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Michele Ferrero, an emblematic Italian billionaire who transformed his father's bakery into Ferrero SpA, the powerhouse behind confections like Nutella and Ferrero Rocher, passed away at 89 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on February 14, 2015. Born in Dogliani, Italy, in 1925, Ferrero's innovative spirit led him to enrich gianduja paste with vegetable oil, creating the beloved Nutella. Ascending to Italy's wealthiest status in 2008 with a $26 billion fortune, he was globally recognized by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index as the 20th richest in May 2014. Ferrero's commitment extended beyond business, evident in his annual pilgrimages to Lourdes and honoring factories with Madonna statues. His legacy lives on through Ferrero's household brands and his family, to whom he passed on his ethical and entrepreneurial spirit.
April 26, 1925 in Dogliani, Piedmont, Italy
February 14, 2015 (aged 89)
Chocolates
Italy
Maria Franca Fissolo
Pietro, Giovanni
Pietro Ferrero, Piera Cillario
Michele Ferrero was born on April 26, 1925, in Dogliani, Italy. He was the only child of Pietro Ferrero, the founder of the Ferrero company, and Piera Cillario.
Michele Ferrero & family: Family
Michele Ferrero married Maria Franca Fissolo in 1962. They had two sons together, Giovanni and Pietro Jr.
Michele Ferrero & family: Career Highlights
Michele Ferrero joined the Ferrero company in 1949. He became the richest person in Italy with a personal wealth of $26 billion, surpassing Silvio Berlusconi in 2008. He was ranked as the 20th richest person globally by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index in May 2014.
Ferrero's brands include Nutella, Mon Chéri, Kinder Chocolate, Ferrero Rocher, Tic Tacs, and Kinder Eggs. He co-led the company with his sons, Giovanni and Pietro, from 1997. He became the sole CEO after Pietro's death in 2011.
Michele Ferrero & family: Companies
Michele Ferrero was the owner of Ferrero SpA, Europe's second-largest confectionery company. He developed the company from his father's bakery and café in Alba, Piedmont. He achieved success by adding vegetable oil to traditional gianduja paste to create Nutella.
Michele Ferrero & family: Major Achievements
Michele Ferrero turned Ferrero SpA into a global confectionery giant. He is credited with creating some of the world's most popular chocolate brands, including Nutella, Kinder Chocolate, and Ferrero Rocher.
Michele Ferrero & family: Awards & Achievements
Michele Ferrero received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the food industry. He was knighted by the Italian government and was also awarded the Knight of the Order of Merit for Labour and the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
Michele Ferrero & family: Personal Life & Legacy
Michele Ferrero was a devout Catholic who visited the Lourdes shrine annually and placed a Madonna in every factory and office. He passed away on February 14, 2015, at his home in Monte Carlo, Monaco, at the age of 89.
Michele Ferrero & family: Trivia
Michele Ferrero was a keen cyclist and often rode his bike to work.
He was also a fan of opera and classical music.
Michele Ferrero is born in Dogliani, Italy.
Michele Ferrero joins the Ferrero company.
Michele Ferrero marries Maria Franca Fissolo.
Michele Ferrero is awarded the Knight of the Order of Merit for Labour.
Michele Ferrero co-leads the Ferrero company with his sons, Giovanni and Pietro.
Michele Ferrero is awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
Michele Ferrero becomes the richest person in Italy, surpassing Silvio Berlusconi.
Michele Ferrero is ranked as the 20th richest person globally by Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Michele Ferrero passes away at his home in Monte Carlo, Monaco, at the age of 89.
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