Ferrero International SpA, more commonly known as Ferrero Group or simply Ferrero, is an Italian multinational company with headquarters in Alba, Piedmont. Ferrero is a manufacturer of branded chocolate and confectionery products, and the second largest chocolate producer and confectionery company in the world by revenue.[3] Ferrero SpA is a private company owned by the Ferrero family and it has been described as "one of the world's most secretive firms".
It was founded in 1946 in Alba by Pietro Ferrero, a confectioner and small-time pastry maker who laid the groundwork for the introduction of Nutella. The company had a period of tremendous growth and success under Pietro's son Michele Ferrero, who in turn handed over the daily operations to his sons, Pietro Jr. and Giovanni Ferrero (the founder's grandsons). In 2015, following Pietro Jr.'s sudden death in 2011, Giovanni Ferrero became the company's sole leader as executive chairman and majority owner.[4]
As of 2015, the Ferrero Group includes 38 trading companies, 18 factories, and approximately 40,000 employees worldwide. It produces around 365,000 tonnes of Nutella each year, among other products.[5]
History
In 1946, Pietro Ferrero, an Italian pastry chef invented a cream of hazelnuts and cocoa, a secret recipe that used nuts to cut down on the more expensive cocoa in a spread derived from gianduja (a typical Turin product), calling it Pasta Gianduja. The initial product came in solid loaves wrapped in aluminium foil, which had to be sliced with a knife, and was succeeded by a spreadable version called Supercrema.[6]
With assistance from his brother Giovanni Ferrero Sr., Pietro Ferrero created his new company to produce and market the initial product.[7] Pietro was succeeded by his son Michele Ferrero as chief executive. Michele and his wife Maria Franca relaunched his father's recipe as Nutella, which was first sold in 1964. They opened production sites and offices abroad,[7] and Nutella eventually became[8] the world's leading chocolate-nut spread brand.[6]
Acquisitions
In 2014, Ferrero acquired Oltan Group, the largest hazelnut supplier in the world.[24] In June 2015, Ferrero acquired the British chocolate retailer Thorntons for £112 million. In 2016, Ferrero SpA acquired Belgian biscuit brands Delacre and DeliChoc from United Biscuits.[25] In March 2017, Ferrero SpA bought the US chocolate maker Fannie May from 1-800-Flowers.com. The deal closed on 30 May 2017, and Ferrero paid $115 million. Ferrero indicated that they hope to expand Fannie May, with locations across the US, not just in Chicago.[26][27][28]
Products
Ferrero produces several lines of confectionery goods under various brand names, as well as the chocolate-hazelnut spread Nutella (since 1964).[47] Ferrero uses one-quarter of the world's annual hazelnut supply.[48]
It also produces the line of Ferrero branded chocolate products, including Pocket Coffee,[49] Mon Chéri,[49] Confetteria Raffaello,[49]
Philanthropy
In 1983, the company established the Ferrero Foundation in Alba, Piedmont at the wish of Michele Ferrero. The foundation promotes activities in the areas of art, science, history and literature by organizing conventions, conferences, seminars and exhibitions. It also offers health and social assistance to ex-employees who have been with the group for at least 25 years.[71]
See also
External links
References
- Ferrero group reports consolidated financial statements for the 2024/2025 financial year 2026-02-06, retrieved 12 March 2026^
- Ferrero Owler^
- Ilan Brat, Jeffrey McCracken, Dana Cimilluca. Hershey Plots Cadbury Bid