A major Queensland juice brand and distributer to high-end venues has collapsed after the company went into voluntary administration at the end of October.
HRVST ST Pty Ltd, trading as Hrvst St cold pressed juices, and Real Friends Food and Drink Supply announced the administrator had ‘pulled the pin’ on October 31.
‘This is not something we ever wanted to happen but it is with tears in our eyes and lumps in our throats, time to say goodbye,’ the company wrote on Instagram.
‘Unfortunately the Administrator pulled the pin this afternoon. It all happened extremely fast. If there are any distributor orders in the system that have not been released, the administrator will refund you.
‘As you can imagine our hearts are ripped into pieces so please be kind out there’.
HRVST ST Pty Ltd, trading as Hrvst St cold pressed juices, and Real Friends Food has collapsed after going into voluntary administration (stock image pictured)
HRVST ST supplied products to cafes, restaurants, hotels, grocers and retail spaces, including high-end Brisbane venues the Calile (pictured) and W hotels
ASIC records show the notice of appointment of Andrew Weatherley as administrator was published on October 25, with receiver managers Domenico Calabretta and Andrew Quinn of Mackay Goodwin appointed by October 30.
Two days later, the business assured customers online it was still ‘business as usual’.
‘We are determined to keep the wheels turning and if you know us personally we are extremely resilient, who always strive to go above and beyond,’ the company wrote.
‘Your support and understanding is invaluable to us and we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts’.
Hrvst St cold pressed juices said on its website that it was ‘a proud, independently owned and operated company’
Real Friends website said the business comprised of an ‘extensive range of high-quality products is handpicked to meet the needs of our valued retail and hospitality partners across Queensland, Northern New South Wales, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Central Coast and Sydney‘.
The website indicates the business supplied products from over 50 brands to cafes, restaurants, hotels, grocers and retail spaces, including high-end Brisbane venues the Calile and W hotels.
While Hrvst St cold pressed juices said on its website that it was ‘a proud, independently owned and operated company’.
Customers reacted with shock and sadness to the company’s announcement online.
‘You have obviously had an amazing business and support,’ one commented.
‘For Administrators to close you down shows short sightedness and lack of heart. Money is nothing compared to your great team and clients.’
‘Sending love, such a heart wrenching thing to happen,’ another wrote.
The company wrote a heartfelt message on Instagram alerting customers of its collapse
HRVST ST client Nodo Donuts said it had been an ‘absolute pleasure’ working with the company.
‘I remember you stocking our fridges in the very early mornings 8 years ago. You should be so proud of everything you achieved! Built an incredible brand and business.’
In October, iconic frozen desserts company Sara Lee collapsed into administration, putting 200 jobs at risk.
The Australian firm, famous for its frozen treats including apple pies, cheesecakes and ice cream, has been a family favourite for more than 50 years.
Administrator Vaughan Strawbridge said last month he believed there would be great interest from various firms in taking over the company, which once had TV star Sophie Monk as it’s ambassador.
More to come.