Children’s food firm in liquidation seeks buyer

Neil Vinnicombe and Simon Haskew, partners at business recovery and rescue specialist Begbies Traynor, were appointed liquidators for the Wiltshire-based food producer last week (15 June).

A buyer was being sought for the name, goodwill and assets of the business, which included Miniscoff’s recipes.

The firm ceased trading on 25 May, citing the loss of a major contract as a cause for the company’s downfall. It had previously hired four staff.

‘Truly regrettable’​

Vinnicombe described the closure of the company as a sad loss: “At a time of growing awareness of the need to eat more healthily, it’s truly regrettable that a business like this has come to an end.​

“But we are optimistic that its central mission to provide healthy food can continue, as serious interest in the business has been shown and we are hopeful of finding a buyer.”​

Based in Holt near Bath, Miniscoff supplied ready-made organic meals for children since it was founded by Angus Oliphant and his wife, Shoo, in 1999. The producer’s suppliers included organic dairy company Yeo Valley.

Miniscoff’s meals were hand-cooked and were free-from preservatives, colours, sweeteners and genetically modified organisms, it claimed.

Expressions of interest​

Any expressions of interest in the business or its assets should be directed to Neil Vinnicombe or Kayleigh Bryant at Begbies Traynor’s Bath office on 01225 316 040.

A number of food and drink firms have faced financial troubles since the start of this year, forcing them to enter administration.

Earlier this month, frozen pastry and ready meals manufacturer Freshpack fell into administration​​, putting 68 jobs at risk. The Cheshire-based producer said it had entered insolvency after a period of difficult trading.

Meanwhile, last month, curry and sauces manufacturer Simano Foods was rescued from administration​​, saving 11 jobs at the Wigan-based business.