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Ferrero Ithemba SA wins Business Enterprise of the Year Award
Italian-SA Chamber of Trade and Industries FNB Business Excellence Awards 2009

Ferrero Ithemba SA, one of South Africa’s leading confectionary companies with renowned brands such as Ferrero Rocher, Kinder Joy, Nutella and Tic Tac, has been crowned Business Enterprise of the Year at the 2009 Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries FNB Business Excellence Awards.
One of five finalists, the South African subsidiary of the multinational, family owned Ferrero confectionary empire, received the award as the business enterprise which best contributed to the enhancement of the Italian-South African business community and trade between the two countries. The award was presented to Nick Terry, Managing Director of Ferrero Ithemba SA, by guest speaker Jerry Vilakazi, CEO of Business Unity SA, at a gala ceremony in Johannesburg. Financial success, spirit of entrepreneurship, sustainability and contribution to the South African community were some of the key factors that influenced the decision of the judges.

Ferrero, the 4th largest confectionery company in the world developed from humble beginnings in the northern Italian town of Alba in 1948, has embarked on a major expansion drive in South Africa with a long term strategy of sustainable growth and job creation.  

“Ferrero Ithemba has established itself as one of the leading confectionery companies in South Africa and our brands such as Ferrero Rocher, Rondnoir, Raffaello, Kinder Joy, Nutella and Tic Tac are admired and respected by South African consumers and can be found in all retail channels within the country,” said Ferrero Ithemba MD Nick Terry.

“The construction of a new 10 000m2 factory in Walkerville, 50km south of Johannesburg, completed in April this year, is testament to our long term strategy and commitment to the South African market,” he added.

Given the current economic climate, the new factory, which provides employment for 200 previously disadvantaged people, is a demonstration of the faith the company has in the South African market and the willingness of a foreign company to invest ahead of growth in an emerging market.

The Ferrero company has also embarked upon the development of a Hazelnut industry in South Africa, part of the realisation of a dream to establish the industry around the world. Ferrero was instrumental in developing the hazelnut industry in Chile and Argentina and now has its sights on South Africa. Since 2008, 1-million hazelnut trees have been imported and planted in South Africa. The establishment of the hazelnut industry locally has been approved by the Department of Agriculture and will result in job creation and revenue for farmers on a sustainable basis.

“We believe that South Africa has an enormous potential not only as an economic destination but as a nation that can stand proud amongst its peers on a global stage. Ferrero will continue to help South Africa develop and grow its stature and economic potential,” Terry said.

As a fully family owned company with a presence in 36 countries, 15 factories across the globe and more than 19 000 employees, Terry believes Ferrero to be one of the most endearing and amazing business stories in the world today.

Ferrero currently holds the title as the Most Reputable Company in the World after taking first place in the 2009 Global Reputation Pulse of more than 1 300 companies world-wide conducted annually by the Reputation Institute.    

GC Communications      
Contact person: Gudrun Clark
Tel: (021) 462 0520     
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

On behalf of:    Ferrero Ithemba SA
Contact person: Nick Terry, Managing Director

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