Rocky road over for Darrell Lea
When Darrel Lea was forced to shut its doors two years ago drowning in debt, customers and staff were shocked.
Cheaper imports and skyrocketing shopfront overheads meant the confectionery giant was bleeding $150,000 per day.
Then another Aussie family stepped in.
Founder of VIP Pet Foods Tony Quinn gave $30 million to the fallen icon with a vision to turn around its fortunes.
After an outlay of another $25 million in twelve months, a new 40,000 square metre facility is opening in Western Sydney.
“For the staff, it was good for them to know they were moving out of something which was old, and used and abused, and into this brand new facility,” Mr Quinn said.
The facility can roll out three tonnes of liquorice per hour to meet demand, as Darrell Lea liquorice is now the number one seller in America.
“I think it's important the brand stays Australian,” Mr Quinn said.
“We're an Australian family, I've got seven grandchildren and another one on the way so we're doing our bit to make sure it stays in Australian hands.”
After 727 days since it went into receivership, Saturday 6th September marks the grand reopening of Darrel Lea.
For information about Darrell Lea's Grand Opening Father's Day Family Fun Fete, visit the Darrell Lea Website or like Darrell Lea on Facebook.
