Josep Ferrer Sala, the great driving force of Freixenet and Cava, has left us
Freixenet regrets to announce the passing of Josep Ferrer Sala, honorary president 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’s entrance into the company in 1947 was the beginning of a new era for the company, of which in 1959 he assumed the general management and in 1978 he was appointed president of Freixenet. Among the most important milestones achieved under his leadership were the modernization of the production area, the expansion of the warehouse, the boost in sales and, in particular, international expansion. With a great commercial vision, Ferrer also managed to make Freixenet Cava the best-selling cava in the world, being the internationalization of Freixenet a great contribution to the cava sector.
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 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.
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.