One of Italy's most influential chemists who helped revolutionize breakfast tables worldwide has passed away.
According to Fox News, Francesco Rivella, the chemist credited with creating Nutella, died on Valentine's Day at the age of 97.
Rivella's journey with Ferrero began in 1952 when he joined the company's chemistry department fresh from completing his degree in bromatological chemistry in Turin.
His expertise and dedication would later contribute to developing one of the world's most beloved hazelnut spreads.
The story of Nutella's creation traces back to 1946 when Pietro Ferrero launched Giandujot, a chocolate hazelnut confection that could be sliced and spread on bread. This initial product drew inspiration from gianduja, a traditional Italian sweet combining chocolate and hazelnuts.
By 1951, the company had transformed the original recipe into a more spreadable cream called SuperCrema. This innovation marked a significant step toward the creation of the Nutella known today.
Rivella's work in Ferrero's chemistry room proved instrumental in perfecting the formula. Together with Michele Ferrero, Pietro's son, he traveled extensively to study various confections, seeking ways to improve upon existing recipes rather than simply replicating them.
The chemist's dedication to innovation culminated in 1964 when Ferrero introduced the first jar of Nutella to the world. The spread's recipe, consisting of seven carefully selected ingredients including sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, milk, cocoa, lecithin, and vanillin, has remained largely unchanged since its debut.
A Ferrero spokesperson shared the company's sentiments about Rivella's passing:
We are saddened by the passing of Mr. Francesco Rivella. He spent many years working for our company, and, like all Ferrero colleagues, he contributed greatly to the success of our company and the growth of our brands that are loved by many.
Throughout his tenure at Ferrero, Rivella rose through the ranks to become a senior manager, working closely with Michele Ferrero as his trusted advisor. Their partnership helped establish Nutella as a global phenomenon that continues to be celebrated today, with World Nutella Day observed annually on February 5.
The Italian chemist's influence on global food culture began at age 25 when he first joined Ferrero's chemistry department. His contributions helped transform a local Italian confection into an international breakfast staple.
Rivella spent his retirement years pursuing fruit farming and enjoying pallapugno, a traditional Italian sport. He is survived by three sons, a daughter, and seven grandchildren. His funeral was scheduled for Monday in Alba, where he resided after retirement, with burial planned in Barbaresco.
In a poignant coincidence, Rivella's death occurred exactly ten years after the passing of his longtime collaborator Michele Ferrero, who died on February 14, 2015. Together, they created a product that would become a cherished part of millions of households worldwide.
