Ferrero SpA

In 1942, Pietro Ferrero relocated his pastry shop to Alba.

Ferrero SpA was founded on 14 May 1946 in Alba, Piedmont, Italy, by Pietro Ferrero, a confectioner and small-time pastry maker. This laid the groundwork for the creation of Nutella.

In 1948, Ferrero started its own distribution operations and developed a fleet of 200 delivery vans by the early 1950s.

In 1949, Ferrero launched the Supercrema Gianduja, also known as Il Cremino, which was a creamier and more spreadable version of the Gianduja paste. This new product became a huge success and elevated Ferrero in the Italian confectionery market.

In 1950, Cremalba & SuperCrema were introduced, possibly as new hazelnut paste products.

In 1954, Ferrero rebranded its core product as Nutella, highlighting its hazelnut ingredient. This move marked a significant milestone for the company and contributed to its global recognition.

Mon Chéri was launched by Ferrero, marking another milestone in the company's journey of transforming the world of sweets with its unique products.

In 1959, Ferrero expanded its operations by establishing 'Ferrero France' in Viller-Ecalles, France, through the acquisition of a textile industry.

In 1961, Ferrero launched the Nutella paste, known as 'La Tartinoise,' for the French market and expanded its production plant in France. Nutella quickly became a popular product in France.

In 1964, Michele Ferrero created the iconic spread made with nuts and cocoa, known as NUTELLA.

The year 1968 marked the introduction of Kinder® Chocolate, a popular and innovative product that has become a favorite among consumers worldwide.

In 1969, Thorntons expanded its offerings beyond chocolates to include sweets, toffees, fudges, and other confectionery, showcasing its commitment to quality and variety.

Ferrero rolled out the first product under the Kinder brand, Kinder Chocolate, in 1974, catering to children and later expanding the line to include various other products.

In 1978, Kinder Chocolate was introduced to the market, becoming a popular product under the Ferrero brand.

Ferrero Rocher, the premium bonbon, was introduced in 1979 and became a global success due to its high-quality ingredients and luxurious packaging. It is often associated with celebrations and special occasions.

In 1980, after facing six years of challenges in developing the hazelnut coating, the Ferrero group successfully created Ferrero Rocher, a popular chocolate product known for its unique taste and texture.

In 1982, the recipe for a new hazelnut and cocoa cream was improved, resulting in the creation of the first-ever jar of Nutella. This marked the official birth of Nutella.

In 1983, Ferrero established the Ferrero Foundation in Alba, Piedmont as per Michele Ferrero's wish. The foundation focuses on promoting activities in art, science, history, and literature.

In 1989, Ferrero introduced a new hit product called Kinder Surprise, a white and dark chocolate candy with a toy inside an egg-shaped case. This product became popular among children in Europe and collectors worldwide.

Kinder Bueno® was introduced in 1990 as a sophisticated chocolate snack bar targeted towards young adults. It features a distinctive blend of crispy wafer and creamy hazelnut filling, packaged in individual bars.

In 1991, Ferrero established its initial Agrifarm in Chile, marking the beginning of its agricultural operations. Over the years, the company has expanded to operate five Agrifarms.

Marketing reported on December 4, 1997, that Ferrero was considering a sale to Unilever.

In 2000, Ferrero introduced Estathé, a ready-to-drink tea beverage, and Mon Amour, a new chocolate product. These additions expanded the company's product line, which was previously focused on the Italian market.

Eurofood stated on July 19, 2001, that Ferrero reported flat sales in the year 2000.

Campaign mentioned on May 3, 2002, that Ferrero, a confectionery manufacturer, was unlikely to change its traditional ways.

Eurofood reported on June 20, 2002, that Ferrero, a confectionery manufacturing company, announced plans for expansion.

Ferrero introduces Kinder Bueno, a convenient and shareable chocolate snack.

Pietro Jr., who oversaw global business for Ferrero, passed away in April 2011 of a heart attack while cycling in South Africa at the age of 47.

In 2012, the company acquired the Stelliferi Group in Italy, which provided new skills and deeper knowledge about hazelnut selection and processing.

In 2014, Ferrero acquired Oltan Group, the largest hazelnut supplier in the world.

Ferrero acquired the British chocolate retailer Thorntons in June 2015 for £112 million.

In 2016, Ferrero SpA acquired Belgian biscuit brands Delacre and DeliChoc from United Biscuits.

In March 2017, Ferrero SpA bought the US chocolate maker Fannie May from 1-800-Flowers.com for $115 million.

On 16 January 2018, Ferrero acquired Nestlé's American confectionery business for $2.8 billion, including brands like Baby Ruth, Crunch Bar, and Butterfinger.

On 29 July 2019, Ferrero expanded its US operations by purchasing various businesses from Kellogg's, including Famous Amos, Keebler, and Mother's, for $1.3 billion.

In October 2020, Ferrero announced the acquisition of UK company Fox's Biscuits for £250 million.

In December 2020, Ferrero announced the acquisition of the healthy snack company Eat Natural.

In June 2021, Ferrero purchased the British firm Burton's Biscuit Company, which had 2,000 employees across six plants in the UK, for approximately £360 million.

In April 2022, Ferrero announced the acquisition of Dublin-based vitamin and protein bar producer, Fulfil Nutrition.

In December 2022, Ferrero revealed its purchase of Wells Enterprises, an American ice cream manufacturer known for brands like Blue Bunny, Blue Ribbon, Bomb Pop, and Halo Top.

In February 2023, Ferrero announced its intention to acquire the Naples-based frozen bakery company, Fresystem SPA.