Ferrero's New Empire: 3F's Holding Drives Growth Beyond Chocolate

LUXEMBOURG – March 30, 2026 – In a powerful display of strategic growth and consolidation, 3F's Holding S.A., the newly unified parent company for the Ferrero and CTH Invest empires, has reported robust financial results that signal a decisive expansion beyond its chocolate-laden heritage. The company announced consolidated revenues of €22.3 billion for the financial year ending August 31, 2025, a 5.3% increase, with profits (EBITDA) surging 11.2% to €3.2 billion.

These figures, while impressive, tell only part of the story. The real narrative lies in the formal consolidation of the Ferrero Group and CTH Invest Group under a single holding company, fully owned by Mr. Giovanni Ferrero since February 2025. This move streamlines a vast and complex portfolio, creating a more agile and formidable force in the global food industry. The unified entity now commands a global workforce of nearly 63,000 people and €27.4 billion in assets, positioning it to challenge established giants across a broadening spectrum of consumer goods.

"We are encouraged by the strong momentum across the businesses," said Mr. Giovanni Ferrero, President of 3F's Holding S.A., in the company's official statement. "Our growth reflects strong organic performance... driven by continued innovation across our iconic brands and complemented by targeted strategic acquisitions."

The Acquisition Trail: Building a Diversified Snack Kingdom

The most telling aspect of 3F's Holding's strategy is its aggressive acquisition spree, which is rapidly transforming the company's profile. While Ferrero remains the world's third-largest chocolate company, its recent moves demonstrate a clear ambition to dominate pantries far beyond the confectionery aisle.

The landmark acquisition of WK Kellogg Co. in the U.S., completed just after the financial year's close in September 2025, is a case in point. This single transaction catapulted the group into the heart of the North American breakfast market, a sector valued at over $40 billion globally. By bringing brands like Froot Loops and Special K under its umbrella, Ferrero not only diversifies its revenue streams but also gains a significant hedge against the volatile cocoa market. The deal also brought four major U.S. manufacturing plants and 3,000 employees into the fold, significantly expanding its operational footprint.

This was not an isolated event. The 2024/2025 fiscal year saw the Ferrero Group acquire Power Crunch, a U.S. protein bar company, while the affiliated CTH Invest Group snapped up Nonni's Bakery, known for its premium biscotti. The buying has continued relentlessly into the current fiscal year. Following the WK Kellogg Co. deal, CTH Invest finalized its acquisition of French confectionery maker CPK Group, and Ferrero announced an agreement to purchase Bold Snacks, a leading Brazilian protein snack company. This targeted M&A strategy is clearly aimed at capturing market share in high-growth categories like protein-fortified snacks and premium baked goods, which are increasingly popular with health-conscious consumers.

Innovation as the New Core Ingredient

Parallel to its acquisition strategy, 3F's Holding is doubling down on internal innovation to rejuvenate its legacy brands and meet evolving consumer demands. The company is proving that even its most iconic products are not immune to reinvention.

The globally beloved Nutella brand is at the forefront of this push. It has ventured into the frozen aisle with Nutella® Crêpe and Nutella® Donut, tapping into the demand for convenient, indulgent desserts. Recognizing the growing plant-based movement, the company also launched Nutella® Plant-Based and, more recently, Nutella® Peanut, demonstrating a willingness to adapt its core formula to capture new consumer segments.

This spirit of innovation extends across the portfolio. The Tic Tac brand introduced Tic Tac Two, a sugar-free, dual-flavor range aimed at consumers seeking healthier confectionery options. Meanwhile, through its Wells Enterprises subsidiary, Ferrero is leveraging brand recognition by extending classic American candy bars like Butterfinger® and BabyRuth® into the booming ice cream market. This cross-category brand extension is a savvy move to maximize the value of its intellectual property in the impulse ice cream segment, which thrives on novelty and convenience.

"Our growth strategy continues to deliver," noted Lapo Civiletti, Chief Executive Officer at Ferrero Group. "This progress reflects our confidence in the future and our ability to invest with a long-term perspective to support sustainable growth."

A Unified Powerhouse Forging a New Legacy

The consolidation under 3F's Holding S.A. is more than a corporate restructuring; it is a declaration of intent from Giovanni Ferrero. By bringing all assets under his direct ownership, he has created a unified structure capable of executing a singular, long-term vision. This family-controlled model allows the company to make bold, strategic investments—like the acquisitions of WK Kellogg Co. or the €1.1 billion Ferrero Group invested in capital expenditures—without the short-term pressures of public markets.

With a diversified portfolio that now spans chocolate, biscuits, ice cream, cereals, and snacks, 3F's Holding is better positioned than ever to compete with global food titans like Nestlé, Mondelez, and Mars. The company's dual strategy of buying and building—acquiring strategic assets while simultaneously innovating from within—is creating a powerful engine for growth. As it continues to expand its reach from the breakfast table to the snack drawer, the Ferrero empire is proving that its appetite for growth is far from satisfied.