Typhoo Tea has fallen into administration as the 120-year-old brand's sales slump, losses widen and debts rise.
Advisory firm Kroll has been appointed to handle the administration and find a buyer for the tea business.
Vape and battery maker Supreme is front runner to buy Typhoo, but it said there was "no certainty" a deal will go ahead.
Typhoo has been trying to turn itself around for some time, but it suffered a setback after trespassers damaged its former factory in Moreton, Merseyside last year.
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