Hostess, the company behind the iconic cream filled Twinkies, Ho Hos, and Ding Dong cakes, is preparing to liquidate their assets and lay off nearly 18,500 employees.
“We are sorry to announce that Hostess Brands, Inc. has been forced by a Bakers Union strike to shut down all operations and sell all company assets,” the company states on its website.
The site goes on to say that “Bakery operations have been suspended at all plants. Delivery of products will continue and Hostess Brands retail stores will remain open for several days in order to sell already-baked products.”
The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) represents 6,600 Hostess employees, approximately a third of the company’s workforce. Union employees have been on strike since November 9.
Well known Hostess products include Twinkies, CupCakes, Ding Dongs, Ho Ho’s, and Sno Balls. Brands include Drakes, Dolly Madison, Donettes, Wonder, Nature’s Pride, Merita, and Home Pride.
Just days ago I mentioned Twinkies to my 9 year old daughter and her best friend. Surprisingly, they had no idea what I was talking about. I was VERY familiar with Twinkies when I was 9. The delicious, fresh, spongy treats were a household staple. But we don’t feed kids Twinkies like we used too.
I told the girls I would go get them some soon, so they could experience the creamy goodness that I so enjoyed as a child.
I didn’t know at the time that Hostess was closing down. Guess I better hurry!
It’s unlikely that these brands will disappear forever though – they will be sold to other companies and many of these products will continue on.
But will the discontinuation of these products, at least for a while, causes a run on them?
Will Twinkie lovers stampede to stores?
Are you headed to the store to get some?
Let us know in the comments section below, and stay tuned to CP for updates!
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