On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, global confectionery giant Ferrero announced a landmark $75 million investment to establish a dedicated production line for Nutella Peanut at its facility in Franklin Park, Illinois.
This move represents a historic shift for the brand, as Nutella Peanut is the first-ever flavor alternative to the original hazelnut spread in the brand’s 60-year history. It also marks a significant milestone in Ferrero’s “Americanization” strategy, with the product being the first Nutella variety manufactured entirely within the United States.
Project Scope: The Franklin Park Expansion
The investment transforms the Franklin Park plant—a site that has produced iconic American bars like Butterfinger and Baby Ruth since the 1960s—into a high-tech hub for Ferrero’s latest innovation.
- Financial Commitment: $75 million in advanced manufacturing infrastructure.
- Job Creation: The new line is creating 50 new specialized jobs in the Illinois region.
- Agricultural Integration: In a move toward local sourcing, Nutella Peanut utilizes hazelnuts from Oregon and peanuts from Georgia and other Southeastern states, strengthening the domestic agricultural supply chain.
Strategic Rationale: North American Growth
The launch follows a successful debut at last year’s Sweets and Snacks Expo and reflects Ferrero’s aggressive expansion in the North American market.
- Brand Evolution: By introducing a peanut-based variant, Ferrero is directly targeting the American palate, where peanut butter remains a dominant pantry staple.
- R&D Ecosystem: The product was refined at Ferrero’s North American Innovation Center and R&D Labs in Chicago, showcasing the company’s ability to evolve heritage brands through local research.
- Industrial Cluster: Illinois has become the “nerve center” for Ferrero’s U.S. operations, housing the Bloomington manufacturing campus, the Keebler factory on 110th Street, and the Chicago R&D labs.
Industry Impact & Market Presence
The full commercial roll-out across North America coincides with Ferrero’s high-profile participation in the Sweets and Snacks Expo (moving to Las Vegas from May 19–21, 2026) and the World Confectionery Conference in London this September.
Retail partners, including Walmart, have hailed the investment as a boost for local economies. By manufacturing in the U.S., Ferrero reduces logistical lead times and aligns with “Made in USA” consumer preferences.
“Nutella Peanut showcases Ferrero’s ability to thoughtfully evolve brands that have been loved for generations. We’re thrilled to see it roll off the line right here in the U.S.” — Michael Lindsey, President and CBO of Ferrero North America.
