Ferrero Invests €140m In Spanish Ice-Cream Plant

According to a company press release sent to Spanish media, the investment will serve to turn the facility into Ferrero’s European technology hub for ice-cream development, a move that will see the plant cease all private-label production by the end of 2026.

Acquired by Ferrero in 2021, the ICFC plant is now fully integrated into the group’s global ecosystem and is set to play a pivotal role in the expansion of Ferrero’s ice-cream portfolio across Europe.

This decision is part of a long-term strategy to consolidate the company’s growth in the ice-cream segment.

The €140 million investment, spanning until 2030, will be directed towards a comprehensive modernisation cycle.

This will include significantly increasing the factory’s production capabilities, updating existing processes with advanced technologies, and implementing innovations to enhance quality, efficiency and sustainability.

Additional lines will also be installed by 2030 to support the development of Ferrero’s own ice-cream products, including brands like Nutella and Kinder, as well as the historic Camy brand, which ICFC had previously acquired.

Private-Label Cessation

A key component of this transformation plan is the definitive cessation of private-label manufacturing at the Alzira plant by the end of 2026.

While ICFC has historically been a manufacturer of private-label brands for major retailers across Spain, Germany and the UK, this strategic shift will allow the plant to focus exclusively on Ferrero Group’s own brands.

Ferrero has assured retailers that all regular product supplies will be maintained, and existing agreements with private-label clients will be honoured during this transition period.

This decision applies solely to the Alzira plant, with other Ferrero Group ice-cream production centres continuing their current operations unchanged.

The move comes as the ICFC plant has faced financial challenges in recent years, accumulating losses of over €28 million in the last three fiscal years, alongside the introduction of Ferrero brands into its product range.

In the last published fiscal year (ending March 2024), the company recorded a loss of €6 million, despite sales reaching €243 million.