CUISINE SOLUTIONS INC - 10-Q Quarterly Report

Form 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)

(X)		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended December 14, 2002


( )		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
		For the transition period from ___________ to ___________

Commission File Number 0-12800

CUISINE SOLUTIONS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


DELAWARE		52-0948383
(State or other jurisdiction of		(IRS Employer Identification Number)

incorporation or organization)

85 S Bragg Street, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22312
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) (703) 270-2900

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 X No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of December 31, 2002.


Common Stock 0.01 par value		Number of Shares
Class A		15,824,788
Class B		None

CUISINE SOLUTIONS, INC.

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the Company, all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s results of operations, financial position and changes therein for the periods presented have been included.

CUISINE SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)



					Dec 14,			June 29,
					2002			2002

ASSETS
Current Assets
		Cash and cash equivalents			$	711,000		$	1,958,000
		Accounts receivable, trade				3,280,000			3,272,000
	Inventory					4,323,000			4,419,000
	Prepaid expenses					325,000			291,000
	Current portion of notes receivable, related party					11,000			5,000
	Other current assets					443,000			477,000

			TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS			9,093,000			10,422,000
Investments, noncurrent						2,188,000			2,608,000
Fixed assets, net						5,091,000			5,121,000
Note receivable, officer and related party, including accrued interest, less current portion						—			38,000
Other assets						9,000			8,000

			TOTAL ASSETS		$	16,381,000		$	18,197,000

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
		Current portion of long-term debt				1,638,000			1,585,000
		Accounts payable and accrued expenses				2,570,000			2,811,000
		Accrued payroll and related liabilities				1,189,000			1,306,000

				Total current liabilities		5,397,000			5,702,000
Long-term debt, less current portion						1,454,000			1,339,000

				TOTAL LIABILITIES		6,851,000			7,041,000

Stockholders’ equity
	Common stock — $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 15,824,788 shares issued and outstanding at December 14, 2002 and June 29, 2002, respectively					159,000			159,000
	Class B Stock — $.01 par value, 175,000 shares authorized, none issued					—			—
	Additional paid-in capital					26,284,000			26,284,000
Accumulated deficit						(17,015,000	)		(15,394,000	)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Unrealized (loss) gain on debt and equity investments					(39,000	)		10,000
	Cumulative translation adjustment					141,000			97,000
	Treasury stock, at cost (0 shares at December 14, 2002 and 0 shares at June 29, 2002 respectively)					—			—

				TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		9,530,000			11,156,000

		TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY			$	16,381,000		$	18,197,000

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3

CUISINE SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)



			Second Quarter						Year to Date

			Twelve Weeks Ended						Twenty Four Weeks Ended

			Dec 14,			Dec 15,			Dec 14,			Dec 15,
			2002			2001			2002			2001

Net sales			$	6,598,000		$	6,235,000		$	13,021,000		$	13,570,000
Cost of goods sold				5,447,000			5,603,000			10,774,000			11,401,000

	Gross margin			1,151,000			632,000			2,247,000			2,169,000

Selling and administration				1,861,000			1,898,000			3,576,000			4,048,000
Depreciation and amortization				128,000			118,000			259,000			235,000

	Loss from operations			(838,000	)		(1,384,000	)		(1,588,000	)		(2,114,000	)

Nonoperating income (expense)
	Investment income			33,000			36,000			68,000			71,000
	Interest expense			(51,000	)		(40,000	)		(99,000	)		(75,000	)
	Loss in equity from investment in Brazil			0			(100,000	)		0			(220,000	)
	Other income (expense)			9,000			11,000			(2,000	)		(20,000	)

		Total nonoperating (expense) income		(9,000	)		(93,000	)		(33,000	)		(244,000	)

Loss from operations before income tax				(847,000	)		(1,477,000	)		(1,621,000	)		(2,358,000	)
Provision for income tax benefit (expense)				—			—			—			—



Net Loss				(847,000	)		(1,477,000	)		(1,621,000	)		(2,358,000	)

Basic and diluted net loss per share				($0.05	)		($0.09	)		($0.10	)		($0.15	)
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic and diluted				15,824,788			15,824,788			15,824,788			15,824,788

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4

CUISINE SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)



					Year to date
					Twenty Four weeks ended
					Dec 14,			Dec 15,
					2002			2001

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Loss					$	(1,621,000	)	$	(2,358,000	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in ) provided by operating activities
			Depreciation and amortization			489,000			533,000
			Gain on sale of investments			(21,000	)		—
			Loss in equity from investment in Brazil			—			220,000
			Change in cumulative translation adjustment			44,000			333,000
			Changes in assets and liabilities:
				(Increase) Decrease in accounts receivable trade, net		(8,000	)		1,099,000
				Decrease (Increase) in inventory		96,000			(153,000	)
				(Increase) Decrease in prepaid expenses		(34,000	)		42,000
				Decrease in notes receivable, related party		32,000			391,000
				Decrease (Increase) in other assets		33,000			(153,000	)
				(Decrease) Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses		(241,000	)		247,000
				(Decrease) Increase in accrued payroll and related liabilities		(117,000	)		121,000
				Increase in other accrued taxes		—			3,000

	Net cash (used) provided by operating activities					(1,348,000	)		325,000

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
		Sale of investments				392,000			—
		Increase in investment in Brazil				—			(53,000	)
		Capital expenditures				(459,000	)		(736,000	)

	Net cash used by investing activities					(67,000	)		(789,000	)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
	Additions to debt					386,000			154,000
	Reductions of debt					(218,000	)		—

				Net cash provided by financing activities		168,000			154,000

				Net decrease		(1,247,000	)		(310,000	)
				Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,958,000			773,000

CASH and CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD					$	711,000		$	463,000

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

F-5

Cuisine Solutions, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)


							Retained					Unrealized Gains
					Additional		Earnings			Cumulative		(Losses) on Debt					Total
			Common		Paid-In		(Accumulated			Translation		and Equity			Treasury		Stockholders'
			Stock		Capital		Deficit)			Adjustment		Investments			Stock		Equity

Balance, June 29, 2002			$	159,000	$	26,284,000	$	(15,394,000	)	$	97,000	$	10,000		$	—	$	11,156,000

		Second quarter 2003 net loss						(1,621,000	)									(1,621,000	)
	Other Comprehensive Income
		Unrealized loss on debt														—		—
		and equity investments											(49,000	)				(49,000	)
		Translation adjustment				—					44,000							44,000
		Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)																(5,000	)

Comprehensive Income/(Loss)																		(1,626,000	)

Balance, December 14, 2002			$	159,000	$	26,284,000	$	(17,015,000	)	$	141,000	$	(39,000	)	$	—	$	9,530,000


							Retained						Unrealized Gains
					Additional		Earnings			Cumulative			(Losses) on Debt						Total
			Common		Paid-In		(Accumulated			Translation			and Equity			Treasury			Stockholders'
			Stock		Capital		Deficit)			Adjustment			Investments			Stock			Equity

Balance, June 30, 2001			$	157,000	$	28,333,000	$	(9,367,000	)	$	(455,000	)	$	(107,000	)	$	(2,047,000	)	$	16,514,000

		Second quarter 2002 net loss						(2,358,000	)											(2,358,000	)
	Other Comprehensive Income
		Unrealized gain on debt and															—			—
		equity investments												54,000						54,000
		Translation adjustment				—					333,000									333,000
		Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)																		387,000

Comprehensive Income/(Loss)																				(1,971,000	)

Balance, December 15, 2001			$	157,000	$	28,333,000	$	(11,725,000	)	$	(122,000	)	$	(53,000	)	$	(2,047,000	)	$	14,543,000

F-6

Cuisine Solutions, Inc.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1) Financial Statements

2) Fiscal Periods

The Company utilizes a 52/53 week fiscal year which ends on the last Saturday in June. The first, second and fourth quarters, of fiscal years 2003 and 2002 contain 12 weeks, and the third quarter contains 16 weeks.

3) Inventory

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined by the first-in, first-out method (FIFO), or market. Included in inventory costs are raw materials, labor and manufacturing overhead.

Inventory consists of:


	Dec. 14,			June 29,
	2002			2002

Raw materials	$	1,171,000		$	1,207,000
Frozen product & other finished goods		2,992,000			3,252,000
Packing materials & supplies		437,000			464,000

		4,600,000			4,923,000
Less obsolescence reserve		(277,000	)		(504,000	)

	$	4,323,000		$	4,419,000

4) Dividends — None.

5) Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is engaged in ordinary and routine litigation incidental to its business. Management does not anticipate that any amounts that it may be required to pay by reason thereof will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

6) Transaction with Related Parties

During fiscal 1999, the Company became a partner in a limited liability company with a Brazilian partner, Sanoli Indsutria E Commercio Alimentacao Ltda, which has built a manufacturing facility and is

marketing product in the Mercusor market. Cuisine Solutions Inc. owns 39% of this Brazilian joint venture. The Company contributed technology to the partnership in lieu of a cash contribution. The Company performs management services to assist with the design and construction of the manufacturing facility as well as ongoing management service for operations, research and development, marketing and administrative support.

The Company’s investment in Cuisine Solutions do Brasil Ltda consisted of advances, Accounts Receivables for services performed and a loan in the amount of $763,000 that has been granted to the Joint Venture Partner during the second quarter of 2001. The loan bears interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus spread accepted by the Central Bank of Brazil at the time of repayment. The loan must be repaid within one year with the option to convert it into equity and controlling interest of the Brazilian Company. The loan continues to be in default as of December 14, 2002.

Due to the continued lack of cooperation from the Brazilian partner, the inability to obtain any financial disclosures and the Joint Venture Partners termination of Cuisine Solutions Inc. business activity in Brazil, Cuisine Solutions, Inc has written off 100% of its investment in Brazil through the end of fiscal year 2002.

The Company filed a civil lawsuit in the Federal District Court of Brasilia against the controlling partner in the joint venture, Cuisine Solutions do Brasil Ltda, as a result of the Brazilian partner’s failure to disclose financial information and operating results of Cuisine Solutions do Brasil Ltda to Cuisine Solutions Inc. according to both the joint venture agreement and Brazilian law. The Company claims full recovery of the amounts owed by Cuisine Solutions do Brasil Ltda, including the loan of $763,000, and in addition the management and administrative fees of approximately $895,000 according to the Joint Venture agreement with the Brazilian Partner. The managing directors of Cuisine Solutions do Brasil Ltda, Jose Sanchez Aguayo and Rodrigo Sanchez, were named as nominal defendants in the lawsuit. Due to the early stage of the filed lawsuit, management cannot predict a judgment from this lawsuit before the end of fiscal year 2003.

On June 12, 2001, the Company signed an agreement to create a partnership to build a sous vide processing facility in Chile. The purpose of the facility would be to produce high quality, value priced whitefish, shellfish and salmon products in Chile for the Global Retail and Foodservice markets. Cuisine Solutions, Inc. would sell the Norwegian facility to the Chilean Group for approximately $3,900,000, the sole investment required to own 48% of the new joint venture, Cuisine Solutions Chile. The agreement was terminated without any prejudice between the partners subsequent to the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 due to administrative difficulties. However, the partners will together continue with the development of the facility in Chile. A new agreement has not been signed between the partners yet.

The Company has receivables of $7,000 due as at December 14, 2002 from Classic European Bakers, LLC (“CEB”). CEB is a related entity to FRC. The receivables are primarily associated to unpaid rent related to a rental agreement for office space used by CEB at the Company’s premises in Alexandria.

7) Statement Re Computation of Per Share Earnings

Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share also includes common equivalent shares outstanding during the period if dilutive. The Company’s common equivalent shares consist of stock options. The weighted average number of shares outstanding related to stock options was 1,680,375. For the periods ended December 14, 2002, and December 15, 2001, the assumed exercise of the Company’s outstanding stock options are not included in the calculation as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This filing contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of The Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Those statements reflect the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and members of the management team. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk and uncertainties and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements reflecting changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cuisine Solutions, Inc. reported a net loss of $847,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2003 compared to a net loss of $1,477,000 a year ago. The decrease in the loss was driven by an improved gross margin as well as a non-operating loss in last year’s second quarter from a loss in equity from the investment in Brazil in the amount of $100,000.

Revenue in the second quarter 2003 increased from $6,235,000 to $6,598,000, a 5.8% increase compared to the previous year primarily due to the recovery of the core sales channel On Board Services. However, all major airlines still pursue actively cost saving programs and it is a tremendous challenge to return to sales levels that existed before September 11, 2001 in the current economic environment. The Company developed new menus and products to replace the high price items and is alternating its strategy to be more competitive in this business environment. Furthermore, Management believes the headcount reduction in the travel and foodservice industry may increase the dependency on prepared meal solutions due to the flexibility and reduced need for labor when using Cuisine Solutions fully prepared meals.

NET SALES

Second quarter 2003 revenue of $6,598,000 increased as described above by 5.8% compared to previous years’ second quarter revenue of $6,235,000.


	Q2 Fiscal 2003		Q2 Fiscal 2002		$Change		%Change

USA	$	3,903,000	$	3,812,000	$	91,000		2.4	%
Norway		156,000		144,000		12,000		8.3	%
France		2,539,000		2,279,000		260,000		11.4	%

Total Product Sales Revenue	$	6,598,000	$	6,235,000	$	363,000		5.8	%

USA SALES

Fiscal year 2003 second quarter sales in the USA increased $91,000 to $3,903,000, a 2.4% increase from the previous year second quarter sales of $3,812,000.

Cuisine Solutions USA Fiscal Year 2003 second quarter sales by sales channel:


	Q2 FY03		Q2 FY02		$Change			%Change

Food Service	$	1,174,000	$	1,372,000	$	(198,000	)		(14.4	%)
On Board Services		1,882,000		1,442,000		440,000			30.5	%
Retail		394,000		229,000		165,000			72.1	%
Military		302,000		583,000		(281,000	)		(48.0	%)
New Business		151,000		186,000		(35,000	)		(18.8	%)

Total	$	3,903,000	$	3,812,000	$	91,000			2.4	%

Second quarter fiscal 2003 sales to the USA Foodservice channel decreased 14.4% in the USA to $1,174,000 from the previous year second quarter sales of $1,372,000. The decrease was driven by decreased sales to hotels and convention centers since occupancy rates still remain on a low level and businesses do not hold as many large banquet events compared to the previous years. Management had to respond to the low sales volume after the slowdown of the travel industry with a reduction of sales personnel at the end of fiscal year 2002 which resulted in a decrease of direct selling expenses. Gross margins have increased for the quarter and accentuated by the decrease of related sales and marketing expenses which resulted in higher contribution margins. The Foodservice channel provides the highest gross margins to the Company after the successful reorganization in order to focus sales efforts on key accounts, large events, and use distributors to manage lower volume opportunities. The improved gross margins for this channel resulted from better management of the product mix and cost reduction as well as through improvements in distribution management and related costs. Cuisine Solutions does continue to increase direct sales via the call center which allows an internal customer service group to follow up on sales and initiate sales activity without the direct use of our formal Foodservice Sales force. This allows more time and effort of the direct sales force to be focused on generating new accounts and introduction of new products into existing accounts. Customers in the Foodservice sales channel place high value on the labor savings, quality, consistency and food safety associated with Cuisine Solutions product. Management believes this value increases in the current economic and political situation challenging today’s business environment. In the meantime, Management has and will continue to initiate further cost reduction programs and product line changes to meet the changing needs of the industry.

Fiscal 2003 second quarter sales to the On Board services channel totaled $1,882,000 versus previous year second quarter sales of $1,442,000, an increase of $440,000 or 30.5%. Sales to the On Board Services sales have picked up from the low level of the previous year after the immediate impact of the terrorist attacks on the airline industry. However, most of the major airlines are still cutting back cost and the Company is experiencing a slow return to volumes of previous years. Management will continue to strengthen the business relationships with most of the major US airlines and passenger rail lines through continued value and service increase and flexible solutions upon the current demand in the industry.

Retail sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2003 increased $165,000 to $394,000 from $229,000 an increase of 72% during the same period of the previous year due to the continued efforts to market the Cuisine Solutions product line to the frozen packages and in-store deli areas with the Retail sales channel. The Company plans to continue these efforts as the retail market trends show increasing demand for high quality, value priced items that are simple to execute in both the retail store and in the home of consumers. Cuisine Solutions France has also placed premium private label products successfully into the French retail industry, an industry that is experiencing a significant increase in frozen food sales versus the traditional demand for fresh products.

Military sales for the second quarter 2003 decreased $281,000 or 48.0% to $302,000 from $583,000 during the same period in fiscal 2002 due to the inability of our distributor to promote our products on the ships since the ships are reassigned to sea duty before our distributor can get an appointment to see the

buyers. Military sales continue to be managed via a broker/distributor adding very little in terms of sales and administrative expenses. The Company will further support the growing opportunity for this sales channel by offering our product to other branches of the military and other government agencies. The Cuisine Solutions product line is ideal for situations that call for long shelf life, high quality, easy execution and high levels of food safety.

New Business sales for the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 amounted to $151,000, down from $186,000 in fiscal 2002. The sales decrease of $35,000 is attributed to decreased sales to national restaurant chains. The Company has identified certain product lines that offer both the high level of quality and competitive pricing and will focus the efforts on these key items and account for the balance of fiscal 2003.

NORWAY SALES

During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, total Norwegian sales volume increased 50.7% to 7,479,000 Norwegian Kroner from 4,962,000 Norwegian Kroner during the second quarter of fiscal 2002. The sales amount converted to US Dollars amounted to $1,011,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2003 and $564,000 during the second quarter of fiscal 2002 before the elimination of inter-company balances. Inter-company sales from Cuisine Solutions Norway are eliminated and reported as sales from either Cuisine Solutions France or Cuisine Solutions USA. Inter-company sales to the USA and France account for 85.0% compared to 74.5% during the same period in the previous fiscal year. Total Norwegian sales before inter-company eliminations in both US Dollars and Norwegian Kroners were as follows:


	Fiscal 2003		Fiscal 2002
	Norway Q2 Sales		Norway Q2 Sales		$Change		%Change

Sales in US Dollars		1,011,000		564,000		447,000		79.3	%
Sales in Norwegian Kroners		7,479,000		4,962,000		2,517,000		50.7	%
Average Exchange Rate		7.398		8.798

The increase in sales is primarily caused by the increased demand of raw materials from Cuisine Solutions USA and France due to the increased business volume of salmon products during the second quarter of fiscal year 2003 compared to the low sales volume one year ago. The differences in the increase are due to the US Dollar-Norwegian Kroner fluctuations in the exchange rate for the respective periods.

FRANCE SALES

The total fiscal year 2003 second quarter sales in US Dollars were $2,539,000 versus previous year sales of $2,279,000, an increase of $260,000 or 11.4%. Sales in EURO during the same period were EURO 2,561,000 versus EURO 2,538,000 respectively, an increase of 0.9%. The differences in the increase are due to the US dollar-EURO fluctuations in the exchange rate for the respective periods.

Cuisine Solutions France fiscal year 2003 second quarter sales compared to prior year second quarter and respective exchange rates are as follows:


	Fiscal 2003		Fiscal 2002
	France Q2 Sales		France Q2 Sales		$Change		%Change

Sales in US Dollars		2,539,000		2,279,000		260,000		11.4	%
Sales in EURO		2,561,000		2,538,000		23,000		0.9	%
Average Exchange Rate		1.009		1.114

Cuisine Solutions France increase in sales was primarily driven by higher sales to the foodservice sector. Foodservice operators are forced to deal with the thirty-five hour work week constraint and have discovered that the Cuisine Solutions product line offers a solution to the limited availability and higher cost of labor created as result of the mandated work hour rules.

BRAZIL

Cuisine Solutions Inc. owns 39% of a joint venture with a Brazilian partner, Sanoli Indsutria E Commercio Alimentacao Ltda., which has built a manufacturing facility and market product in the Mercusor market. The Company contributed technology to the partnership in lieu of a cash contribution. The Company performed management services to assist with the design and construction of the manufacturing facility as well as ongoing management service for operations, research and development, marketing and administrative support. No management income was earned during the second quarter of fiscal 2003.

The Company’s investment in Cuisine Solutions do Brasil Ltda consisted of advances, Accounts Receivables for services performed and a loan in the amount of $763,000 that has been granted to the Joint Venture Partner during the second quarter of 2001. The loan bears interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus spread accepted by the Central Bank of Brazil at the time of repayment. The loan had to be repaid within one year with the option to convert it into equity and controlling interest of the Brazilian Company. The loan continues to be in default as of December 14, 2002.

GROSS MARGINS


	Quarter Ended

	Dec. 14,			Dec. 15,
	2002			2001

	(Dollars in thousands)
Net sales	$	6,598		$	6,235
Gross margin percentage		17.4	%		10.1	%
Loss from operations	$	(838	)		(1,384	)

Gross margins increased due to higher production volumes accentuated by lower fixed overhead cost after the successful restructuring during the past year resulting in lower cost of goods. Management has cut back on production to reduce further the inventories as well as initiated large scale cut back to reduce operating expenses without impairing the Company to grow when demand continues to grow

Gross margins in France are up by 4% and in the USA by 13% respectively as a result of the reduction of personnel in Alexandria and cost reductions achieved through alternative sources of supply and product mix changes even though production volumes are well below production capabilities.

Gross margins for the plant in Norway are negative due to the decrease in demand of the Norwegian product line after the slowdown of the economy which in turn impacted the ability to cover fixed production overhead cost due to the reduction in production. However, all controllable costs in Norway have been managed during the second quarter of fiscal 2003.

Cuisine Solutions management is confident that larger sales volume with its impact to fixed costs and continued aggressive cost management will result in higher gross margins. The gross margin in France is expected to stay at approximately 20% due to heavy price competition in the retail sector.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

A comparison of selling and general administrative costs follows:


	Quarter Ended

	Dec. 14,		Dec. 15,
	2002		2001

	(Dollars in thousands)
Selling and administrative costs	$	1,861	$	1,898

Selling and administrative expenses decreased $37,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2003 versus the second quarter of fiscal 2002. Expenses as a percent of sales were 28.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2003 versus 30.4% in fiscal 2002. The decrease was due to the aggressive cost management and attributed to the reduction of sales and administrative staff as well as compensation plans tied up to top line sales and profit contribution. Management does continue tight management of selling and administrative expenses and expects continued reduction for the balance of fiscal year 2003.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization decreased $31,000 to $239,000 for the second quarter of fiscal year 2003, compared with $270,000 for the same period a year ago. This decrease is related to equipment reaching its useful life and correspondingly has been fully depreciated.

Non-operating Income and Expense

Investment income consists of returns earned on funds invested in corporate bonds and treasury bills. Management maintains these funds in a trust account with the majority of the funds invested in government securities. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2003, the Company realized a gain of $21,000 on the sale of investments.

Interest expense relates to the borrowings relating to the Company’s U.S., Norwegian subsidiary including the Norwegian capital lease and the French subsidiary. At December 14, 2002, the Company had borrowings of approximately $3,092,000, bearing interest at rates ranging from 5.6 % to 9.5%. The majority of these borrowings of $2,530,000 was through its Norwegian subsidiary and includes an outstanding principal amount of $1,173,000 for the capital lease on the building in Norway and $1,229,000 in a working capital line of credit. Cuisine Solutions France also has a remaining principal balance on a term loan in the amount of $96,000 at 5.6% obtained to finance a plant expansion and elimination of factoring. The original loan amount equated to approximately $500,000 in September 1998. The loan is due September 2003. Additionally, Cuisine Solutions France entered in December 2000 into a five-year capital lease obligation for a cooking machine with an initial principal amount of $428,000 and 6% interest on the outstanding balance of the loan. The current portion of this loan is $98,000 and the total outstanding principal amounts to $266,000 at December 14, 2002. In October 2002, Cuisine Solutions France did enter into a ten year term loan to finance the acquisition of land and a building for a distribution plant in the amount of $195,000. This loan bears interest of 5.7% and is due in October 2012. The current portion of this loan is $15,000 and the total outstanding principal amounts to $194,000 at December 14, 2002.

Twenty Four Weeks Ended December 14, 2002 Compared to Twenty Four Weeks Ended
December 15, 2001

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cuisine Solutions, Inc. reported a net loss of $1,621,000 for the second quarter year to date of fiscal 2003 compared to a net loss of $2,358,000 a year ago. The loss was primarily caused by the reduced sales volume in the USA, which in turn impacts the ability to cover fixed production overhead costs due to the reduction in production. The decrease in the loss compared to the previous second quarter year to date result was driven by an improved gross margin, reductions in general and administrative expenses and a non-operating loss in last year’s second quarter from a loss in equity from the investment in Brazil in the amount of $220,000.

NET SALES

Revenue in the second quarter year to date 2003 decreased from $13,570,000 to $13,021,000, a 4.1% decrease compared to the previous year primarily due to the reduced sales to the Foodservice and Military channel in the USA. A summary of the Company’s operations by region and by business channel is shown below.

Total second quarter YTD sales by region are as follows (Norway inter-company sales are eliminated):


	YTD Fiscal 2003		YTD Fiscal 2002		$Change			%Change

USA	$	7,844,000	$	8,804,000	$	(960,000	)		(10.9	%)
Norway		646,000		320,000		326,000			101.9	%
France		4,531,000		4,446,000		85,000			1.9	%

Total Product Sales Revenue	$	13,021,000	$	13,570,000	$	(549,000	)		(4.1	%)

USA SALES

Total year to date second quarter USA sales by business channel is as follow:


	YTD Fiscal 2003		YTD Fiscal 2002		$Change			%Change

Foodservice	$	2,173,000	$	2,866,000	$	(693,000	)		(24.2	%)
On Board Services		4,130,000		4,058,000		72,000			1.8	%
Retail		624,000		263,000		361,000			136.4	%
Military		544,000		1,307,000		(763,000	)		(58.4	%)
New Business/NRC		373,000		310,000		63,000			20.3	%

Total	$	7,844,000	$	8,804,000	$	(960,000	)		(10.9	%)

Fiscal 2003 YTD second quarter Foodservice sales decreased $693,000 to $2,173,000 from previous YTD sales of $2,866,000. The decrease is attributed to decreased distributor sales to hotel events, convention centers and sales to theme parks.

Fiscal 2003 YTD second quarter On Board Service sales increased $72,000 to $4,130,000 from previous YTD sales of $4,058,000. The increase is attributed to the recovery of sales to the airline industry. However, most of the major airlines are still cutting back cost and the Company is experiencing a slow return to volumes of previous years.

Fiscal 2003 YTD second quarter retail sales increased $361,000 to $624,000 from previous YTD sales of $263,000. The increase was attributable to the continued product roll-out of premium frozen food products to the frozen packed and in-store deli markets.

Fiscal 2003 YTD second quarter Military sales decreased $763,000 to $544,000 from previous YTD sales of $1,307,000. The decrease is attributed to fluctuating changes in order patterns associated with the rapid re-assignment of navy carriers.

Fiscal 2003 YTD second quarter New Business sales increased $63,000 to $373,000 from previous YTD sales of $310,000. The increase is attributed to market testing of products to national restaurant chains as well as to the sales through the FIVELEAF website.

NORWAY SALES

Total fiscal year 2003 YTD Value of Norwegian shipments (includes inter-company sales):


	Fiscal 2003		Fiscal 2002
	YTD Norway Q2 Sales		YTD Norway Q2 Sales		Change			%Change

Sales in US Dollars		1,883,000		1,714,000		169,000			9.9	%
Sales in Norwegian
Kroners		14,051,000		15,335,000		(1,284,000	)		(8.4	%)
Average Exchange Rate		7.462		8.947

The second quarter YTD sales from Norway in US Dollars increased 9.9%. However, the shipment volume in Norwegian Kroner decreased by 8.4% due to the lower demand for salmon primarily in the USA. The USA sales dollar value increase resulted from the increase in the value of the Norwegian Kroner versus the US Dollar during the reporting period.

FRANCE SALES

Total fiscal year 2003 YTD Sales from France:


	Fiscal 2003		Fiscal 2002
	YTD France Q2 Sales		YTD France Q2 Sales		Change			%Change

Sales in US Dollars		4,531,000		4,446,000		85,000			1.9	%
Sales in EURO		4,585,000		4,979,000		(394,000	)		(7.9	%)
Average Exchange Rate		1.012		1.120

The second quarter YTD US dollar value of sales from Cuisine Solutions France increased $85,000 to $4,531,000 from previous years YTD sales of $4,446,000. The YTD sales in EURO decreased EURO 394,000 to EURO 4,585,000 from previous YTD sales of EURO 4,979,000. The USA sales dollar value increase resulted from the increase in the value of the EURO versus the US Dollar during the reporting period.

GROSS MARGINS

A comparison of net sales, gross margin percentages and losses from operations follows:


	Year to Date

	Dec. 14,			Dec. 15,
	2002			2001

	(Dollars in thousands)
Net sales	$	13,021		$	13,570
Gross margin percentage		17.3	%		16.0	%
Loss from operations	$	(1,588	)		(2,114	)

Total consolidated gross margins increased to 17.3% year to date fiscal 2003 second quarter compared with 16.0% a year ago. The gross margin increase was a result of the reduced fixed overhead cost after the successful restructuring during the past year resulting in lower cost of goods Management is confident that the return to larger sales volume with its impact to fixed costs and continued aggressive cost management will result in higher gross margins.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

A comparison of selling and general administrative costs follows:


	Year to Date

	Dec. 14,		Dec. 15,
	2002		2001

	(Dollars in thousands)
Selling and administrative costs	$	3,576	$	4,048

Selling and administrative expenses decreased $472,000 or 11.7% for year to date second quarter of fiscal 2003 versus the second quarter of fiscal 2002. Expenses as a percent of sales were 27.5% for year to date second quarter of fiscal 2003 versus 29.8% in fiscal 2002. The decrease was due to the aggressive cost management and attributed to the reduction of sales and administrative staff as well as compensation plans tied up to top line sales and profit contribution.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization decreased $44,000 to $489,000 for year to date second quarter of fiscal year 2003, compared with $533,000 for the same period a year ago. The decrease is related to equipment reaching its useful life and correspondingly has been fully depreciated.

Non-operating Income and Expense

principal amounts to $266,000 at December 14, 2002. In October 2002, Cuisine Solutions France did enter into a ten year term loan to finance the acquisition of land and a building for a distribution plant in the amount of $195,000. This loan bears interest of 5.7% and is due in October 2012. The current portion of this loan is $15,000 and the total outstanding principal amounts to $194,000 at December 14, 2002.

Provision for Taxes

No provision for income taxes was made during the second quarter of fiscal 2003.

Impact of Inflation and the Economy

Variations in labor and ingredient costs can significantly affect the Company’s operations. Many of the Company’s employees are paid hourly rates related to, but generally higher than the federal minimum rates.

The Company’s sales pricing structure allows for the fluctuation of raw material prices. As a result, market price variations do not significantly affect the gross margin realized on product sales. Customer sensitivity to price changes can influence the overall sales of individual products. In the event of accelerated commodity price increases, the Company may suffer a short-term loss since customers cannot accept multiple price changes in short periods of time. The Company will continue to investigate larger purchase contracts for key raw materials where pricing to the customer can also be contracted.

The Company’s costs of its Norwegian subsidiary are denominated in Norwegian Kroner. Sales of products from its Norwegian subsidiary are made in the currency of the purchasing jurisdiction and are subsequently recorded in Norwegian Kroner. The Company does engage in forward contracts for Norway shipments to the USA where these shipments are predictable with the objective of protecting planned profit margins. The USA does not purchase product from France and therefore, does not have any exposure to foreign exchange other than translation adjustments during consolidations.

During the previous fiscal year the sales to Airline accounts were approximately 39% of total revenues and sales to the Foodservice Industry 34%, primarily to hotel restaurant and banquets. Both of these industries have been affected due to the decreased travel related to the September 11, 2001 tragedy. Management is confident that the business cycle will swing back as well as possibly offer new opportunities for the Company. Management has initiated significant cut backs and re-focused efforts to accelerate sales to all sales channels.

Management cannot predict what the final outcome may be or the return to normal business travel, nor can it completely identify all of the potential new opportunities that may be available.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At December 14, 2002, the Company’s combined total of cash and short-term investment balances was $711,000, compared with $1,958,000 at June 29, 2002. This decrease is the result of the operating loss, the decrease in investments and decrease in accounts payable and accruals. The Company held long term investments of $2,188,000 and $2,608,000 at December 14, 2002 and June 29, 2002, respectively, with maturities greater than one year. Long term investments include US Treasury Notes of which 900,000 notes with a current market value of $1,009,000 are used as collateral for the Standby Letter of Credit to secure the overdraft facility of the Norwegian subsidiary. There is no other restriction on cash balances at the end of the fiscal 2003 second quarter.

Net cash used by operations amounted to $1,348,000 for year to date 2003, compared to cash provided of $325,000 a year ago. Cash in the amount of $67,000 was used by investing activities, largely due to the investment for land and building of the new distribution plant in France. Cash in the amount of $168,000 was provided by financing activities primarily as a result of the additional loan to finance the distribution plant in France.

The Company’s Norwegian subsidiary has secured a working capital commitment for its liquidity needs in Norway in the form of an overdraft facility. As of December 14, 2002, $1,229,000 was outstanding under this overdraft facility. The maximum amount available under line of credit is currently $1,367,000.

Future Prospects

Marketing Efforts

In fiscal year 2003, the Company’s strategy will involve stabilizing the business to the existing customers and increasing the Cuisine Solutions market share while exploring new opportunities of pre-prepared frozen entrees in the banquet, airline, rail and retail industries. During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, Management has secured a quarterly agreement with a major airline as a result of presenting a value priced high quality product line along with the international presence of the Company. The further product roll out of the retail packaged product line under the Cuisine Solutions Brand to the US retail market was achieved during the second quarter. Cuisine Solutions France was able to increase the productivity of the plant, added further national key accounts to the Foodservice and the On Board Services channel as well as additional products to a retail key account. Cuisine Solutions France produced the largest food order ever related to a banquet event for one Foodservice customer during the second quarter of fiscal year 2003.

Foodservice

The Foodservice channel will continue to manage the hotel restaurant menu program while working to reduce distribution costs of shipping direct to hotels. The fiscal 2003 strategy involves the continued penetration into large key national accounts, banquet centers and casinos. Demand for foodservice product in France increased significantly and expects further growth for fiscal 2003 due to the continued customer satisfaction with the quality and variety of product offered by Cuisine Solutions France. Foodservice operators in France are forced to deal with the thirty-five hour work week constraint and have discovered the Cuisine Solutions product line offers a solution to the limited availability and higher cost of labor created as a result of the new mandated work hour rules. Customers in the Foodservice sales channel place high value on the labor savings, quality, consistency and food safety associated with Cuisine Solutions product. Management believes this value increases in the current economic situation challenging today’s business environment. In the meantime, Management has and will continue with aggressive cost reduction programs and product line changes to meet the changing needs of the industry.

On Board Services

On Board Services was highly affected by the recent slowdown of the travel industry, and specifically by the cost saving programs of the major airlines in the USA. Cuisine Solutions plans to continue with the sales strategy to return to sales growth by a continued push for USA accounts and a new focus on the European airline market. As the airline and related support industries consolidate their workforce, Management will explore every opportunity to make Cuisine Solutions product available to the industry to allow airlines to continue to provide high quality first class and business class meals, but with greater flexibility and less labor using the Cuisine Solutions product line.

Retail

Retail objectives for fiscal year 2003 include the further penetration into the USA in-store deli of targeted retailers as well as the completion of the product rollout of premium frozen retail products into the USA and French market. The benefit of retail sales includes high volume potential, economies of scale from production and lower distribution and administrative cost per sales order. Management initiated a strategic effort into retail sales in order to diversify the sales channels of the Company and to provide the opportunity for large volume sales that would increase the efficiency of the total Company product line.

France

Cuisine Solutions France has experienced significant growth during the last three years and contributed with its profits to the Company’s cash flow since the acquisition by Cuisine Solutions in 1999. Management will continue with its strategic sales plan to expand the selling efforts not only to France but as well as to other European countries, especially Germany and the United Kingdom. Although the overall travel industry suffered declines during the past fiscal year, Management credits both the thirty-five hour work week rule and its impact on labor cost in France for the increase in demand for the Foodservice channel as well as aggressive cost control for the delivery a positive net income in France.

Cuisine Solutions France will continue to pursue additional product line expansion into the On Board Services and retail market and attempt to increase its market share and product facings.

Brazil

The largest and newest facility, Cuisine Solutions Brazil, managed under a joint venture agreement, has been designed to handle large volume demand as well as for expandability to meet future additional volume requirements. The Brazilian facility initiated production at the end of fiscal year 2001 for test marketing the retail product line in Brazil. The facility also received approval from the European Community in May 2001, an approval that requires strict quality control measures in order to have the approval to ship product to Europe. It was Cuisine Solutions intent to take advantage of the lower cost of poultry, beef and pork in Brazil, and ship product to the European market. However, this venture was terminated by the Brazilian Partner during fiscal year 2002. Management is in negotiations for repayment of the Company’s investment and has filed a civil lawsuit in the Federal District Court of Brasilia against the Brazilian partner due to the continued lack of cooperation from the Brazilian partner, the inability to obtain any financial disclosures and the Joint Venture Partners termination of Cuisine Solutions Inc. business activity in Brazil. Due to the early stage of the filed lawsuit, management cannot predict a judgment from this lawsuit and a final solution to recover its investment before the end of fiscal year 2003.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The principal market risks (i.e. the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices) to which we are exposed are:

Interest rates, foreign exchange rates, sales and marketing.

Interest rate exposure:

The Company’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the Company’s investment and debt portfolio. The Company has not used derivative financial instruments in its investment portfolio. The Company places its investments with high quality issuers. A portion of the debt portfolio has fluctuating interest rates, which change with changes in the market.

Foreign Currency Risk:

The majority of the Company’s sales are denominated in U.S. Dollars, thereby limiting the Company’s risk to changes in foreign currency rates. The Norwegian subsidiary’s sales are denominated in Norwegian Kroner while the French subsidiary reports in EURO. As currency exchange rates, translation of the income statements of the Norway and French operations into U.S. Dollars affects year-over-year comparability of operating results. Sales, which are subject to these foreign currency fluctuations, are currently 40% of the Company’s sales. The net assets of the subsidiaries are approximately 39% of the Company’s net assets. The Company does not enter into hedges to minimize volatility of reported earnings because it does not believe it is justified by the exposure or the cost.

Sales and Marketing Risks:

The future performance of the Company’s efforts will depend on a number of factors. One is the recovery of the travel industry, and specifically the airlines, which have been a major source of Cuisine Solutions revenue and formal business strategy. The others involve the introduction and roll-out of new product lines into the Retail sector. Although the economic situation with the airlines is believed to be temporary, Management cannot forecast the length and total impact of the current economic cycle. Cuisine Solutions will position itself to provide maximum value to our airline partners during this difficult period and remain prepared to resume business growth when the industry recovers. Cuisine Solutions Management has positioned additional focus on the opportunities available in the retail sector and the success rate will be contingent upon market acceptance of the product line, price points and execution of its marketing strategy under limited budgets and resources.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Within 90 days prior to this report, Management carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14 and 15d-14. Based on the foregoing, the Principal Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to timely alert them to any material information relating to the Company that must be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings. In addition, there have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of the most recent evaluation.

CUISINE SOLUTIONS, INC.

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

There are no other material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary, routine litigation incidental to the Company’s business, to which the Company is a party or to which any of its property is subject. Management does not believe that any amounts it may be required to pay by reason thereof will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The Company’s 19th annual meeting of shareholders was held on October 22, 2002 in Dulles, Virginia at the Dulles Airport Marriott Hotel. The following individuals were re-elected to serve as Directors for a period of one year and until their successors are elected and qualify: Jean-Louis Vilgrain (Chairman), Stanislas Vilgrain (President & CEO), Sebastien Vilgrain, Charles McGettigan, David Jordan, Robert van Roijen and Robert Murphy (Vice President & COO).

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


	CUISINE SOLUTIONS, INC.

Date: January 24, 2003	By:	/s/Stanislas Vilgrain
		Stanislas Vilgrain President and CEO

	By:	/s/Robert Murphy
		Robert Murphy Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

	By:	/s/Andreas Pfann
		Andreas Pfann Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary

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.

I, Stanislas Vilgrain, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Cuisine Solutions, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report.

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: January 24, 2003

/s/ Stanislas Vilgrain

Stanislas Vilgrain
President
and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

I, Robert Murphy, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Cuisine Solutions, Inc.;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

Date: January 24, 2003

/s/ Robert Murphy

Robert Murphy
Director, Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer

I, Andreas Pfann, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Cuisine Solutions, Inc.;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

Date: January 24, 2003

/s/ Andreas Pfann

Andreas Pfann
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
and Corporate Secretary
(Principal Financial and Accounting Official)