New York: Ferrero Hazelnut Company, a division of global confectionery giant Ferrero Group, has committed $340,000 to support U.S. hazelnut production, strengthening its North American supply chain. The funds will be split between Oregon State University (OSU) and Rutgers University, fostering collaboration with local farmers, producers, and distributors while advancing sustainability in the hazelnut industry.
Oregon State University will receive $180,000 to address challenges such as invasive species, diseases, and weed management in the Willamette Valley, which accounts for 99% of U.S.-grown hazelnuts. Rutgers University will receive $160,000 to continue its work breeding trees resistant to the Eastern Filbert Blight, a fungal disease that impacts hazelnut orchards in New Jersey and other eastern states.
“Our mission is to master the hazelnut value chain from end-to-end to create and deliver value for customers, brands, and products,” said Tommaso de Gregorio, head of Ferrero’s Agri Competence Centre, in a statement.
Ferrero has a long history of investing in hazelnut sustainability and supply chain optimization. To date, the company has contributed over $760,000 to OSU agricultural programs and has made significant strides in improving the traceability of its hazelnut supply chain, achieving 90% visibility across its global sourcing operations.
The company’s latest investment reflects its commitment to diversifying hazelnut sourcing in North America, particularly as demand peaks during seasonal celebrations. In addition to its U.S. sourcing efforts, Ferrero also sources hazelnuts from countries such as Italy, Turkey, and Chile.
Ferrero operates 37 manufacturing plants worldwide with U.S. facilities in Illinois, Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. These facilities are supported by investments in logistics, research and development, and partnerships, such as a 2019 collaboration with software provider Alloy to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce food waste.
This investment not only strengthens Ferrero’s supply chain but also bolsters its sustainability initiatives, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the confectionery industry.