There are probably few people on earth who don’t love a little indulgent Nutella snack. While many of us enjoy it, we all probably don’t understand the story behind it. Thankfully Nutella World: 50 Years Of Innovation by Gigi Padovani is here to clear that up.
For the past 50 years, ubiquitous jars of this hazelnut cocoa spread have accompanied breakfasts and snacks of people around the world. Yet it all began shortly after World War II in a small town in Northern Italy. It was then that pastry shop owner Pietro Ferrero created the first version of Nutella in a solid block form. A few years later he refined his recipe to a cream that could be spread on bread. Later on in the 1960s, Ferrero’s son Michele bestowed upon the sweet snack the name of Nutella as it’s known today.
This delightful book traces Nutella’s 50-year journey, from its humble beginnings to its milestone anniversary that was celebrated by people the world over. From Nutella’s almost cult-like status to its prominence in pop culture, film, and literature, it is an enduring icon and delicious snack.
Perhaps most interestingly, the book also details Nutella’s considered and careful production methods, from the selection of raw materials, to its organizational sensitivity to quality issues and respect for the environment, and to the community values it places at the heart of its business. In an age of venture capitalism, Nutella still remains a company of entrepreneurs with no stock market options, no mergers or acquisitions, and an enduring connection to the places it operates in.