The Jerónimo Martins Group regrets to announce that, after thorough analysis and sustained efforts to make the company viable, which ultimately proved unsuccessful, it has taken the difficult decision to discontinue the operation of Hussel, a chain specialised in selling chocolates and confectionery in Portugal.
Hussel employees were guaranteed job security in one of the other Jerónimo Martins Group companies in Portugal.
The decision to close Hussel operation stems from a number of factors, the lasting impact of which led to the understanding that the company was in an unsustainable situation with no reasonable prospects of reversal.
In 2024, Hussel GmbH, the German partner of the Jerónimo Martins Group at Hussel, declared insolvency at the height of serious financial difficulties amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. This process ultimately ended the partnership on which the operation in Portugal was based, leading to supply problems and loss of scale. In a context of sharply rising costs – especially those related to rents – these difficulties ultimately proved insurmountable.
On the other hand, strong and continued pressure on cocoa prices weighed heavily, induced by a combination of factors, notably the decline in production in major producing countries (while global demand continues to increase), the impact of adverse weather conditions on harvests, and the growing regulatory trend (brought about in particular by the announced implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)).
The closure of the 18 Hussel stores is expected to take place gradually until 30th April 2026.
