New Zealand-based foodservice supplier Libelle Group has entered liquidation.
Robert Campbell and David Webb of Deloitte New Zealand are now appointed as liquidators for the struggling business, as disclosed in a statement released today (11 March).
According to local media reports—although not confirmed by Deloitte—over 500 employees are affected by this decision.
Libelle, headquartered in Auckland, is renowned for its role in supplying school lunches. The company is contracted by Compass Group New Zealand to provide approximately 125,000 meals daily under the government’s Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches programme.
The liquidators have actively engaged with Compass Group to ensure continuity of service during this transition.
Webb stated: “The liquidators are conducting a comprehensive and urgent review of all of Libelle’s operations. Our immediate focus is on working with Libelle’s employees and impacted stakeholders to determine the way forward, ensuring students across New Zealand continue to receive their school lunches.”
In an interview with the New Zealand Herald, Webb revealed that the directors of Libelle Group, which has been operational for over 20 years, expressed concerns regarding the company’s solvency. This prompted the shareholders to appoint liquidators.
Additionally, the newspaper reported that Compass Group has assured the government it will take charge of operations during this period, assuming responsibility for providing meals on every school day.
