Huge news today in the frozen dessert world today (it’s niche, just go with it) with the announcement that Sara Lee, beloved dessert brand, has gone into administration.

Known for its sweet treats, including apple pies, cheesecakes and frozen chocolate desserts, the brand has been a staple in Australian kitchens for 52  years.

Created in Lisarow, NSW, in 1971, the dessert giant employs 200 staff and its affairs will now be handled by administrators from FTI consulting. The appointment is intended to seek a restructuring and sale of the Sara Lee business, while continuing operations.

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This isn’t the first time the company has changed hands since its inception as a small chain of bakeries in Chicago and subsequent expansion into Australia in the 1970s. The dessert manufacturer was acquired by McCain Foods in 2013, turning the company into a leading frozen food brand that manufactured, sold and distributed a range of products.

It was later acquired by The South Island Office Ltd, uniting two baking businesses, Sara Lee and The Original Foods Baking Company in 2021.

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