Francesco Rivella, regarded as the father of Nutella by many, died in Piedmont, Italy. He was 97 when he died on February 14, 2025, per reports from different outlets.

Nutella’s co-creator Francesco Rivella, who helped develop signature chocolate-hazelnut spread, has passed away.

Francesco Rivella, known for inventing Nutella, passed away at 97 on February 14. Praised for his contribution to Ferrero's iconic spread, he was integral to developing its flavors. Rivella's career was dedicated to perfecting confectioneries at Ferrero,

Francesco Rivella, the Italian chemist renowned for his pivotal role in the creation of Nutella, has passed away at the age of 97.

Francesco Rivella, whose name may not be as instantly recognizable as the iconic hazelnut spread he helped create, passed away on February 14th—Valentine’s Day—at the age of 97. While Pietro Ferrero conceived the initial idea for a sweet treat born from post-war cocoa shortages,

Francesco Rivella, a pioneering chemist in the confectionery industry and a key figure behind the creation of Nutella, passed away on February 14 at the age of 97. Dubbed the “father” of the iconic hazelnut cocoa spread,

Dubbed the “father” of Nutella, Francesco Rivella began working at Italian chocolate and confectionary company Ferrero in 1952