Francesco Rivella, the beloved inventor of Nutella, passed away on February 14 at the age of 97. His death has sparked heartfelt tributes from fans around the world, celebrating his incredible contribution to the culinary world with the creation of this iconic hazelnut spread.
Before creating Nutella, Rivella worked at Ferrero, the company founded by Pietro Ferrero. At just 25 years old, he joined the team after earning a degree in bromatological chemistry. His journey began in Ferrero’s “chemistry room,” where he played a key role in developing numerous popular products.
Rivella eventually became a senior manager, where he developed the first version of Nutella, originally named Giandujot. This product was inspired by gianduja, a mix of hazelnuts and chocolate introduced in 1946. Giandujot was designed to be stored and sliced, making it a unique offering at the time.
In 1951, Rivella transformed Giandujot into SuperCrema, a more spreadable version. The recipe continued to evolve, leading to the launch of Nutella in Germany in 1965. This marked the beginning of the spread’s global popularity, with its distinctive jar and packaging becoming instantly recognizable.
Social media has been flooded with tributes to Rivella, as fans expressed their gratitude for the joy Nutella has brought to their lives. Comments ranged from heartfelt thanks to reflections on his lasting impact. One user noted, “You changed my life as a kid,” while another said, “He left the world a better place.”
In honor of this delicious creation, fans celebrate World Nutella Day on February 5 each year, emphasizing its significance in popular culture. Rivella is survived by three sons, a daughter, and seven grandchildren. His funeral took place in Alba, Italy, where he lived after.
By
