Adelie collapses into administration putting 2,000 jobs at risk

Adelie Foods, one of Britain’s largest suppliers of sandwiches and food-to-go, has fallen into administration – putting more than 2,000 jobs at risk. The company’s clients include Caffè Nero and Lidl.

Deloitte has been appointed administrators as the coronavirus pandemic continues to decimate the food & drink industry.

Adelie had been in rescue talks for several weeks, however, no deal was concluded – leading to today’s announcement.

The firm is headquartered near Heathrow and employs more 2,000 staff across the UK. Many staff members had been placed on furlough since March.

Joint administrator Rob Harding, a restructuring partner at Deloitte, said: “The current pandemic is having a devastating effect on consumer-facing businesses and suppliers into them, such as Adelie. The impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s order book resulted in a material funding requirement and, as a result, we have been working hard with Adelie’s management to try and secure a buyer to ensure the right longer-term future for the business.”