Surrey food manufacturer enters administration

Lentil soup, traditional arabic food. Top view on white.
The Woking business, which makes an array of products from free-from soups, to Italian pasta and pizza sauces, slow-cooked ragu and stews, has entered administration. (Getty Images)

Quantuma has been appointed administrators of the private label food producer, Fairoak Foods.

Kelly Mitchell and Alyson Richards from business advisory firm Quantuma have been appointed joint administrators over Woking-based, Fairoak Foods Ltd.

Established in 2011 by Steve Elkins, the premium private-label food business specialises in small batch cooking, manufacturing an array of products such as vegan soups, pastas and stews for retail, brands and food service operators.

The business is continuing to trade under the control of the administrators, while a buyer is sought for the business and assets.

The company employs around 60 staff. No staff have been made redundant. Its end-to-end capabilities include product development, sourcing, manufacturing and supply chain management.

“Fairoak Foods is recognised as premium private-label manufacturer of high-quality, chef-led food and should attract significant interest, despite having to cease to trade, due to the company’s cashflow issues. The company has an experienced management team with deep sector knowledge and strong customer relationships,” said Mitchell.

“We are therefore pleased to offer for sale the business and assets of Fairoak Foods Limited, including a fully fitted and equipped factory extending to c.6,700 sq ft, with a modern range of machinery and equipment.

“The company partners with leading retailers and brands to deliver restaurant-quality products at scale. The business therefore represents an attractive opportunity to acquire an established manufacturing facility with strong industry relationships.”

Interested parties are invited to contact kelly.mitchell@quantuma.com.