Dale Farm, and a host of other food firms, are set to face losses of up to £1 million following the collapse of McErlain’s bakery, according to the Irish Independent.
The 50-year family-owned bakery in Magherafelt was sold to local businessman Paul Allen as part of an administration deal that looked set to save more than 260 jobs.
The bakery produces the Genesis Crafty range as well as private label cakes and breads for stores such as Marks and Spencer, Waitrose and Tesco.
Debt
According to the Irish Independent, the group’s suppliers have been asked to continue trading with them, but have been told that its new owners are not liable for any debts accrued before the administration.
As a result, 200 unsecured creditors are owed approximately £4.3 million, with Northern Irish dairy co-op Dale Farm believed to be among them.
The Irish Independent said that the Belfast Telegraph found that the co-op is owed £641,052.91, which is the largest sum of money owed to any one company.
The majority of the firms are believed to be covered by credit insurance, but the creditors are due to meet with administrates EY at the start of October.
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
