ALBAWABA - Renowned Italian chemist Francesco Rivella, best known for working hand in hand with Ferrero to create the world's most famous chocolate spread, Nutella has died at 97 on Valentine's Day, according to his family.
Crowned the "Father of Nutella," Rivella was a widowed father of four who worked with Ferrero for more than 40 years in Italy's Alba. The famous chocolate hazelnut spread originated in a small pastry shop. The chemist joined Ferrero back in 1993 but witnessed the company grow to the franchise it is today including the creation of TicTac, Kinder, and Ferrero Rocher.
Additionally, Franceso was considered Giovanni Ferrero's "right-hand man" who traveled across the globe to sample ingredients and improve the company's chocolate brands. According to The Daily Mail, Francesco Rivella named the chocolate spread "Nutella."
Francesco Rivella: Nutella creator dies on Valentine's Day at 97
Its name echoed across the world and became the staple of chocolate spreads, similar to how people describe sticky notes as Post-it Notes and food containers as Tupperware.
His funeral was held on Feb. 17, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones in his hometown Piedmont. His passing comes days after Alba witnessed the tenth anniversary of Michele Ferrero’s death.
TikToker Karissa recently visited Alba to check if the famous chocolate spread tastes different from where it originated, and added that "All the bakeries have like Nutella cookies and Nutella cakes."
She shared further "I was curious if Nutella actually tastes different here, and I think it does. It's a lot nuttier and thicker and definitely less sweet"
Karissa added, "They also have a plant-based Nutella, which is definitely a bit thinner and not quite as rich as the original, but hey, it's still delicious. Like, my dad can't have dairy so he was so excited."
