In case you didn’t know, a super festive international holiday is coming up next month. No, Christmas isn’t late, and Easter isn’t early: it’s World Nutella Day, celebrated on February 5th. So, are you ready for some jaw-dropping facts about this beloved spread? Let’s begin.
It Uses a Shocking Amount of Global Hazelnut Supply
Ferrero, the mastermind behind Nutella, annually secures no less than a quarter (!) of the world’s hazelnut supply, surpassing 100,000 tons. According to the company, two years’ worth of its hazelnuts could fill the entire Roman Colosseum. In 2014, Ferrero solidified its grip on hazelnuts by acquiring the leading supplier, the Otlan Group.
Its Roots Date Back to the 19th Century
In 1806, Napoleon’s attempt to freeze British commerce gave rise to a chocolate revolution in Turin. Facing scarcity, chocolatiers added hazelnuts to chocolate, creating gianduja, a precursor to Nutella. Fast forward to post-World War II rationing, and Italian pastry maker Pietro Ferrero once again turned to hazelnuts in 1946, creating Pasta Gianduja. The recipe was later transformed into spreadable form, then marketed as Nutella by Pietro’s son.
It’s Part of a Chocolate Empire
Beyond Nutella’s glory, Ferrero reigns over a chocolate empire that includes Ferrero Rocher, Kinder, and even the iconic Tic Tac. The refreshing mint candies, born in 1969, share a sweet timeline with Nutella, proving Ferrero’s talent for crafting irresistible treats.
Initially, It Was Made as a Loaf
Imagine Nutella as a loaf—a chocolate-hazelnut masterpiece designed to be sliced and layered on bread, somewhat like pastrami or cheese slices (weird but true). Ferrero’s early innovation paved the way for today’s insanely popular spread version we all know (and love).
