The Strauss Coffee subsidiary is one of the leading coffee distributors in eastern Europe and Brazil | Photo credit: Strauss Group

Israel’s Strauss Group has appointed Shai Babad as its new CEO, effective 1 December 2022. 
 

Previously Director General at Israel’s Ministry of Finance, Babad will replace Giora Bardea, who has worked for food and beverage manufacturer Strauss since 1998, including as CEO since 2018. 

“I would like to thank the Strauss Group’s Board of Directors and its Chairperson, Ofra Strauss, for this vote of confidence. Strauss Group maintains exceptional values and achievements and is one of the most significant companies in Israel’s ecosystem. Strauss represents a cornerstone of Israeli history and Israeli industry. As the next CEO of Strauss Group, I am excited about the prospect of leading it, together with its people, to future growth and excellence,” Babad said. 

Babad joins during a challenging period for Strauss Group. Although increased Strauss Coffee sales strongly contributed to 8% revenue growth for the company in the first half of 2022, Strauss Group remains embroiled in the largest product recall in Israel in recent decades. 

In April 2022, the Israeli government suspended production at Strauss Group’s Nof Hagalil production facility following the discovery of salmonella in chocolate products made by the company’s Elite subsidiary.  

A nationwide recall of confectionary products followed before production resumed in August 2022. 

Founded in 1933, Strauss Group is the largest food and beverage manufacturer in Israel. Its Strauss Coffee subsidiary is one of the leading coffee distributors in eastern Europe and Brazil and controls the Ambassador, Amigo, BeanZ, Doncafe, Elite Coffee, Fort, MK Café and Pedro’s brands.