The heiress to the Ferrero chocolate and confectionery empire, Maria Franca Ferrero, has passed away at the age of 87 in her home in Alba, Italy. She was the wife of the late Michele Ferrero, renowned for creating Nutella and Kinder, which led to the global success of the Ferrero Group.
The company, established in 1946 by Michele’s father and uncle, specializes in producing popular confectionery brands such as Ferrero Rocher, Nutella, and Kinder, distributed in more than 170 countries. Financial data indicates a 4.6% increase in annual revenue, with a total turnover of €19.3 billion (£16.8 billion) as of August 31, 2025, employing nearly 49,000 individuals worldwide.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised Mrs. Ferrero’s contribution to business and community values, highlighting her as a role model for enterprise and community welfare. Despite initially expressing a dislike for chocolate, Maria Franca Ferrero married Michele in 1962 and supported him for over five decades until his passing in 2015.
As one of Italy’s wealthiest women, Mrs. Ferrero possessed a personal fortune estimated at approximately €2.2 billion (£1.9 billion). She resided in various locations before settling in Alba, where the Ferrero legacy began. Last year, she was appointed as the honorary life president of Ferrero International S.A., the group’s holding company, in recognition of her significant role.
Maria Franca Ferrero also oversaw the Ferrero Foundation, providing support and services to Ferrero retirees and seniors in Italy, France, and Germany, along with offering scholarships to employees’ children. She was the mother of Giovanni Ferrero, the present chairman of the Ferrero Group, and the late Pietro Ferrero, who tragically passed away in 2011.
Survived by her son, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, Maria Franca Ferrero leaves behind a lasting legacy within the Ferrero family and the confectionery industry.
