Woolworths, Coles and IGA shoppers stranded as major food company HS Fresh Foods goes bust

A popular food company that delivers meals to Woolworths, Coles and IGA went bankrupt, leaving approximately 500 jobs at risk.

National food manufacturing business HS Fresh Food is described as a “leading player in the food industry” and supplies ready meals and salads to supermarkets and retailers.

The four businesses that make up HS Fresh Food — HS Fresh Food Pty Ltd, HS Fresh Food Holding Pty Ltd, HS Fresh Farms Pty Ltd and HS Salads Pty Ltd — appointed administrators late last week.

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The company has several well-known brands in its portfolio, including Houston’s Farm, Sunfresh and Gourmet Selections.

It is headquartered in Tasmania and the food group has operations in NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia. The company’s Linkedin profile says it has at least 500 employees.

The bankruptcy appointment was filed with ASIC on Monday.

Ben Campbell, Joan Dunn and Vaughn Strawbridge of FTI Consulting have been appointed as administrators.

The restructuring firm described the company as having “one of the broadest sets of growing and processing capabilities in the fresh food sector”.

FTI Consulting is now looking to restructure or sell HS Fresh Food.

Administrator Vaughan Strawbridge said: “We are working with HS Fresh Food Group’s management team and staff, as well as other stakeholders, to continue operations while securing the future of the business.

“The process of selling the business and assets of HS Fresh Food Group was undertaken and at an advanced stage at the time of our appointment.

“We intend to continue this process while exploring all available options and are confident that we will complete the sale and/or recapitalization of the business in a short time frame with the support of all relevant stakeholders.”