 2006 to 2011. Mr. Bennett received a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Finance from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.

Sam Klepfish, Chairman

 

Mr. Klepfish has been a director since December 1, 2005. From November 2007 to presentFebruary 28, 2023 Mr. Klepfish iswas the CEO of Innovative Food Holdings and its subsidiaries. From March 2006 to November 2007 Mr. Klepfish was the interim president of the Company and its subsidiary. Since February 2005 Mr. Klepfish was also a Managing Partner at ISG Capital, a merchant bank. From May 2004 through February 2005 Mr. Klepfish served as a Managing Director of Technoprises, Ltd. From January 2001 to May 2004 he was a corporate finance analyst and consultant at Phillips Nizer, a New York law firm. Since January 2001 Mr. Klepfish has been a member of the steering committee of Tri-State Ventures, a New York investment group. From 1998 to December 2000, Mr. Klepfish was an asset manager for several investors in small-cap entities.

Justin Wiernasz, Director of Strategic Acquisitions

Mr. Wiernasz has been a director since November 1, 2013. Effective on May 11, 2018, Mr. Justin Wiernasz resigned his position of President of Innovative Food Holdings, Inc. which he held since July 31, 2008 and assumed the position of Director of Strategic Acquisitions. Prior thereto he was the Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales and Chief Marketing Officer of our operating subsidiary, Food Innovations, Inc. since May 2007 and the President of Food Innovations and our Chief Marketing Officer since December 2007. Prior thereto, he was at USF, our largest customer, for 13 years. From 2005 to 2007 he was the Vice President of Sales & Marketing, USF, Boston, and prior thereto, from 2003 to 2005 he was a National Sales Trainer at USF, Charleston SC, from 1996 to 2003 he was the District Sales Manager at USF, Western Massachusetts and from 1993 to 1996 he was Territory Manager, USF, Northampton, Easthampton & Amherst, MA. Prior to that from 1989 to 1993 he was the owner and operator J.J.’s food and spirit, a 110 seat restaurant.

 

Joel Gold, Director

 

Mr. Gold is currently a partner in a merchant banking firm, and has served on the board and committees of numerous companies. Prior to that, he was an investment banker at Buckman, Buckman and Reid located in New Jersey, a position he held since May 2010. Prior there to, from October 2004, he was head of investment banking of Andrew Garrett, Inc. From January 2000 until September 2004, he served as Executive Vice President of Investment Banking of Berry Shino Securities, Inc., an investment banking firm also located in New York City. From January 1999 until December 1999, he was an Executive Vice President of Solid Capital Markets, an investment-banking firm also located in New York City. From September 1997 to January 1999, he served as a Senior Managing Director of Interbank Capital Group, LLC, an investment banking firm also located in New York City. From April 1996 to September 1997, Mr. Gold was an Executive Vice President of LT Lawrence & Co., and from March 1995 to April 1996, a Managing Director of Fechtor Detwiler & Co., Inc., a representative of the underwriters for the Company’s initial public offering. Mr. Gold was a Managing Director of Furman Selz Incorporated from January 1992 until March 1995. From April 1990 until January 1992, Mr. Gold was a Managing Director of Bear Stearns and Co., Inc. (“Bear Stearns”). For approximately 20 years before he became affiliated with Bear Stearns, he held various positions with Drexel Burnham Lambert, Inc.

 

5859

 

Hank Cohn, Director

 

Mr. Cohn has been a director since October 29, 2010. Hank Cohn is currently CEO of P1 Billing, LLC, a revenue cycle management services provider to ambulatory medical clinics. P1 Billing is a spinoff of PracticeOne Inc., (formerly PracticeXpert, Inc., an OTCBB traded company), an integrated PMS and EMR software and services company for physicians. Mr. Cohn served as President and Chief Executive Officer of PracticeOne from December 2009 until December 2009, at which time he sold the company to Francison Partners, one of the largest, global technology focused, private equity firms in Silicon Valley. Prior to that, Mr. Cohn worked with a number of public companies. A partial list of his past and present board memberships include: Analytical Surveys, Inc., Kaching, Inc., and International Food and Wine, Inc., currently Evolution Resources Inc. Mr. Cohn also served as the executive vice president of Galaxy Ventures, LLC a closely-held investment fund concentrating in the areas of bond trading and early stage technology investments, where he acted as portfolio manager for investments.

 

David Polinsky, Director

 

David A. Polinsky has been a director since July 24, 2019. Mr. Polinsky has served as Chief Financial Officer of Rafael Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: RFL) since December 2017. Mr. Polinsky co-founded Rafael Pharmaceuticals and served as its Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary from 2002 and as President, General Counsel and Secretary from 2016 through March 2018. He also served on Rafael Pharmaceutical’s Board from 2002 until 2014. Prior to joining Rafael Pharmaceuticals, from 1996 to 2002, he served as Vice President and General Counsel for a New York-based real estate focused investment and management company, Square Management Corp., leading the investment analysis in and management of residential, office, retail and development properties. Previously and in partnership with the Honorable Edward I. Koch, former Mayor of New York City, Mr. Polinsky founded in 1999 and served as CEO of a company that licensed and developed TheLaw.com as a leading consumer focused legal information site. Mr. Polinsky earned his Juris Doctorate from Fordham University School of Law in 1996 and his Bachelor of Arts from Yeshiva University in 1993. Mr. Polinsky also earned the CFA Institute’s Investment Foundations certificate.

 

James C. Pappas, Director

 

James C. Pappas has been a director since January 30, 2020. Mr. Pappas has served as the Managing Member of JCP Investment Management, LLC (“JCP Management”), an investment firm, and the sole member of JCP Investment Holdings, LLC (“JCP Holdings”), since June 2009. Mr. Pappas has also served as a director of Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. (NASDAQ:TLF), a retailer and wholesale distributor of a broad line of leather and related products, since June 2016. Mr. Pappas previously served as a director of each of Jamba, Inc. (formerly NASDAQ:JMBA), a leading health and wellness brand and the leading retailer of freshly squeezed juice, from January 2015 until the completion of its sale in September 2018, U.S. Geothermal Inc. (formerly NYSEMKT:HTM), a leading geothermal energy company, from September 2016 until the completion of its sale in April 2018, and The Pantry, Inc. (formerly NASDAQ:PTRY), a leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States and one of the largest independently operated convenience store chains in the country, from March 2014 until the completion of its sale in March 2015. He also previously served as Chairman of the board of directors of Morgan’s Foods, Inc. (formerly OTC:MRFD), a then publicly traded company, from January 2013 until May 2014, when the company was acquired by Apex Restaurant Management, Inc., after originally joining its board as a director in February 2012. From 2005 until 2007, Mr. Pappas worked for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) (“Goldman Sachs”), a multinational investment banking and securities firm, in its Investment Banking / Leveraged Finance Division. As part of the Goldman Sachs Leveraged Finance Group, Mr. Pappas advised private equity groups and corporations on appropriate leveraged buyout, recapitalization and refinancing alternatives. Prior to Goldman Sachs, Mr. Pappas worked at Banc of America Securities, the investment banking arm of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC), a multinational banking and financial services corporation, where he focused on Consumer and Retail Investment Banking, providing advice on a wide range of transactions including mergers and acquisitions, financings, restructurings and buy-side engagements. Mr. Pappas received a BBA and a Masters in Finance from Texas A&M University.

 

Mark Schmulen, Director

 

Mark Schmulen has been a director since January 30, 2020. Mr. Schmulen is a co-founder and has served as CEO of Chirp Systems, Inc., a venture-backed smart access solution for multifamily property owners, since October 2019. Mr. Schmulen has also served as the managing director of Jelly Capital, LLC, a private investment fund focused on early stage technology and real estate investments, since May 2015, and as an investment advisor representative for Forum Financial, LP, an independent investment advisor, since November 2016. Previously, he served as General Manager of Social Media for Constant Contact, Inc. (formerly NASDAQ:CTCT), a provider of digital marketing solutions, from May 2010 until May 2014. Prior to that, he was co-founder and served as CEO of Nutshell Mail, Inc., a social media marketing solution, from 2008 until its acquisition by Constant Contact, Inc. in 2010. Mr. Schmulen began his career as an investment banking analyst with JPMorgan Chase Bank. Currently, he serves on the board of directors for the Shlenker School, since August 2017 and is a Director of the HHF Foundation, benefiting early childhood education, since December 2014. Mr. Schmulen holds a B.S. from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.S. in Management from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.

 

5960

 

Jefferson Gramm, Director

 

Jefferson Gramm has been a director since September 10, 2021. Mr. Gramm is a co-founder, partner and portfolio manager at Bandera Partners LLC, a New York based investment fund founded in 2006. Prior to founding Bandera in 2006, he served as Managing Director of Arklow Capital, LLC, a hedge fund focused on distressed and value investments. Mr. Gramm has extensive board experience and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. and as a director of Rubicon Technology Inc. Mr. Gramm previously served on the Board of Directors of Ambassadors Group Inc., Morgan’s Foods Inc., and Peerless Systems Corp. He received an M.B.A. from Columbia University in 2003 and a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Chicago in 1996.

Denver Smith, Director

Denver Smith has been a director since March 13, 2023. Mr. Smith is the Co-Founder and a managing member of Carlson Ridge Capital, a hedge fund manager, which was founded in 2015. He is also the Co-CIO of the firm and acts as the lead manager for the CRC Founders Fund, LP. Additionally, Mr. Smith advises the Aspen Family Trust on its asset allocation and strategic level decisions for various entities it owns. He was previously a portfolio manager and the Chief Investment Officer for 73114 Investments, LLC, for a period of 9 years. In 2015, he prompted and helped negotiate the sale of 73114 Investments parent company, a government contracting company, to a multi-billion dollar publicly traded REIT for over $150 million. Mr. Smith serves on the Board of Trustees of Lifestyle Management Inc, a non-profit organization. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BBA in Finance and Economics. He also earned an MBA from the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Smith is a CFA Charterholder.

 

Richard Tang , CFO

 

Richard Tang has been CFO at IVFH since December 29, 2020. Mr. Tang, has more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership roles, working in media, e-commerce, CPG and food-based sectors, most recently as CFO for Van Leeuwen Ice Cream LLC, a nationwide manufacturer of ultra-premium dairy and vegan ice cream distributed and sold through 2,000 supermarket and independent chain doors nationwide and multi-state brick and mortar locations. Prior thereto, from 2017 to 2019, Mr. Tang was CFO at Nutraceutical Wellness, Inc., a global subscription-based CPG e-commerce and business-to-business wellness vitamin and supplements consumer business. Prior thereto, from 2012-2016, Tang was Senior Vice President, Corporate Development at Fareportal, the third largest Online Travel Agency in North America. Mr. Tang has also held senior financial roles at The Condé Nast Publications, Time Warner, and Walt Disney Corporation. Mr. Tang holds a Master of Business Administration from Boston University Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science from Boston College.

 

Qualification of Directors

 

We believe that all of our directors are qualified for their positions and each brings a benefit to the board. Messrs. Kelpfish and Wiernasz,Mr. Bennett, as our officers, arean executive officer, is uniquely qualified to bring management’s perspective to the board’s deliberations. Mr. Gold, with his lengthy career working for broker/dealers, bring a “Wall Street” perspective and Mr. Schmulen, with his private equity experience, and Messrs. Cohn and Polinsky, with their prior history of being executives and directors of other companies, bring a well-rounded background and wealth of general business experience to our board. Mr. Pappas brings both his investment and corporate finance background and food industry experience to the board. Mr. Klepfish, as a former executive officer continues to bring his knowledge of the food industry as well as detailed knowledge of the Company to the board. Messrs. Gramm and Smith bring extensive experience in business strategy and capital markets.

 

Committees

 

The Board of Directors currently has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The members of the Compensation Committee and of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Messrs. Gold, Cohn, Pappas and Schmulen and the members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Gold, Cohn, Gramm, Polinsky, and Schmulen with Mr. Cohn designated as the Audit Committee Financial Expert. All of the members of each committee have been determined by the Board of Directors to be independent.

61

 

Agreements with Directors

 

Prior to Mr. Pappas’ appointment to the Board, as described in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 30, 2020 (the “January 8-K”), the Company and Mr. Pappas entered into a two year Agreement dated as of January 28, 2020 (the “Agreement”“Pappas Agreement”) which, among other things, provided that (i) the Company (x) will support the continued directorships of the New Directors (as defined in the Pappas Agreement) at the next two annual meetings and (y) after 18 months will appoint another nominee of JCP (as defined in the Pappas Agreement”) to the Board and support such nominee at the next annual meeting, provided that such nominee shall be subject to the approval (which shall not be unreasonably withheld) of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board and the Board after exercising their good faith customary due diligence process and fiduciary duties; and (ii) JCP and the Company agreed to certain standstill provisions, as more fully described in the Pappas Agreement. As of the date hereof, the New Directors referred to in the Pappas Agreement are Messrs. Pappas and Schmulen.

Effective November 28, 2022 the Company entered into a Board Observer Agreement with Denver J. Smith (the “Smith Agreement”). Mr. Smith is part of a Schedule 13D group (the “Group”) which holds approximately 8.3% of our outstanding common stock. The Group had threatened a proxy contest, and to avoid expense and disruption associated with a proxy contest the company has signed the Smith Agreement with the Group. The Smith Agreement provides, among other things, that for up to six (6) months, with certain minor limitations, Mr. Smith will have observer status at all meetings held by our Board of Directors as well as meetings held by the various Committees of our Board of Directors. In addition, the Smith Agreement provides for Mr. Smith to become a member of our Board of Directors on or before the six (6) month anniversary of the Smith Agreement subject to fulfillment of the Board’s fiduciary responsibilities. The Smith Agreement contains certain “standstill” provisions regarding proxy contests, Board membership and joining certain ownership groups. The Smith Agreement is conditional upon the Group maintaining certain minimum ownership of our common stock as well as imposing duties of confidentiality and securities law compliance. Effective March 13, 2023, our board determined to appoint Mr. Smith to our board.

 

Code of Ethics

 

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to each of our employees, including our CEO, our principal financial officer, as well as members of our Board of Directors. A copy of such Code has been publicly filed with, and is available for free from, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

60

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

During 2021,2022, Messrs. Klepfish and Wiernasz did not file one Form 4 in connection with the receipt of shares.

 

62

ITEM 11. Executive Compensation

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation for services rendered to us for the two years ended December 31, 2021,2022, of our Chief Executive Officer, our principal financial officer and our highest compensated officer whose annual compensation exceeded $100,000 in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021,2022, if any. We refer to the Chief Executive Officer and these other officers as the named executive officers.

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name and

Principal

Position

 

Year

 

Salary

($)

  

Bonus

($)

  

Stock

Awards

($)

  

Option

Awards

($)

  

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

Compensation

($)

  

Nonqualified

Deferred

Compensation

Earnings

($)

  

All Other

Compensation

($)

  

Total

($)

 

 

Year

 

Salary

($)

 

Bonus

($)

 

 

 

Stock

Awards

($)

 

 

 

Option

Awards

($)

 

 

 

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

Compensation

($)

 

Nonqualified

Deferred

Compensation

Earnings

($)

 

All Other

Compensation

($)

 

 

 

Total

($)

 

Sam Klepfish

 

2021

 $457,288  $-  $385,000

 (a)

 $-  $-  $-  $3,012

 (b)

 $845,300 

 

2022

 

$

513,491

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

466,186

 

 (a)

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

98,939

 

 (b)

 

$

1,078,616

 

CEO(f)

 

2020

 $406,320  $-  $276,387

 (a)

 $-  $-  $-  $3,406

 (b)

 $686,113 

 

2021

 

$

457,288

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

385,000

 

 (a)

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

3,012

 

 (c)

 

$

845,300

 

                                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                  

Justin Wiernasz

 

2021

 $403,822  $10,000

 (c)

 $17,116

 (a)

 $-  $-  $-  $23,655

 (b)

 $454,593 

 

2022

 

$

404,118

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

17,116

 

 (a)

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

26,951

 

 (c)

 

$

431,069

 

Director of Strategic Acquisitions

 

2020

 $392,638  $10,000

 (c)

 $16,398

 (a)

 $-  $-  $-  $26,086

 (b)

 $435,122 
                                  

Director of Strategic Acquisitions (g)

 

2021

 

$

403,822

 

$

10,000

 

 (d)

 

$

17,116

 

 (a)

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

23,655

 

 (c)

 

$

454,593

 

                                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Tang

 

2021

 $199,231  $-  $-  $7,032

 (g)

 $-  $-  $15,791

 (b)

 $222,054 

 

2022

 

$

239,231

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

7,034

 

 (e)

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

17,992

 

 (c)

 

$

264,257

 

Chief Financial Officer (d)

 

2020

 $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-         
                                  

Chief Financial Officer

 

2021

 

$

199,231

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

7,032

 

 (e)

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

15,791

 

 (c)

 

222,054

 

                                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Norma Vila,

 

2021

 $172,692  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $9,312

 (b)

 $182,004 

 

2022

 

$

182,404

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

11,070

 

 (c)

 

$

193,473

 

Principal Accounting Officer (e)

 

2020

 $157,884  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-   3,240

 (b)

 $161,124 
                                  
                                  

John McDonald,

 

2021

 $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 

Principal Accounting Officer (f)

 

2020

 $192,358  $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $6,592

 (b)

 $198,950 

Principal Accounting Officer

 

2021

 

$

172,692

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

9,312

 

 (c)

 

$

182,400

 

 

(a) Consists of the portion of restricted stock awards which were recognized as a period cost during the year for services as an executive officer.

(b) Consists of cash payments for health care benefits in the amount of $3,525 and restricted stock awards in the amount of $95,414 recognized as a period cost during the year for services as an executive officer and utilized to pay withholding taxes on behalf of Mr. Klepfish.

(c) Consists of cash payments for health care benefits.

(c)(d) Consists of a cash bonus paid during the year for services performed in the previous year.

(d) Mr. Tang’s employment with the Company was effective December 29, 2020.

(e) Ms. Vila assumed the role of Principal Accounting Officer effective November 12, 2020 through April 15, 2021.

(f) Mr. McDonald’s employment with the Company ended effective November 18, 2020.

(g) Consists of option awards which were recognized as a period cost during the year for services as an executive officer.

(f) Mr. Klepfish resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer on February 28, 2023.

(g) Mr. Wiernasz resigned from his position as Director of Strategic Acquisitions on March 1, 2023.

 

6163

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End as of December 31, 20212022

 

 

Option Awards

 

Stock Awards

 

 

Option Awards

 

Stock Awards

 

Name

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised

Options (#)

Exercisable

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options(#) Unexercisable

 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options(#)

 

Option Exercise Price ($)

 

Option Expiration Date

 

Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested

(#)

 

 

 

Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)

 

 

 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#)

 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested

($)

 

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised

Options (#)

Exercisable

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options(#) Unexercisable

 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options(#)

 

Option Exercise Price ($)

 

Option Expiration Date

 

Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested

(#)

 

 

 

Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)

 

 

 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#)

 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested

($)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sam Klepfish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

300,000

 

(a)

 

$

97,530

 

(b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

300,000

 

(a)

 

$

63,420

 

(b)

 

-

 

-

 

 

(a) Restricted stock awards vest according to the following schedule: An additional 125,000 restricted stock awards will vest contingent upon the attainment of a stock price of $2.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days, and an additional 175,000 restricted stock awards will vest contingent upon the attainment of a stock price of $3.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.

 

(b) Amounts are calculated by multiplying the number of shares shown in the table by $ 0.330.21 per share, which is the closing price of common stock on December 31, 202130, 2022 (the last trading day of the 20212022 fiscal year).

 

Director Compensation

 

Name

 

Fees

Earned

or Paid

in Cash ($)

 

Stock

Awards

($)

 

Option

Awards

($)

 

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

Compensation

($)

 

Nonqualified

Deferred

Compensation

Earnings

($)

 

All Other

Compensation

($)

 

Total

($)

 

 

Fees

Earned

or Paid

in Cash ($)

  

Stock

Awards

($)

   

Option

Awards

($)

   

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

Compensation

($)

  

Nonqualified

Deferred

Compensation

Earnings

($)

  

All Other

Compensation

($)

  

Total

($)

 

Joel Gold

 

37,500

 

45,000

 

(a)

 

34,120

 

(b)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

116,620

 

  7,500   20,000 

(a)

  -    -   -   -   27,500 

Sam Klepfish

 

-

 

-

 

34,120

 

(b)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

34,120

 

  -   -    -    -   -   -   27,500 

Hank Cohn

 

30,000

 

45,000

 

(a)

 

34,120

 

(b)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

109,120

 

  7,500   20,000 

(a)

  -    -   -   -   - 

Justin Wiernasz(b)

 

-

 

-

 

34,120

 

(b)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

34,120

 

  -   -    -    -   -   -   - 

David Polinsky

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

  -   -    -    -   -   -   - 

James C. Pappas

 

-

 

-

 

101

 

(c)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

101

 

  -   -    -    -   -   -   - 

Mark Schmulen

 

-

 

-

 

101

 

(c)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

101

 

  -   -    -    -   -   -   - 

Jefferson Gramm

 

-

 

-

 

568

 

(d)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

568

   -   -    1,704 

(c)

  -   -   -   1,704 

 

(a) Represents the amount charged to operations during the year ended December 31, 20212022 for 90,00090,634 shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair value of $45,000; 55,545 shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair value of $18,515$30,000 granted on January 1, 2021 and vesting over a three-year period;period, and 64,240 shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair value of $30,000 granted on January 1, 2020 and vesting over a three-year period.

 

(b) Represents the amount charged to operations during the year ended December 31, 2021 for the following: (i) five-year options to purchase 90,000 sharesMr. Wiernasz resigned his position as a director of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.62 per share, vesting over three years; (ii) five-year options to purchase 135,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.85 per share, vesting over three years; and (iii) five-year options to purchase 225,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $1.20 per share, vesting over three years.Company on March 1, 2023.

 

(c) Represents the amount charged to operations during the year ended December 31, 2021 for two-year options to purchase 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $1.20 per share, vesting over one year.

(d) Represents the amount charged to operations during the year ended December 31, 2021 for one-year options to purchase 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $1.20 per share, vesting over one year.

 

62

Employment Agreements

 

Our subsidiary, Food Innovations, has employment agreements with certain officers and certain employees. The employment agreements provide for salaries and benefits, including stock grants and extend up to fivethree years. In addition to salary and benefit provisions, the agreements include defined commitments should the employer terminate the employee with or without cause.

64

BILL BENNETT

On February 3, 2023, we entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with Robert William Bennett (the “RWB Agreement”). The RWB Agreement provides, among other things, for Mr. Bennett to become our Company’s Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Bennett, and one designee, to be nominated to the Company’s Board of Directors during his tenure as CEO; employment at-will with an initial term of employment from February 28, 2023 through December 31, 2025 with 12 months of Base Salary as severance payments if terminated without cause or resignation with Good Reason; an annual Base Salary of $375,000 with at least 3% annual increases with additional annual increases of 20% if certain cash flow metrics are met; a $50,000 signing bonus; an additional Bonus, triggered based on certain conditions being met, of up to $300,000 payable over time; annual incentive bonus equal to at least 50% of Base Salary; reimbursement of legal fees up to $10,000; and participation in the Company’s benefit plans. Mr. Bennett is also subject to the Company’s clawback policies and certain restrictive covenants including confidentiality, non-compete and non-solicitation.

In addition, Mr. Bennett is eligible for stock grants based upon the market price of the Company’s common stock meeting certain price points at various 60-day volume weighted prices, as described in the chart below:

Stock Threshold Target

Number of Shares Granted

$0.60

The lower of (x) the number of Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole Share) representing 2.00% of the total number of issued and outstanding Shares on the Grant Date of this Value Achievement Award or (y) 943,531

$0.80

The lower of (x) the number of Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole Share) representing 1.50% of the total number of issued and outstanding Shares on the Grant Date of this Value Achievement Award or (y) 707,649

$1.00

The lower of (x) the number of Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole Share) representing 1.00% of the total number of issued and outstanding Shares on the Grant Date of this Value Achievement Award or (y) 471,766

$1.20

The lower of (x) the number of Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole Share) representing 0.75% of the total number of issued and outstanding Shares on the Grant Date of this Value Achievement Award or (y) 353,824

$1.40

The lower of (x) the number of Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole Share) representing 0.75% of the total number of issued and outstanding Shares on the Grant Date of this Value Achievement Award or (y) 353,824

$1.60

The lower of (x) the number of Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole Share) representing 0.50% of the total number of issued and outstanding Shares on the Grant Date of this Value Achievement Award or (y) 235,883

$1.80

The lower of (x) the number of Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole Share) representing 0.50% of the total number of issued and outstanding Shares on the Grant Date of this Value Achievement Award or (y) 235,883

$2.00

The lower of (x) the number of Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole Share) representing 0.50% of the total number of issued and outstanding Shares on the Grant Date of this Value Achievement Award or (y) 235,883

 

SAM KLEPFISH

 

Effective March 29, 2017, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Sam Klepfish, our CEO. This agreement, which ran through December 31, 2019, maintained the then-current base salary and provided for all bonuses and salary increases to be approved by the compensation committee.

 

As of January 28, 2019, upon approval by the Company’s compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors, we entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Sam Klepfish having an effective date of January 28, 2019 and terminating three years thereafter with up to two two-year extension periods. The first two year extension period was exercised in 2021. The agreement provides a base salary in the amount of $300,000 with annual increases of at least $25,000 and annual stock compensation of 50% of the base salary. The agreement also provides for additional bonuses of up to 25% of base compensation, based on increases in EBITDA (as defined in the agreement) and increases in our stock price as reflected in our market capitalization and other perquisites and benefits as detailed therein. The agreement also contains change of control, confidentiality, non-compete and non-solicitation provisions.

 

65

Mr. Klepfish resigned his position as CEO on February 28, 2023.

JUSTIN WIERNASZ

 

Effective March 29, 2017, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Wiernasz, our Director of Strategic Acquisitions. This agreement, which ran through December 31, 2019, maintained the current base salary and provided for all bonuses and salary increases to be approved by the compensation committee.

 

As of January 28, 2019, upon approval by the Company’s compensation committee, we entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Justin Wiernasz, having an effective date of January 28, 2019 and terminating three years thereafter with up to two extension periods; one for two years and one for one year. The agreement provides a base salary in the amount of $326,000 with annual increases of at least 5% and annual stock compensation of 5% of the base salary. This agreement was further modified to a base salary of $350,000 in 2019. The agreement also provides for additional bonuses of up to 35% of base compensation and based upon increases in our stock price as reflected in our market capitalization and other perquisites and benefits as detailed therein. The agreement also contains change of control, confidentiality, non-compete and non-solicitation provisions.

Mr. Wiernasz resigned his position as Director of Strategic Acquisitions on March 1, 2023.

 

RICHARD TANG

 

Effective December 29, 2020, we entered into a letter agreement with Mr. Richard Tang to become our CFO. The agreement provides a base salary in the amount of $200,000 for 2021 and base compensation for 2022 to target an increase of 20%-25% with a targeted 15-20% bonus structure based on milestones to be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors in its sole discretion. For 2021, Mr. Tang will have the opportunity to earn a performance stock bonus of $40,000 and a cash bonus of $25,000 based upon satisfying certain specified milestones and an additional bonus equal to up to 10% of combined base salary and bonus based upon criteria to be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. The agreement also provided for a one-time stock option grant in the amount of 100,000 shares (half of which is exercisable $0.60 and half at $1.00), which vests in two years. Similar to our other employees, Mr. Tang’s employment is at-will and he is subject to the Company’s rules, regulations and policies, including specifically and without limitation, confidentiality and provisions.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

None of our executive officers has served as a director or member of a compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions) of any other entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director or a member of our Compensation Committee.

 

6366

 

ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

The following table sets forth certain information as of March 28, 2022,3, 2023, with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock by (1) each person known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, (2) each of our directors, (3) each Named Officer, and (4) all our directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise stated, each person listed below uses the Company’s address. Pursuant to SEC rules, includes shares that the person has the right to receive within 60 days from March 28, 2022.3, 2023. The inclusion herein of any shares deemed beneficially owned does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership of such shares. Except as otherwise indicated, the beneficial owner exercises sole voting power and sole investment power with respect to such shares. All numbers have been adjusted to reflect the 1-for-50 reverse split that was effective June 13, 2012.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owners

 

 

 

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned

 

Percent of Class

 

 

 

 

Number of Shares Beneficially Owned

 

Percent of Class

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James C. Pappas (Director)

 

(1)

 

7,849,935

 

17.1

%

 

(1)

 

8,247,917

 

16.1

%

Hank Cohn (Director)

 

(2)

 

4,387,500

 

9.5

%

 

(2)

 

4,439,125

 

8.6

%

Jefferson Gramm (Director)

 

(3)

 

3,150,000

 

6.9

%

 

(3)

 

3,535,000

 

6.9

%

Joel Gold (Director)

 

(4)

 

1,067,638

 

2.3

%

 

(4)

 

1,119,263

 

2.2

%

David Polinsky (Director)

 

(5)

 749,650 

1.6

%

 

(5)

 

699,650

 

1.4

%

Mark Schmulen (Director)

 

(6)

 

50,000

 

 

0.1

%

 

 

 

-

 

0.0

%

Sam Klepfish (Officer, Director)

 

(7)

 

4,639,601

 

10.0

%

Justin Wiernasz (Officer, Director)

 

(8)

 

2,190,378

 

4.7

%

Sam Klepfish (Director)

 

(6)

 

6,050,907

 

11.7

%

Bill Bennett (Officer, Director)

 

(7)

 

225,440

 

04

%

Denver J. Smith (Director)

 

(8)

 

  3,827,871

 

7.5

%

Richard Tang (Officer)

 

(9)

 

100,000

 

0.2

%

 

(9)

 

100,000

 

0.2

%

Inlight Wealth Management

 

(10)

 

2,742,605

 

6.0

%

 

(10)

 

3,747,057

 

7.3

%

A group consisting of Denver J. Smith, CRC Founders Fund, LP, Donald E. Smith, Richard G. Hill, Samuel N. Jurrens, 73114 Investments, LLC, Youth Properties, LLC, and Paratus Capital, LLC

 

(11)

 

2,800,394

 

6.1

%

 

(11)

 

3,917,335

 

7.6

%

All officers and directors as a whole (9 persons)

 

(12)

 

24,147,202

 

52.5

%

All officers and directors as a whole (10 persons)

 

(12)

 

28,245,193

 

53.5

%

 

(1)

Includes 7,686,4438,247,917 shares held by JCP Investment Partnership, LP (“JCP Partnership”) and 113,492 shares held in an account managed by JCP Investment Management, LLC (“JCP Management”). JCP Investment Partners, LP (“JCP Partners”) is the general partner of JCP Partnership and JCP Investment Holdings, LLC (“JCP Holdings”) is the general partner of JCP Partners. Mr. Pappas is the managing member of JCP Management and sole member of JCP Holdings. Also includes options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock. The address of Mr. Pappas, JCP Partnership and JCP Management, LLC is 1177 West Loop South, Suite 1320, Houston, TX 77027. Information gathered from a Form 4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 30, 2021.February 15, 2023.

(2)

Includes 3,125,000 shares which are held indirectly through SV Asset Management LLC. Includes options to purchase 450,000 shares of common stock .stock. Does not include an additional 119,998221,694 earned shares which are accrued but not issued. Includes information gathered from a Form 4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 31, 2022.

(3)

Bandera Master Fund L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership (“Bandera Master Fund”), is the record holder of 3,125,000 shares of Common Stock. Bandera Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Bandera Partners”), is the investment manager of Bandera Master Fund. Mr. Gramm is Managing Partner, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of Bandera Partners. Includes options to purchase 25,00050,000 shares of common stock. Information gathered from a Form 4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2022. Includes options to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock exercisable at May 1, 2022.February 10, 2023.

(4)

Includes options to purchase 450,000 shares of common stock. Also includes 18,400 shares of common stock held by Mr. Gold’s spouse. Does not include an additional 221,694 earned shares which are accrued but not issued.

(5)

Shares held by PetBox LLC, an entity affiliated with, and controlled by, Mr. Polinsky. Includes options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock.

(6)

Includes options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock exercisable at May 1, 2022.

(7)

Includes options to purchase 450,000 shares of common stock exercisable at May 1, 2022. Also, includes 16,250 shares of common stock owned by Mr. Klepfish's spouse, ownership of which is disclaimed by Mr. Klepfish. Does not include an additional 861,458 earned shares which are accrued but not issued.

(7)

Includes 104,910 shares of common stock owned by Mr. Bennett's spouse, ownership of which is disclaimed by Mr. Bennett.

(8)

Includes options to purchase 450,000Consists of 674,671 shares of common stock exercisable at May 1, 2022.owned directly by Mr. Smith and 3,153,400 shares owned by various funds and for which he provides investment advice. Does not include the shares described in footnote 10.

(9)

Includes options to purchase 62,500100,000 shares of common stock exercisable at May 1, 2022.stock.

(10)

Pursuant to a Schedule 13G/A filed on February 3, 202215, 2023 with the Securities Exchange Commission, the address of The Address of InsightInlight Wealth Management is 1175 Peachtree St NE Suite 350, Atlanta, GA 30361. Amount consists of 1,122,6472,127,099 shares with sole voting and dispositive power, and 1,619,958 shares with shared dispositive power. The issuer retains sole voting power for 1,619,958 shares.

(11)

Pursuant to a Schedule 13D/A filed on January 20, 2022February 21, 2023 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, for a group of investors which includes Mr. Denver Smith is part(see footnote8). Mr. Smith disclaims beneficial interest over 89,464 shares owned by certain members of athe group for which reports beneficially owninghe has no voting power. The group uses an aggregate of 2,710,930, although Mr. Denver Smith only has sole voting and dispositive power over 674,471 of such shares. Mr. Smith’s address is 350 S Race Street, Denver, Colorado 80209.at 52 Carlson Drive, Milford, CT, 06460.

(12)

Consists of 22,059,70222,676,594 shares of common stock held by officers and directors. Also includes options to purchase 2,037,5001,950,000 shares of common stock exercisable at May 1, 2022.March 3, 2023.

 

6467

 

ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

We are not currently subject to the requirements of any stock exchange or national securities association with respect to having a majority of “independent directors”. Messrs. Gold, Cohn, Polinsky, Pappas, Schmulen, Gramm and GrammSmith are “independent” and only Messrs. Klepfish and Wiernasz,Bennett, by virtue of being our Officers,an Officer, and Klepfish, by virtue of being a former Officer, are not independent. Mr. Klepfish and Mr. Wiernasz doBennett does not participate in board discussions concerning theirhis compensation.

 

ITEM 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Audit Fees

 

The Company engaged Assurance Dimensions, Inc. as our independent registered public accounting firm effective November 10, 2022. Total engagement fees of Assurance Dimensions, Inc. covering the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 are $210,000.

The Company engaged Liggett & Webb P.A. (“LW”) as our independent registered public accounting firm sincefrom November 9, 2012.2012 through November 9, 2022. During the yearyears ended December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, LW billed us audit fees of approximately $144,000$174,000 and $144,000, respectively.

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by Assurance Dimensions and by LW that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial statements including our quarterly interim reviews on Form 10-Q and are reported under Audit Fees above.

 

Tax Fees

 

LW tax fees were $0 and $20,000$0 for the years ended December 31, 20212022 and 2020,2021, respectively.

 

All Other Fees

 

Assurance Dimension, Inc. has not billed us any other fees since their engagement on November 10, 2022. LW has not billed any other fees since their engagement on November 9, 2012.

 

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 20212022 and 20202021 the board of directors considered the audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees and other fees paid to our accountants, as disclosed above, and determined that the payment of such fees was compatible with maintaining the independence of the accountants. Our board of directors pre-approves all auditing services and all permitted non-auditing services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm, except for de minimis non-audit services that are approved by the board of directors prior to the completion of the audit.

 

6568

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. Exhibits

 

EXHIBIT NUMBER

 

 

 

3.1

Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2005)

 

 

3.2

Amended Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s annual report Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2011)

 

 

3.2.1

Amended Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s current report Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 23, 2018)

3.2.2

Amended Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s current report Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 14, 2021)

 

 

10.1

Employment Agreement with Sam Klepfish (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2012)

 

 

10.2

Employment Agreement Justin Wiernasz (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2012)

 

 

10.3

Loan Agreement between the registrant and Fifth Third Bank effective February 26, 2013 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2013)

 

 

10.4

Security Agreement between the registrant and Fifth Third Bank effective February 26, 2013 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2013)

 

 

10.5

Mortgage by registrant in favor of Fifth Third Bank effective February 26, 2013 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2013)

 

 

10.6

Note by registrant in favor of Fifth Third Bank effective February 26, 2013 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2013)

 

 

10.7

Employment Agreement with Sam Klepfish dated as of March 29, 2017 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2017)

 

 

10.8

Employment Agreement with Justin Wiernasz dated as of March 29, 2017 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2017)

 

 

10.9

Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of January 22, 2018 by and among Innovative Gourmet, LLC, a subsidiary of the registrant, and igourmet LLC and igourmet NY LLC (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 30, 2018)

 

 

10.10

Loan Sale Agreement dated as of January 10, 2018 between Food Funding, LLC, a subsidiary of the registrant and UPS Capital Business Credit (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 30, 2018)

 

 

10.11

Fifth Amendment to Restated Loan Agreement dated February 28, 2018 between Fifth Third Bank and the registrant and its subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2018).

 

6669

 

10.12

Promissory Note of the registrant and its subsidiaries in favor of Fifth Third Bank dated as of February 28, 2018 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2018).

10.13

Draw Promissory Note of the registrant and its subsidiaries in favor of Fifth Third Bank dated as of March 13, 2018 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2018).

 

 

10.14

Master Loan and Security Agreement dated March 13, 2018 between Fifth Third Bank and the registrant and its subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2018).

 

 

10.15

Employment Agreement with Sam Klepfish dated as of January 28, 2019 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 1, 2019)

 

 

10.16

Employment Agreement with Justin Wiernasz dated as of January 28, 2019 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 1, 2019)

 

 

10.17

Form of Director Agreement dated as of January 28, 2019 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 1, 2019)

 

 

10.18

Eighth Amendment to Restated Loan Agreement dated as of November 9, 2019 between Fifth Third Bank, National Association, and the Registrant and certain of its subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2019).

 

 

10.19

Promissory Note effective November 9, 2019 between Fifth Third Bank, National Association, and Innovative Food Properties, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2019).

 

 

10.20

Mortgage, Assignment of Leases, Fixture Filing and Security Agreement date as of November 9, 2019 between Fifth Third Bank, National Association, and Innovative Food Properties, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2019).

 

 

10.21

Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Estate dated as of August 9, 2019 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2019).

10.22

Securities Purchase Agreement dated August 26, 2021 between the Company and each of JCP Investment Partnership LP, Bandera Master Fund L.P. and SV Asset Management LLC. *(incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 31, 2021).

10.23

Loan Agreement dated as of June 6, 2022 between the Registrant, Innovative Food Properties, LLC and MapleMark Bank (FL, IL) (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 14, 2022).

 

 

10.24

Loan Agreement dated as of June 6, 2022 between the Registrant, Innovative Food Properties, LLC and MapleMark Bank (PA) (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 14, 2022).

10.25

Loan Agreement dated as of June 6, 2022 between the Registrant and MapleMark Bank (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 14, 2022).

10.26

Board Observer Agreement dated as of November 28, 2022 between the Registrant and Denver J. Smith (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 29, 2022).

14

Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to exhibit 14 of the Company’s Form 10-KSB/A for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 31, 2008)

 

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21

Subsidiaries of the Company

 

 

31.1

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer

 

 

31.2

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Accounting Officer

 

 

32.1

Rule 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer

 

 

32.2

Rule 1350 Certification of Principal Accounting Officer

 

 

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document

 

 

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

 

 

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

 

 

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

 

 

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

 

 

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

 

* Certain schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally any omitted schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

INNOVATIVE FOOD HOLDINGS, INC.

 

By: /s/ Sam KlepfishRobert William Bennett                                

Sam Klepfish,Robert William Bennett

Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

Dated: March 31, 20222023

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Name

 

Title

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Sam KlepfishRobert William Bennett

 

CEOChief Executive Officer and Director

 

March 31, 20222023

Sam KlepfishRobert William Bennett

 

(ChiefPrincipal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Richard Tang

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

March 31, 20222023

Richard Tang

 

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Hank Cohn

 

Director

 

March 31, 20222023

Hank Cohn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Joel Gold

Director

March 31, 20222023

Joel Gold

/s/ Jefferson Gramm

Director

March 31, 20222023

Jefferson Gramm

/s/ James C. Pappas

Director

March 31, 20222023

James C. Pappas

/s/David Polinsky

 

Director

 

March 31, 20222023

David Polinsky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/Mark Schmulen

 

Director

 

March 31, 20222023

Mark Schmulen

 

 

 

 

/s/ Justin WiernaszSam Klepfish

Chairman

March 31, 2023

Sam Klepfish

/s/ Denver J. Smith

 

Director

 

March 31, 20222023

Justin WiernaszDenver J. Smith

 

 

 

 

 

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