Francesco Rivella joined the Italian chocolate and confectionery company Ferrero in 1952, two years before Nutella was introduced, as per the reports
Known worldwide as the father of Nutella, Francesco Rivella, an Italian chemist passed away at age of 97 on 14 February, according to several media reports. Rivella’s funeral was in Alba on Monday and the reports state that he will be laid to rest in Barbaresco.
Rivella was survived by three sons, a daughter and seven grandchildren, the reports added. Rivella joined the Italian chocolate and confectionery company Ferrero in 1952, two years before Nutella was introduced. Reports stated that he was 25 years old at that time and had a degree in bromatological chemistry in Turin.
The media reports added that he was part of Ferrero’s chemistry room where he worked with people who were responsible for the study of raw materials so that to develop new products by blending, refining and tasting ingredients. Rivella then went on to be a senior manager with the company.
The reports highlighted that after retirement, Rivella directed his focus to fruit farming and the traditional Italian sport of pallapugno. As far as the story of Nutella is concerned, its origins trace back to post-war Italy when cocoa was extremely scarce. The reports added that under Rivella’s efforts, Ferrero created a sweet paste made from hazelnuts, sugar and little bit of the rare cocoa.
