Ferrero invests US$86 million in Mexico

MEXICO – Ferrero has announced plans to invest US$86 million in its manufacturing facility in Guanajuato, Mexico, as the confectionery giant seeks to expand production capacity and increase exports from the site. 

The Italian food company said the investment will support the expansion of operations at its San José Iturbide facility in central Mexico, including an increase in production capacity for its flagship Nutella brand. 

The plant currently produces approximately 35,295 tonnes of products annually, including Kinder Sorpresa, Kinder Chocolate, Kinder Délice and Nutella, serving customers across Mexico, the United States, Canada and Central America. 

Ferrero said the latest investment will increase the share of production destined for export markets from around 40% of total output to between 55% and 60%. 

Paolo Cornero, chief executive officer and president of Ferrero’s operations in Mexico and Central America, highlighted the country’s growing importance within the company’s international manufacturing network. 

“Mexico continues to play a strategic role in Ferrero’s growth in the region. This investment reflects our long-term commitment to the country and our confidence in the talent of our people,” Cornero said. 

He added: “By strengthening the capabilities of our San José Iturbide plant, we improve our ability to meet growing consumer demand while also supporting the continued development of our operations in Mexico.” 

According to the company, Ferrero has invested more than US$330 million in Mexico over the past decade to strengthen its production network, support business growth and expand manufacturing capacity. Since 2022, the Guanajuato facility has added more than 200 employees. 

The announcement is the latest step in Ferrero’s broader global expansion strategy, which has focused on investments in manufacturing, product innovation and acquisitions. 

In April, the company announced that it had begun producing Nutella Peanut spread in the United States for the first time after investing US$75 million in its facility in Franklin Park, Illinois. 

Earlier this year, Ferrero also strengthened its presence in South America by acquiring Brazilian protein bar manufacturer Bold Snacks, marking the company’s entry into the region’s better-for-you food segment. 

Commenting on Ferrero’s long-term strategy, Hugh McMullen, the company’s director of corporate communications, said: “The focus is on what we’re good at.” 

The investment programme reflects Ferrero’s continued emphasis on expanding its portfolio of confectionery, snack and gifting brands while increasing production capacity to meet growing global demand. 

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