Ferrero Hazelnut Company, a division of the Ferrero Group, has taken significant steps to enhance hazelnut production in the United States by awarding a $340,000 investment to two prominent universities. This funding aims to bolster collaboration between academia and local hazelnut farmers, producers, and distributors while advancing sustainability within the industry.
The grants are allocated between Oregon State University (OSU) and Rutgers University, with OSU receiving $180,000 and Rutgers $160,000. These funds will support initiatives designed to address key challenges in hazelnut cultivation, including pest and disease control, weed management, and breeding resilient hazelnut varieties. This partnership underscores Ferrero’s commitment to strengthening the hazelnut value chain in North America, a crucial region for the company’s operations and growth.
Hazelnuts are a vital ingredient in Ferrero’s product portfolio, which includes popular items such as Ferrero Rocher and Nutella. The company is seeking to expand its sourcing capabilities within the U.S., where demand for hazelnuts peaks during seasonal celebrations, particularly around the winter holidays. The Willamette Valley in Oregon, which produces 99% of U.S.-grown hazelnuts, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. Ferrero has maintained a long-standing partnership with OSU to address challenges faced by growers in this region. The latest grant will further research projects aimed at mitigating issues such as invasive species, fungal diseases, and other agricultural threats that impact hazelnut orchards.
On the East Coast, Ferrero is supporting Rutgers University’s efforts to combat Eastern Filbert Blight, a fungal disease that significantly hampers hazelnut production in New Jersey and neighboring states. Researchers at Rutgers are working to breed trees resistant to this disease, an advancement that could significantly improve the viability of hazelnut farming in the region. This initiative aligns with Ferrero’s broader strategy to diversify its hazelnut sourcing and strengthen agricultural resilience.
In addition to investing in agriculture, Ferrero has been enhancing its supply chain infrastructure to ensure the efficient production and distribution of its products. The company has previously implemented innovative technological solutions to improve supply chain visibility, optimize logistics, and minimize food waste. These efforts reflect Ferrero’s commitment to creating an end-to-end value chain that supports its customers, brands, and products.
Globally, Ferrero sources hazelnuts from multiple countries, including Italy, Turkey, Chile, France, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Argentina, and Serbia. The company has made substantial progress in achieving traceability within its hazelnut supply chain, with 90% of its hazelnuts now traceable to their origin. This achievement highlights Ferrero’s dedication to ethical and sustainable sourcing practices, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the production process.
Ferrero’s investment in U.S. hazelnut production complements its extensive global operations, which include 37 manufacturing plants across five continents. Within the U.S., the company operates facilities in several states, including Illinois, Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. These facilities play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for Ferrero’s confectionery products while supporting the local economy.
This investment also aligns with Ferrero’s broader sustainability goals. By supporting research and development at universities and collaborating with local farmers, Ferrero is fostering innovation and resilience within the agricultural sector. These efforts not only strengthen the domestic hazelnut supply chain but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of hazelnut farming, benefiting both producers and consumers.
Through its initiatives, Ferrero demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to ensuring the stability and growth of its hazelnut supply chain. By addressing critical challenges in agriculture and investing in local communities, the company is setting a benchmark for sustainability and collaboration in the confectionery industry.
