Winning students of the Ferrero Challenge: “An unforgettable experience in Alba”

The final round of the Ferrero Challenge brought together our students and those from BigRock in a design journey exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on communication and design. After a month of intense work, 7 teams were selected by the Ferrero jury to present their innovative ideas.

Taking first place were students Francesco Chiarello, Davide Dorio, Jessica Camerotto, Alice Pierobon, and Andrea Lugato, who impressed the judges with a concept that was both original and strategically well-structured. The prize? An exclusive visit to the Ferrero plant in Alba.

Alice shared her experience with us:

Two days we will never forget

“Our adventure began in the afternoon when we left the H-FARM Campus at 3:00 PM. Ferrero had thought of every detail, providing two drivers to take us to Alba. We arrived around 7:00 PM, and the first surprise was dinner with Gianguido Saracino, Art Director at Pubbliregia, Ferrero. It wasn’t a formal dinner, but a genuine exchange where we could freely discuss advertising, branding, and creativity. Gianguido was incredibly open and passionate – it was inspiring and engaging.

The following day, we were joined by Mauro Clara, Talent Manager at Ferrero, and Claudia Melagrana, Creative Graphic & Design Director at Pubbliregia.
First stop? Cascina Salera, Ferrero’s training center located in a beautifully restored farmhouse. But the most exciting moment came at 9:00 AM when we had a call with Thomas Chatenier, Global President of Nutella, who joined from Luxembourg. For almost an hour, we presented our project directly to the company’s top leadership, receiving thoughtful questions and valuable feedback.

Then came the part we were all waiting for: the tour of the production facilities.
We visited the production lines of Kinder Chocolate and Ferrero Rocher, guided by a long-time former employee with an incredible career and multiple patents under his name. Listening to his stories, seeing the light in his eyes as he spoke about his work, and most of all, witnessing with our own eyes how the products of our childhood are made… was truly moving.
And yes, just like in Willy Wonka’s factory, there really is a pipe that carries Nutella from above—and even a chocolate waterfall!

In the afternoon, we visited the Kinder Sport Center, where we learned about the Joy of Moving philosophy—an educational project that promotes development through movement. We found many similarities with H-FARM’s own values.

But the biggest surprise was the visit to the place where Kinder Surprise toys are designed. Fabio Ricci, Head of Design for Kinder Surprise, led us into the historical archive of the surprises—an area few ever get to access, where all the toys from the 1970s to today are preserved. It was a dive into our collective memory, full of emotion and nostalgia.

The day ended at the Ferrero Research and Development Center, where we met the Nutella marketing team for a second presentation of our project.
Having the opportunity to speak directly with those who work daily on the brand’s communication, exploring their strategies, and seeing their organization up close was incredibly educational.

This experience was intense, rich, and transformative. In just two days, we got in touch with the people, places, and values that define the Ferrero world.
A rare opportunity that will stay with us for a long time.
A heartfelt thank you to Mauro Clara, Claudia Melagrana, and Gianguido Saracino for guiding us through these extraordinary days.”