Ferrero launches an all-new range of much-anticipated Wonka products, created with the expertise of its UK Research & Development team and manufacturing colleagues in Alfreton, Derbyshire.
The launch marks a significant innovation milestone for Ferrero UK. Drawing on decades of confectionery expertise and investment in its Alfreton Centre of Excellence, Ferrero has brought together research, product development, innovation and manufacturing capabilities to create products rooted in the company’s signature standards of quality, creativity and craftsmanship. The new Wonka range combines local UK expertise with Ferrero’s global capabilities, helping to deliver imaginative products to consumers in the UK, Ireland and other markets around the world.
“This launch is a proud moment for Ferrero in the UK. Our Alfreton team has played a key role in bringing the new Wonka range to life, combining deep confectionery expertise with the creativity, craft and technical capability needed to reimagine such an iconic brand for today’s consumers,” said Craig Barker, managing director, Ferrero UK and Ireland.
“The fact that products developed with UK expertise will be enjoyed by consumers in the UK, Ireland and other markets around the world speaks to the strength of our people, our manufacturing capability and our continued investment in innovation here in Derbyshire. Wonka is a brand built on imagination and wonder, and our teams have worked hard to translate that spirit into products that deliver the quality, surprise and delight consumers expect from Ferrero.”
Over the last decade, Ferrero has invested more than £35 million in the Alfreton site, helping to modernise its capabilities, expand production and establish it as a Centre of Excellence for assortments and model figures for the Ferrero Group.
The site’s unique manufacturing capabilities reflect decades of craftsmanship that have been leveraged to bring the new Wonka range to life. Every new Wonka product combines manufacturing excellence with research and development creativity, bringing surprising nostalgic flavours and imaginative formats to consumers.
The range includes Wonka Magic Hats, Wonka Oompa Loompa Milk Chocolate Hollow Figurines, Wonka Purplypurple Milk Chocolate Bar, Wonka Magic Garden Ropes, Wonka Oompa Loompa Gummies and a Wonka Kinder Joy Egg. Products first arrive in Morrisons and Asda from 14 September, before rolling out across other major UK and Ireland retailers, including Tesco from 22 October.
“My team and I are incredibly proud that our Alfreton team in Derbyshire has played such a pivotal role in the innovation and manufacturing for Ferrero Group on the global launch of the new Wonka range. Wonka is hugely nostalgic and has existed for generations, so we looked at familiar flavours many people will remember from when they were younger and brought them to life in unexpected new ways. Across the range, our goal was to combine nostalgic flavours with imaginative chocolate experiences, creating the sense of surprise and wonder that is synonymous with Wonka.
“Close collaboration between our Alfreton manufacturing team and global colleagues has been instrumental in delivering products that capture the creativity, quality and sense of wonder at the heart of the Wonka brand. For example, Magic Hats combine Alfreton’s chocolate-making heritage with imaginative Wonka-inspired flavours and distinctive decoration, from the fizz of popping candy to refined praline fillings and rich hazelnut notes that are iconic to Ferrero. Developing this range has been about balancing creativity with technical excellence, while staying true to Ferrero’s standards of quality, craftsmanship and great taste.” said Gary Youren, Head of R&D, Ferrero UK and Ireland.
Barker concludes: “This launch demonstrates exactly what continued investment in UK innovation and manufacturing can deliver. By combining the creativity and technical expertise of our Alfreton team with Ferrero’s global brand-building capabilities, we are able to bring distinctive products to market, while delivering the quality and taste experience consumers expect from Ferrero. It is a powerful example of how our UK business is helping to shape innovation for consumers here and around the world.”
