Ferrero India Targets Growth Above Industry Average Amid Rising Demand for Premium Chocolates

Italian confectionery major Ferrero is scaling up its premium product portfolio in India, targeting a growth rate more than double the industry average. The company is leveraging brands like Ferrero Rocher, Kinder, Nutella, and Raffaello to capture evolving consumer preferences.

Italian chocolate and confectionery major Ferrero is betting on the Indian market as local consumers increasingly seek premium offerings. The company aims to grow at a rate more than twice the industry average, viewing India as a key strategic market and one of its fastest-growing regions globally.

Ferrero India's current portfolio features established brands including Kinder, Ferrero Rocher, Nutella, Tic Tac, and Raffaello.

Zoher Kapuswala, Marketing Head of Ferrero India Subcontinent, noted that the Indian chocolate market is currently growing at 7 to 8 percent. The company's goal is to outpace the market to gain share, backed by double-digit growth seen in the country so far. Kapuswala stated that the objective is to strengthen the brand's position through execution that builds consumer consideration and relevance.

The company observes that the domestic market is evolving as consumers seek premium options at accessible prices. This trend provides an opportunity for Ferrero to build market share sustainably.

As part of its seasonal strategy, Ferrero activated the Kinder brand for the kids' gifting segment during the festival season by launching Kinder Happiness Times assorted gift packs. It also introduced limited-edition gold diya packs for Ferrero Rocher to align global branding with local traditions.

Recently, Ferrero entered the chocolate bar segment with Ferrero Rocher bars. Kapuswala noted that while the chocolate bar segment comprises nearly 50 percent of the overall category, the company avoids the mass segment, instead offering a premium product priced at ₹499 to meet consumer demand for indulgent options.

Additionally, the company is working to grow the Raffaello brand in India, positioning it within the romantic gifting segment as it expands its portfolio across various consumer occasions.

"Ferrero's strategy highlights a clear shift in the Indian consumer market toward premiumization. By targeting a growth rate well above the industry average and focusing on specific segments like gifting and chocolate bars without entering the mass market, the company is effectively capturing high-value consumer demand. For businesses operating in fast-moving consumer goods, aligning product portfolios with evolving lifestyle preferences and localized occasions remains a reliable path to sustainable scale." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes