Ferrero invests $445 million in Ontario with global expansion

Invest Ontario supports the expansion to manufacture two new products and strengthen province’s food manufacturing sector, creating 500 new jobs

BRANTFORD, Ontario, April 11, 2025 – Invest Ontario is proud to support Ferrero, a global sweet-packaged food company, as it undertakes a major expansion of its facility in Brantford, Ontario as part of their regional strategy. This $445 million investment will create 500 new jobs in the local economy and strengthen Ontario’s food manufacturing sector.

This investment will enable the launch of a new product—Ferrero Rocher chocolate squares—a new global innovation with its first manufacturing line right here in Ontario. The expansion also includes new production lines for Nutella Biscuits, a product beloved by consumers worldwide that will now be made outside Europe for the first time.

We are grateful for the ongoing support of the province and the City of Brantford, who recognize the invaluable contributions of the food industry. As the largest employer in Brantford, this investment and hundreds of new employees will bolster the local economy and help us bring amazing treats to more people around the world.

Eric Houdet

Senior Vice President, Canada Industrial, Brantford Plant, Ferrero Canada

This is another important milestone in Ferrero’s history. This expansion represents a commitment to Ferrero's tremendous momentum in the region and will strengthen our manufacturing capabilities and supply chain. This investment will also accelerate the growth of our Nutella and Ferrero Rocher power brands, further solidifying our presence in stores.

Omar Zausa

President, Ferrero Canada

Leading food companies like Ferrero continue to choose Ontario for its skilled workforce, advanced manufacturing capabilities and strong agricultural base. The expanded facility will employ cutting-edge technology including Internet of Things (IoT) systems and advanced robotics to improve productivity and operational efficiency. This means high-quality products, made faster, by an upskilled workforce.

I’m thrilled to welcome this historic investment to Ontario, along with hundreds of new, good-paying jobs for Ontario workers. At a time of global economic uncertainty, our government is going to keep working to make Ontario the most stable and attractive place to invest and do business, so we can continue welcoming new, job-creating investments like the one we are celebrating today. No matter what, we’ll always have the backs of our world-class workers.

Hon. Doug Ford

Premier of Ontario

Ferrero’s Brantford site has been part of the community since 2006 and is the city’s largest employer with over 1,300 workers. With the 500 new jobs, it becomes an even more integral part of the local economy and a symbol of the company’s continued success in Ontario.

With a highly skilled workforce and competitive business environment, Ontario continues to stand out as a trusted partner for both domestic and international businesses looking to grow in the face of global economic uncertainty. We’re thrilled to welcome this investment by Ferrero and look forward to seeing their operations catalyze economic growth and innovation in Brantford.

Hon. Vic Fedeli

Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ferrero has been sourcing key ingredients—including wheat flour, dairy products, refined sugar—as well as packaging within Ontario. It is a “made in Ontario” success story that showcases the important role local farmers and suppliers play in creating premium products enjoyed at home and abroad.

Ferrero Canada’s decision to expand their operations and create new, good-paying jobs in Brantford demonstrates Ontario’s attractiveness as a jurisdiction of choice for global agribusinesses. Our government is cultivating the right conditions for the growth and long-term prosperity of our $51 billion agri-food sector by supporting champions like Ferrero Canada.

Hon. Trevor Jones

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

The expansion will be supported with a loan of up to $36 million through the Invest Ontario Fund, subject to reaching a definitive agreement.

This is a remarkable win for Brantford and all of Ontario. Ferrero’s expansion is a clear sign of investor confidence in the talent, supply chain strength and growth opportunities that Ontario offers. We’re proud to support this project to bring good jobs to our economy, create new business for local suppliers and make Ontario a more competitive player in the food manufacturing space.

Khawar Nasim

CEO of Invest Ontario

Invest Ontario is a dedicated partner to businesses seeking strategic growth in Ontario. The Agency remains focused on supporting investments that create meaningful jobs and build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Ontarians.

For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca.