Biscuits Bofin Declares Bankruptcy Amid Fire and Financial Struggles
The Belgian biscuit manufacturer faces a second bankruptcy following operational challenges and a fire in 2024.
Biscuits Bofin, a Belgian biscuit manufacturer with a heritage dating back to 1872, has been declared bankrupt for the second time as of early 2025. The company, based in Peulis, has encountered a series of setbacks, including a devastating fire in 2024, ongoing financial difficulties, and scrutiny from regulatory inspections.
Previously, Bofin built a reputation for producing up to 70 tons of premium biscuits daily, catering to a broad customer base that included children, military personnel, and those in emergency situations.
The company focused on quality, utilizing Belgian chocolate, UTZ-certified cocoa, and sustainable fats in its products.
Despite these strengths, Bofin was unable to navigate its growing financial and operational hurdles.
In its history, Biscuits Bofin has experienced significant challenges.
In 2008, the company announced layoffs, prompting a worker strike.
By 2012, Bofin lost a crucial client, Studio 100, which contributed to financial strain.
A court in Antwerp officially declared the company bankrupt in 2016, but it managed to continue operations until the recent announcement.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection of Bofin’s production facility in Putte in 2023, identifying several issues related to food safety regulations, biological hazards, and labeling practices.
Despite these findings, the FDA did not impose immediate sanctions, and Bofin continued its biscuit production.
A significant fire at the company’s facility in 2024 inflicted considerable damage and exacerbated the financial situation, leading to the latest bankruptcy declaration.
Willy Van den Wijngaert, who passed away in February 2023, played a pivotal role in the company's development and modernization during his tenure as owner.
He was also known for his involvement as chairman of the Belgian football club KV Mechelen.
His leadership was credited with steering Biscuits Bofin through various phases of its long history.
Previously, Bofin built a reputation for producing up to 70 tons of premium biscuits daily, catering to a broad customer base that included children, military personnel, and those in emergency situations.
The company focused on quality, utilizing Belgian chocolate, UTZ-certified cocoa, and sustainable fats in its products.
Despite these strengths, Bofin was unable to navigate its growing financial and operational hurdles.
In its history, Biscuits Bofin has experienced significant challenges.
In 2008, the company announced layoffs, prompting a worker strike.
By 2012, Bofin lost a crucial client, Studio 100, which contributed to financial strain.
A court in Antwerp officially declared the company bankrupt in 2016, but it managed to continue operations until the recent announcement.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection of Bofin’s production facility in Putte in 2023, identifying several issues related to food safety regulations, biological hazards, and labeling practices.
Despite these findings, the FDA did not impose immediate sanctions, and Bofin continued its biscuit production.
A significant fire at the company’s facility in 2024 inflicted considerable damage and exacerbated the financial situation, leading to the latest bankruptcy declaration.
Willy Van den Wijngaert, who passed away in February 2023, played a pivotal role in the company's development and modernization during his tenure as owner.
He was also known for his involvement as chairman of the Belgian football club KV Mechelen.
His leadership was credited with steering Biscuits Bofin through various phases of its long history.
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