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A prominent fixture in the British food and beverage supply chain has collapsed into administration, ending nearly 23 years of independent trade. A To Z Packaging Ltd, which previously traded under the name 4 Aces Limited, officially entered administration on March 5, 2026. Martin Armstrong and Andrew Bailey of Turpin Barker Armstrong were appointed as joint administrators.

The company, which was founded in 2003, had established itself as one of the UK's leading independent wholesale manufacturers and suppliers of catering disposables, specialising in food packaging, vending cups and biodegradable paper straws. According to an official public notice published in the London Gazette on Wednesday, a creditors' meeting will be held on June 8 to consult creditors on the administration process.

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The business changed its name from 4 Aces Limited to A To Z Packaging Ltd on February 25.

In its accounts for the year ending March 31, 2024 filed while still trading under 4 Aces Limited, reported increased turnover of about £18.1 million, up from £16.1 million the previous year, and operating profit rose significantly from roughly £369,000 to just under £814,000.

The company's fixed assets were valued at around £291,000 and current assets at approximately £11 million, with net assets totalling a healthy £1.7 million.

Founded in April 2003, the company spent more than two decades establishing itself as a highly regarded independent contract manufacturer and wholesale supplier of catering disposables.

The firm built its reputation on bringing global manufacturing partnerships together under a single source to simplify packaging logistics for its nationwide client base.

Its extensive product portfolio spanned every area of the hospitality sector, covering everyday essentials like paper coffee cups, plastic drink lids, deli bowls, pizza boxes, and accessories.

In recent years, the business has focused heavily on environmental innovation. It launched and expanded its biodegradable paper straw lines and its sustainably focused "PLANET" vending cup range to help food service operators meet emerging sustainability best practices.

Express.co.uk has approached A To Z Packaging Ltd for comment.