‘Very difficult decision’ made to cease trading at Glens of Antrim Potatoes
Administrators have been appointed to Glens of Antrim Potatoes with all the company’s employees, with a small exception, being made redundant, citing significant financial pressures.
The Northern Irish business, established in 1972, operates from sites in Cushendall and Ballymena and employed 95 staff.
It was announced on 21st September that Stuart Irwin, Ian Leonard and Robin Coughlin from Interpath have been appointed joint administrators, and following the appointment, the company has ceased trading.
Over 50 years ago, the company began with a passion for field-to-fork quality, growing and packing potatoes for leading supermarkets and other grocery chains across Ireland. They also produced a range of hand-cooked crisps under the Glens of Antrim Crisps brand.
In a statement, Interpath said it was a very sad outcome for this well-known business.
“The agri-food sector has faced significant challenges over the past few years, with businesses up and down the supply chain impacted heavily by rising input costs,” said the statement.
“For Glens of Antrim, these pressures had a significant and detrimental impact on cashflow. In response, the directors explored a range of options, including refinancing and investment, but sadly, with no solvent options available, they had to take the very difficult decision to request the appointment of the joint administrators.
“As a result, and with deep regret, all of the company’s employees, with the exception of a small skeleton staff retained to support the administrators, have been made redundant. The joint administrators and their specialist employment team will be providing any and all support to those impacted.”
Stuart Irwin, managing director at Interpath and joint administrators said: “Glens of Antrim has been growing and supplying potatoes across Ireland for over 50 years, so this is a tremendously sad outcome for the business, its dedicated team, the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland, and the wider community in Ballymena and Cushendall.”
The joint administrators are now seeking interest in the business and its assets, and are inviting any interested parties to make contact with the team at the earliest opportunity via goageneral@interpath.com
