The Ferrero story begins in the small town of Alba in Cuneo Province, Piedmont, where in 1946 Pietro Ferrero, a pastry chef, created a new type of sweet hazelnut paste.
This paste was an answer to the scarcity of cocoa after World War II and became the foundation of what would later be known across the world as Nutella.
Pietro Ferrero’s son Michele played a key role in transforming the family business in Cuneo Province into a global leader in sweet foods by perfecting the hazelnut spread recipe.
In 1964, Nutella was officially launched and quickly became a favorite for its creamy texture and rich taste, anchored in the quality ingredients found in Cuneo Province.
Under Michele Ferrero’s leadership, the company began expanding its operations beyond Cuneo Province, opening factories across Europe and entering the American market.
The success of Nutella paved the way for other brands like Kinder, Ferrero Rocher, Mon Chéri and Tic Tac, each of which became iconic in its own right across the globe.
Launched in 1968, the Kinder brand was created to offer treats specially made for children and their families, using milk-based ingredients and lighter chocolate.
Products like Kinder Chocolate, Kinder Bueno and Kinder Surprise gained international popularity while being proudly produced and developed in Cuneo Province.
In the 1980s, Ferrero introduced Ferrero Rocher, a sophisticated chocolate and hazelnut confection wrapped in gold foil that soon became a symbol of elegance and celebration.
Its luxurious packaging and unique texture helped it stand out, making Ferrero a serious player in the premium chocolate segment, again tied to its roots in Cuneo Province.
Despite becoming one of the largest confectionery companies in the world, Ferrero has kept its headquarters in Alba and continues to invest in Cuneo Province.
The company’s global workforce spans more than 30 countries, yet the core of its culture, innovation and product development remains firmly planted in Italian soil.
Ferrero is known for sourcing high-quality ingredients, including hazelnuts, cocoa, milk and sugar, many of which are processed in facilities located in Cuneo Province.
The company maintains tight control over its supply chain and production standards, ensuring consistency, safety and flavor in every product it makes and exports.
Ferrero has invested in major sustainability programs, such as responsible cocoa farming, traceable palm oil use and fair labor practices across all regions including Cuneo Province.
It launched the Ferrero Farming Values program to support farmers and promote long-term environmental stewardship and economic development around its supply chains.
Created by Michele Ferrero, the Ferrero Foundation supports the welfare of retired employees and promotes cultural and artistic initiatives throughout Cuneo Province.
This foundation demonstrates Ferrero’s commitment to social responsibility, valuing people and communities as much as profits and commercial growth.
After Michele Ferrero passed away in 2015, his son Giovanni Ferrero took the lead and focused on expanding Ferrero through acquisitions and global partnerships.
Under Giovanni’s guidance, Ferrero acquired major brands like Thorntons, Fannie May and part of Nestlé’s U.S. candy business, all while staying true to its Cuneo Province roots.
Ferrero’s legacy is defined by its balance between tradition and innovation, with every product reflecting the craftsmanship and creativity of Cuneo Province artisans.
As the company continues to evolve, it carries with it the spirit of the region where it began, making every bite a tribute to Italian ingenuity and global ambition.
Ferrero began as a small family bakery in Cuneo Province and grew into a multi-billion euro global empire without losing sight of its heritage and values.
Its ability to combine quality, emotion, innovation and responsibility makes Ferrero a symbol not just of Italian excellence but of what thoughtful, people-first business can achieve.
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