Francesco Rivella, a pioneering chemist in the confectionery industry and a key figure behind the creation of Nutella, passed away on February 14 at the age of 97. Dubbed the “father” of the iconic hazelnut cocoa spread, Rivella played a crucial role in Ferrero’s product development for decades.
Rivella joined Ferrero in 1952, just two years before Nutella was officially introduced. At 25, fresh out of university with a degree in bromatological chemistry from Turin, he became part of Ferrero’s “chemistry room,” a specialised team focused on studying raw materials and developing new products. His work helped refine the blending, tasting, and formulation of some of Ferrero’s most well-known treats.
Founded in 1946 by Pietro Ferrero, the company became a global confectionery powerhouse. Rivella eventually rose to the role of senior manager and became a close associate of Michele Ferrero, Pietro’s son, who later led the company to international success. In an interesting coincidence, Michele Ferrero also passed away on Valentine’s Day, exactly ten years before Rivella, in 2015.
After retiring, Rivella dedicated his time to fruit farming and promoting pallapugno, a traditional Italian ball game. He is survived by three sons, a daughter, and seven grandchildren. His funeral was held in Alba, where he had lived post-retirement, and he was laid to rest in Barbaresco.
Nutella’s origins trace back to post-World War II Italy, when cocoa was scarce. To overcome this, Ferrero developed a sweet hazelnut-based paste mixed with sugar and a small amount of cocoa. The first version, introduced in 1946, was called ‘Giandujot,’ named after the traditional hazelnut chocolate confection, Gianduja. Initially sold in loaf form, it was later transformed into a more spreadable product called ‘SuperCrema.’
In 1964, the formula was refined, and the product was officially renamed ‘Nutella.’ Sold in jars, the spread quickly gained worldwide popularity. Today, Nutella is a household name, celebrated every year on February 5 as World Nutella Day, a testament to its enduring global appeal.