An award-winning food centre has been put up for sale as its owners admit it is on the brink of collapse.
A buyer is being sought for the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre in the Conwy Valley, with owners warning that jobs may be lost unless somebody can save the business.
They have said "intense financial pressures" have meant the business is operating at an "unsustainable level" and its future is now in doubt.
They will keep the business running for one more month while the search is launched for a new buyer.
Owners Michael and Caroline McLaren said they had no option but to seek a buyer to help secure the future of the business.
Mr McLaren said: "We are devastated, despite our best efforts, to be in this position, and are very sad indeed for our loyal staff whose jobs are now under threat.
"We fervently hope that someone can be found to take over the business and preserve the jobs of our staff, and the concept of exemplary Welsh food in the Conwy Valley.”
The centre, which opened in 2012, has welcomed more than a million visitors and has won several awards for its products.
But it is still struggling financially, and has been dealing with a number of other issues.
Sandra Derbyshire, who was the boss of Bodnant Welsh Food, quit last year the day after giving an interview to the Daily Post where she said the business had suffered from issues like staff friction and high worker turnover, a loss of focus on Welsh produce and a mislabelling incident that damaged the centre’s reputation.
A ton of cheese made at the centre had to be destroyed earlier this year after its makers failed to get council approval to produce it.
Mr McLaren added: "We are immensely proud of what our staff and the business have achieved. They have given much pleasure to so many visitors, as well as winning numerous awards.
"We all take great pride in how much the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre has contributed to the local economy, employing an average of over 50 [full time] staff for more than six years.
"It is with deep sadness that we are now unable to keep funding the business, but we will certainly do all that we possibly can to try to find a buyer.”
A team of accountants and business advisors from Smith Cooper have now been brought in to try to bring about a sale.
Dean Nelson, head of business recovery and insolvency at Smith Cooper, said: “The shareholders of Bodnant Welsh Food Centre have undoubtedly invested heavily in the business to help cement its future.
"Despite their best efforts, we are now faced with a challenging situation to find an alternative purchaser to secure the future of the business and its employees.”
Employees at the food centre have been told about the situation.
