UK food company plunges into administration – in business since the 2000s | UK | News
A key fixture in the British food and drink supply chain has fallen into administration, ending nearly 23 years of independent trading. A To Z Packaging Ltd, previously trading under the name 4 Aces Limited, officially entered administration on 5 March 2026. Martin Armstrong and Andrew Bailey of Turpin Barker Armstrong have been appointed as joint administrators.
Founded in 2003, the company has established itself as one of the UK’s leading independent wholesale manufacturers and suppliers of catering disposables, specializing in food packaging, vending cups and biodegradable paper straws. According to the official notice published in the London Gazette on Wednesday, a creditors’ meeting will be held on June 8 to consult creditors on the administration process.
The business changed its name from 4 Aces Limited to A To Z Packaging Ltd on 25 February.
In its accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024, filed while still trading under 4 Aces Limited, it reported that turnover increased by approximately £18.1 million, compared to £16.1 million the previous year, and operating profits increased significantly from approximately £369,000 to just under £814,000.
The value of the company’s fixed assets was approximately £291,000 and the value of current assets was approximately £11 million, giving a total of net assets of around £1.7 million.
Founded in April 2003, the company has spent over twenty years establishing itself as a highly respected independent contract manufacturer and wholesale supplier of catering disposables.
The firm has earned a reputation for bringing together global manufacturing partnerships under a single source to simplify packaging logistics for its nationwide customer base.
The comprehensive product portfolio covered every aspect of the hospitality industry, covering everyday essentials such as paper coffee cups, plastic beverage lids, deli bowls, pizza boxes and accessories.
In recent years, the business has focused mainly on environmental innovation. Launched and expanded biodegradable paper straw lines and the sustainability-focused “PLANET” vending cup line to help foodservice operators meet emerging sustainability best practices.
Express.co.uk approached A to Z Packaging Ltd for comment.
