Beloved dessert company Sara Lee goes into administration

The iconic dessert brand famous for their banana cake and Chocolate Bavarian has gone into voluntary administration.

Beloved dessert company Sara Lee, known for its frozen cheesecakes, apples pies and ice cream, has gone into voluntary administration.

The Australian-arm of the US-based corporation has been trading since 1971, with the brand operating from Lisarow on NSW’s Central Coast with about 200 staff.

Administrators Vaughan Strawbridge, Kathryn Evans and Joseph Hansell of FTI Consulting say business operations will continue as the company seeks a “restructuring and sale of the Sara Lee business”.

Iconic dessert brand Sara Lee has gone into administration. Picture: Supplied

“The Australian Sara Lee business has a long history of producing desserts including frozen cheesecakes, pies, crumbles and ice cream, using quality, authentic ingredients,’’ Mr Strawbridge said.

“The Australian-based manufacturing business trades as Sara Lee under licence from the global owner of the trademark, with rights to operate in Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and the Middle East.”

Sara Lee has gone into voluntary administration

Mr Strawbridge said continuing the business’ long history of Australian manufacturing would be a priority.

“We are working with Sara Lee’s management team and staff to continue operations while we secure the future of the business,’’ he said.

“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.”

Sara Lee going into administration just might be the darkest day in Australias history. I for one know what I’ll be eating tonight 🥲 pic.twitter.com/Kwd0GODLGg

— Heath (@LeastHesFunny_) October 18, 2023

End of an era 🥲#saraleepic.twitter.com/BBr4d0LbvF

— Rob Shehadie (@RShehadie) October 18, 2023

Staunch fans on social media called it the “end of an era”.

“Sara Lee going into administration just might be the darkest day in Australias history. I for one know what I’ll be eating tonight,” wrote one user on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

“Bye bye Sara Lee no more Sticky Date Pudding another Australia business gone,” shared another user.

Originally published as Beloved dessert company Sara Lee goes into administration