Crisps firm stocking Tesco and Sainsbury's falls into administration

Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd, which began in 1972, supplied potatoes to retailers across the UK and Ireland.

In 2015, the company launched its Glens of Antrim Crisps brand.

These crisps were sold in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and other major supermarkets.

Glens of Antrim Crisps were sold at major supermarkets, including Tesco and Sainsbury's. (Image: Sainsbury's)

Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd closes after entering administration

Now, after 54 years, Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd, based in Cushendall and Ballymena (Northern Ireland), has ceased trading, having collapsed into administration

Stuart Irwin, Ian Leonard, and Robin Coughlin of Interpath were appointed as joint administrators on September 21.

Mr Irwin, who is also managing director at Interpath, said: "Glens of Antrim has been growing and supplying potatoes across Ireland for over 50 years, so this is a tremendously sad outcome for the business, its dedicated team, the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland, and the wider community in Ballymena and Cushendall."

Glens of Antrim employed 95 staff, nearly all of whom have now been made redundant.

Only a small number have been retained to support the administration process.

The company's collapse comes as rising costs across the agri-food sector put pressure on businesses throughout the supply chain.

As a result, Glens of Antrim faced significant cash flow challenges.

The directors explored options including refinancing and seeking new investment, but none proved viable.

However, following the appointment of administrators, the company ceased trading immediately.

The administrators and their employment team are offering support to affected employees.

Mr Irwin said: "This is a tremendously sad outcome for the business, its dedicated team, the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland, and the wider community in Ballymena and Cushendall."

The administrators are now seeking interest in the business and its assets.

They have invited any potential buyers or parties interested in acquiring the business to contact them as soon as possible.

Other UK companies that have closed or entered administration/liquidation in 2026

It has been a tough year for the UK high street, with several retailers entering administration or liquidation and others announcing widespread store closures.

Major high street brands Claire's and Quiz have been forced to close all their remaining stores after falling into administration.

UK fashion retailer Leading Labels is also set to close its remaining 15 stores after falling into liquidation in May.

Whitbread closed all its standalone branded restaurants across the UK last month, including:

• Brewers Fayre
• Beefeater
• Bar + Block
• Table Table
• Cookhouse + Pub

TG Jones and the British Heart Foundation will also be closing around 150 stores each across the UK.

Wynsors World of Shoes is shutting 17 stores across the UK, with closing down sales already underway at several affected branches.

Popular UK-based online platform Laced, used for buying and selling rare trainers, is also set to close down after 11 years, having fallen into administration.

Other retailers have been forced to close stores this year, including:

• River Island
• Primark
• Poundland
• Revolution
• BrewDog
• Franco Manca

Several UK travel companies have ceased trading or entered administration in 2026, including:

• Regen Central Ltd
• Gold Crest Holidays
• Asiara UK Ltd
• Simply Florida Travel Ltd
• Trav Expert Ltd
• Strachan Travel Ltd
• Travel Bespoke Ltd
• Global Vision International
• Ski Yodl Ltd
• TS Travels Group
• Yourtravelshop.com
• TS Travel Realisations Ltd
• Firefly Holidays
• Fraser Travel Ltd
• Golf Villa Rentals Ltd
• Barnes Worldwide Travel Ltd

Wayfairer Travel Limited has also suspended all services "until further notice" as it looks to appoint an administrator.

Meanwhile, four UK airlines have fallen into administration or liquidation:

• Ascend Airways (liquidation)
• EcoJet Airlines (liquidation)
• Zenith Aviation Limited (administration)
• European Cargo (administration)

UK delivery company Yodel was phased out completely in July after being acquired by InPost.

Meanwhile, iconic fashion brand Nasty Gal has shut down its website after being sold by Debenhams in a deal worth around £12 million (US$16 million).

It hasn't all been bad news for the UK high street, with several major brands announcing new store openings for 2026, including Joules, Aldi, M&S, and Superdrug.

Meanwhile, brands including Evans and Bodycare have returned to the UK high street this year after previously closing all their stores.

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