The consolidated financial statements of Ferrero Group as at 31 August 2017 closed with revenues of 10.5 billion euros, up 1.5% on the previous year. In 2016, consolidated sales amounted to 10.3 billion euros. Last year sales of finished products increased by 2.2% (2.5% at constant rates) driven by European markets such as Germany, Poland, the UK, and Eastern European countries, while Italy and France remained stable. The largest increase in net sales was recorded across the Atlantic, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. At 31 August 2017, the Group consisted of 91 companies consolidated worldwide, with 23 production plants and a presence of its own products, directly or through authorized distributors, in over 170 countries. Ferrero’s average workforce in 2016/2017 was 30,305, up from 29,206 employees in 2015/2016. At August 31, the Group employed 34,543 persons, up from 32,990 a year earlier.
Investments
On the investment front, Ferrero Group increased its total investments to 744 million euros from 631 million euros in 2016, with the most significant part focused on property, plant and equipment (660 million euros compared to 552 million euros in 2016) mainly in Italy, Germany, Poland, Canada, and Luxembourg. The products that contributed most to the turnover were Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Kinder Surprise, Kinder Joy, Kinder Bueno, and Tic Tac. During fiscal year 2016/2017, Ferrero Group also completed the acquisition – from 1-800-FLOWERS.com, Inc. – of Fannie May Confections Brands, Inc. and of the chocolate brands of Harry London.