Rising costs push Northern Ireland potato company into administration
By Chris McCullough
Almost all 95 staff at a Northern-Ireland-based potato company have been made redundant after the company entered administration.
Run by the McKillop family, the Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd., company fell victim to continuing rising costs which inevitably hurt its cashflow.
As a result the company, with two sites in Co. Antrim, one in Cushendall and the other in Ballymena, has ceased trading and entered administration.
Questions are now being asked about what happens to the farmers who grew potatoes for the company, that are still yet to harvest their crops this season.
Potato business
Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd., was established in 1972 in the heart of the Glens of Antrim, growing and packing potatoes for grocery multiples across Ireland.
In 2018, the company diversified into crisp production developing a range of flavours that proved popular with consumers.
Stuart Irwin, Ian Leonard and Robin Coughlin from Interpath have been appointed joint administrators as of September 21, 2026.
A statement from the administrators said: “Established in 1972 in the heart of the Glens of Antrim, the company began with a passion for field-to-fork quality, growing and packing potatoes for leading supermarkets and other grocery chains across Ireland.
“The company also produces a range of hand-cooked potato crisps which retail under the Glens of Antrim Crisps brand.
"The business operates from sites in Cushendall and Ballymena and employs 95 staff.
“The agri-food sector has faced significant challenges over the past few years, with businesses up and down the supply chain impacted heavily by rising input costs."
The administrators added that for Glens of Antrim, these pressures had a significant and detrimental impact on cashflow.
"In response, the directors explored a range of options, including refinancing and investment, but sadly, with no solvent options available, they had to take the very difficult decision to request the appointment of the joint administrators," the statement continued.
“Following the appointment, the company has ceased to trade. As a result, and with deep regret, all of the company’s employees, with the exception of a small skeleton staff retained to support the administrators, have been made redundant.
“The joint administrators and their specialist employment team will be providing any and all support to those impacted.”
Stuart Irwin, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “Glens of Antrim has been growing and supplying potatoes across Ireland for over 50 years, so this is a tremendously sad outcome for the business, its dedicated team, the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland, and the wider community in Ballymena and Cushendall.”
The joint administrators are now seeking interest in the business and its assets, and have invited any interested parties to make contact with the team at the earliest opportunity.
