Italian confectionery company, Ferrero, is celebrating 50 years in Australia with sustainability initiatives and expansion plans, including partnering with Ceva Logistics to invest in 13,800sqm of temperature-controlled warehousing capacity.
From its beginnings as a small pastry shop in Italy, Ferrero has travelled around the globe, and now produces some of Australia’s most-loved sweet treats, including Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Kinder and Tic Tac.
Last year was a big one for Nutella, which celebrated its 60th global anniversary, marked by Italy’s ambassador to Australia and the Italian consul general visiting Ferrero’s Lithgow factory, which has produced Nutella since 1978.
The past decade has seen Ferrero’s performance in the region almost doubling, with 91 per cent growth, driven by a strategy to move beyond confectionery into Sweet Packaged Food categories.
Ferrero’s growing Biscuits portfolio, which includes Kinder Happy Hippo, Kinder Tronky and Nutella b-ready outperformed the category year on year.
In the freezer aisle, Kinder Bueno cones launched in October, joining the Ferrero Rocher multipack which was the number one product in its category during its launch period, as well as Raffaello and Rondnoir frozen desserts. In Spring 2024, Ferrero entered the Better-for-you category with the launch of Fulfil Protein and Vitamin Bars.
In 2025, Ferrero has already added Nutella Frozen Bakery products to its range, with Nutella Croissants and Nutella Muffins now available for café partners.
Looking ahead, the company stated it aims to further expand its local portfolio of Sweet Packaged Foods, while continuing to invest in its Australian operations and community partnerships.
Facility upgrade and expansion
Over the past three years, Ferrero Australia has invested $30 million in its Lithgow site, with a further $8 million in FY24/25. These commitments have enabled a range of sustainability initiatives such as rooftop solar, which generates around 20 per cent of the factory’s energy needs, and water efficiency measures that have reduced consumption by 44 per cent in absolute terms in the last year – all while simultaneously achieving record production of Nutella, more than 15 million kilograms.
Ferrero contributed more than $2 million in product donations in 2024, to charities including Foodbank, Crêpes for Change, and OzHarvest, as well as the Seven Valleys Visitor Information Centre in Lithgow, where Nutella sales support tourism efforts in the area.
To support the company’s growth plans, Ferrero also invested in purpose-built warehousing capacity in Kemps Creek, Western Sydney, which opened in late 2024.
The new facilities are owned and operated by Ceva Logistics, and marks the company’s first temperature-controlled facility across the Pacific region. With over 13,800 sqm of temperature-controlled space, the warehouse will extend Ferrero’s supply chain capabilities and operational efficiency for Australia.
Ferrero Australia managing director, Massimo D’Ambrosio, said the company’s successful 50-year journey is made possible by a commitment to innovating, creating quality products, and minimising impact on the planet.
“Ferrero’s story in Australia showcases our unique ability to blend family values with modern sustainability practices, ensuring that our much-loved products will be enjoyed for generations to come,” said D’Ambrosio.
“We have set ourselves ambitious growth plans for the future, always aiming to exceed the expectations of Australian consumers as we build on the success of our iconic brands.”
The Ferrero Group has more than 35 brands sold across 170 countries, and stated it is constantly looking to the future for growth, while drawing on Italian family values to shape the journey.
