Italy’s richest man and the candy maker behind the iconic Nutella hazelnut spread died as millions of Americans indulged in his sweet creations on Valentine’s Day.
Michele Ferrero, whose company spawned Ferrero Rocher chocolates and Kinder eggs, died at age 89 at his home in Monaco. According to BBC News, Ferrero had been battling illness for months.
Ferrero’s father created what would later be widely known as Nutella during World War II when cocoa was in short supply. He used hazelnuts to stretch the little chocolate he had. Years later, Nutella is among one of the most beloved treats in Italy and across the world. Forbes described Michele as the “richest candy man on the planet.”
In a statement, according to the Associated Press, Italian President Sergio Mattarella said Ferrero was, “always ahead of his time thanks to innovative products and his tenacious work and reserved character.”
- Taylor Swift Is TIME's 2023 Person of the Year
- Meet the Nation Builders
- Why Cell Phone Reception Is Getting Worse
- Column: It's Time to Scrap the Abraham Accords
- Israeli Family Celebrates Release of Hostage Grandmother
- In a New Movie, Beyoncé Finds Freedom
- The Top 100 Photos of 2023
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
