Maria Franca Ferrero, the billionaire heiress and wife of the late Michele Ferrero, has died at the age of 87 in her home in Alba, Northern Italy. She played a significant role in the Ferrero chocolate-making business, which has become one of the largest in the world, thanks in large part to the innovations of her husband, Michele, who is famously credited with creating popular products like Nutella and Kinder. The Ferrero family legacy began with Michele's father, Pietro Ferrero, and uncle, Giovanni Ferrero, who founded the Ferrero Group in 1946, focusing on affordable chocolate products.

Maria Franca's life intertwined deeply with the success of Ferrero Group, which has established iconic brands such as Ferrero Rocher and Tic Tacs. Her wealth, estimated at around €2.2 billion, placed her among Italy's richest women. She was the mother of Giovanni Ferrero, currently serving as chairman of the family-run business, ensuring that the legacy of innovation and quality in chocolate production continues. The family faced tragedy when her other son, Pietro Ferrero, passed away in a cycling accident in 2011 at the age of 47, an event that deeply affected the family and the company.

As her passing marks the end of an era for the Ferrero family and the chocolate industry, it raises reflections on the impacts of familial leadership within enterprise growth. Maria Franca's story signifies the balance of personal and professional life amid fame and fortune, highlighting her influential yet often understated role in shaping the Ferrero brand. Her legacy will carry on through the continued success of the Ferrero Group, which remains a leader in the global confectionery market.