Francesco Rivella, widely recognised as the “father of Nutella,” passed away at 97 on Valentine’s Day 2025. His legacy lives on through the world’s most beloved hazelnut spread, which he helped develop during his illustrious career at Ferrero. Rivella’s journey with the Italian confectionery giant began in 1952 when he joined as a 25-year-old researcher. His role involved experimenting with raw materials and perfecting ingredient combinations to create innovative products.
Father Of Nutella, Francesco Rivella, Dies At 97 Years Of Age
According to an article that was recently published by Times Now, the spread’s origins can be traced back to 1946. This was twelve years before Nutella would become a household name. Throughout his career, Rivella worked closely with Michele Ferrero.
He was the son of company founder Pietro Ferrero. Soon after, he rose to the position of senior manager. His expertise in chemistry was widely recognised, leading to his appointment as president of the Piedmont Order of Chemists.
Ferrero first introduced Giandujot, named after the traditional Italian chocolate and hazelnut confection, gianduja. By 1951, this evolved into a more spreadable version called SuperCrema. The breakthrough came in 1964 when, after a decade of refinement, the first jar of the chocolate and hazelnut cream we now know as Nutella was produced.
More About His Contribution To This Iconic Spread
The spread that Rivella helped perfect comprises seven carefully selected ingredients. They are hazelnuts, chocolate, sugar, palm oil, milk, lecithin, and vanillin. This simple yet revolutionary combination would go on to capture the hearts and palates of millions worldwide.
Following his retirement, Rivella settled in Alba, Italy, where he pursued his passions for fruit cultivation and “pallapugno,” a traditional Italian sport. His contribution to confectionery history has left an indelible mark on global food culture. Nutella continues to be one of the most successful and beloved spreads worldwide.
Also Read: From Jog Falls To Vagator Beach, Your Next Nutella Jar May Boast Any Of These 10 Indian States On It
Do you enjoy having Nutella? Do you also have fond memories attached to this chocolatey spread? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: @katiepeace05/X (Formerly, Twitter) and Canva Pro Images
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