Giovanni Ferrero receives the 2025 Leonardo Award

For over twenty years, the Leonardo Award – one of the leading initiatives supporting the growth of Italian companies – has been granted to leaders whose commitment has significantly contributed to promote Italian entrepreneurship around the world. 

On the occasion of the Leonardo Awards ceremony in the Sala della Loggia at Villa Madama, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said: “The stories we have honoured today are part of Italy’s history. They are stories that have shown one thing: The only truly genuine borders are the ones we believe in.” They must serve “as examples and lessons”. 

Ferrero and its affiliated companies now operate across a wide range of categories including chocolate confectionery, sugar confectionery, biscuits and cookies, bakery, ice cream and better-for-you. The company’s strategy is driven by quality, innovation and long-term vision, always focused on quality products, caring for people, and supporting the communities where it operates. 

“This award is first and foremost a recognition of the 61,250 people across Ferrero and its affiliated companies who contribute every day, with passion and talent, to the success of our business. Our innovation journey starts with listening: understanding consumer preferences and translating them into quality products is at the heart of our strategy,” said Giovanni Ferrero, Executive Chairman of the Ferrero Group. “Over recent years, we expanded our iconic Ferrero range into new categories and through several strategic acquisitions — including Ferrara, Fox’s & Burton’s Biscuits, and Wells — we brought locally rooted, popular brands into our portfolio. This is a tangible way to honour our heritage of care and tradition, ensuring both continuity and innovation.”