Traditional bakery Leifert from Gifhorn files for bankruptcy!

Traditional bakery Leifert from Gifhorn files for bankruptcy!

In a remarkable development, the traditional Leifert bakery chain from Gifhorn, Lower Saxony, has filed for bankruptcy. This was officially announced today. The company, which has delighted numerous customers with fresh baked goods over its 70-year history, employs around 220 people at a total of 40 locations, including in Braunschweig and Wolfsburg. Despite the bankruptcy filing, hope remains because the range will continue to be offered in the usual quality. Managing director Nils Leifert assures that the branches will remain open and customers will be provided with baked goods, cakes and snacks as usual.

Responsibility for the restructuring process lies in the hands of the current management. To support the restructuring, the process is carried out under the supervision of an administrator, supported by external restructuring experts. The Gifhorn district court has approved the insolvency application, which is primarily due to the weak economy, high energy costs and increased raw material prices. The employees' wages and salaries are initially secured by the insolvency money, which offers the affected employees a certain degree of financial security.

Challenges in the industry

Leifert's decision should not be viewed in isolation, as the bakery industry is currently under immense pressure. Other companies are facing similar financial difficulties. Current statistics show that the number of insolvency proceedings in the bakery industry increased between 2008 and 2024. This development illustrates the crisis that has affected the entire industry, with hardware stores and decoration chains also being affected. Leifert is not the first company to file for bankruptcy in this tense market situation, and will probably not be the last either.

A look into the past: The Leifert bakery was founded in 1950 and is still family-owned today. With its main locations in Gifhorn, Braunschweig, Wolfsburg and the Hanover region, it has earned a permanent place in the local community. The announced restructuring measures are intended to lead the bakery into a more stable future.

It remains to be seen whether these measures will be fruitful. What is certain is that the company operates in a difficult environment. The weak economy and high costs are causing problems for the entire industry. For the time being, there is some relief for the 220 employees, as their wages are secured by the insolvency money. But the challenges are great, and the next steps will be crucial in shaping the future of the Leifert Bakery. More information about bankruptcies in the bakery industry can be found on the Statista website.