World Nutella Day: How an Italian Spread Became a Global Phenomenon

Every year since 2007, February 5 has been celebrated as World Nutella Day, a holiday that has gained international recognition and unites millions of fans of the famous chocolate-hazelnut spread. The Nutella brand, known worldwide and especially popular among children, secured its place among global celebrations almost immediately. The idea came from Sarah Rosso, an American blogger living in Italy, who proposed marking February 5, 2007, as World Nutella Day. The initiative quickly gained support from millions of admirers of the sweet spread. The Origins of Nutella in Postwar Italy Nutella is a chocolate-hazelnut spread that originated in Italy. Its story begins in the postwar years in the town of Alba. In 1946, pastry maker and bakery owner Pietro Ferrero began producing soft chocolate bars called Gianduja, named after a traditional local carnival character.