Ferrero Group — Ethics Grade C-

Ferrero Group receives an overall ethics grade of C- (42/100) on CancelCo's corporate accountability database. Sector: Food & Beverage. Market cap: Large Cap.

Category scores

• labor: 35
• privacy: 85
• consumer: 45
• environment: 40
• humanRights: 30

Documented incidents (3)

• Kinder Salmonella Outbreak (high, 2022) — A salmonella outbreak linked to a Kinder chocolate factory in Belgium led to hundreds of infections across Europe, mostly in children. The factory was ordered to shut down after failing to report the contamination promptly.
• Child Labor in Hazelnut Supply Chain (high, 2019) — Investigations in Turkey found children as young as 11 working long hours on hazelnut farms that supply Ferrero. The company admitted to a lack of transparency in its complex supply network.
• Palm Oil Deforestation (medium, 2020) — Despite RSPO certification, Ferrero was linked to suppliers involved in illegal deforestation in Southeast Asia. The environmental impact of palm oil production remains a significant reputational risk.

Documented good deeds

• Hazelnut Traceability Goal — Ferrero achieved 100% traceability for its hazelnuts in several key regions and joined the ILO's program to eliminate child labor.

Ethical alternatives

• Tony's Chocolonely — Mission-driven to end slavery in chocolate through direct trade.