... Creation of the Legendary Chocolate Spread On February 14, 2025, Francesco Rivella passed away at the age of 98. The Italian chemist played a pivotal role in the creation of the world-renowned chocolate-hazelnut spread Nutella. His contributions to the Ferrero company and the global confectionery industry are immeasurable. Early Years and Career Start Francesco Rivella was born in 1927 in the municipality of Barbaresco, located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. After graduating from the Faculty ...