A STORY OF A FAMILY
The Ferrero Group brings joy to people around the world with its much-loved treats. Founded in 1946 in Alba, a picturesque town in the north of Italy, by brothers Pietro and Giovanni Ferrero, the Ferrero Group is now one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies with more than 35 much-loved brands such as Kinder, Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, and Tic Tac, sold in more than 170 countries. A family-owned business, now in its third generation, the Ferrero portfolio is growing to include even more iconic brands such as Thorntons, Fannie May, Butterfinger, and Eat Natural.
With more than 35,000 “Ferrerians” globally, the Ferrero culture is rooted in strong family values and dedication to quality, excellence and respect for the environment and the communities in which we work.
Today, Giovanni Ferrero continues to successfully lead the company in the role of Executive Chairman. Ferrero's determination to bring consumers only the very best lies at the heart of everything we do. We know that it's the details that matter to guarantee the quality of our unique products and brands.
Our dedication to quality and excellence, our heritage, our family values, and our respect for the environment and the communities in which we work: all of these are reflected in our desire to sustain and celebrate life's special moments.
THE BEGINNING IN ALBA AND THE FOLLOWING YEARS
We have to return to the ‘40s to discover the roots of this success. These were the years when Piera and Pietro, Michele’s parents, transformed a pastry shop into a factory. "Ferrero" family was the first Italian manufacturer after World War II to open production sites and offices abroad in the confectionary sector, turning the company into a truly international Group. These first and decisive steps forward were thanks to the products “invented” by Pietro Ferrero and his son Michele, who was then very young. Another key to success was the effective sales network organized by Giovanni, Pietro’s brother, who died in 1949.
A WORLDWIDE SUCCESS
Following the success of the company in Italy, Michele Ferrero decided to start producing also abroad. In 1956 a large plant in Germany was inaugurated and a short time later a plant only shortly afterwards one in France. It was the prelude to a rapid expansion of Ferrero in Europe, with the establishment of commercial offices and production centers in Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, United Kingdom, Ireland and Spain. In the following decades Ferrero becomes global, with companies and plants operating and producing in North and South America, South East Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, Australia; and, more recently, in Turkey, Mexico and China.
From big ideas to cultural icons
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1964
Nutella is launched.
1968
Kinder Chocolate is launched.
1969
The rebel of the category is launched.
1974
The Kinder division enlarges the Kinder Family.
1982
Ferrero Rocher is launched.
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EXPANDING OUR PORTFOLIO
In 2015, we opened the dawn of a new era for the company through two important acquisitions, Oltan (now Ferrero Findik) and Thorntons. In the following years, Ferrero continued to expand its footprint across Europe and North America through strategic acquisitions. We are constantly growing our portfolio of well-established brands that consumers love, allowing us to diversify and capitalise on exciting growth opportunities.
- 2022
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2015
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Acquired FULFIL Nutrition, the high-quality, vitamin and protein bar company which has direct sales in UK as well as distributing to Ireland and other European and Asian Pacific markets.
Take over the brands’ iconic portfolio
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Eat Natural, UK-based maker of high-quality cereal bars, toasted muesli and granola.
Strong brand authenticity
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Acquisition of the iconic cookie brand Keebler®, top selling on-the-go Famous Amos® cookies, the premium family cookie brand Mother’s®, and Murray® sugar-free cookies, as well as Little Brownie Bakers®, supplier of cookies to the Girl Scouts.
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Acquired a controlling stake in Ice Cream Factory Comaker (ICFC).
Beloved brands in the cookie category and first Ice Cream approach
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Acquired one of the U.S.’s most iconic chocolate confectionery brands, such as Butterfinger, BabyRuth, 100Grand, Raisinets, and the exclusive right to Crunch brand.
The U.S. confectionary business from Nestlé
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Fannie May and Ferrero, both founded on long family histories and iconic, high-quality brands, represent a strong strategic and cultural fit.
A Chocolate Confectionary Manufacturer
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Acquired Ferrero Findik, a worldwide leading operator in the procurement, processing and marketing of hazelnuts.
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For over a century, Thorntons has specialised in crafting high-quality chocolate, sweets, toffee, fudge and other confectionary.