Spring Gully Foods Shuts Down After 80 Years, Leaving 34 Staff Jobless as Administrator Seeks Buyers

South Australian food manufacturer Spring Gully Foods Pty Ltd, a fourth-generation family business and one of the state’s most recognisable brands, has entered voluntary administration, marking the end of nearly eight decades of continuous operation.

James McPherson of Meertens Chartered Accountants was appointed voluntary administrator on 16 October 2025. The company, founded in 1946 by the McKee family, has ceased trading with all 34 employees stood down.

The Adelaide-based business, known for its range of pickled onions, relishes, chutneys, and jams, is estimated to owe approximately $3.8 million to more than 1,000 creditors. The administrator said the company had faced mounting pressures from rising input costs, loss of major supply contracts, and intensifying competition from low-cost imports, leaving it unable to sustain operations.

Spring Gully previously entered voluntary administration in 2013, when a wave of public support helped restore sales and enable a successful restructure. However, this time, the business’s financial position deteriorated too quickly to mount a similar recovery. According to the administrator, the company’s remaining assets, including its brand, recipes, and production equipment, will be offered for sale as part of the administration process.

A creditors’ meeting will be held later this month to determine the future of the business, with liquidation considered likely if no viable restructuring or sale can be achieved.