This man made your breakfast unforgettable: Nutella creator passes away—his secret to longevity revealed
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On a quiet Valentine’s Day, the world lost a true legend—Francesco Rivella, the man behind the deliciously smooth Nutella, passed away at the age of 97.
For decades, this creamy, chocolatey spread has been a morning favorite for many, and it’s no surprise.
Today, we at The GrayVine honor the life and legacy of a man who brought so much joy to our breakfast tables.
Rivella’s journey began in 1952, when the 25-year-old chemist joined Ferrero, the renowned Italian company that would go on to make Nutella a household name.
Armed with a degree in bromatological chemistry, Rivella was ready to make a mark.
At Ferrero’s “chemistry room,” he delved deep into the science of raw materials, perfecting flavors that would eventually change the world’s breakfast habits forever.
As a key player at Ferrero, Rivella rose to become a senior manager, working closely with Michele Ferrero, the company founder’s son.
Together, they made an incredible team, and Rivella was not just a colleague but a trusted partner who played an essential role in Ferrero’s success.
The Evolution of a Global Phenomenon
Nutella’s story starts in post-war Italy, where an earlier creation, Giandujot, was born.
This was a loaf-like paste that could be sliced and spread on bread. By 1951, this evolved into SuperCrema, which was smoother and creamier.
It wasn’t until 1964, after years of refining the recipe, that Nutella as we know it was introduced. It was a game-changer for breakfasts everywhere.
Rivella’s secret to Nutella’s success wasn’t about copying what already existed but about making something better.
He and Michele Ferrero traveled the world, sampling different sweets with one goal in mind: to create a product that would top them all.
The result? The Nutella we know today, made from just seven simple ingredients: sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, milk, cocoa, lecithin, and vanillin.
Celebrating World Nutella Day
In celebration of Rivella’s creation, World Nutella Day was founded in 2007 and is celebrated every February 5th.
This special day is for Nutella lovers worldwide to share their appreciation for this comforting treat, which has captured hearts in over 160 countries.
Life Beyond the Jar
After retiring, Rivella focused on simpler joys—fruit farming and the traditional Italian sport of pallapugno.
His life balance between hard work and leisure may have been his key to longevity. His passion for living fully, paired with his devotion to family, was something Rivella cherished deeply.
Also read: Break These 13 Dining Taboos and the World Will Gasp—How Not to Embarrass Yourself Globally!
Francesco Rivella leaves behind a legacy that lives on through his three sons, daughter, and seven grandchildren.
His passing, exactly ten years after Michele Ferrero’s death, marks the end of an era for both Ferrero and Nutella fans around the world.
Rivella’s funeral was held in his beloved town of Alba, Italy, and he was laid to rest in Barbaresco.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we remember the sweetness he brought into our lives, one spoonful at a time.
Related articles:
Transform your dessert game with this incredible new mug cake trick!
24 forgotten snacks from the '70s and '80s that will take you straight back in time!
Shed pounds quickly with this dietitian-approved Costco snack!
Did Nutella play a special role in your family’s breakfast traditions? Do you have a favorite way to enjoy this hazelnut spread? Or maybe a memory of Nutella brightening your day? We’d love to hear your stories and thoughts. Share your memories and tributes in the comments below!
Read next: Transform your morning coffee with this astonishing Hong Kong technique!
For decades, this creamy, chocolatey spread has been a morning favorite for many, and it’s no surprise.
Today, we at The GrayVine honor the life and legacy of a man who brought so much joy to our breakfast tables.
Rivella’s journey began in 1952, when the 25-year-old chemist joined Ferrero, the renowned Italian company that would go on to make Nutella a household name.
Armed with a degree in bromatological chemistry, Rivella was ready to make a mark.
At Ferrero’s “chemistry room,” he delved deep into the science of raw materials, perfecting flavors that would eventually change the world’s breakfast habits forever.
As a key player at Ferrero, Rivella rose to become a senior manager, working closely with Michele Ferrero, the company founder’s son.
Together, they made an incredible team, and Rivella was not just a colleague but a trusted partner who played an essential role in Ferrero’s success.
The Evolution of a Global Phenomenon
Nutella’s story starts in post-war Italy, where an earlier creation, Giandujot, was born.
This was a loaf-like paste that could be sliced and spread on bread. By 1951, this evolved into SuperCrema, which was smoother and creamier.
It wasn’t until 1964, after years of refining the recipe, that Nutella as we know it was introduced. It was a game-changer for breakfasts everywhere.
Rivella’s secret to Nutella’s success wasn’t about copying what already existed but about making something better.
He and Michele Ferrero traveled the world, sampling different sweets with one goal in mind: to create a product that would top them all.
The result? The Nutella we know today, made from just seven simple ingredients: sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, milk, cocoa, lecithin, and vanillin.
SuperCrema: The delicious precursor to Nutella, bringing creamy, hazelnut goodness to the world long before the iconic spread we love today. Image Source: YouTube / Business Casual.
Celebrating World Nutella Day
In celebration of Rivella’s creation, World Nutella Day was founded in 2007 and is celebrated every February 5th.
This special day is for Nutella lovers worldwide to share their appreciation for this comforting treat, which has captured hearts in over 160 countries.
Life Beyond the Jar
After retiring, Rivella focused on simpler joys—fruit farming and the traditional Italian sport of pallapugno.
His life balance between hard work and leisure may have been his key to longevity. His passion for living fully, paired with his devotion to family, was something Rivella cherished deeply.
Also read: Break These 13 Dining Taboos and the World Will Gasp—How Not to Embarrass Yourself Globally!
Francesco Rivella leaves behind a legacy that lives on through his three sons, daughter, and seven grandchildren.
His passing, exactly ten years after Michele Ferrero’s death, marks the end of an era for both Ferrero and Nutella fans around the world.
Rivella’s funeral was held in his beloved town of Alba, Italy, and he was laid to rest in Barbaresco.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we remember the sweetness he brought into our lives, one spoonful at a time.
Related articles:
Transform your dessert game with this incredible new mug cake trick!
24 forgotten snacks from the '70s and '80s that will take you straight back in time!
Shed pounds quickly with this dietitian-approved Costco snack!
Did Nutella play a special role in your family’s breakfast traditions? Do you have a favorite way to enjoy this hazelnut spread? Or maybe a memory of Nutella brightening your day? We’d love to hear your stories and thoughts. Share your memories and tributes in the comments below!
Read next: Transform your morning coffee with this astonishing Hong Kong technique!
