A major UK food supplier has collapsed into administration and ceased trading, resulting in the loss of more than 650 jobs.
Kanes Foods, established in 1989, produced pre-packaged salads, stir-fry products and sauces (with a short shelf life) for major supermarkets, including:
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Kanes Foods closes after 37 years with 662 jobs lost
After 37 years in business, Kanes Foods has collapsed into administration.
Timothy Andrew Higgins, Edward Williams and Helen Wheeler-Jones of PwC were appointed joint administrators on Monday (November 9).
Following the appointment, Kanes Foods ceased “with immediate effect”, and all 662 employees were made redundant.
Joint administrator and director at PwC, Tim Higgins, said: “It is deeply regrettable that a long-established business with a strong reputation has been left with no option but to enter administration, and that so many hard-working employees have lost their jobs as a result.
“We recognise how difficult a time this is for employees and their families and we will support those affected through the redundancy process.”
Kanes Foods had been under financial and operational strain for several years.
In June 2025, a failure at its wastewater treatment plant led to approximately £2 million in one-off costs and higher ongoing operating expenses.
Further disruption came in August 2026, when drought-related supply issues affected trading during the crucial summer season.
The company also faced continued losses, negative cash flow and uncertainty over future demand.
Directors explored options such as refinancing and securing new investment, but no viable solutions were found.
A fast-track sale process began in mid-September 2026, but administrators were unable to secure a going concern sale in time.
Administrators said they will support affected employees in making claims to the Redundancy Payments Service.
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, affecting five brands:
However, Queensway Inns and Common Table Group have now taken over 110 of these former Whitbread sites, saving them from closure.
Poundland has filed a notice to appoint administrators, putting the future of its 150 stores and 11,000 employees at risk.
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.
UK entertainment retailer Zavvi has ceased trading after nearly 20 years, having collapsed into administration for a second time.
Australian stationery retailer Typo is also set to pull out of the UK in 2027, closing all its stores and ending online trading.
Other retailers have been forced to close stores this year, including:
Several UK travel companies have ceased trading or entered administration in 2026, including:
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:
Meanwhile, UK delivery company Yodel was phased out completely in July after being acquired by InPost.
Iconic fashion brand Nasty Gal has also shut down its website after being sold by Debenhams in a deal worth around £12 million (US$16 million).
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It hasn’t all been bad news for the UK high street, with several major brands announcing new store openings for 2026, including Joules, B&M, 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.
Which store/business closure in 2026 has impacted you the most? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.