Chicago to Make Nutella’s First-Ever New Flavor: Nutella Peanut
Get Ready for Nutella Peanut!
Chicago is about to become the home of a new culinary sensation: Nutella Peanut. This isn’t just any new flavor, it’s the first time in Nutella’s 60-year history that the iconic hazelnut spread is getting a makeover. Ferrero, the Italian candy giant behind Nutella, is investing $75 million in its Franklin Park factory to produce this groundbreaking peanut-infused spread.
The new Nutella Peanut is a long time coming, having been developed by Ferrero’s food scientists over five years. The company plans to make it a significant part of its portfolio, hoping to capture the hearts and taste buds of peanut-loving Nutella fans across North America.
A Chicago-Made Treat with a Global Twist
While Nutella Peanut will be made exclusively in Chicago, it’s not just a simple peanut butter substitute. It retains the distinctive Euro flavor of the original Nutella, blending the richness of hazelnut and cocoa with the creamy goodness of peanut.
“We didn’t want it to be another peanut butter,” said Seth Gonzalez, senior director of marketing for Nutella. “There’s a reason why cocoa is still connected as a peanut-and-cocoa formula, instead of just peanuts. It’s more afternoon snacking than lunch, for example.”
From Chicago to the World
Ferrero will officially unveil Nutella Peanut, along with new Ferrero Rocher chocolate squares and other innovations at the Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis. This marks a significant moment for Ferrero, which has been aggressively expanding its presence in the U.S. market.
The company has acquired several Chicago candymakers, including Ferrara and Fannie May, and invested heavily in its Illinois facilities. The new Nutella Peanut production line in Franklin Park is a testament to Ferrero’s commitment to the city and its growing role in the global confectionery industry.
Nutella’s Rising Star in the US
Nutella has experienced a surge in popularity in the U.S. in recent years. Revenue is up 8.8% year-over-year and has grown by a whopping 88% since 2020. The introduction of new products like Nutella Biscuits and Nutella B-ready has further fueled this growth. While Nutella products have been made in Canada and Mexico until now, Chicago will become the heart of North American Nutella production for this exciting new flavor.
