‘Say it isn’t so’: Aussies react to collapse of iconic brand Sara Lee
Stunned Aussies have shared their shock at the news that iconic dessert brand Sara Lee has plunged into administration after 52 years.
Stunned Aussies have reacted to the news that iconic dessert brand Sara Lee has fallen into administration.
The news broke late on Wednesday afternoon that after more than 50 years, the Australian company, known for its beloved sweet treats, including apple pies, cheesecakes and frozen chocolate desserts, had called the administrators in.
Sara Lee fans took to Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to share their disbelief and dismay.
On Facebook, one user posted: “Noooo. Say it isn’t so”, while another wrote: “No good for all families sad”.
One deflated fan of the brand added: “There goes the iconic chocolate Bavarian.” Another posted: “Coles have not stocked their Deep Dish Apple Pie for over 7 months. We used to buy 5 each week for 6 years.”
Other Facebook users had theories on why the dessert maker had failed.
“It’s because they changed the strawberry cheesecake”, one commented, while another blamed its demise on the trend to healthier eating: “Because people are getting healthier and waking up when it comes to sugar addiction.”
Others weighed in, admitting they simply no longer buy frozen desserts anymore.
“Why buy frozen when you can buy fresh?” one questioned.
Another shared: “Did used to enjoy them but I can’t say I’ve bought a Sara Lee frozen dessert in SO long.”
On X people compared notes on their favourite Sara Lee desserts.
“We knew we were having a ‘grown ups’ dessert when the Sara Lee came out! Truth be told mum’s home made puddings were heaps better but we were living the high life with a Sara Lee cheesecake!” wrote one user.
“Sara Lee banana cake is the best cake in the history of cakes,” another commented, while a third X user wrote: “The world is truly in trouble when this happens. The chocolate Bavarian was a staple dessert growing up.”
There was also plenty of sadness and nostalgia on X about the demise of the Aussie icon.
“But I thought nobody didn’t like Sara Lee. Please don’t let us ever lose their Apple Crumble or Sara’s cheesecake …”
“It was all over when they stopped making Banana Cake.”
“I didn’t think life could get any worse, but now it’s just layer upon layer upon layer of despair….”
“Noooooooo. Time to stock up.”
Sara Lee, which was founded in Lisarow, NSW, employs 200 staff.
The company still manufactures products from its factory in Lisarow, and is a major employer in the small town, which has a population of just 6,000.
Administrator Vaughan Strawbridge, from FTI Consulting is handling the company’s affairs.
But the good news for Aussies is that the iconic brand may still be saved.
Mr Strawbridge said he was intending to “seek a restructuring and sale of the Sara Lee business, while continuing operations”.
“We are working with Sara Lee’s management team and staff to continue operations while we secure the future of the business,” Mr Strawbridge said.
“We are immediately commencing a process to sell or restructure the business and continue its long history of manufacturing in Australia.”
“We expect a lot of interest in the business and will work with those parties and stakeholders to achieve an outcome soon as possible to secure the ongoing business and provide clarity to its loyal and committed staff and customers.”
– with Alex Blair.
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