Sadly, Ferrero is very secretive about their products and how they are made. This means that, unlike Perugina, they don't offer tours of their factories like the one at Alba. However, this doesn't mean that you can't take in a Nutella and Ferrero inspired itinerary of the area if you are a super-fan of the brand and its products! All you need to do is find yourself a vacation rental in Piedmont, hop in a car and get exploring the area and its chocolatey heritage! We've put together a little itinerary to help you out and guide you through the production process right up to the most important part, the tasting!
One of the most important ingredients for many Ferrero products such as Nutella and Ferrero Rocher chocolates is hazelnuts! The ‘Nocciola del Piemonte’ (hazelnut from Piedmont) is spherical in shape and is characterized by a fine and delicate flavour, with a very crisp pulp.
It is cultivated in the ‘Alta Langa’ area and Piedmont and is especially concentrated in the provinces of Cuneo, Asti, and Alessandria, in an area between the hills of Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato. These hazelnuts are so highly regarded that they have a Protected Geographical Indication certification and have even been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is cultivated in the ‘Alta Langa’ area and Piedmont and is especially concentrated in the provinces of Cuneo, Asti, and Alessandria, in an area between the hills of Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato. These hazelnuts are so highly regarded that they have a Protected Geographical Indication certification and have even been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you're looking to learn more, you can find a farm which will allow you to view their produce on site and some even offer tours of the area. It will involve a little bit of hiking but that might not be such a bad idea if you're planning on indulging later on!
Next, you can visit the town of Treiso, where Mr Ferrero invented Nutella. Here you'll find local shops selling similar products on a more artisanal scale and you can try other foods which make use of the same ingredients.
Then, you can head to Alba, where the Ferrero factory is located. While you won't be able to get inside, if you get close enough, you'll be able to take in the intense whiff of chocolate which surrounds it. This is also the spiritual home of Nutella and their other products and you'll be able to find lots of them in the town. Be sure to try gelato with nutella in it and, even, espresso with some dropped in – you can ask them to do this in some cafés.
Of course, make sure you also stock up on the products that are less readily available outside of Italy – just make sure that you put them in your check-in luggage because security will take the giant jar of Nutella that you were so excited about...
Next, you can visit the town of Treiso, where Mr Ferrero invented Nutella. Here you'll find local shops selling similar products on a more artisanal scale and you can try other foods which make use of the same ingredients.
Then, you can head to Alba, where the Ferrero factory is located. While you won't be able to get inside, if you get close enough, you'll be able to take in the intense whiff of chocolate which surrounds it. This is also the spiritual home of Nutella and their other products and you'll be able to find lots of them in the town. Be sure to try gelato with nutella in it and, even, espresso with some dropped in – you can ask them to do this in some cafés.
Of course, make sure you also stock up on the products that are less readily available outside of Italy – just make sure that you put them in your check-in luggage because security will take the giant jar of Nutella that you were so excited about...
Photo credits
Picture 1: A. Kniesel / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 2: Cloud7 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: さえぼ / CC BY-SA 4.0
Picture 1: A. Kniesel / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 2: Cloud7 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: さえぼ / CC BY-SA 4.0
