Rocco Perna, former CEO of Ferrero Australia delivered an interesting insight to Michele Ferrero, founder of Ferrero, Italy’s most successful global chocolate and confectionary manufacturer.

The NIAWA talk marked 100 years since Ferrero’s birth in 1925 and highlighted Ferrero’s immense capacity as a leader.

Rocco Perna discussed the human qualities of the industrialist – showing that capitalism can co-exist with humanitarianism. Some charming elements of the talk were about Ferrero’s interactions with his staff and the back-story to the development of Kinder Surprise, the chocolate eggs loved the world-over by children.

Also very special, was Bianca Bonino delivery of text in the accent of Piemonte, the region from which Ferrero originated. This complemented Rocco Perna’s excellent research and storytelling.

The event was supported by the Italian Consulate of Sydney and the Dante Alighieri Society and attended by around 150 people at the Canada Bay Club.