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Why are hazelnuts such a characteristic ingredient in Ferrero’s products?

Hazelnuts are a versatile ingredient that offer a rich, premium and distinctive taste. They also have a positive nutritional role thanks to their antioxidants and micronutrients. When blended with chocolate, the hazelnut accentuates the taste experience whilst still retaining its particular characteristics. Our expertise and tradition with this fruit goes back to Ferrero’s roots in Piedmont, Italy - where the company was founded in 1946. Since then, hazelnuts have characterised the taste of many of Ferrero’s products.

How has Ferrero developed its expertise in hazelnuts?

Hazelnuts are at the heart of Ferrero. In 1991, our first Agrifarm was established in Chile, and since then we have been involved in hazelnut cultivation in different parts of the world. During this period, we also acquired new skills and knowledge of the different stages of hazelnut selection and processing. Ferrero Hazelnut Company (HCo), a division of Ferrero, brings all these activities together under one structure. Today, HCo is continuing to develop its expertise in hazelnuts through its Agri Competence Centre and together with its partners around the world.

How do you ensure hazelnut quality?

Ferrero’s products require hazelnuts with very precise quality and freshness to ensure excellence in taste, aroma and texture. We are therefore dedicated to ensuring that the hazelnuts we source are of the highest quality. We do this through our Ferrero Farming Values (FFV) programme, which aims to improve the hazelnut value chain and assure the availability of sustainable, high-quality hazelnuts.

How can you guarantee that you have fresh hazelnuts throughout the year?

We source hazelnuts from both the northern and southern hemispheres, where the harvests take place, respectively, from August to September and February to March. Once processed, our hazelnuts are stored under strict conditions to maintain freshness.

Where do you source your hazelnuts from?

Our hazelnuts come from different parts of the world: the main origins are Turkey, Italy, Chile and the USA.

How do you ensure that the hazelnuts you use are responsibly sourced?

All our suppliers are expected to acknowledge and sign the Ferrero Supplier Code which enables us to engage with them towards a fair, sustainable and transparent supply chain. The Ferrero Hazelnut Charter outlines our requirements and commitments for our hazelnut sourcing.

The word traceability is often used in connection with raw materials. What does this mean with regard to the hazelnuts that Ferrero sources?

Our hazelnuts come mainly from Turkey, Italy, Chile and the USA. We are committed to achieving full traceability of our hazelnuts. Traceability enables us to monitor where our hazelnuts come from and verify the conditions under which they are produced. We are working with our suppliers to improve hazelnut traceability and achieve greater transparency.

What is the difference between the hazelnut varieties?

Hazelnuts are a versatile ingredient available in many forms from raw, roasted or ground into a paste. Each of the hazelnut varieties is distinctive. For example, elongated types work well for hazelnut pastes and rounded types are better for pralines. Different hazelnut varieties are suitable for different growing regions and they also have different organoleptic profiles.

After the harvest, what are the steps that need to be completed to process high-quality hazelnuts?

Once harvested, the hazelnuts are dried, cleaned and sent to Ferrero Hazelnut Company (HCo) plants where they are sorted, cracked and selected. We then carry out a series of quality checks. After this, they are packed and stored under strict conditions. They are then delivered to Ferrero’s confectionery production facilities.

Are there any considerations to take into account before planting hazelnut trees?

There are a few factors to consider, including the suitability of the land and the climate for cultivation. An important point to consider is how hazelnut orchards can be integrated sustainably in the agricultural landscape. A key factor is to plan a correct orchard setup, adapting it to the natural conditions and optimising these by using the most modern agricultural techniques, including in terms of drainage and irrigation. In areas where hazelnut cultivation is not traditionally established, it presents a good opportunity for farmers to diversify their activities and provides the potential for a long-term return on their investment.

What is the Hazelnut Ferrero Farming Values (FFV) programme?

Our FFV Programme aims to improve the hazelnut value chain and ensure the availability of sustainable quality hazelnuts. It consists of four areas which bring together our global expertise: our Agri Competence Centre, our Agrifarms, Agribusiness development, and Traceability and Sustainability.

What is a Ferrero Agrifarm?

Our Agrifarms showcase good agricultural and social practices and support the sector’s sustainable development. They are located in Chile, Argentina, Georgia, South Africa, Australia and Serbia.

What is the aim of your Agribusiness projects for hazelnut cultivation?

Our Agribusiness development projects are part of our Ferrero Farming Values (FFV) programme, which focuses on ensuring the availability of sustainable quality hazelnuts by building and sharing scientific know-how and enhancing traceability and sustainability. Together with our partners, we support the development of hazelnut cultivation around the world, both in countries where hazelnuts are traditionally grown and in new countries with suitable conditions.

What is the calibration process for hazelnuts and why is it needed?

We have two calibration processes: inshell and kernel. Inshell calibration is the classification of hazelnuts according to their sizes. This is done to improve cracking performance and to ensure that we do not damage kernels while cracking. After the hazelnuts are cracked, selection and kernel calibration are done to make sure the kernels meet our quality requirements.