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Tag: Ferrero

  • Ferrero Expands Beyond Sweets: Innovation and Brand Extension Fuel Retailer Growth Opportunities

    Ferrero Expands Beyond Sweets: Innovation and Brand Extension Fuel Retailer Growth Opportunities

    Ferrero, a globally recognized confectionery brand, is venturing into new categories, offering retailers a chance to expand their growth. The company’s commitment to quality, local manufacturing, and exceptional execution is supporting this expansion. As Ferrero broadens its reach, it is capturing growth across diverse formats and consumption opportunities.

    Expanding Beyond Confectionery

    Ferrero’s move beyond confectionery into the broader packaged food sector was revealed by Nick Dawes, Sales Director at Ferrero Australia. Dawes emphasized that this expansion is not just about introducing new products, but also about unlocking new occasions and driving incremental growth. This strategy is reinforced by strong brand equity, innovation, and a continued dedication to quality, which facilitates recognition, trial, and repeat purchases across categories. Ferrero is capitalizing on its established trust among shoppers as it extends its brands into new categories.

    A significant development area for Ferrero is frozen desserts, where the company is making its mark with brands like Ferrero Rocher, Raffaello, Kinder Bueno, and Kinder Chocolate Ice Cream. These brands offer new consumption opportunities and support incremental growth. Nutella, another iconic Ferrero product, is contributing significantly, with its range now including spreads, biscuits, and frozen bakery items. These additions encourage cross-category purchases and increase basket value, supported by Ferrero’s local manufacturing facility in Lithgow. The Lithgow facility is also championing sustainable production while maintaining high-quality standards.

    Embracing Sustainable Manufacturing

    The Lithgow site recently installed a vertical electric hazelnut roaster, a global first, which has cut gas usage by almost 90%. Additionally, a rooftop solar array provides up to 20% of the facility’s electricity, demonstrating Ferrero’s commitment to continuous improvement and emission reduction in its manufacturing process.

    Recognizing shifting consumer preferences, Ferrero is innovating with targeted products such as Tic Tac Two Sugar Free and expanding into the health-conscious segment with Fulfil Protein Bars. Kinder, another beloved brand, is also evolving with new formats and product innovations, catering to different life stages and consumption occasions without compromising on quality.

    As Arslan Shah, ANZ Head of Supply Chain, points out, execution is crucial. Enhancements in demand planning, forecasting, and logistics flexibility are improving product availability and in-store performance. Ferrero is working on managing demand fluctuations more efficiently to ensure that products are available when and where customers expect them.

    With its strong brand equity, focus on quality, ongoing innovation, and commitment to sustainable manufacturing, Ferrero is well-positioned to assist retailers in achieving sustainable, long-term growth beyond confectionery.

    Questions & Answers

    What new categories is Ferrero venturing into?
    Ferrero is expanding into broader sweet-packaged food categories, frozen desserts, and health-conscious options.

    How is Ferrero’s Lithgow manufacturing site contributing to sustainable production?
    The site has installed a vertical electric hazelnut roaster that reduces gas usage by nearly 90% and a rooftop solar array that generates up to 20% of the site’s electricity needs.

    What strategies is Ferrero employing to handle demand fluctuations?
    Ferrero is combining stronger planning with a flexible logistics model to build a resilient and responsive supply chain.

  • Ferrero Group Dives into Healthy Snacks, Acquires Brazilian Protein Brand Bold Snacks

    Ferrero Group Dives into Healthy Snacks, Acquires Brazilian Protein Brand Bold Snacks

    The Ferrero Group, an Italian confectionery company, has recently expanded its business by purchasing Bold Snacks, a Brazilian enterprise that specializes in protein snacks. This acquisition is part of Ferrero’s plan to diversify and expand its range of health-conscious products.

    Bold Snacks: A Rising Star in the Health Food Sector

    Bold Snacks was established in 2018 and has quickly gained popularity with its high-protein bars. More recently, the company has broadened its product range to include whey powders. The addition of Bold Snacks to the Ferrero Group’s portfolio is expected to provide new growth opportunities in key markets.

    Daniel Martinez Carretero, CFO of Ferrero Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Bold Snacks is a unique brand that has been gaining significant traction in Brazil. This deal bolsters our position in the health food category and allows us to continue diversifying our offerings across pivotal markets.”

    Acquisition Details & Future Prospects

    As part of the agreement, Ferrero Group will take ownership of Bold Snacks’ office and manufacturing facility, located in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais. Approximately 300 employees currently working for Bold Snacks will become part of Ferrero Brazil. The completion of the transaction is expected in the coming months, subject to the usual closing conditions.

    This acquisition comes shortly after Ferrero Rocher, another brand under the Ferrero Group, debuted its new Easter product line.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Bold Snacks renowned for?
    Bold Snacks is popular for its protein bars and has recently introduced whey powders to its product range.

    How will the acquisition of Bold Snacks benefit Ferrero Group?
    The acquisition will strengthen Ferrero’s presence in the health food category and support the ongoing diversification of its product portfolio across key markets.

    What will happen to Bold Snacks’ staff following the acquisition?
    Approximately 300 Bold Snacks employees will transition to Ferrero Brazil.

  • Ferrero Rocher Sweetens the Season: Introduces New Festive Treats to Christmas Range

    Ferrero Rocher Sweetens the Season: Introduces New Festive Treats to Christmas Range

    This festive season, Ferrero Rocher is enriching its Christmas assortment with two additional seasonal products, aimed at gifting and holiday merriment.

    New Additions to the Festive Selection

    The first of these holiday additions is Ferrero Rocher’s “Merry Christmas Gift Pack”. Priced at $15, this pack includes 10 individually packaged chocolates along with a gift tag that can be personalised to suit the recipient.

    The second product is the “Christmas Cracker” by Ferrero Rocher. This item, priced at $7.50, promises to bring a candy-focused twist to traditional table decorations. It contains five chocolates aimed at satisfying those after-dinner sweet cravings.

    Enhancing the Existing Collection

    These new introductions serve to supplement Ferrero Rocher’s existing festive range. The current collection comprises a variety of gift-centric products specially curated for the holiday season, such as Ferrero Rocher Origins, Ferrero Rocher Bell, Ferrero Rocher Star, and the Ferrero Rocher Christmas Tree.

    All of Ferrero Rocher’s products stay true to the brand’s signature format – a whole hazelnut cloaked in a creamy filling, enclosed within a crunchy wafer, and finally, enrobed in chocolate.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the new additions to Ferrero Rocher’s Christmas lineup?
    The new additions are the “Merry Christmas Gift Pack” and the “Christmas Cracker”.

    What does the Ferrero Rocher Christmas Cracker offer?
    The Ferrero Rocher Christmas Cracker offers a sweet take on traditional holiday table decorations with five chocolates inside, intended to be an after-dinner treat.

    What is the signature style of Ferrero Rocher chocolates?
    Ferrero Rocher chocolates are known for their whole hazelnut surrounded by a creamy filling, encased in a crisp wafer and coated in chocolate.

  • Ferrero’s Fulfil Protein and Vitamin Bars Hit New Zealand Shelves, Boosting Wellness Market via Chemist Warehouse

    Ferrero’s Fulfil Protein and Vitamin Bars Hit New Zealand Shelves, Boosting Wellness Market via Chemist Warehouse

    Fulfil, a protein and vitamin bar brand owned by Ferrero, has broadened its market reach by launching in New Zealand. This expansion comes as part of the brand’s global growth strategy, with the products now available in Chemist Warehouse stores and for purchase online.

    Fulfil first made its appearance in Australia in November of the previous year. The brand’s offerings include bars containing 20 grams of protein, less than 3 grams of sugar, and a blend of nine essential vitamins. The bars are available in an array of flavours, such as Chocolate Peanut Butter, Milk Chocolate Crunch, Chocolate Hazelnut Whip, and Chocolate Salted Caramel.

    This move into the New Zealand market is viewed as a strategic step in Fulfil’s international growth. It effectively harnesses the influence of Chemist Warehouse in the wellness and sports nutrition market, offering a new avenue for distribution and sales.

    The acquisition of Fulfil by Ferrero took place in 2022. This move was aimed at solidifying Ferrero’s foothold in the healthier snacking sector, aligning with changing consumer trends towards more functional nutrition.

    The Fulfil vitamin and protein bars have been priced at $5.99 per unit.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Ferrero’s latest expansion move?
    Ferrero, through its owned brand Fulfil, has expanded into the New Zealand market, where the protein and vitamin bars will now be available in Chemist Warehouse stores and online.

    What offerings does the Fulfil brand provide?
    Fulfil offers bars that contain 20 grams of protein, less than 3 grams of sugar, and a blend of nine essential vitamins. The products come in a range of flavours, including Chocolate Peanut Butter, Milk Chocolate Crunch, Chocolate Hazelnut Whip, and Chocolate Salted Caramel.

    What was the objective behind Ferrero acquiring Fulfil?
    Ferrero acquired Fulfil in 2022 with the aim to strengthen its presence in the healthier snacking segment. This acquisition aligns with shifting consumer trends towards functional nutrition.

  • WK Kellogg reports sharp drop in Q2 earnings amid Ferrero takeover

    WK Kellogg reports sharp drop in Q2 earnings amid Ferrero takeover

    The major breakfast cereal and snack producer, WK Kellogg, has revealed a significant drop in its net income for the second quarter as it readies itself for an upcoming acquisition by Ferrero Group.

    Drop in Earnings

    The company’s net income for the quarter was a mere $8 million, a significant decrease from the $37 million earned in the same period last year. This represents a year-over-year decrease of 78.4%.

    The company’s net sales for the second quarter also dipped by 8.8%, coming in at $613 million. This slump reflects the weakening consumer demand across all of WK Kellogg’s markets.

    Pending Acquisition by Ferrero Group

    WK Kellogg had previously announced a definitive agreement to be purchased by Italy-based Ferrero Group in an all-cash deal worth $3.1 billion. The deal is anticipated to close in the latter half of the present year, provided it receives the required approval from regulators and shareholders.

    Gary Pilnick, chairman and CEO of WK Kellogg, stated, “Despite the challenging operating environment, we experienced in the second quarter, we are making tangible progress against our long-term strategic priorities, including our supply chain modernization initiative.” He continued, “Our team remains committed to executing our plans for the remainder of the year and preparing for the future as we look forward to merging with Ferrero and commencing this exciting new chapter for WK.”

    The acquisition is viewed as a crucial move to expedite WK Kellogg’s transformation under Ferrero’s stewardship, capitalizing on complementary product portfolios and global outreach.

    Questions & Answers

    Why did WK Kellogg’s net income decrease in this quarter?
    The decline in net income is attributed to weaker consumer demand across all of WK Kellogg’s markets.

    What is the value of Ferrero Group’s acquisition deal with WK Kellogg?
    Ferrero Group has agreed to acquire WK Kellogg in an all-cash deal worth $3.1 billion.

    What does WK Kellogg anticipate from the prospective merger with Ferrero Group?
    The merger with Ferrero Group is expected to fast-track WK Kellogg’s transformation, leveraging the combined strength of their product portfolios and global reach.

  • Ferrero Group Acquires Wk Kellogg In $3.1 Billion Deal, Bolstering North American Presence

    Ferrero Group Acquires Wk Kellogg In $3.1 Billion Deal, Bolstering North American Presence

    The Ferrero Group, a major player in the confectionery industry, has recently announced its acquisition of WK Kellogg in an all-cash transaction amounting to US$3.1 billion. This significant development marks a critical milestone in Ferrero’s ongoing expansion in the North American market.

    In exchange for WK Kellogg’s manufacturing, marketing, and distribution operations in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean, Ferrero will pay $23.00 per share. Ferrero, a company employing over 14,000 individuals across 22 plants and 11 offices in North America, has plans to maintain WK Kellogg’s historical headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan as the central hub for its North American cereal operations.

    Gary Pilnick, Chairman and CEO of WK Kellogg, believes that this merger with Ferrero will afford his company greater resources and flexibility, thus facilitating the growth of its iconic brands in a highly competitive and dynamic market. He stated, “As a family-owned private company with values in line with our founder, WK Kellogg, Ferrero provides a great home for our people and has a track record of supporting the communities where it operates.”

    Established nearly 120 years ago, WK Kellogg became an independent entity in October 2023 after parting ways with the Kellogg Company. The company owns several popular breakfast cereal brands, including Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Kellogg’s Froot Loops, Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats, Kellogg’s Raisin Bran, Kashi, and Bear Naked.

    Lapo Civiletti, CEO of the Ferrero Group, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, asserting that it would play a significant role in extending Ferrero’s reach across more consumer occasions. He added, “This also reinforces our commitment to delivering value to consumers in North America.”

    The transaction is slated to be finalized in the second half of this year, contingent upon the necessary regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the Ferrero Group’s acquisition of WK Kellogg?
    The acquisition represents a major development in Ferrero’s expansion in North America.

    What does the acquisition mean for WK Kellogg’s operations?
    Ferrero plans to maintain WK Kellogg’s historical headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan as the central hub for its North American cereal operations, thereby preserving WK Kellogg’s operational continuity.

    What is Ferrero’s ultimate aim with this acquisition?
    Ferrero sees this acquisition as a means to extend its reach across more consumer occasions and reinforce its commitment to delivering value to consumers in North America.

  • Ferrero launches Nutella bakery range in Australia

    Ferrero launches Nutella bakery range in Australia

    Ferrero has debuted its frozen bakery range, the Nutella Croissant and Nutella Muffin, which are now available to food service partners across Australia.

    The Nutella Croissant is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread for breakfast or a sweet snack. The Nutella Muffin uses sourdough and yoghurt to create a soft texture and is filled with Nutella.

    The Nutella Bakery Range is frozen to maintain freshness, with the Nutella Muffin ready to consume after only two hours at room temperature and the Nutella croissant frozen right after rising and ready to bake straight from the freezer.

    “We are incredibly excited to introduce the Nutella Croissant and Nutella Muffin to the Australian market,” said Azzurra Puricelli, head of new business at Ferrero.

    “These products not only showcase the versatility of Nutella but also meet the growing demand for convenient, high-quality bakery items. We believe our new range will delight consumers and give our food service partners a delicious new way to serve Nutella.”

    The Nutella Croissant and Nutella Muffin are now available through Campbells Wholesale and PFD Foods.

    Ferrero Rocher launched two products for Christmas through retail chains with back limited-edition chocolates.

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  • Ferrero launches frozen dessert range

    Ferrero launches frozen dessert range

    Italian chocolate maker Ferrero will add two new frozen treats to Woolworth’s freezer aisles later this month.

    The range – which allows Aussies to enjoy Ferrero Rocher and Raffaello on a stick for the first time –  comes in two flavours: chocolate hazelnut and coconut.

    “Our experts have spent years crafting these recipes inspired by two of our much-loved brands – Ferrero Rocher and Raffaello,” said Azzurra Puricelli, marketing manager at Ferrero Australia.

    The Ferrero Rocher Classic frozen desserts combine the flavor of the famous chocolate with hazelnut and come with a crispy white coating comprising coconut shavings and almond pieces.

    Ferrero Rocher and Raffaello 4-stick multipacks will be available exclusively in Woolworths stores nationwide with an RRP of $12.

    Last month, Ferrero Rocher unveiled its Easter collection this year, which featured 11 limited-edition creations and new chocolates.

  • Ferrero recalls some Kinder products in Australia, NZ ‘as a precaution’

    Ferrero recalls some Kinder products in Australia, NZ ‘as a precaution’

    Italian confectionery group Ferrero has recalled several children’s chocolate products in Australia, having already recalled products in multiple European countries earlier in the week. The recalled products could potentially be contaminated with salmonella, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) announced on Thursday. The chocolates, including some Kinder products, were sold in large supermarket chains such as Coles and Woolworths.

    “Consumers should not eat this product and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund,” the FSANZ said in a statement. Ferrero’s Australian arm is recalling Easter baskets and some Kinder chocolate eggs.

    The Kinder Surprise 20g single and three-pack eggs are not affected. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have launched investigations into the salmonella outbreak and plan to publish an assessment next week. So far, 105 confirmed cases and 29 suspected cases of salmonella, most of them in children under the age of 10, have been recorded in Europe, according to the authorities. Almost half of the salmonella infections were recorded in Britain, with the first case being detected as early as January 7.

    Other countries affected by the recall include Germany, Belgium, France, Ireland, Israel, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

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  • Ferrero names new local managing director

    Ferrero names new local managing director

    Confectionery company Ferrero Australia has appointed Craig Barker as its new Managing Director for the Australian and New Zealand markets.

    Mr Barker has 20 years of experience in the confectionery industry, having spent 12 years with Mars in the UK and the last 8 years with Ferrero, working across the UK and Ireland, based in Ferrero’s central headquarters in Luxembourg. He has spent the last three years based in Australia.

    “Australians have developed a strong affinity with Ferrero brands over the last 40 years and this continues to grow today,” Mr Barker said. “We look forward to further developing this relationship and ensuring that more people enjoy Ferrero products in the coming years,” he said.

    Ferrero is a global company privately owned by the Ferrero family. It was established in 1944 in Abla in northern Italy when the Company’s founder Pietro Ferrero opened a small confectionery shop during the Second World War and used local hazelnuts to create products. The Company has grown to become the leading confectionery manufacturer in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Its products include brands such as Nutella, Tic Tac, Ferrero Rocher, Kinder Surprise and Bueno.

    Ferrero expanded to Australia in 1974 and now employs more than 300 people. The Company’s commercial headquarters are located in Sydney, with its manufacturing operations based in Lithgow, west of Sydney, where Nutella and Tic Tac are produced.

    Ferrero Australia said Mr Daniele Bondi, Mr Barker’s predecessor, remains an integral part of the Ferrero Group, and has been recently announced as the Global President for Ferrero’s Nutella brand.

    “We offer our congratulations to Craig Barker and thank Daniele Bondi for his significant contribution to the growth of the Ferrero Australia business,” said Derek Lath, Corporate Communications Director Ferrero. “We wish them both well in their new professional challenges,” he said.

  • Ferrero introduces recyclable box for Ferrero Rocher range

    Ferrero introduces recyclable box for Ferrero Rocher range

    Italian brand Ferrero has moved another step towards sustainability with the launch of its new eco-designed box for the Ferrero Rocher range.

    After trialing 29 different plastics and working with leading materials expert Milliken, the new packaging is sourced from polypropylene (PP), which is easy to recycle and can help reduce the use of plastic as well as its impact on the climate.

    Packaging for a box of 16 pieces will have 40-per-cent less plastic content, while the 30-piece box contains 38 percent less. Both are said to have at least 30 percent lower carbon footprint, reaching 70 percent less when recycled, compared to the previous box.

    “The Ferrero Rocher eco-designed box is a clear example of our dedication to enhancing packaging circularity,” said Fabio Mora, global packaging director of The Ferrero Group. “We worked in close partnership with Milliken which brought its innovative and critical thinking to help reduce the environmental impact through the use of a new polypropylene material for the Ferrero Rocher box.”

    According to the company, Ferrero Rocher can save approximately 2000 tonnes of plastics in the first year from the introduction this month. Once the innovation extends across the whole range of Ferrero Rocher, the full impact of the extension can reduce up to approximately 10,000 tons less plastic used.

    The new eco-designed box is part of Ferrero’s commitment to making 100 percent of its packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.

  • Ferrero trials recyclable retail displays across Australia

    Ferrero trials recyclable retail displays across Australia

    Beginning August, confectionary giant Ferrero will trial 3000 recyclable Kinder Bueno displays across retail stores nationwide. The initiative is part of the company’s sustainability strategy to reduce its carbon footprint by 2030.

    The retail displays are made from 100-per-cent recyclable dump bins using biodegradable varnish, with each dump bin set to save 3.75 sqm of plastic.

    According to the confectionery company, in-store shoppers won’t notice any difference between the recyclable displays and the ones made with polypropylene plastic discarded at landfills after use.

    The recyclable displays were developed in partnership with point-of-sale supplier Think Display, a company with its own sustainability initiatives such as carbon-neutral shipping and using soy-based inks when printing on display materials.

    The trial is just one of Ferrero’s initiatives as it seeks to make all of its displays 100-per-cent recyclable by 2030. Other projects like recycled bamboo moulded clips are currently being tested to replace plastic Corr-a-clips used in Nutella towers.

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  • Nutella Cafe Opens in Union Square, NY

    Nutella Cafe Opens in Union Square, NY

    Confectionery giant Ferrero opened a permanent Nutella Cafe in the heart of New York City this week. The cafe, the brand’s second in the US after its debut in Chicago last year, is designed to create “an authentic Nutella experience all year-round” with a menu of Nutella-centric foods and specialty espresso beverages.

    “We are thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Nutella Cafe New York in one of the greatest culinary cities in the world,” said Rick Fossali, VP of operations at Nutella Cafe. “The response to our first Nutella Cafe in Chicago has been outstanding, and we cannot wait to treat New Yorkers and tourists alike to a wonderfully delicious Nutella experience showcasing the uniqueness and versatility of this beloved product.”

    The menu at the Nutella Cafe New York will include all-day dishes such as freshly baked breads, pastries, breakfast specials, desserts and gelato – all featuring Nutella hazelnut spread.

    Highlights include Chicago favourites like the Pound Cake Panzanella and Grilled Baguette, along with several items which are exclusive to the New York location: Hazelnut Blondies with Nutella hazelnut spread; multi-grain Piccolino (“little one” in Italian) freshly baked croissants; Grilled Banana Bread with Nutella, warmed and topped with fresh banana slices and toasted hazelnuts; Chia and Hemp seed pudding, topped with Nutella and fresh banana slices; Frozen Nutella Pops and a “Create Your Own” station that allows customers to pick their favourite base with Nutella and customise it with their own choice of fillings and toppings.

    Nutella Cafe New York is located at 116 University Place, a stone’s-throw from Union Square.

    Nutella was created in 1964 by Michele Ferrero, based on the recipe for Giandujot developed in 1946 by his father, Pietro Ferrero – a confectioner and the founder of Ferrero – in Italy’s Piedmont area. These days it is sold in more than 170 countries.

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