ST. PAUL (AP) — A Minnesota grocery chain says Twinkies and other Hostess snacks are flying off the shelves as the manufacturer shuts down.

Eden Prairie-based Supervalu owns 44 Cub Foods stores in Minnesota. Spokesman Michael Siemienas says they've seen a surge in people purchasing Hostess products like Twinkies, Ding Dongs and Wonder Bread.

Siemienas says the stores won't be resupplied with Hostess products, so once the supplies are gone, they're gone.

Hostess Brands Inc. filed a motion Friday with a federal bankruptcy court, seeking permission to shut down. The move comes after the company says striking workers across the country crippled its ability to maintain production.

The company plans to liquidate its assets starting Tuesday, but some products are expected to find a second life with other manufacturers.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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