Ferrero has commissioned Maharashtra’s largest roof-top installation of a solar power plant. It has encouraged 3 more Italian companies to invest in India
MUMBAI (India CSR): At a glittering celebration to commemorate 10 years of manufacturing in India by Ferrero, the World Number One Brand in the Food category ranked by the Reputation Institute’s Global RepTrack, Member of Parliament, Sharad Pawar, released Ferrero’s global CSR report on Sharing Values to Create Value. The event was hosted at the Italian embassy and was graced by His Excellency Mr. Lorenzo Angeloni, Ambassador of Italy and Smt. Supriya Sule, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, along with senior officials from Ferrero India.
The Ferrero family that has contributed immensely to the growth of Baramati: Sharad Pawar
Sharad Pawar said, “It is a pride and honour to spend the evening with the Ferrero family that has contributed immensely to the growth of Baramati; in turning it into an industrial hub together with other Italian companies that have their operations in Baramati. I congratulate Ferrero on completing 10 momentous years in India. I am assured that the company will continue doing well and contribute to developing the infrastructure of Baramati in the years to come.”
Commitment to the values of the Make in India Initiative
On the occasion, Ferrero India MD Roberto Grasso announced a slew of initiatives that reiterate the company’s continued commitment to the values of the Make in India Initiative. He said, “We are delighted to have commissioned the largest roof-top solar power plant in Maharashtra, in Baramati, which will produce 1.5 MW of solar power. With an investment of Rs. 8.8 crores (1.2 million Euros), this solar power project is enough to serve the needs of about 1500 to 2000 homes each day, and will help us cut our carbon dioxide emissions by 1.926 tons per year.”
Grasso also announced that Ferrero has encouraged three more Italian companies to invest in India and set up their operations here. Together, they are likely to create an additional 3000 – 5000 jobs in India.
Ferrero has had a remarkable journey in India
“Ferrero has had a remarkable journey in India,” Grasso said, adding, “In the last 10 years, we have rolled out some noteworthy initiatives as a mark of our commitment and gratitude to this wonderful country which has welcomed us so warmly. We are positive and committed to doing much more in the years and decades to come.”
India – Research and Development laboratory outside of Europe
Ferrero has already quadrupled its investment in India in its 10 years in India and also provided employment to substantial number of people; much more than what it was mandated while it was setting up its facility in Baramati. India has the Ferrero group’s third largest workforce, a large portion of which are women. Ferrero had chosen India to implement its first Research and Development laboratory outside of Europe. Going forward too, the company plans to increase its investment manifold in India in the coming years.
The Global CSR Report also showcased Ferrero’s commitment to the people, environment and the business eco-system of India, along with the 22 other countries where it has manufacturing operations.
Also Read: CSR : Ferrero India to construct eight Anganwadi Centres at Baramati, Pune – India CSR Network
Sharing Values to Create Value
The launch of the CSR report by Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Sharad Pawar was followed by a panel discussion on “Sharing Values to Create Value”. Eminent panelists included Prof. Jaishri Jethwaney, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development; Dr. B Sesikeran, former Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research; Alessandro Giuliani, Managing Director of MISB Bocconi, Mumbai (India’s first International business school) and Ambassador Inder Chopra, Secretary General, Ferrero India.
The most important CSR priorities for any business entity operating in India
The discussion, witnessed by over 100 important guests from different walks of life, saw perspectives and viewpoints exchanged on what should be the most important CSR priorities for any business entity operating in India. The interactive panel discussion also saw thought-provoking exchanges on the changing value systems, particularly with reference to adapting traditional values in a modern world.
3rd largest manufacturer of chocolate and confectionary products
Ferrero is an Italian manufacturer of chocolate and other confectionery products. With an annual turnover of over US$ 11 billion, the company is the 3rd largest manufacturer of chocolate and confectionary products in the world.
Ferrero India has its corporate office at Pune
Ferrero India has its corporate office at Pune and is present across all the metros and mini-metros and has a strong distribution network. It has regional sales offices in Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. Ferrero’s other well-known brands in India include Kinder Joy, Kinder Schoko-Bons Crispy, Nutella and Tic Tac.
The company started its commercial operations in 2004 and manufacturing activities in 2007 in Baramati. In less than a decade, Ferrero has become a strong player in the chocolate and confectionary segment in India. The company has made India its production hub for Asia and Middle East.
Also Read: CSR : Ferrero India to construct eight Anganwadi Centres at Baramati, Pune – India CSR Network
