February 18, 2025: Francesco Rivella, the inventor of the beloved Nutella, passed away at the age of 97 on February 14, as reported by Fox News. His death has left many around the world mourning, with fans and netizens offering heartfelt tributes for his groundbreaking contribution to the world of food.
Rivella’s work at Ferrero, the renowned Italian company behind Nutella, began after he joined the team working under Michele Ferrero, the son of Pietro Ferrero, the founder of the company. Rivella’s role at Ferrero was crucial in the development of new products, as he was responsible for studying raw materials, blending ingredients, and refining recipes. His deep understanding of flavors led to the creation of Nutella, the now world-famous hazelnut spread.
Before Nutella became the iconic product it is today, Ferrero introduced an earlier version of it in 1946, known as “Giandujot,” which was named after gianduja — a combination of chocolate and hazelnuts. This was the beginning of a journey that would make Nutella a household name across the globe.
Rivella retired from his role at Ferrero after years of dedicated service. Afterward, he focused on fruit farming and took an interest in pallapugno, a traditional Italian sport. Despite his retirement, Rivella’s impact on the food industry remained profound, with Nutella becoming a product enjoyed by millions.
He is survived by his three sons, one daughter, and seven grandchildren, and his legacy lives on through the iconic product he created. Fans and admirers of Nutella have expressed their gratitude for Rivella’s contributions, remembering him as the man who made the world’s favorite spread possible.