A popular gingerbread manufacturer has plunged into liquidation after 17 years of trading. The Larder Co (UK) Ltd, trading under the name of Hawkens Gingerbread, has formally entered creditors' voluntary liquidation.

The company status is currently listed as liquidation on Companies House and liquidators were appointed on March 4.

Freddy Khalastchi and Giuseppe Parla, of Menzies LLP, were appointed as joint liquidators. The company operated from London Road in Grantham, Lincolnshire, and built a reputation for its handcrafted gingerbread products, supplying both local customers and national retailers.

The company was established in 2009 by Alastair Hawken, a former BBC and ITV broadcaster.

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After discovering that Grantham Gingerbread, which dates back to 1740 and is said to be England's oldest biscuit recipes had fallen out of commercial production, Hawken left his media career to revive the heritage brand.

The flagship "Grantham Gingerbread" was unique because it was a "white gingerbread." Unlike many other versions that use treacle, this recipe relied on butter and vanilla, resulting in a lighter, delicate, and pale biscuit with a honeycomb-like center.

The business began in a small, repurposed church in Grantham. Over time, it grew from a local startup to a brand stocked by premium retailers and institutions, including Selfridges and National Trust shops.

At its peak, the business reportedly produced thousands of items each day.

The company's website currently displays a message stating that the store is unavailable. On its Facebook page, the business describes itself as producing "simply amazing gingerbread products."

"Our gingerbread recipes are all individually crafted with their unique spice blends creating ultimate eating experiences."

A statement of affairs signed by director Alastair Neil Hawken in 2026 detailed a total estimated deficiency of £146,206.43.

It stated that £102,503.11 was owed specifically to unsecured creditors. This total encompassed £58,849.71 in outstanding debts to 25 separate trade and expense creditors, £34,615.78 owed to four distinct banks or institutions, and £9,037.62 in unsecured salary arrears for eight employees.

The document also recorded eight employees as preferential creditors, with an additional £8,087.93 owed to them.

Express.co.uk has reached out to the company for comment.