Ferrero is celebrating 50 years in Australia, with the company’s local growth driven by expansion beyond confectionery and investment in sustainability initiatives.
Since its beginnings as a small pastry shop in Italy, Ferrero has established itself as a major player in Australia offering some of the country’s most loved brands, including Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Kinder and Tic Tac.
Over the past decade, the company has seen 91 per cent growth, with the last four years in which Ferrero seeks to move beyond confectionery and into sweet, packaged foods categories, contributing significantly to this increase.
Massimo D’Ambrosio, Managing Director for Ferrero Australia, said Ferrero’s story in Australia showcases their unique ability to blend family values with modern sustainability practices, ensuring that their much-loved products will be enjoyed for generations to come.
“Ferrero’s successful 50-year journey in Australia is made possible by our commitment to creating quality products and innovating to bring new products to the market, all while having the highest regard for how and where we source our ingredients to minimise our impact on the planet.”
The company’s expansion includes the introduction of Nutella Biscuits in 2023, Kinder Bueno cones in the freezer aisle, and its entry into the ‘better-for-you’ category with Fulfil Protein and Vitamin Bars in 2024. Ferrero has also launched Nutella Frozen Bakery products, including croissants and muffins, which are now available in cafes.
Ferrero’s presence in Australia extends beyond its products. Its Lithgow factory in New South Wales, the company’s first outside of Europe, remains a key manufacturing hub, supplying Nutella to Australia, New Zealand and East Asia.
In the past three years, Ferrero has invested $30 million into the Lithgow site, with a further $8 million planned for 2024–25. The factory has implemented sustainability initiatives, including rooftop solar panels generating 20 per cent of its energy and water efficiency measures reducing consumption by 44 per cent in the past year.
To support its expansion, Ferrero has also invested in a new warehousing facility at Kemps Creek, operated by Ceva Logistics, to strengthen its supply chain.
The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting Australian communities. Last year, it donated over $2 million worth of products to organisations such as Foodbank, Crêpes for Change and OzHarvest. Ferrero also supports tourism efforts in Lithgow through Nutella sales at the Seven Valleys Visitor Information Centre.
“We have set ourselves ambitious growth plans for the future, always aiming to exceed the expectations of Australian consumers,” D’Ambrosio said.
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