November 6, 2024 – Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, 6th november 2024 – Freixenet regrets to announce the passing of Josep Ferrer Sala, honorary Co-Chairman of the company, at the age of 99. Born on October 19, 1925 in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, Ferrer worked for more than 70 years, becoming one of the main creators of the world’s leading sparkling wine group to which he has always remained linked.
A member of the second generation of the founding family, Josep Ferrer leaves an indelible legacy in the history of Freixenet, the brand created in 1914 by his parents, Pedro Ferrer Bosch and Dolors Sala Vivé, in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. Josep Ferrer’s dedication and passion for Cava and wine have marked his time at the company, to which he contributed with the modernization and internationalization of the brand, taking over from his mother and his sisters Pilar, Carmen and Dolores Ferrer, who managed to relaunch the company after the Civil War in which they lost their father and older brother.
Josep Ferrer joined the company in 1947, heralding a new era in which he took over as Managing Director in 1959 and was appointed President of Freixenet in 1978. With his exceptional entrepreneurial skills, he established the Spanish sparkling wine and cava category worldwide and shaped it with his innovative spirit. Ferrer managed to make Freixenet the best-selling cava in the world – being the internationalization of Freixenet a great contribution to the cava sector. The most important milestones under his leadership included the expansion of the company in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia to become the largest Cava production site in the world, the increase in sales and, above all, the international expansion of Freixenet Carta Nevada and the invention of the Cordon Negro, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Another of his greatest achievements was the promotion of Freixenet advertising, which became a benchmark of communication in Spain thanks to the emblematic ads of Freixenet Bubbles together with renowned national and international celebrities. In addition, Josep Ferrer was a great patron, highlighting the collaboration with Liceu, Palau de la Música, MACBA, MNAC, Freixenet Symphony Orchestra of Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía and CE Noia Freixenet hockey club, among others.
Despite being retired from the day-to-day running of the company since 1999, Josep Ferrer – appointed Honorary Co-Chairman of Freixenet – never left the organization as he continued to be a member of the “Board of Wisdom” together with his sisters. In 2018 he played an important role in the alliance between Henkell and Freixenet.
Henkell Freixenet deeply regrets his loss and, out of affection and admiration, conveys its deepest condolences to the family. All of us who have had the good fortune to work with him mourn his absence today, but we are very proud of the legacy he has left us.
About Freixenet, S.A.
Freixenet S.A. is a family-owned company which was founded in 1914, but has roots that date back to 1861. It is Spain’s largest exporter of beverages and the global No.1 cava producer. The company is headquartered in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, close to Barcelona. Freixenet, which owns brands such as Freixenet, Mederaño, Mia, Segura Viudas and Gloria Ferrer, has subsidiaries in 19 countries, such as in the US, Argentina, China and Australia and exports its brands to 140 countries. For further information see http://www.freixenet.com.
About Henkell Freixenet
Henkell Freixenet is the German-Spanish alliance of the family-owned companies Henkell, based in Wiesbaden, Germany, and Freixenet, based in Sant Sadurni D’Anoia, Spain. The company is the world’s leading sparkling wine producer and has a unique portfolio of brands for sparkling wine, still wine and spirits. Global brands such as Freixenet, Mionetto and Henkell are part of the group, as well as I heart Wines, Schloss Johannisberg and a portfolio of multiple award-winning wineries and brands. The highest standards of quality and craftsmanship drive the Henkell Freixenet team just as much as the vision of representing every tenth glass of sparkling wine worldwide in the medium term. For further information: www.henkell-freixenet.com.
