Nutella maker dies on Valentine’s Day

The world’s richest confectionery maker Michele Ferrero, famed for Nutella, died on Valentine’s Day. The 89-year-old, who had been ill for several months, died yesterday in Monte Carlo where he lived, surrounded by his family, his company said in a statement.

Mr Ferrero was the patriarch of the eponymous family empire best known for its Nutella spread and Ferrero Rocher chocolates. The company’s products also included Tic Tacs and the Kinder line of products, including the famous eggs. His father Pietro started making Nutella when cocoa was still rationed during World War Two. Forbes ranked Mr Ferrero and his family 30th on the list of the world’s richest billionaires in 2014, worth €20.5bn.

The company was one of Italy’s most successful, a prime example of the “Made in Italy” brand of food and luxury goods that has defined the private sector since the war.