Maria Franca Ferrero, the prominent billionaire heiress and president of the Ferrero Group, has died at her residence in Alba, Italy. She was known for leading the company that produces some of the world's most beloved chocolate products, including Nutella, Kinder, Ferrero Rocher, and Tic Tac. Her passing has brought a wave of sorrow to the small northern town of Alba, where the Ferrero factory is located and which is considered the birthplace of the famed chocolate cream.

Having married Michel Ferrero in 1962, Maria often humorously noted her initial aversion to chocolate, yet she became a pivotal figure in the family's business, which she took over following her husband's death in 2015. Under her stewardship, the Ferrero Group expanded significantly, encompassing 40 factories and nearly 50,000 employees, alongside an impressive annual revenue of approximately 18 billion euros. Maria had previously emphasized that she was more than just her husband's secretary, highlighting her role in the company's leadership.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni acknowledged Maria's contributions and her philanthropic work, celebrating her as an exemplary entrepreneur who never forgot her community. Her legacy not only includes the global influence of the Ferrero products but also her commitment to social responsibility, further cementing her status as a significant figure in Italy's business landscape.