Boutique dairy producer Cranky Goat has entered liquidation. Geoffrey Falloon from Biz Rescue was appointed as the liquidator on August 31.
The company has also shut down its physical store, The Cranky Pantry.
“After 11 incredible years of crafting our beloved cheeses, the time has come to close our doors at Cranky Goat,” owners Hellene and Simon Lamb said.
“We’ve poured our souls into this business, fighting through three major weather events and the unprecedented challenges of Covid-19 with brave faces and unwavering determination.”
“We fought as hard as we possibly could, driven by our passion for cheese and our commitment to you, our incredible customers.”
In Falloon’s initial liquidator’s report, he outlined the reasons for the company’s liquidation as provided by its directors.
In 2022, the directors relocated the home-based business to a large factory in Blenheim because of Covid, extreme weather events, and a change in goat milk supplier.
However, the lease cost doubled the following year, placing a financial burden on the business.
Cranky Goat faced difficulties meeting demand during Christmas 2024 because of inadequate production and procurement planning, leading to escalating costs.
Creditors encounter a shortfall of approximately $102,413. The company owes over $250,000 to unsecured creditors.
An additional $13,000 is owed to secured and preferential creditors, including Inland Revenue.
Just a week before Cranky Goat’s announcement, Denheath Desserts, known for its popular custard squares, was put into liquidation.
Denheath once described its squares as “as Kiwi as alpine ranges, glacier-fed lakes, and little men with hairy feet.” The company also made profiteroles and cheesecakes. Its name was inspired by Denheath House, a country café housed in the old post office of Pleasant Point, South Canterbury.
The family-owned manufacturer has supplied its products to more than 53 Costco stores across New Zealand, Australia, Korea, and Japan.