As the world’s largest producer of macadamia nuts, South Africa’s industry has every reason to smile with the latest addition to one of the world’s most famous luxury chocolate ranges, Ferrero Rocher.

By Jasper Raats, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

The Italian brand Ferrero Rocher, long synonymous with elegance and quality, has just launched a new product line with locally produced macadamia nut cream as a key ingredient.

The new chocolate slabs introduce three indulgent flavours to the market: 70% Dark Chocolate with Hazelnut, Milk Chocolate with Hazelnut, and Milk Chocolate with Macadamia & Hazelnut – which features crunchy hazelnut pieces and macadamia nut cream produced right here in South Africa.

According to Ferrero Rocher, a team of 50 people worked over three years and tested more than 300 recipes to achieve the perfect balance of texture and taste. The result is a range that combines the brand’s traditional sense of luxury with a more accessible chocolate experience, selling for about R74,99 for a 90 g slab.

This development not only brings international recognition to the local industry but also opens up new possibilities for export markets and value-added products, says Jill Whyte of Green Farms Nut Company.

“The inclusion of South African macadamias in a global brand like Ferrero Rocher is a confirmation of the high quality and consistent standards that local producers take pride in,” she says.

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Golden Standard

Ferrero emphasises that it sources ingredients responsibly – from Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to sustainably supplied nuts around the world. The new chocolate slabs are wrapped in recyclable aluminium and cardboard, in line with the company’s goal of using fully sustainable packaging.

“With the launch of the new Ferrero Rocher chocolates, we wanted to offer a new taste experience that stays true to the brand’s golden standard,” says Justin Matley, marketing manager for Ferrero. “The addition of macadamia nut cream brings something truly special to the range – it reflects our focus on innovation and quality.”

For South Africa’s macadamia producers, this is a powerful symbol of how far the industry has come – from a niche crop to a world-class ingredient featured in one of the world’s most recognisable luxury brands.

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