European meat and convenience food company Bell Food Group has unveiled its decision to separate its international poultry unit, which was previously part of the Bell International Hubers/Sütag branch. This move will establish the poultry line as an independent business area, affecting two production sites under the Hubers/Sütag division – Süddeutsche Truthahn in Ampfing, Germany, and Hubers Landhendl in Pfaffstätt, Austria.
Süddeutsche Truthahn produces a variety of chicken and pork products, including chicken schnitzel, processed chicken meat, strips, and ham sausages, while Hubers Landhendl specializes in fresh and frozen chicken and turkey meat, sausages, and convenience meat products. Bell Food Group is composed of six business sub-divisions, including Bell Switzerland, Bell International, Hilcona, Hügli, and Eisberg. Up to now, Bell International was divided into three sub-units – Bell Germany, Bell Western/Eastern Europe, and Bell Hubers/Sütag.
The remaining divisions, Bell Germany and Bell Western/Eastern Europe, will continue to be part of the business area but will now be organized by country. Last October, Marco Tschanz was announced as the incoming CEO of Bell Food Group, succeeding Lorenz Wyss, who is set to retire in June. Tschanz, who has been with Bell for nine years, previously served as CFO before joining the executive board in 2014. He took over the international business area in 2019 and assumed the management of the Eisberg brand in 2022.
As Tschanz transitions into the CEO role, he will oversee Bell Switzerland and the newly independent Hubers/Sütag business unit. Martin Schygulla, the former manager of Bell Germany, will lead the Bell International division starting June 1st. Mike Häfeli, previously with Bühler Group, has taken over Tschanz’s former role at Eisberg. In 2023, Bell Food Group registered a 4.6% increase in annual net revenue to Sfr4.5bn ($4.94bn), with sales volumes up by 1.1% to 547 million kilograms. EBIT for the year rose by 1.1% to Sfr164.7m.
The Bell International subdivision witnessed a 7.5% revenue growth to Sfr1.1bn, with sales volumes also rising by 2.5% to 208.1m kg. Stay updated on the latest food and beverage industry trends by subscribing to our daily news round-up. Gain valuable insights to stay ahead in the food and drink business sector. Sign up now to receive unparalleled industry knowledge.