Lala Gut Behrami’s breakup with Ragusa – these are the possible reasons

On Thursday, CH Media announced that Lara Gut-Behrami will appear on the new season without a lead sponsor. The next day, the 33-year-old commented on the split and expressed her gratitude to her long-term partner. Now the question arises: what happens next?

Martin Probst, Sölden/ch media

It was an unusual photo as Lara Gut-Behrami posed for photographers with all her brand colleagues in Sölden. The 33-year-old's long blonde locks were clearly visible as Wendy Holdener and her pals smiled for the camera while wearing hats.

Advertising space on the head – whether on a hat or a ski helmet – is the most profitable at the Ski World Cup. Industry stars including Gut-Behrami easily earn six figures. The best, like Marco Odermatt, may even earn as much as 1 million a year.

So why did Gut-Behrami show up without a sponsor? When asked by CH Media, Swiss Ski on Thursday confirmed the assumptions made based on the pictures. After 12 years, Camille Bloch and the Ticino woman have ended their partnership. As the Swiss chocolatier puts it, “by mutual consent.” Gut-Behrami represents the Ragusa brand with her performances. Won the World Cup championship last season. Paying more attention during skiing is almost impossible.

Are rising cocoa prices to blame?

So why did it break after 12 years? Gut-Behrami said: “A wonderful journey together comes to an end. During the cooperation I experienced many highlights and some setbacks, but I was always able to have the support of Ragusa. I wish Camille Bloch the best on his journey Good luck. No new sponsors at this time.”

The people involved remained silent on the reasons for the breakup. However, you don't have to be a prognosticator to guess that there is no longer any financial agreement. Otherwise, it is difficult for a long-term relationship to end at the most successful moment and towards the end of a career.

Camille Bloch has been under some pressure to save money lately. Cocoa prices have risen sharply. At NZZ, company boss Daniel Bloch said: “This is an extraordinary situation,” adding that it would be better to abandon the discount campaign rather than adjust prices. But: “We can't use it to compensate for all the increased costs.”

The demand must be great

So there are savings. That's probably why it also works for sponsorships. Media spokesperson Jessica Herschkowitz confirmed that the company is under pressure to save money: “However, this is not directly related to sponsorship.” Instead, people are looking for opportunities everywhere.

Surprisingly, Gut-Behrami has not yet been able to come up with a follow-up solution. It's usually someone else trying to find someone. For example, Stefan Rogentin. Although the 30-year-old won his first World Cup last winter, he has no main sponsor.

The demand for Gut-Behrami must be huge. Because women from canton Ticino actually have everything you need for successful marketing. But the subjunctive mood is appropriate. She avoids public appearances as much as possible. It also doesn’t exist on social media, which is now a core market for marketing campaigns. Or to put it another way: Gut-Behrami is only partially attractive to sponsors.

After 12 years, Laura Gut-Behrami's partnership with Ragusa has ended.Image: trapezoid

The 33-year-old doesn't necessarily seem to be relying on earnings in return. Otherwise, subsequent solutions may be found quickly despite the obstacles. When asked, experts on the scene would not comment on future marketing opportunities for the Swiss woman. For example, superstar Mikaela Shiffrin's agent said: “I am not aware of the case and therefore cannot comment on it.” Gut-Behrami's personal manager did not respond to CH Media's inquiries. (aargauerzeitung.ch)

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