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Ferrero has opened a new $75 million Nutella Peanut production line in Franklin Park, Illinois, creating 50 new jobs and marking the first new flavour extension for the Nutella brand.

The launch also represents the first Nutella product to be manufactured in the US, according to the company.

Michael Lindsey, president and chief business officer of Ferrero North America, said: “Nutella Peanut and this new facility showcase Ferrero's dedicated and talented teams, commitment to growth in North America, and the company's ability to thoughtfully and effectively evolve brands that have been loved for generations. We're thrilled to see Nutella Peanut roll off the line right here in the US.”

The Franklin Park site expands Ferrero’s existing manufacturing operations in Illinois, where the company also operates a manufacturing campus in Bloomington, an innovation centre and R&D labs in Chicago, and a facility producing Keebler products.

Ferrero said Nutella Peanut is made using hazelnuts sourced from Oregon and peanuts from Georgia and other southeastern states.

The company added that the Franklin Park site already produces Butterfinger and Baby Ruth products, with manufacturing facilities also located across Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Arizona, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Nutella Peanut, which was launched earlier this month, is available at Walmart and other retailers nationwide.