Dubbed the “father” of Nutella by the Italian media, Rivella helped create the world’s most famous hazelnut spread.

Francesco Rivella, the man behind the creation of Nutella, has died. He was 97. The Italian chemist who is credited with developing the beloved Ferrero chocolate hazelnut spread died on Valentine's Day on Friday,

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