OUR HAZELNUTS
Ferrero’s activities to achieve sustainability along its hazelnut value chain include the traceability of this ingredient.
Our hazelnuts come mainly from Turkey, Italy, Chile and the USA. Ferrero is committed to achieving full traceability of its sourced hazelnuts in its hazelnut value chain. Traceability in Ferrero’s hazelnut value chain refers to being able to trace the hazelnuts back to their origin, either the individual farm or “farm cluster”. Achieving this commitment has been challenging in some countries where supply chains are larger and more complex. In other countries, higher levels of traceability have been reached. In Chile and the USA, for example, Ferrero has achieved full traceability.
Ferrero has published a Charter document dedicated to hazelnuts, which has been developed together with Earthworm Foundation. The Ferrero Hazelnut Charter outlines Ferrero’s requirements and commitments regarding the responsible sourcing of hazelnuts. The Charter is based on Ferrero’s selected priorities in three areas: Human Rights and Social Practices, Environmental Protection and Sustainability and Supplier Transparency, towards its aim to be a driving force behind a hazelnut industry that creates value for all. Central to enabling the implementation of the Charter will be Ferrero’s sustainability programme, Ferrero Farming Values (FFV) for hazelnuts, as well as partnerships and collaboration with suppliers, trusted partners and other value chain actors.
Garantir la qualité et la fraîcheur
The hazelnuts used in Nutella® come from hazelnut orchards, which are mainly found in Mediterranean type climates. Our hazelnuts come from different parts of the world, our main origins are Turkey, Italy, Chile and the USA. Turkey’s Black Sea region is the world’s largest producer of hazelnuts and as a consequence where we source the main part of our hazelnuts. Ferrero’s expertise and tradition with this fruit goes back to its roots in Italy, as supply can also be found in Piedmont - where Ferrero was founded - as well as in Lazio and Campania. The harvest takes place between the beginning of August and the end of September.
To ensure the availability of quality and fresh hazelnuts, cultivation is also taking place in countries from the Southern Hemisphere, representing an additional harvest from February to March. As part of this approach, Ferrero has established hazelnut farms (Agrifarms) in Chile, Argentina, South Africa and Australia, in addition to Georgia and Serbia. Through these Agrifarms, Ferrero is developing a sustainable business model with local farmers, sharing and promoting good agricultural practices (nurseries, training, agronomic assistance, etc.). Discover more inside Ferrero's latest CSR report here.
Sustainability in hazelnut sourcing
Ferrero’s vision towards sustainability aims to improve the conditions of the hazelnut communities where it operates.
Le programme Ferrero Farming Values (FFV) pour les noisettes est en place en Turquie depuis 2012. Dans le cadre de ce programme, Ferrero a développé une norme de production des noisettes en collaboration avec SCS (Scientific Certification Systems) Global Services, un prestataire de services de certification et de durabilité de premier plan au niveau mondial. Par le biais du programme Ferrero Farming Values (FFV), Ferrero travaille avec les agriculteurs, pour la plupart des petits exploitants, afin de leur transmettre des connaissances sur les bonnes pratiques agricoles et sociales. Chaque année, SCS Global Services, en collaboration avec des cabinets d'audit locaux, procède à des audits spécifiques auprès d'agriculteurs choisis au hasard. Au cours de la période de croissance de 2019, nos équipes ont visité plus de 400 noiseraies par jour et rencontré 21 211 agriculteurs. Les noiseraies ayant participé au programme ont augmenté leurs rendements de 40 à 45% en moyenne par rapport aux autres noiseraies des mêmes zones. Ferrero a également collaboré avec la GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH) pour développer un système de suivi et d'évaluation afin d'évaluer et de rendre compte des progrès et de l'impact des activités et interventions sociales sur le terrain. Ce système reflète les données recueillies auprès des différentes parties prenantes, notamment les agriculteurs, les travailleurs, les courtiers en main-d'oeuvre et les leaders d'opinion de la communauté.
Joining forces with key stakeholders
At Ferrero, we take ethical practices, including better employment practices within the hazelnut value chain, very seriously. Ferrero actively participates in an extended Public-Private Partnership with CAOBISCO (European Association of Chocolate, Biscuits & Confectionery Industries) and the ILO (International Labour Organization) in Turkey, through a project that aims to contribute to the elimination of the worst forms of child labour in seasonal agriculture in hazelnut harvesting. Ferrero is also partnering with Earthworm Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on positively improving value chains, on its responsible sourcing program for hazelnuts.
