Hon'ble Member of Parliament, Shri. Sharad Pawar, Unveils Ferrero's Global CSR Report as the Company Completes 10 Years in India

NEW DELHI, March 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

- "We Will Continue our Commitment to Make In India Values," Says Roberto Grasso, Ferrero India MD

- Ferrero Commissioned Maharashtra's Largest Roof-top Installation of a Solar Power Plant This Week   

- Ferrero has Encouraged Three More Italian Companies to Invest in India

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®, Hon'ble Member of Parliament, Shri. 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.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri 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."

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."

Mr. 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," Mr 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."

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.

The launch of the CSR report by Hon'ble Member of Parliament, Shri. Sharad Pawar was followed by a panel discussion on 'Sharing Values to Create Value'. Eminent panellists 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; Mr. Alessandro Giuliani, Managing Director of MISB Bocconi, Mumbai (India's first International business school) and Ambassador Inder Chopra, Secretary General, Ferrero 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.

Ferrero's Community Initiatives in India  

Ferrero has played an important role in uplifting the community in Baramati, Pune in Maharashtra. A large part of the factory workforce situated in Baramati comprises of women who are provided with skills, training and employment opportunities thereby empowering them. Standing by their philosophy of spreading joy and developing communities where Ferrero is located. The company has opened a world-class child care centre - Kindergarden, about 100 meters from its production plant in Baramati for its women workforce and the community children. Kindergarden is an 'Early childhood development' centre that provides children with nutritional food, healthcare, early childhood education and social skills which are the building blocks of a healthy future. The facility is for children between 3 months to 6 years of age. Post 6 years, the company helps these children in getting admission in well-known schools in Baramati.

Kinder+Sport is a global project developed by Ferrero to promote and publicize sports activities as part of a healthy daily routine, especially for children. It is one of the CSR pillars that reflect Ferrero's consciousness in contributing to the improvement of young's positive habits. This programme is currently implemented in 30 countries worldwide.

Kinder+Sport project supports physical education programs, it provides technical equipment to schools, it promotes students' championships, it supports the realisation of sports events intended for children, it organises multi-disciplinary campuses to involve children in sports, it cooperates with athletes and former champions as 'ambassadors' of active life styles and supports research projects to improve learning active life styles.

In India, the Kinder+Sport project was launched in November 2014 at Vidya Prathishtan School in Baramati.

About Ferrero India  

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 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 and exports half its local production.

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