Supporting sustainability and innovation, Ferrero funds research at Oregon State and Rutgers to advance hazelnut cultivation across North America.
Ferrero Hazelnut Company (Ferrero HCo), a division of the Ferrero Group, has announced an expansion of its investment in U.S.-grown hazelnuts with a $340,000 contribution to support research at Oregon State University (OSU) and Rutgers University.
This funding aims to enhance sustainability and efficiency within the hazelnut industry by fostering collaboration between universities, local farmers, producers, and distributors. The investment is part of Ferrero’s commitment to high-quality, fresh ingredients, a cornerstone of its globally recognized brands.
Hazelnuts are integral to Ferrero’s products, including Ferrero Rocher®, the leading premium chocolate in the U.S., and Nutella®, a favorite spread among American consumers.
These products, especially popular during seasonal celebrations like the winter holidays, drive significant demand for hazelnuts across North America. To meet this growing demand and support its rapid expansion, Ferrero has diversified its global hazelnut sourcing strategy, with North America playing a pivotal role in the company’s supply chain.
According to a Ferrero press release, $180,000 of the grant will be allocated to Oregon State University, continuing a long-standing partnership with the university and growers in the Willamette Valley. This funding will support multiple projects aimed at improving orchard management practices, including research on invasive species, diseases, fungi, and integrated weed control.
Since its inception, Ferrero has donated over $760,000 to OSU’s agricultural programs. Nik Wiman, an associate professor in OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences, acknowledged Ferrero’s contribution, stating that the company’s support has been instrumental in enhancing productivity and nut quality in Oregon’s hazelnut orchards.
On the East Coast, Rutgers University will receive $160,000 over four years to advance its research on disease-resistant hazelnut varieties. This initiative focuses on combatting Eastern Filbert Blight (EFB), a fungal disease that significantly affects hazelnut production in the region.
Thomas Molnar, an associate professor at Rutgers, emphasized the importance of this funding, noting that it enables the university’s breeding programs to unlock hazelnut cultivation potential in eastern North America and develop solutions to prevent EFB’s spread.
Beyond its investment in hazelnut cultivation, Ferrero has recently bolstered its North American operations with significant advancements in logistics, research, and manufacturing. In 2023, the company opened its first North American Innovation Center and R&D Labs in Chicago, Illinois, and has expanded manufacturing facilities in Bloomington, Illinois, and Brantford, Ontario.
These expansions have created hundreds of local jobs, further cementing Ferrero’s presence in the region. The company also operates facilities in states including Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, employing over 5,300 people across the U.S. and Canada.
Ferrero, founded in Alba, Italy, in 1946, has grown into one of the largest sweet-packaged food companies worldwide, offering over 35 iconic brands in more than 170 countries.
With a focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability, the Ferrero Group continues to bring joy to consumers through beloved products such as Nutella®, Kinder®, Tic Tac®, and Ferrero Rocher®. Its North American presence, established in 1969, includes iconic acquisitions like Butterfinger®, CRUNCH®, and Keebler®, reflecting its dedication to expanding its portfolio and footprint.
This latest investment reinforces Ferrero’s mission to master the hazelnut value chain and underscores its commitment to supporting both the agricultural and local communities that play a vital role in its success.
