Francesco Rivella, the Italian chemist widely celebrated as the "father of Nutella," passed away on February 14 at the remarkable age of 97. He was known for his pivotal role at Ferrero, the company behind the world-famous chocolate-hazelnut spread, which has become synonymous with indulgence.
Born in Barbaresco, Piedmont, Rivella embarked on his distinguished career at Ferrero in 1952, shortly after graduating from the University of Turin with a degree in bromatological chemistry. At just 25 years old, he joined the company’s chemistry lab, where he began the long process of researching and developing some of the most beloved confections on the planet.
The origins of Nutella trace back to 1946 when cocoa was scarce following World War II. Ferrero introduced Giandujot, the first iteration of the spread. This sweet paste made from hazelnuts and sugar was somewhat revolutionary for the time. Rivella and his team soon transformed it, resulting in SuperCrema by 1951, which was creamier and easier to spread. It wasn’t until 1964, due to Rivella’s relentless pursuit of perfection and collaboration with Michele Ferrero, the founder’s son, when the Nutella we know and love was finally created.
Rivella’s work involved blending and tasting numerous ingredients, always striving for the right balance of flavors. Journalist Gigi Padovani noted Rivella's dedication to refining confectionery, emphasizing their enthusiasm to travel around the world, not to replicate, but to innovate through sampling renowned sweets. This ethos underpinned Rivella's contributions to Nutella’s development and Ferrero's iconic lineup, which also includes Kinder and Ferrero Rocher.
By the time he retired, Rivella had risen to the position of senior manager at Ferrero, leaving behind a legacy imbued with quality and creativity. His expertise transformed not just Nutella, but the entire chocolate confectionery market, helping Ferrero to evolve from its humble beginnings to becoming one of the world’s largest and most recognized confectionery companies.
Upon his retirement, he returned to Alba, where he focused on fruit farming and enjoyed participating in pallapugno, a traditional Italian ball game. Rivella’s later life reflected his humble nature; he was known more for his contributions than for seeking the limelight.
Rivella is survived by his three sons, a daughter, and seven grandchildren, marking the end of his era—a day particularly poignant as it marks the tenth anniversary of Michele Ferrero’s passing, who died on the same date back in 2015. Friends and family gathered for his funeral on February 17, celebrating not just the life of Rivella, but also the enduring legacy of Nutella.
Indeed, Nutella is more than just a product; it has penetrated global culture, celebrated annually on February 5 as World Nutella Day since its inception by love for the spread. Rivella’s artistry and dedication to his craft made Nutella not only famous but also a cherished part of many people's lives worldwide.
With his passing, the confectionery world loses one of its most innovative figures, but every jar of Nutella reminds consumers of Francesco Rivella’s impactful legacy—a delicious blend of hazelnut, cocoa, and aspiration. To many, Nutella is not just sweet; it’s part of their childhood memories—a universal experience of joy and indulgence, crafted by the passion of one man who dared to innovate.