Bell Food Group acquires cured ham producer Hermann Wein and continues to pursue its strategic focus

The Bell Food Group continues to focus on its production and market portfolio. With the acquisition of German cured ham producer Hermann Wein GmbH & Co. KG, the consolidation of production capacities at Hügli, and efficiency gains at convenience food specialist Eisberg in Austria, the company is taking important steps to strengthen its longterm competitiveness.

Acquisition of cured ham production facility Hermann Wein in Germany 

Bell Germany is acquiring the production facility of Hermann Wein GmbH & Co. KG in Freudenstadt (DE) as part of an asset deal. This acquisition strengthens Bell’s position in the European cured ham market and perfectly complements Bell Germany’s existing activities. The business activities and production operations of Hermann Wein GmbH & Co. KG will be integrated into the Bell Germany organisation. The acquisition is expected to be completed in spring 2026, subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities. The parties have agreed not to disclose any details of the transaction. Bell Germany is part of the Bell International business area of the Bell Food Group. In addition to Germany, this business area also includes the country organisations in Spain, France and Poland. 

Focus Hügli: Integration of UK production towards Germany and Czechia 

The Hügli business area, specialized in long-life convenience food for retail, food service and the food industry, plans to optimise its production structures by relocating its production in Redditch (UK) to the existing sites in Radolfzell (DE) and Zàsmuky (CZ) over the medium term. The aim is to harmonise the production programmes at the sites, improve capacity utilisation, and achieve economies of scale. It is planned that Production operations in Redditch will cease after the completion of the relocation. This affects around 80 jobs. The plan is that the local sales organisation will remain in place to further expand the well-established market coverage in the UK. Implementation is subject to consultation with the workforce and employee representatives. 

Focus Eisberg: Increasing efficiency at the convenience location in Marchtrenk (AT) 

The Eisberg division, which specialises in fresh-cut salads, fruit and related convenience products, is consistently focusing on the DACH region. Following the sale of the production sites in Poland, Hungary and Romania, the operating concept for the Marchtrenk (AT) site is being revised to increase profitability in the long term. Eisberg Austria will focus in future on a more economically efficient core range that is optimally geared to the market. As part of this focus, parts of the infrastructure and specific facilities will no longer be required. These measures will strengthen Eisberg’s competitiveness and create the conditions for improving site profitability. 

Strategic development to strengthen market position 

These measures will consolidate the Bell Food Group’s market position and optimise its production landscape. In the course of this development, an extraordinary write-down of around CHF 60 million will be made. Through these targeted investments, the optimisation of its sites and increased market activities, the Group enhances its competitiveness, consistently implementing its focus strategy and laying the foundation for a sustainable increase in operational efficiency. 

The sale of the Eisberg production facilities in Hungary, Poland and Romania, announced in May 2025, has been completed. The Hungarian and Romanian operations were deconsolidated on 1 August 2025 and the Polish operation on 1 October 2025. The sale resulted in a one-off gain of EUR 11 million at EBIT level and EUR 7 million at company profit level. 

About the Bell Food Group

The Bell Food Group is one of the leading meat processors and convenience specialists in Europe. Its range of products includes meat, poultry, charcuterie and seafood as well as convenience and vegetarian products. With different brands such as Bell, Hubers, Eisberg, Hilcona and Hügli, the Group meets a range of customer requirements. Its customers include retail as well as food service companies and the food processing industry. Around 13 000 employees generate annual revenues of over CHF 4.7 billion. The Bell Food Group is listed on the Swiss stock exchange.