Wed Feb 19 09:09:05 UTC 2025: ## Nutella Inventor Francesco Rivella Passes Away at 97
**Los Angeles, February 19, 2025** – Francesco Rivella, the inventor of the beloved hazelnut spread Nutella, passed away on February 14th at the age of 97. News of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes online, with countless individuals expressing gratitude for his contribution to the culinary world.
Rivella, a key figure in the Ferrero company, played a crucial role in the development of Nutella. His career at Ferrero, starting under Michele Ferrero (son of the company founder Pietro Ferrero), involved extensive research and experimentation with ingredients, leading to the creation of the iconic spread. While the first iteration, Giandujot, debuted in 1946, Rivella’s work was instrumental in perfecting the recipe that became globally renowned.
Following his retirement from Ferrero, Rivella dedicated his time to fruit farming and the traditional Italian sport of pallapugno. He is survived by three sons, a daughter, and seven grandchildren.
First Piper 