Rumors of Twinkies indestructibility will soon be put to the test.
Hostess Brands announced that it will shut down production on all its products, including the well-known brands Wonder Bread, Drakes and Dolly Madison, and snack cakes Ding Dongs, Ho Ho’s and Twinkies.
Hostess said a strike by its largest union, the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM), crippled the company. The brand was unprofitable under its current structure and when the company and BCTGM could not finalize a new deal, the brand said it was forced to shut down.
Bakery operations have been suspended at all plants, the company said. Throughout the country 33 bakeries, 565 distribution centers, 5,500 delivery routes and 570 bakery outlet stores will be closed and 18,500 workers will be laid off. Delivery of the products will continue for the next several days, Hostess said.
“We deeply regret the necessity of today’s decision, but we do not have the financial resources to weather an extended nationwide strike,” said CEO Gregory F. Raybur
