Josep Ferrer Sala, the honorary co-chairman and former managing director of the renowned cava producer Freixenet, has passed away at 99, marking the end of an era for the global sparkling wine industry.
Born in 1925 in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, Catalonia, Ferrer was the son of Pedro Ferrer Bosch and Dolors Sala Vivé, who co-founded Freixenet in 1914. Ferrer joined the family business in 1947 and played an instrumental role in positioning the company as a world leader in cava and sparkling wine, a career that would span over seven decades.
In 1959, Ferrer was appointed managing director of Freixenet, later becoming president in 1978. Under his guidance, the company significantly expanded production in its Sant Sadurní d’Anoia facilities, eventually establishing itself as the world’s largest cava producer.
Ferrer stepped back from day-to-day operations in 1999 but continued his involvement as honorary co-chairman and served on the Board of Wisdom alongside his sisters Pilar, Carmen, and Dolores Ferrer, advising the company on strategic decisions.
In 2018, Ferrer played a key role in Freixenet’s acquisition by the German sparkling wine company Henkell, further solidifying the brand’s international influence.
Reflecting on his passing, Henkell Freixenet expressed profound condolences, stating, “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.”
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