Ferrero Australia has been named the winner of the Primary Industries and Regional Development Award in the Banksia Foundation’s 2025 NSW Sustainability Awards. The recognition highlights Ferrero’s leadership in sustainable regional manufacturing at its Lithgow factory, underpinned by “innovation, long-term investment and community engagement.” 

Established in 1976, the Lithgow factory produces over 15,000 tonnes of Nutella annually for Australia, New Zealand and East Asia, and employs approximately 100 people.

The Lithgow factory has been recognised for significantly reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions contributing towards the Ferrero Group’s target of a 50% reduction by 2030 against 2018 levels, and is working towards becoming thermal-energy free by 2026.  

Key sustainability achievements at Lithgow include: 

• A rooftop solar array generating up to 20% of electricity needs;
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and ISO 50001 Energy Management System certifications driving energy efficiency initiatives;
• Installation of a vertical electric hazelnut roaster, cutting gas needs by nearly 90%.

The Banksia Foundation’s NSW Sustainability Awards are among Australia’s most respected and rigorous sustainability accolades, shining a spotlight on organisations leading the way in sustainability. 

Chris Hinton, Managing Director, Ferrero Australia Lithgow Plant, said: “Being recognised among NSW’s top-performing businesses is a testament to the innovation and commitment to sustainability at our Lithgow plant. This win demonstrates that regional manufacturing can deliver worldclass products while reducing environmental impact.

“Most of all, this award is a tribute to our Lithgow team, whose determination to make our factory a benchmark for environmental leadership is delivering real, measurable benefits for our business, our community and the environment.”

Banksia Foundation CEO Graz van Egmond said: “According to the judges, Ferrero’s sustainability effort stands out for its clarity of vision, robust metrics and measurable early results. These are underpinned by active participation in the NSW Sustainability Advantage program and meaningful collaboration with the Lithgow community.”

This award strengthens Ferrero’s broader sustainability journey in Australia, already recognised with three-time Gold status in the NSW Sustainability Advantage Program. With this momentum, Ferrero is continuing to invest in renewable energy and electrification – expanding solar capacity and introducing rainwater harvesting systems – as it advances toward a more self-sufficient Lithgow site.

Additionally, Ferrero demonstrates its commitment to the local community through support for the Seven Valleys Visitor Centre, school career initiatives and the Lithgow Emerging Economy Plan.