Award-winning food business which appeared on Channel 4 series suddenly closes after nearly 50 years
AN AWARD-winning food business which appeared on Channel 4 has suddenly closed after nearly 50 years.
From humble beginnings to award winnings, the owner transformed her business into a £2 million venture.
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Patchwork Foods in Ruthin, North Wales, was started by Margaret Carter on her kitchen table back in 1982.
Margaret appeared on the six-part Channel 4 series: Aldi's Next Big Thing, alongside her business partner, Jen Whitham, who she met 46 years ago.
The pair flaunted their black pudding jam hoping to bag a spot on Aldi's shelves.
Rufus, Margaret' son, was also a director in the brand, but after the trio stepped back from their roles in may 2024, Davies Enterprise Holdings Limited, run by Scott Davies, took a controlling share.
Mr Davies also runs Hilltop Honey based in Newtown, one of the UK's biggest honey producers.
Alas, despite Mr Davies best efforts, the company was struggling financially.
Following 12 months of "hard effort, tough decisions, and great work", he made the painful decision to close shop.
He said: "I took a controlling share of Patchwork Foods in May 2024 to try and turn the business around as it was close to insolvency.
"After 12 months of hard effort, tough decisions, great work by staff and a significant amount of investment the company still showed no future of getting to break even or generating a positive cash flow.
Our once-booming town has become a benefits sinkhole where HALF of adults are out of work & bored, feral kids set homes alight with fireworks
"I personally funded Patchwork every week throughout the 12 months in order to meet creditor payments.
"I could no longer continue doing so which led me to the decision to liquidate.
"It's a sad day for Ruthin, local area and the Welsh food and drink environment of which I'm a huge champion of."
It comes after a cherished cat cafe revealed plans to close a branch after just two years.
The owner of the novelty Essex business is shutting it down with a "heavy heart" after rising costs and declining pawfall made the business unviable.
A £3.50 entry fee grants you an hour of fun with the cafe's cuddly assistants.
The resident cats live there whilst they search for a permanent home.
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