Australia’s oldest chocolate firm Ernest Hillier Chocolates has collapsed into voluntary administration once more, with dozens of staff set to lose jobs.
The Melbourne-based business, which produces greater than 600 chocolate merchandise, introduced on Wednesday it had appointed voluntary directors after struggling to maintain up with working prices.
Alan Walker and Glenn Livingstone of WLP Restructuring Partners have been appointed as voluntary directors to Chocolate & Confectionery Company Pty Ltd, which owns Ernest Hillier Chocolates.
“It’s unfortunate such a storied chocolate manufacturer has encountered distress amid rising operating costs but we are working with all stakeholders to do everything possible to save this iconic brand,” Mr Walker stated.
“We are working closely with all affected parties as we move with urgency to understand the business’ affairs and find a suitable buyer or investor.”
All manufacturing will stop and about 60 staff shall be stood down efficient instantly.
It marks the second time the corporate has gone bust.
In January 2015, the earlier house owners went into voluntary administration citing rising cocoa costs and elevated competitors however emerged a number of months later and went on to supply items.
The firm was launched by Ernest Hillier in 1914 as Australia’s first chocolate producer.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
