Nutella Co-Creator Francesco Rivella Dies at 97

The Italian chemist helped transform Ferrero from a local confectionery into a global powerhouse with his innovation of the iconic hazelnut spread.

Francesco Rivella, a key figure behind Nutella's creation, passed away on February 14, 2025, exactly ten years after the death of Michele Ferrero, his collaborator and Ferrero's former leader.
Rivella joined Ferrero in 1952 as a chemist and played a pivotal role in developing Nutella, which debuted under its current name in 1964 and became a global sensation.
The creation of Nutella built upon earlier iterations like 'Supercrema,' with Rivella and Ferrero refining the recipe and rebranding it for international appeal.
Ferrero, now a multinational giant, produces 500,000 tons of Nutella annually, with the spread remaining a cornerstone of its $18 billion annual revenue.
Rivella's legacy extends to other Ferrero products, including Kinder Schokolade and Mon Chéri, and his contributions helped shape the modern confectionery industry.