Björn Feuerstake has been appointed as the new CFO of Billa Czechia, effective since 1 January 2026. He succeeds Vincent van Schagen, who departed for family reasons.
Feuerstake joins CEO Marek Doležal and COO Andreas Jüterbock, to complete the company’s new management team.
He brings over two decades of experience, beginning his career at Metro, where he held various international management roles in controlling, pricing, category management and supplier relations.
In 2019, Feuerstake joined REWE Group, first as head of controlling at BIPA, where he contributed to the brand’s transformation, and later as head of controlling at Billa, overseeing the merger of three controlling departments.
Commenting on his appointment, Feuerstake said, “I see the Czech market as one of the key areas for the further development of the REWE Group.
“My priority is to improve the long-term economic performance of Billa in the Czech Republic, strengthen our market position, and optimise costs.
“The further development of the brick[s]-and-mortar sales network will play a key role, as we see clear potential for sustainable growth alongside the expansion of quick commerce.”
German Wine Harvest
German viticulture experienced a paradoxical year in 2025.
While its wine quality was exceptional, the industry faced a period of significant economic pressure.
The 2025 wine harvest yielded approximately 7.3 million hectolitres, which is 16% below the ten-year average and the lowest volume since 2010, according to estimates by the German Farmers’ Association, DBV.
Major regions such as Rheinhessen, Palatinate, Baden and Württemberg saw up to a 20% reduction in harvest, compared to the previous year.
Conversely, regions such as Moselle, Saxony and Saale-Unstrut, which suffered from frost in 2024, saw significant increases.
Despite the low yields, all 13 German wine regions reported outstanding grape quality, resulting from smaller berries and a meticulous selection.
However, financial pressures remain.
Bulk wine prices (at €0.40-€0.60 per litre) were well below the €1.20 production cost.
The market share of German wine within Germany dropped to 41%, and exports were hampered by US tariffs.
Supermarkets and discount stores accounted for 64% of the wine sold.
The wine industry also faced a shortage of seasonal workers and labour costs that often exceeded revenues, particularly following the rise in the minimum wage.
Elsa Group Divests Itself Of Idhéa
Swiss dairy producer Elsa Group, part of Migros, has announced the sale of French sauce and spice producer Idhéa.
The buyer is Gyma, a French specialist in chilled sauces.
This divestment will allow Elsa Group to focus on its core dairy-and-cheese business in Switzerland, while providing Idhéa with an opportunity for growth under new ownership.
Located in Hochfelden, France, Idhéa manufactures chilled sauces and spices for the catering industry, the food industry, and European supermarkets.
This includes a popular range supplied to Migros supermarkets, which will continue after the acquisition.
Gyma will acquire the production facility in Hochfelden, in Alsace, and retain its 150 employees.
This divestment is in line with Migros Group’s strategy, announced in early February 2024, to refocus on its core businesses in Switzerland, namely retail (food and non-food), financial services (Migros Bank) and healthcare (Medbase Group).
Jerónimo Martins To Shutter Hussel
Jerónimo Martins has announced the closure of Hussel, its chain of chocolate and confectionery stores in Portugal.
The decision follows repeated efforts to make the company viable, which proved unsuccessful.
The company attributed the closure to several factors.
In 2024, Hussel’s German partner declared insolvency, ending the partnership and creating supply issues and a loss of scale for the Portuguese operation.
Additionally, rising operating costs, particularly those related to rent, weighed on performance.
The business was further impacted by a significant and ongoing increase in cocoa prices, due to a combination of various factors.
All Hussel employees have been offered job security within other Jerónimo Martins Group companies in Portugal.
The closure of the 18 Hussel stores is expected to be completed by 30 April 2026.
Dining and Cooking