Ferrero SpA

{{Short description|Italian multinational food corporation}} {{Use British English|date=February 2025}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox company | name = Ferrero International SpA | logo = Ferrero logo.svg | logo_size = | image = Ferrero - panoramio (2).jpg | image_size = 250 | image_caption = Headquarters in Alba | type = ''Società per azioni'' | traded_as =  | genre =  | parent = | fate = | predecessor = | successor = | foundation = {{start date and age|1946|5|14|df=y}} | founder = Pietro Ferrero | defunct =  | location_city = Alba, Piedmont | location_country = Italy | location = | locations = | area_served = Worldwide | key_people = Giovanni Ferrero (executive chairman) Lapo Civiletti (CEO) | industry = Food | products = Confectionery | brands = {{collapsible list| * Delacre * Eat Natural * Famous Amos * Fannie May * Ferrara Candy Company * Ferrero-Küsschen * Ferrero Rocher * Hanuta * Keebler * Kinder Bueno * Kinder Chocolate * Kinder Joy * Kinder Surprise * Mon Chéri * Mother's Cookies * Nutella * Pocket Coffee * Raffaello * Royal Dansk * Thorntons * Tic Tac * WK Kellogg Co }} | services = | revenue = {{profit}} € 19 billion (fiscal year 2025)<ref>{{cite web |title=Ferrero group reports consolidated financial statements for the 2024/2025 financial year |url=https://www.ferrero.com/int/en/news-stories/news/ferrero-group-reports-consolidated-financial-statements-for-the-2024-2025-financial-year |access-date=12 March 2026 |date=2026-02-06}}</ref>  | operating_income = €1,034 million (FY 2018–2019)  | assets = | equity = | owner = Ferrero family | num_employees = 47,212 (2023)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.owler.com/company/ferrero|title= Ferrero|work=Owler|date=|access-date=}}</ref> | divisions = | subsid = Burton's Biscuit Company Carambar & Co Eat Natural Fannie May Ferrara Candy Company Fox's Biscuits Keebler Company Michel et Augustin Mother's Cookies Royal Dansk Thorntons Wells Enterprises WK Kellogg Co | homepage = {{URL|https://www.ferrero.com/|ferrero.com}} | footnotes = | intl = }} '''Ferrero International SpA''' ({{IPAc-en|f|ə|ˈ|r|ɛər|oʊ}} {{respell|fə|RAIR|oh}}, {{IPA|it|ferˈrɛːro|lang}}), 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704782304574542002270073692|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal| title=Hershey Plots Cadbury Bid | first1=Ilan | last1=Brat | first2=Jeffrey | last2=McCracken |first3=Dana |last3=Cimilluca | date=9 November 2009 | quote= [Ferrero] is known for the secrecy with which it guards its chocolate recipes and its management decisions.}}</ref> 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".<ref name="Guardian 2010" />

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.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Tognini |first=Giacomo |title=Kellogg Megadeal Is This Italian Billionaire's 21st Acquisition |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/giacomotognini/2025/07/11/meet-the-italian-billionaire-behind-ferreros-giovanni-ferrero-froot-loops-nutella-31-billion-deal-for-kellogg/ |access-date=2025-08-07 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |date=15 February 2015 |title=Michele Ferrero, Nutella owner and Italy's richest man, dies aged 89 |url=https://www.afp.com/en/news/michele-ferrero-nutella-owner-and-italys-richest-man-dies-aged-89 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220005939/http://www.afp.com/en/news/michele-ferrero-nutella-owner-and-italys-richest-man-dies-aged-89 |archive-date=20 February 2015 |access-date=16 January 2016 |work=afp.com}}</ref>

==History== thumb|left|150px|Pietro Ferrero, founder 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''.<ref name=":1" /> 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.<ref name="bbc">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-27438001|title=Nutella: How the world went nuts for a hazelnut spread|first=Dany|last=Mitzman|work=BBC News|date=18 May 2014|access-date=16 January 2016}}</ref>

With assistance from his brother Giovanni Ferrero Sr., Pietro Ferrero created his new company to produce and market the initial product.<ref name="ferrero history">{{cite web|url=https://www.ferrero.com/int/en/about-us/a-story-of-a-family|title=Ferrero - A family history|publisher=Ferrero|access-date=16 January 2016}}</ref> 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,<ref name="ferrero history" /> and Nutella eventually became<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Nutella Billionaires: Inside The Secretive Ferrero Family |url=https://www.forbes.com/feature/ferrero-candy-empire/ |access-date=2025-08-09 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> the world's leading chocolate-nut spread brand.<ref name="bbc" /> Ferrero is the world's largest consumer of hazelnuts, buying up 25% of global production in 2014.<ref name="bbc" />

Michele Ferrero later passed the reins of daily management to his own sons, Pietro Jr. and Giovanni Ferrero, grandsons to the founder. However, in 2011, Pietro Jr. died at the age of 47 after suffering a heart attack while cycling in South Africa.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2011-04-18 |title=Italian chocolate boss Ferrero dies in biking accident |url=https://nypost.com/2011/04/18/italian-chocolate-boss-ferrero-dies-in-biking-accident/ |access-date=2025-08-07 |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2015, Giovanni Ferrero, grandson of Pietro and son of Michele Ferrero, took the reins as executive chairman and majority owner.<ref name="ferrero history" /><ref name=":0" /> In September 2017, Lapo Civiletti, a longtime executive at the company, became the first non-family CEO in the history of the company. Giovanni Ferrero instead became the executive chairman, focusing on long-term strategy.<ref>{{cite news |date=30 March 2017 |title=Ferrero appoints first non-family CEO |url=https://www.ft.com/content/b0583c87-40b5-3fb3-979c-b3878009f56d |url-access=subscription |access-date=30 March 2017 |newspaper=Financial Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Nutella Billionaires: Inside The Secretive Ferrero Family |url=https://www.forbes.com/feature/ferrero-candy-empire/ |access-date=2025-08-09 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> As of July 9, 2024, Giovanni Ferrero was named the wealthiest person in Italy with a net worth of $43.3 billion.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Wealthiest Person in Italy |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/wealthiest-person-italy-231023296.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712040934/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/wealthiest-person-italy-231023296.html |archive-date=2024-07-12 |access-date=2025-08-09 |work=Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}}</ref>

The company places great emphasis on secrecy, reportedly to guard against industrial espionage.<ref name="Guardian 2010">{{cite news|last=Hooper|first=John|title=Italy's meltdown over EU Nutella ban that never was|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/02/italy-meltdown-eu-nutella-ban|access-date=3 July 2010|newspaper=The Guardian|date=2 July 2010}}</ref> It has never held a press conference and does not allow media visits to its plants. Ferrero's products are made with machines designed by an in-house engineering department.<ref name="Guardian 2010" />

In April 2026, the European Commission conducted unannounced antitrust inspections at Ferrero's premises in order to investigate possible violations of Article 101 and Article 102 TFEU. The investigation concerns potentially illegal market segmentation by Ferrero through restrictions on cross-border trade and multi-country purchases within the European single market. According to the Commission, the inspections took place in two EU member states.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parry |first=Jacob |date=2026-04-15 |title=Ferrero targeted in EU antitrust probe, says company |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/ferrero-targeted-in-eu-antitrust-probe-says-company/ |access-date=2026-04-17 |website=Politico Europe |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Best |first=Dean |date=2026-04-15 |title=Ferrero emerges as subject of EU anti-trust raids |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/policy/articles/ferrero-emerges-subject-eu-anti-172057093.html |access-date=2026-04-17 |work=Yahoo Finance}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-13 |title=Commission carries out unannounced antitrust inspections in the chocolate confectionery sector |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/https:////ec.europa.eu//commission//presscorner//detail//en//ip_26_802 |access-date=2026-04-17 |website=European Commission}}</ref>

===2022 salmonella outbreak=== On 6 April 2022, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) began investigating a "rapidly evolving" outbreak of salmonella linked to Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/efsa-and-ecdc-investigate-multi-country-salmonella-outbreak-linked-chocolate-products|title=EFSA and ECDC investigate multi-country Salmonella outbreak linked to chocolate products|publisher=European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control|date=6 April 2022|accessdate=17 April 2022}}</ref> The outbreak affected European countries, with products being recalled "as a precautionary step".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/04/06/eu-officials-investigate-salmonella-cases-linked-to-kinder-chocolate-eggs|title=EU officials investigate salmonella cases linked to Kinder chocolate eggs|publisher=euronews|date=6 April 2022|accessdate=17 April 2022}}</ref> Products were also recalled in Canada and the US.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/04/07/1091406031/kinder-eggs-chocolate-recall-europe|title=Some Kinder chocolates are recalled in the U.S. after a salmonella outbreak in Europe|website=NPR|first=Deepa|last=Shivaram|date=8 April 2022|accessdate=17 April 2022}}</ref>

On 8 April, Belgian authorities ordered the closure of a Kinder chocolate factory in Arlon suspected to be behind the outbreak.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/08/belgium-shuts-kinder-chocolate-factory-over-salmonella-outbreak|title=Belgium shuts Kinder chocolate factory over salmonella outbreak|work=The Guardian|date=8 April 2022|accessdate=17 April 2022}}</ref> On 12 April, the EFSA and the ECDC published a rapid outbreak assessment on a multi-country outbreak of monophasic ''salmonella typhimurium'' linked to chocolate products made at the Belgian factory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/ROA_monophasic-S-Typhimurium-ST34-linked-to-chocolate_2022-00014_UK-corrected.pdf|title=Multi-country outbreak of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium sequence type (ST) 34 linked to chocolate products|website=European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control|date=12 April 2022|accessdate=17 April 2022}}</ref> The report found that in December 2021, salmonella was detected in a buttermilk tank at the Belgian establishment during the manufacturer's own checks. The company implemented some hygiene measures and increased sampling and testing of the products and the processing environment. After negative Salmonella testing, it then distributed the chocolate products across Europe and globally.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/rapid-outbreak-assessment-multi-country-salmonella-outbreak-linked-chocolate-products|title=Rapid outbreak assessment: Multi-country Salmonella outbreak linked to chocolate products|website=European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control|date=12 April 2022|accessdate=17 April 2022}}</ref>

As of 8 April 2022, 150 cases had been reported in ten European countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.<ref name=":2">{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2022/04/16/kinder-easter-chocolate-recall-after-salmonella-outbreak-leaves-150-ill-mostly-young-children/?sh=625d129523a0|title=Kinder Easter Chocolate Recall After Salmonella Outbreak Leaves 150 Ill, Mostly Young Children|work=Forbes|first=Bruce|last=Y. Lee|date=16 April 2022|accessdate=17 April 2022}}</ref>

== Acquisitions == In 2014, Ferrero acquired Oltan Group, the largest hazelnut supplier in the world.<ref name="Nieberg14">{{cite news |title=Ferrero acquires hazelnut supplier Oltan |first=Oliver |last=Nieberg |url=https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2014/07/17/Ferrero-acquires-hazelnut-supplier-Oltan/ |work=Confectionary News |date=17 July 2014 |access-date=11 December 2015}}</ref> In June 2015, Ferrero acquired the British chocolate retailer Thorntons for £112 million.<ref name="Vaish15" /><ref name="Guardian2015" /> In 2016, Ferrero SpA acquired Belgian biscuit brands Delacre and DeliChoc from United Biscuits.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Atherton |first1=Matt |title=Ferrero completes deal for United Biscuits' Delacre |url=https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Article/2016/12/09/Chocolate-maker-Ferrero-completes-deal-for-biscuit-manufacturer |website=Food Manufacture |date=9 December 2016 |publisher=William Reed |access-date=6 September 2018}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.candyindustry.comarticles/87652-ferrero-to-purchase-fannie-may-confections-brands-for-115-million|title=Ferrero to purchase Fannie May Confections Brands for $115 million|access-date=2017-05-08|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/9057-ferrero-international-to-acquire-fannie-may-confections|title=Ferrero International to acquire Fannie May Confections|access-date=2017-05-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2017/03/17/italian-maker-of-nutella-buys-fannie-may/|title=Italian maker of Nutella buys Fannie May|last=Channick|first=Robert|work=chicagotribune.com|access-date=2017-05-08|language=en-US}}</ref> In October, Ferrero announced that they would acquire the Ferrara Candy Company<ref>{{cite news | title=Ferrara Candy to be acquired by Nutella maker Ferrero |first=Samantha|last=Bomkamp| url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2017/10/19/ferrara-candy-to-be-acquired-by-nutella-maker-ferrero/|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|access-date=17 November 2017}}</ref> and the acquisition was completed that December.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171201005648/en/|title=Ferrero Completes Acquisition of Ferrara Candy Company|date=2017-12-01|access-date=2018-08-20|language=en}}</ref>

In January 2018, it was reported that Ferrero was purchasing Nestlé's American confectionery business for $2.8 billion. The deal included the Baby Ruth, Crunch Bar and Butterfinger brands, but did not affect Nestlé's confectionery business elsewhere, and did not include Kit Kat, Nesquik or the Toll House baking line.<ref>Zlati Meyer,[https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/01/16/nestle-selling-its-u-s-candy-business-ferrero-2-9-b/1036675001/ "Nestle is selling its U.S. candy business to Ferrero for about $2.8 billion"], ''USA TODAY'' 16 January 2018</ref> The acquisition was completed in March 2018.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gretler|first1=Corinne|title=Nutella Maker to Pay $2.8 Billion for Nestle U.S. Candy Unit|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-01-16/nutella-maker-pays-2-8-billion-for-nestle-u-s-chocolate-unit|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date=16 January 2018 |access-date=16 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Ferrero Completes Acquisition of Nestlé USA's Confectionary Business|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180331005008/en/Ferrero-Completes-Acquisition-Nestlé-USA’s-Confectionary-Business|website=Business Wire|date=31 March 2018 |access-date=7 May 2018}}</ref> Consumer market strategist Lawrence Allen characterized the merger as Nestlé moving to being a health company, and as Ferrero acquiring a manufacturing base in the US and expanding their US product range.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Allen |first=Lawrence |date=June 4, 2018 |title=Global M&A: Still the chocolate industry sweetspot? |journal=Thunderbird International Business Review |volume=61 |issue=2 |pages=456 |doi=10.1002/tie.21996}}</ref>

In July 2019,<ref>{{cite web|last=Schultz|first=Clark|date=29 July 2019|title=Kellogg closes on Keebler sale|url=https://seekingalpha.com/news/3482663-kellogg-closes-keebler-sale|access-date=8 September 2019|work=Seeking Alpha}}</ref> Ferrero further expanded its US operations by purchasing a collection of business owned by Kellogg's. Included in the deal were Kellogg's cookie, fruit and fruit-flavoured snack, ice cream cone and pie crust businesses, the renowned brands Famous Amos, Murray's, Keebler, Mother's, and Little Brownie Bakers (one of the producers of the cookies for the Girl Scouts of the USA), as well as a leased manufacturing facility in Baltimore, six food manufacturing facilities across the country, and two plants in Chicago. Ferrero paid Kellogg's $1.3 billion.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Reddy |first1=Arjun |title=Kellogg has agreed to sell its Keebler and Famous Amos businesses to Ferrero for $1.3 billion |url=https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/kellogg-reportedly-agreed-to-sell-keebler-famous-amos-to-ferrero-2019-4-1028075005 |website=Business Insider |publisher=Insider Inc. |access-date=2 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Yu |first1=Douglas |title=Ferrero Enters U.S. Snack Aisle With $1.3 Billion Acquisition Of Kellogg's Brands |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/douglasyu/2019/04/01/ferrero-enters-u-s-snacks-aisle-with-1-3-billion-acquisition-of-kelloggs-brands/#2d100861bbe8 |website=Forbes |access-date=2 April 2019}}</ref>

In early 2020, a subsidiary of Ferrero purchased Campbell Soup Company's stake in the Danish bakery Kelsen Group for $300 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/2019/07/12/campbell-soup-sells-kelsen-group-to-ferrero/1712319001/|last=Walsh|first=Jim|date=12 July 2019|title=Campbell Soup agrees to sell Danish snack firm for $300 million |work=Cherry Hill Courier-Post|access-date=14 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prweek.com/article/1676835/ferrero-ceo-paul-chibe-dishes-great-marketing-risk-taking-star-trek |last=Czarnecki |first=Sean |date=16 March 2020 |title=Ferrero CEO Paul Chibe dishes on great marketing risk taking Star Trek |work=PRWeek |access-date=19 July 2020}}</ref> In October, it was announced that Ferrero would buy UK company Fox's Biscuits for £250 million.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Landini|first=Francesca|date=2020-10-07|title=Ferrero snaps up Fox's Biscuits to expand cookie business|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-fox-s-biscuits-m-a-ferrero-idUKKBN26S15J|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012122218/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-fox-s-biscuits-m-a-ferrero-idUKKBN26S15J|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 October 2020|access-date=2020-10-08}}</ref> In December 2020, Ferrero announced it was acquiring healthy snack company Eat Natural.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Myers|first=Anthony|date=2020-12-21|title=Ferrero Group to acquire healthy snack company Eat Natural|url=https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2020/12/21/Ferrero-Group-to-acquire-healthy-snack-company-Eat-Natural|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223135109/https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2020/12/21/Ferrero-Group-to-acquire-healthy-snack-company-Eat-Natural|archive-date=2020-12-23|access-date=2020-12-23|website=confectionerynews.com|language=en-GB}}</ref> In June 2021, Ferrero bought British firm Burton's Biscuit Company, which at the time of purchase employed 2,000 people at six plants in the UK. It is believed the transaction was made for about £360 million.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jun/01/ferrero-family-buys-jammie-dodgers-burtons-biscuits Ferrero family buys Jammie Dodgers maker Burton’s] at ''The Guardian'',</ref>

In April 2022, it was announced Ferrero had acquired the vitamin and protein bar producer Fulfil Nutrition headquartered in Dublin.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-26 |title=Ferrero Group Announces Acquisition of Fulfil Nutrition |url=https://www.esmmagazine.com/a-brands/ferrero-group-announces-acquisition-of-fulfil-nutrition-171365 |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=ESM Magazine |language=en}}</ref> In December, the company announced its acquisition of Wells Enterprises, an American ice cream manufacturer based in LeMars, Iowa.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/22/12/n29994397/ferrero-group-to-acquire-wells-enterprises-maker-of-ice-cream-brands-blue-bunny-and-bomb-pop | title=Ferrero Group to acquire Wells Enterprises, maker of ice cream brands Blue Bunny® and Bomb Pop® }}</ref>{{better source needed|date=March 2026}} Wells Enterprises is best known for Blue Bunny, Blue Ribbon, Bomb Pop, and Halo Top brands.

In February 2023, it was announced Ferrero would acquire the frozen bakery company Fresystem SPA based in Naples, Italy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-07 |title=Ferrero acquires Italian bakery company Fresystem |url=https://www.foodbev.com/news/ferrero-acquires-italian-bakery-company-fresystem/ |access-date=2023-02-07 |website=FoodBev Media |language=en-GB}}</ref> In July 2025, it was announced that Ferrero would be buying cereal giant WK Kellogg Co in an approximately $3 billion deal; WK Kellogg Co itself was the result of a spinoff of the North American cereal business of the original Kellogg's which retained its international cereals, meals, and snacks business as Kellanova (which was bought by Mars Inc. for just under $36 billion that same year).<ref>{{cite web | title=Ferrero Strikes Roughly $3 Billion Deal for Maker of Froot Loops, Frosted Flakes | date=9 July 2025 | url=https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/ferrero-nears-roughly-3-billion-deal-for-maker-of-froot-loops-frosted-flakes-c61a10a2?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=ASWzDAgFdkpdPf98IDTgIBInxFR_Pgie-L7WMPimfsnFVzm7UAnKfxDIwkhJUhLX6pg%3D&gaa_ts=686ed471&gaa_sig=N7Uuq34bpXODJ8LzM0tdY1xt7R6mpMQm2hkYrekxCjjs1KQZmzp5njTJxhtj8Om4aSs_VIC_Nd0-SMdLN73RKA%3D%3D }}</ref> In October 2025, Ferrero SpA bought Carambar & Co from Eurazeo for €240 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.newsroom.eurazeo.com/news/completion-of-the-sale-of-cpk-group-from-eurazeo-to-the-european-holding-company-of-ferrara-candy-company-63466-52e2c.html|title=COMPLETION OF THE SALE OF CPK GROUP FROM EURAZEO TO THE EUROPEAN HOLDING COMPANY OF FERRARA|website=Eurazeo|date=31 October 2025}}</ref>

==Products== {{multiple image | align = | perrow = 2 | total_width = 300 | image1 = 2023 Ferrero Rocher (3).jpg | image2 = Nutella (cropped).jpg | image3 = Kinder Surprise Egg.jpg | image4 = MonCheri.jpg | footer = Some products by Ferrero; clockwise from top: Ferrero Rocher bonbon, Nutella spread, Mon Chéri bonbon, Kinder Surprise egg }} Ferrero produces several lines of confectionery goods under various brand names, as well as the chocolate-hazelnut spread Nutella (since 1964).<ref name=Merelli15>{{cite news |title=Goodbye to Michele Ferrero, the man who gave us Nutella |first=Annalisa |last=Merelli |url=https://qz.com/344808/goodbye-to-michele-ferrero-the-man-who-gave-us-nutella |work=Quartz |date=15 February 2015 |access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref> Ferrero uses one-quarter of the world's annual hazelnut supply.<ref name=Charles14>{{cite news |title=Thanks To Nutella, The World Needs More Hazelnuts |first=Dan |last=Charles |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/09/16/347749070/thanks-to-nutella-the-world-needs-more-hazelnuts |work=NPR |date=16 September 2014 |access-date=11 December 2015}}</ref>

It also produces the line of Ferrero branded chocolate products, including Pocket Coffee,<ref name=Montano15>{{cite news |title=Michele Ferrero, World's Richest Candyman And Creator Of Nutella, Dies At 89 |first=Nick |last=Montano |url=https://www.vendingtimes.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?nm=Vending+Features&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&tier=4&id=5FA57929100B4707B311DECAAC70AE47 |work=Vending Times |date=3 March 2015 |access-date=10 December 2015 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308161023/https://www.vendingtimes.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?nm=Vending+Features&type=Publishing&mod=Publications::Article&tier=4&id=5FA57929100B4707B311DECAAC70AE47 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Mon Chéri,<ref name=Montano15/> Confetteria Raffaello,<ref name=Montano15 /> Ferrero Küsschen<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ferrero-kuesschen.de/produkte.html#timeline|title=Products - Timeline|website=ferrero-kuesschen.de|access-date=5 April 2017|language=de|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705234603/https://www.ferrero-kuesschen.de/produkte.html#timeline|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the Ferrero Prestige line, which comprises three different brands of pralines: Ferrero Rocher, Ferrero Rondnoir, and Garden Coco.<ref name=ProfCandy07>{{cite news |title=Christmas profit preview: ring in holiday profits by stocking a range of new items and traditional favorites: part 2 |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-166274501.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220134627/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-166274501.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 February 2016 |work=Professional Candy Buyer |date=1 May 2007 |quote="Ferrero also introduces Prestige Assortment, a selection of Rocher, Rondnoir and Garden Coco." |access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref>

Ferrero's Kinder brand line of chocolate products includes Kinder Surprise,<ref name=Winnipeg11>{{cite news |title=America's choke hold on Kinder Surprise |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-2251799321.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220221617/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-2251799321.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 February 2016 |work=Winnipeg Free Press |date=29 January 2011 |quote="It's a newly arrived clutch of Kinder Surprise milk-chocolate eggs, each one with a tiny toy or puzzle or doll hidden at its core, inside a little yellow plastic cask." |access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref> Kinder Joy,<ref name=Shashidhar14>{{cite news |title=Unwrapped; How Italian Confectionery Giant Ferrero Created a Market for Premium Chocolate in India |first=Ajita |last=Shashidhar |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-35797407.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220213240/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-35797407.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 February 2016 |work=Business Today |date=30 March 2014 |quote="The company rolled out Rocher chocolates nationwide in 2007 and followed this up with Kinder Joy, an egg-shaped chocolate which comes with a toy for children, and Tic Tac in 2009." |access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref> Kinder Chocolate,<ref name=Precision03>{{cite news |title=Ferrero unveils push for Kinder Chocolate bar |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-98542235.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220180304/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-98542235.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 February 2016 |work=Precision Marketing |date=14 February 2003 |quote="Ferrero is embarking on a major data capture campaign to launch its latest import, Kinder Chocolate, by launching a Valentine's Day-themed initiative. The mini chocolate bars, aimed at six- to 11-year-olds and their mothers, are the most recent product to hit the market, following the best-selling Kinder Bueno and the slightly larger Kinder Maxi." |access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref> Kinder Happy Hippo,<ref name=Marketing07>{{cite news |title=Ferrero UK is launching Happy Hippo Cocoa Cream |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-144173064.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220132622/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-144173064.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 February 2016 |work=Marketing Week |date=6 April 2006 |quote="Kinder Happy Hippo was originally launched in the UK at the start of 2004 (MW December 11, 2003), and the new variant was launched in February." |access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref> Kinder Maxi,<ref name=Precision03/> Kinder Duplo,<ref name=DuploLSA>{{cite news |title=Ferrero Duplo Whole Hazelnuts |url=https://www.lsa-conso.fr/produits/ferrero-duplo-aux-noisettes-entieres,140912 |work=LSA Commerce & Consommation |access-date=10 December 2015|language=fr}}</ref> Kinder Country,<ref name=CosmoFrance>{{cite news |title=7 RECETTES POUR DES BARRES CHOCOLATÉES MAISON |first=Aurelie |last=Corbin |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.fr/,lion-bounty-twix-7-recettes-pour-des-barres-chocolatees-maison,1932395.asp |work=Cosmopolitan France |date=20 November 2015 |access-date=10 December 2015|language=fr}}</ref> Kinder Délice,<ref name=DeliceLSA>{{cite news |title=Kinder Delice |url=https://www.lsa-conso.fr/produits/kinder-delice,136792 |work=LSA Commerce & Consommation |access-date=10 December 2015|language=fr}}</ref> and Kinder Bueno.<ref name=MW02>{{cite news |title=Ferrero's Kinder Bueno |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-85007712.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220180054/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-85007712.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 February 2016 |work=Marketing Week |date=4 April 2002 |quote="WCRS has created a [pounds sterling]2.3m TV campaign for Ferrero's Kinder Bueno brand." |access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref><ref name=White04>{{cite news |title=Italy's favourite heads down under |first=Lyn |last=White |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-115005815.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220124954/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-115005815.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 February 2016 |work=Australasian Business Intelligence |date=6 April 2004 |quote="Kinder Bueno was launched in Italy in 1990 and is now sold in more than 20 countries." |access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref> The company also produces Tic Tac mints,<ref name="Shashidhar14" /> available in a variety of flavours,<ref name="Somerset15">{{cite news |title=Ferrero Rolls out New Flavor for Tic Tac Mints Brand |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-410137549.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220160651/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-410137549.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 February 2016 |work=Mass Market Retailers |date=23 March 2015 |quote="Spearmint Mix TicTac mints is joining the TicTac brand's portfolio of mint flavors, which includes Freshmints, Powermint and Wintergreen Tic Tac mints." |access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="PCB03">{{cite news |title=Ferrero upsizes Tic Tac mints |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-112408776.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220124906/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-112408776.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 February 2016 |work=Professional Candy Buyer |date=1 November 2003 |quote="The packaging for Tic Tac mints, which come in fresh mint, orange, spearmint, cinnamon, wintergreen and lime, will remain the same." |access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="PCB01">{{cite news |title=Mints: Paying the price of success; With hundreds of new items entering the mint market in recent years, could market saturation be far behind? |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-82091642.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220172944/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-82091642.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 February 2016 |work=Professional Candy Buyer |date=1 November 2001 |quote="In its 30th year in the marketplace, Tic Tac is available in Fresh Mint, orange, cinnamon, wintergreen and spearmint varieties." |access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref> along with sugar free versions.<ref name="Detroit09">{{cite news |title=Taste Test: Chill with Tic Tac's New Sugar Free Mints |url=https://advance.lexis.com/nexis/results/docview/docview.do?docLinkInd=true&risb=21_T23178004606&format=GNBFI&sort=RELEVANCE&startDocNo=1&resultsUrlKey=29_T23178004610&cisb=22_T23178004609&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&csi=247193&docNo=21 |work=Detroit Free Press |date=14 January 2009 |quote="And Tic Tac(R) CHILL mints are the first in the Tic Tac(R) product portfolio to be entirely sugar free, sweetened with xylitol." |access-date=11 December 2015|url-access=registration }}</ref> Other Ferrero products include Raffaello, Giotto,<ref name="Montano15" /> Fiesta Ferrero,<ref name="Euro10">{{cite news |title=Baked Goods in Italy |url=https://advance.lexis.com/nexis/results/docview/docview.do?docLinkInd=true&risb=21_T23177928691&format=GNBFI&sort=RELEVANCE&startDocNo=1&resultsUrlKey=29_T23177928695&cisb=22_T23177928694&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&csi=384739&docNo=1 |work=Euromonitor International |date=1 September 2010 |quote="Brioss (Ferrero Group), Fiesta (Ferrero Group), Kinder Délice (Ferrero Group)" |access-date=11 December 2015|url-access=registration }}</ref> Hanuta chocolate hazelnut-filled wafers,<ref name="Roder14">{{cite news |title=Criticism of Nutella: Candy with addictive |first=Christian |last=Roder |url=https://www.wz.de/wirtschaft/kritik-an-nutella-suessigkeit-mit-suchtgefahr_aid-29688037 |work=Westdeutsche Zeitung |date=5 February 2014 |access-date=11 December 2015|language=de}}</ref> and Gran Soleil frozen desserts,<ref name="India14">{{cite news |title=Soremartec SA Receives Approval for Trademark FERRERO Gran Soleil |work=Indian Trademark News |date=3 February 2014 |quote="Soremartec SA of Arlon, Belgium received approval from Office of The Trade Marks Registry on the trademark FERRERO Gran Soleil." }}</ref> which won the company an innovation award in March 2011.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.ferrero.com/group-news/?IDT=12057 |title=Ferrero Gran Soleil receives the "Excellence in Innovation" Award |publisher=Ferrero |access-date=2012-03-21}}</ref> Ferrero has been producing Thorntons products since acquiring the company in 2015.<ref name="Vaish15">{{cite news |title=Ferrero Agrees to Acquire UK's Thorntons |author=Esha Vaish and Giancarlo Navach London |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-418929833.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220160658/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-418929833.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 February 2016 |work=The Star |date=23 June 2015 |quote="The Italian firm behind Ferrero Rocher chocolates and Nutella spread has agreed to buy British chocolate retailer Thorntons for £112 million (R2.1 billion), striking a rare deal to expand in Europe's biggest confectionery market." |access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="Guardian2015">{{cite news|last1=Farrell|first1=Sean|title=Thorntons bought by Ferrero for £112m|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jun/22/thorntons-bought-by-ferrero-rocher-for-112m-pounds|access-date=22 June 2015|work=The Guardian|date=22 June 2015}}</ref>

==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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fondazioneferrero.it/The-Foundation |title=A lively and long-lasting community centre. |work=Fondazione Ferrero |language=it |access-date=6 October 2019}}</ref>

==See also== {{Portal|Italy|Companies}} * List of confectionery brands

== Notes == {{notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{Official website}}

Category:Ferrero SpA Category:Italian chocolate companies Category:Multinational food companies Category:Multinational companies headquartered in Italy Category:Food and drink companies established in 1946 Category:Italian companies established in 1946 Category:Confectionery companies of Italy Category:Companies based in Alba, Piedmont Category:Privately held companies of Italy Category:Family-owned companies of Italy