ITALIAN AMBASSADOR VISITS FERRERO FACTORY IN LITHGOW TO CELEBRATE 60 YEARS OF NUTELLA WORLDWIDE
Italy’s Ambassador to Australia and the Italian Consul General in Sydney visited Ferrero’s factory on World Nutella Day, celebrating the Italian roots of the icon-status treat and its journey into the hearts of millions of Australian fans.
5th February 2024 - In celebration of World Nutella Day, Ferrero welcomed the Italian Ambassador, His Excellency Paolo Crudele, and Italian Consul General in Sydney, Gianluca Rubagotti, to Ferrero’s Lithgow factory, where Nutella is made for millions of Australians.
This year, World Nutella Day 2024 is a moment of celebration of the global 60-year anniversary since the first jar of Nutella was created in Italy. To mark the occasion, Nutella is releasing a limited-edition 60th anniversary jar honouring the remarkable global journey of the beloved brand.
The Italian Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Paolo Crudele, said:“Italy and Australia’s relationship is deeply valued across the oceans. Ferrero is a standout example of a global organisation with Italian heritage and strong Australian connections. It’s a pleasure to mark the occasion here in the Australian home of Nutella.”
Consulate General of Italy in Sydney, Gianluca Rubagotti said: “I am delighted to celebrate the enduring relationship between Italy and Australia through Ferrero. Nutella is a staple in Italian and Australian homes alike and is just one of the important similarities our cultures share."
In Australia, Nutella has been produced locally at the Ferrero Factory in Lithgow for over 45 years, since 1978. This factory was the first Ferrero production site to be established outside of Europe. Since then, Ferrero has shown a deep-rooted respect and commitment to its Australian staff, resulting in a deeply loyal workforce, especially in its Lithgow-based Nutella factory.
Managing Director of Ferrero Australia Business Unit, Massimo D’Ambrosio, said:“As an Italian who calls Australia home, it is a pleasure to see that it is an iconic product here as much as in Italy. The growth and success of the Nutella brand in this market, to the point that it’s now enjoyed by one in four Australian households, is a testament to the quality product that has been popular around the world for 60 years.”
In recent years, Ferrero’s commitment to innovation has led to the development of new Nutella products, such as Nutella Biscuits and B-ready, which have enjoyed great success with Australian Nutella fans.
Ferrero’s factory produces Nutella for Australia, New Zealand and East Asia and has grown to become an Australian icon in its own right. Typically, around 13,500 tonnes (or 13.5 million kilograms) of Nutella is produced at Ferrero’s Lithgow factory each year; in 2024, this figure is set to grow by an additional 1,500 tonnes.
Ferrero Australia Lithgow Operations’ Managing Director, Daniel Quack, said:“Lithgow has been the home of Australian-made Nutella for over four decades and we’re proud to be a significant employer in the region, with 100 staff responsible for producing Nutella. This year, we’re on track to achieve a record level of Nutella production, with more than 15,000 tonnes set to be produced here at our Lithgow factory.”
Created in 2007 by fan Sara Rosso, World Nutella Day holds a special place in the hearts of Nutella enthusiasts in over 160 countries across the globe. The annual commemoration sees thousands of fans celebrating Nutella by sharing art, inspiration, and recipes on social media, using the hashtag #WorldNutellaDay.
NUTELLA FAST FACTS
- World Nutella Day was conceived by a Nutella Lover, back in 2007. Since then, for more than 15 years, on February 5th, Nutella® fans come together on social media to share their love for the world’s favorite hazelnut spread.
- Did you know that the Nutella produced in one year weighs more than the Empire State Building?!
- The global Facebook page dedicated to Nutella® reached 10 million fans in one year; today it counts more than 30 million fans!
- A stamp and even a silver coin have been dedicated to Nutella
- The most popular way to eat Nutella worldwide is bread & Nutella for breakfast, followed by toast, crepes and pancakes
