FROM FARM TO FACTORY: FERRERO’S ENDURING LOVE FOR HAZELNUTS
The hazelnut cultivation has solid and deep roots in human history. Indeed, hazelnuts played an important role in Ancient Roman culture, when it was customary to offer hazelnut branches to others, particularly newlyweds, to wish them prosperity and happiness. For centuries this fruit was used as a source of nutrients and oil.
Fast forward to 1946 when Ferrero was founded in the Langhe region of Piedmont, Italy, and the hazelnut was still revered as one of the greatest riches of the area. This fruit became, and still is, the most distinctive ingredient for our products.
By mixing cocoa and hazelnuts, our founders created the very first confectionary product, called Giandujot. This traditional product evolved in several other shapes and innovations, such as Nutella, Ferrero Rocher and Kinder Bueno. Today, the hazelnut remains at the heart of our most popular brands.
Ensuring quality and freshness
We’ve grown to know and love many details about the magnificent hazelnut. The quality of this ingredients requires patience and time. For instance, did you know that hazelnut trees take around five to seven years to produce the first good harvest? But once that first crop appears, the tree remains productive for generations.
Though there are almost 300 varieties of hazelnuts, only around 12 of these comply with the strict requirements needed to create Ferrero's products. Furthermore, to guarantee a product with exceptional taste, flavour and texture, hazelnuts sourced and used by Ferrero must comply with precise standards in terms of quality and freshness.
For instance, for each Ferrero Rocher, we use more than 3 hazelnuts which must abide by these rules. However, the whole hazelnut at the heart of each praline must go a step further. On top of meeting exceptional flavour standards, the nuts must have a precise calibre to perfectly fit the shape of the product.
Once the ideal hazelnuts are selected, our team of dedicated 'master roasters' carefully roasts each batch based on its origin, moisture level and size. They are roasted at the perfect moment to preserve the optimal aroma and freshness.
The Ferrero Hazelnut Company is dedicated to hazelnuts
We know actions speak louder than words – it's why we’re committed to contributing to a hazelnut value chain that additionally creates value for local communities and the environment.
So how are we achieving this?
In 2015, we created the Ferrero Hazelnut Company (HCo) as a division of the Ferrero Group. HCo brings all of Ferrero’s hazelnut activities together in one place to drive quality and innovation. From farm to factory, HCo is involved in every aspect of the hazelnut value chain.
More than 3,000 people work at HCo today operating across a range of responsibilities, from agribusiness development, research, sourcing and processing to business-to-business activities.
Investing to boost hazelnut productivity
As part of Ferrero HCo’s ongoing commitment to the hazelnut value chain, we’ve made a concerted effort to source from traditional as well as new geographies.
Constantly making progress
Whether in Italy or Turkey, the United States, Chile or Serbia, we're committed to contributing to a truly sustainable supply chain which takes care of the environment and contributes to the prosperity of the local communities involved.
In 2021, we laid out our long-standing commitment to hazelnuts with our first Hazelnut Charter. Recently, it has been renewed.
The Hazelnut Charter outlines both our long-term ambitions and shorter-term objectives for contributing to a hazelnut value chain that brings benefits to everyone involved. It covers three pillars: Human Rights and Social Practices, Environmental Protection/Sustainability and Supplier Transparency. Each year, we release a Hazelnut Progress Report showing our achievements in this respect.
We’re proud to share that our latest report shows more than 90% of our hazelnut supply chain is now fully traceable. This achievement is made possible through our ongoing collaboration with farmers, suppliers, institutions, universities, and research centres to promote and share sustainable farming practices.
We also cooperate with high level international organizations. For example, in Turkey, we have been partnering with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) since 2013, to support families in hazelnut harvesting regions.
From ancient traditions to modern innovation, our enduring relationship with the hazelnut is a testament to its remarkable versatility and value. As we honour its legacy, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of quality and sustainability while positively impacting our farmers and local communities around the world.
