In 1946, Ferrero improved on his original idea by making the product softer and more spreadable, calling it “Supercrema.” It wasn’t until 1964 that Pietro’s son, Michele Ferrero, refined the formula and rebranded it as Nutella. The new name was a combination of the English word “nut” and the Italian suffix “-ella,” giving it an international appeal. Nutella quickly became a household staple in Italy and soon spread to other countries, capturing the hearts of chocolate lovers everywhere.
The Phenomenon of Nutella
Nutella’s popularity skyrocketed in the 1960s. In Italy, children could go to markets and receive a small spread of Nutella on bread from vendors, a practice that became known as “spreading Nutella.” The demand for this delicious treat continued to grow, and today, Nutella is sold in over 160 countries.
The brand’s success is undeniable, with a jar of Nutella being sold every 2.5 seconds worldwide. To put this into perspective, the amount of Nutella produced annually is equivalent in weight to the Empire State Building! Additionally, if all the Nutella jars sold in a year were placed side by side, they would be able to circle the globe 1.8 times.