WOW STORY OF THE DAY: Scooping Success: How Ferrero Turned Kinder Into the Coolest €18B Ice Cream Empire

Updated: December 03, 2025 17:30

Image Source: ESM Magazine

Ferrero, the Italian confectionery giant behind Nutella and Kinder, reported €18.4B in revenue for FY 2023/24, marking an 8.9% increase. While chocolates remain iconic, the company’s fastest-growing segment is ice cream, with Kinder-branded products driving 75% YoY growth worldwide. Ferrero is now conquering freezers as well as candy aisles.

From a family kitchen in Alba, Italy, to a global confectionery powerhouse, Ferrero has built an €18B empire that continues to surprise the market. In its latest financial results, Ferrero revealed consolidated revenues of €18.4 billion for FY 2023/24, an 8.9% increase compared to the previous year.

While Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, and Kinder chocolates remain household names, the company’s boldest pivot has been into ice cream. The launch of Kinder ice cream—including Kinder Bueno cones and Nutella ice cream—has unlocked millions in new sales worldwide. Analysts highlight that this segment grew 75% year-on-year, making it Ferrero’s fastest-growing category.

Ferrero’s expansion strategy has been backed by significant investments. In FY 2023/24, the company allocated €958 million in capital investment, focusing on production facilities in the United States, Italy, Germany, and Chile. This infrastructure push has enabled Ferrero to scale ice cream production globally while maintaining its premium quality standards.

CEO Giovanni Ferrero emphasized that innovation remains at the heart of the company’s growth. By extending beloved brands like Kinder and Nutella into frozen desserts, Ferrero has tapped into a new consumer habit: indulgent yet familiar ice cream experiences. This move positions Ferrero not just as a chocolate giant, but as a multi-category lifestyle brand.

Key Highlights & Major Takeaways

Revenue Growth: Ferrero reported €18.4B in FY 2023/24, up 8.9% YoY.

Ice Cream Surge: Kinder ice cream products grew 75% YoY, becoming the fastest-growing segment.

Global Expansion: Investments of €958M boosted production in the U.S., Italy, Germany, and Chile.

Brand Diversification: Nutella celebrated its 60th anniversary with the launch of Nutella ice cream.

Strategic Outlook: Ferrero is positioning itself as a multi-category powerhouse, spanning chocolates, spreads, and frozen desserts.

Closing Note

Ferrero’s journey from a small Italian kitchen to an €18B empire shows how bold innovation can reshape legacy brands. By betting on ice cream, Ferrero didn’t just diversify—it conquered freezers worldwide. The next chapter may see Kinder and Nutella become as iconic in ice cream as they are in chocolate.

Sources: Ferrero Group Financial Statements FY 2023/24, Yumda – Ferrero Consolidated Results

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