US baker Hostess Brands is reportedly on the cusp of filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

A report in The Wall Street Journal said yesterday (9 January) that Hostess had already lined up financing to keep the company afloat in bankruptcy proceedings.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

If Hostess does move into Chapter 11, it will be the second time the troubled firm has undergone major restructuring – the company was previously known as Interstate Bakeries, which went bankrupt in 2004 and emerged from it in 2009.

The WSJ, quoting people familiar with the matter, said Hostess is US$860m in debt and faces high labour costs and raw material prices. It also cited SymphonyIRI data that claimed sales of Hostess’s key brand Twinkie fell 2% in the year to 25 December.

A spokesman for Hostess declined the opportunity to comment

In September the WSJ reported Hostess had hired restructuring advisers to help secure its future in the midst of changing consumer habits and higher input costs.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

 

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now