Ferrero Aims to Make India One of Its Top 10 Global Markets, Focuses on Premium Chocolates and Smaller Cities

Italian confectionery company Ferrero expects India to become one of its top 10 global markets over the long term, supported by rising consumer aspirations, a young population and increasing demand for premium chocolates.

According to a PTI report published by The Economic Times, India is among Ferrero Group’s fastest-growing markets. The company is investing in its brand portfolio, expanding distribution and focusing on sustainable business growth.

Zoher Kapuswala, India Subcontinent Marketing Head at Ferrero, said the company considers India a strategic market and is prioritising consistent growth, brand development and profitability over rapid expansion.

Ferrero India Reports Rs 2,585.5 Crore Revenue in FY25

Ferrero operates in India through brands including Ferrero Rocher, Ferrero Rocher Moments, Raffaello, Kinder, Nutella and Tic Tac.

The company has been recording double-digit growth since the previous financial year, supported by demand across its product portfolio.

According to Registrar of Companies (RoC) data, Ferrero reported revenue of Rs 2,585.5 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2025, with sales growth exceeding 19 per cent.

Kapuswala said India continues to grow faster than several other markets in which Ferrero Group operates.

Ferrero plans to maintain consistent growth, increase market share and strengthen profitability as it expands its operations in India.

Ferrero Exports 45% of India Production to Over 30 Countries

Ferrero operates a manufacturing facility in Baramati, Maharashtra, which serves domestic and international markets.

Approximately 45 per cent of Ferrero India’s production is exported to more than 30 countries across Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The Baramati facility employs around 3,500 people and serves as an important manufacturing and sourcing centre for Ferrero Group’s global operations.

Kapuswala described the plant as an important part of the company’s long-term commitment to India.

Alongside exports, Ferrero is expanding its domestic distribution network to reach consumers beyond metropolitan cities.

The company is strengthening its presence through traditional retail, modern trade, e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms.

According to Kapuswala, consumers in smaller cities increasingly share similar aspirations with those in metropolitan markets, creating demand for premium confectionery products.

Ferrero Expands Premium Chocolate Portfolio in India

Ferrero is expanding its product portfolio to address changing consumer preferences and different consumption occasions.

The company has introduced Ferrero Rocher chocolate bars to reach consumers looking for premium chocolates beyond traditional gifting.

India’s chocolate bar market is valued at approximately Rs 20,000 crore, providing Ferrero with an opportunity to expand its presence in the segment.

The company’s expansion into chocolate bars is part of its broader strategy to increase consumption beyond festive and celebratory occasions. Ferrero’s approach to the premium chocolate segment has also been covered by The Economic Times.

Kapuswala said Ferrero’s brands are recording consistent growth and outperforming their respective categories.

The company aims to continue gaining market share through gradual expansion and brand development.

Ferrero is also positioning its products for different consumer occasions.

Ferrero Rocher focuses on premium gifting, while Ferrero Rocher Moments targets more accessible gifting occasions. Raffaello is positioned for romantic gifting, and Kinder caters to children and family consumption.

The company is adapting its other brands to Indian consumption habits.

For Nutella, Ferrero is encouraging consumption with locally familiar foods such as chapati, parathas and bread.

Meanwhile, Tic Tac is positioned towards younger consumers in India.

These initiatives form part of Ferrero’s efforts to expand consumption occasions and strengthen its presence across product categories.

Festive Gifting Remains an Important Growth Driver

Ferrero expects India’s growing festive and celebratory gifting market to support demand for its confectionery products.

The company is aligning its product offerings and marketing campaigns with Indian festivals, including Diwali, while developing products for different gifting occasions.

Ferrero’s focus on the Indian gifting market and distribution expansion has also been discussed in Business Standard’s business coverage.

Kapuswala said demand for gifts is increasing across categories, rather than being limited to chocolates.

Ferrero is also incorporating Indian traditions and cultural preferences into its marketing activities.

According to Kapuswala, younger consumers increasingly seek experiences, influencing how brands approach product development and festive campaigns.

Ferrero plans to continue investing in its Indian operations, expanding distribution and strengthening its product portfolio as it works towards making India one of its top 10 global markets over the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Ferrero planning to make India one of its top 10 global markets?

Yes. Ferrero expects India to become one of its top 10 global markets over the long term, although it has not announced a specific timeline.

2. What was Ferrero India’s revenue in FY25?

Ferrero reported revenue of Rs 2,585.5 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2025, with sales growth exceeding 19 per cent.

3. Where is Ferrero’s manufacturing plant in India?

Ferrero operates a manufacturing facility in Baramati, Maharashtra, employing around 3,500 people.

4. How much of Ferrero India’s production is exported?

Around 45 per cent of its production is exported to more than 30 countries across Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

5. Which new chocolate product has Ferrero introduced in India?

Ferrero has introduced Ferrero Rocher chocolate bars to address demand for premium chocolates beyond traditional gifting occasions.