Bell Food Group splits up its international poultry unit

EUROPE – European meat and convenience food giant, Bell Food Group, has recently unveiled plans to divide its international poultry division, formerly part of the Bell International Hubers/Sütag branch. 

This decision comes as part of the company’s strategic restructuring efforts aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and maximizing business potential.

This news was followed by the announcement of the appointment of Marco Tschanz, who is set to assume the role Marco Tschanz, who is set to assume the role of CEO after the retirement of Lorenz Wyss in June.

Tschanz, a seasoned executive with nine years of experience at Bell, previously served as CFO before being appointed to lead the company’s international business area in 2019. 

According to a statement released by the company, the poultry unit, which was previously integrated within the Bell International Hubers/Sütag branch, will now emerge as an independent business entity.

This transition will impact two key production facilities under the Hubers/Sütag division – the Süddeutsche Truthahn site in Ampfing, Germany, and the Hubers Landhendl facility in Pfaffstätt, Austria.

At the Süddeutsche Truthahn site, a variety of chicken and pork products, including chicken schnitzel, processed chicken meat, strips, and ham sausages, are manufactured. 

Meanwhile, the Hubers Landhendl facility specializes in the production of fresh and frozen chicken and turkey meat, sausages, and convenience meat products.

Bell Food Group comprises six distinct business sub-divisions, including Bell Switzerland, Bell International, Hilcona, Hügli, and Eisberg – the restructuring initiative involves streamlining the Bell International division into three subunits – Bell Germany, Bell Western/Eastern Europe, and the newly established independent Hubers/Sütag business unit.

In terms of financial performance, Bell Food Group witnessed a 4.6% increase in annual net revenue in 2023, reaching Sfr4.5bn ($4.94bn).

Sales volumes also saw a modest 1.1% year-on-year growth, totaling 547 million kilograms. 

The Bell International subdivision experienced notable growth, with revenue surging by 7.5% to Sfr1.1bn, accompanied by a 2.5% increase in sales volumes to 208.1 million kilograms.

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