Ferrero Group Expands Its Portfolio Through Bold Snacks Acquisition

Ferrero Group, the renowned name behind popular confectionery brands, has made a significant move in the snack industry by announcing the acquisition of Bold Snacks, a trailblazer in the Brazilian protein snack market. The announcement, made on March 18, 2026, marks Ferrero's entry into the better-for-you segment in South America, setting the stage for exciting developments in the region.

Founded in 2018, Bold Snacks has gained immense popularity due to its innovative range of protein bars and has expanded its product line to include whey powders. The company's growth trajectory has been fueled by a robust digital strategy, making it a key player in the premium snacking sector.

A Strategic Move for Growth

In a statement regarding the acquisition, Daniel Martinez Carretero, Chief Financial Officer of Ferrero Group, expressed enthusiasm for the new collaboration, stating, _“We're thrilled to welcome Bold Snacks to Ferrero. This transaction further strengthens our presence in the category while supporting the continued development of our portfolio across key geographies.”_ The deal is seen as a strategic initiative to tap into the growing demand for health-conscious snacks.

As part of this acquisition, Ferrero Group will take over Bold Snacks’ operational framework, including its office and factory located in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais. Approximately 300 employees from Bold Snacks are expected to join the Ferrero Brazil workforce, which already consists of 4,500 employees across various plants and offices in the country.

Excitement on Both Sides

Bold Snacks’ Founder and CEO, Gabriel Ferreira, also shared his excitement about this partnership, stating, _“Becoming part of Ferrero is an amazing opportunity for our business and our people. Being recognized by a global food leader with a strong track record of building and nurturing iconic brands provides a unique opportunity to accelerate our growth.”_ This sentiment reflects the shared vision for expanding Bold Snacks’ reach and enhancing the overall portfolio under the Ferrero umbrella.

Enhancing the Portfolio

With this acquisition, Ferrero aims to strengthen its foothold in the health-oriented snack segment, joining other brands like Eat Natural and FULFIL in Europe, as well as Power Crunch in North America. This strategic alignment underscores Ferrero’s commitment to diversifying its offerings while promoting healthier snack options.

Furthermore, the acquisition aligns with Ferrero’s sustained growth and innovation strategy, as the company continues to integrate acquisitions that allow for expansion into emerging markets while maintaining its dedication to high-quality standards and sustainability.

Looking Ahead

Ferrero Group, founded in 1946 in Alba, Italy, has evolved into a global leader in sweet-packaged foods, with popular brands such as Nutella®, Kinder®, Ferrero Rocher®, and Tic Tac®. Celebrating its 80th anniversary as a family-owned company now in its third generation, Ferrero now operates in over 170 countries and employs around 50,000 individuals worldwide. The company emphasizes a legacy of quality, continuous innovation, and a commitment to sustainable growth, which is evident in its latest acquisition of Bold Snacks.

As they navigate the complexities of merger processes, the transaction is expected to close in the upcoming months, pending customary closing conditions. This move not only enhances Ferrero's product lineup but also signifies a broader shift towards health-conscious eating habits permeating consumer preferences globally.

With the integration of Bold Snacks into its operations, Ferrero Group is positioned to not only meet the evolving demands of health-conscious consumers but also continue its legacy of growth and excellence in the global snack market.