Fresh and chilled supplier Kerryfresh has went bankrupt, putting around 300 jobs nationwide at risk.
Administrators Duff and Phelps are trying to sell the business, either as a whole or in parts.
The company’s financial problems are thought to have started when an insurance payment following the collapse of Palmer and Harvey in December last year was delayed, causing cash flow pressure.
Things got worse in February when Kerryfresh was forced to stop deliveries to its largest customer after its insurer wouldn’t cover the supply agreement.
It is understood the wholesaler also lost the business of two other big customers, WH Smith and Poundland.
In a bid to plug the financial hole, the Kerryfresh management team tried to find new investors – or a buyer – for the business but were forced to call in administrators when this proved unsuccessful.
The Swindon-based company, which was subject to a management buyout in February 2015, ran a fleet of over 200 refrigerated vehicles from 19 sales centres around the UK, with its main distribution hub in Manchester.
All enquires should be directed to freshtostore@duffandphelps.com.
