Dear Mr. Neil WHITESMITH, Ferrero’s Country Manager in Japan, Dear Mr. Ravi CANNETTA, Director of Institutional Affairs & Corporate Communications, Ladies and gentlemen, good evening and welcome to the Residence of the Italian Ambassador in Japan, a magnificent place rich of Japanese history and culture dating back to the Edo period and of Italian art and architecture of the mid Sixties.
My wife Sabina and I are delighted to welcome you in a truly special occasion: the “World Nutella Day”! A day when all Nutella lovers from around the globe get together, both in person and virtually, to share stories, exchange recipes and enjoy Nutella in countless delightful ways. This year, we are especially proud to host this celebration in Japan for the first time!
The establishment of a world day dedicated to Nutella highlights just how special this product is. In sixty years, since it was produced for the first time, it has become an icon loved across generations and continents, a true symbol of Italian excellence as recognizable as other “Made in Italy” treasures.
Nutella is an Italian myth that tells the story of Ferrero’s entrepreneurial success. In fact, the most famous spread in the world played a key role in transforming a small Italian business into a global leader in the confectionery industry.
It all began in Alba, a picturesque town in Piedmont region, where in 1946 chocolatier Pietro Ferrero tackled the cocoa scarcity by creating a hazelnut and cocoa paste that could be sliced and spread on bread, named Giandujot after a local carnival character. In the following years, his son, Michele Ferrero, refined the recipe and, in 1964, Nutella was born, marking the start of a worldwide phenomenon.
Personally, Nutella holds a special place in my heart. I still remember the joyful smiles of my children, their faces covered in Nutella after the first bite of their favorite afternoon snack: bread and Nutella, a classic of Italian childhood. I, too, have fond memories of enjoying it as a child and – let’s be honest – even as an adult!
I am sure that many of you can remember happy moments shared with family and friends, accompanied by a Nutella jar or other beloved products that Ferrero has introduced over the years in Japan. We are delighted to see the growing enthusiasm for Ferrero’s products and the brand’s dynamic presence in this country.
Ferrero’s success in Japan reflects the deepening bond between our two Nations. Just as our Governments continue to strengthen their cooperation in many areas, so do our peoples, united by a mutual appreciation of each other’s culture, traditions and culinary excellences. Today’s event is a perfect example of this exchange, celebrating nearly 50 years of Nutella in Japan.
Before giving the floor to Neil WHITESMITH, I want to take a moment to warmly greet Mana IWABUCHI san. We are thrilled that Nutella has chosen you as Brand Ambassador. Thank you for being with us tonight.
Now, it is my pleasure to give the floor to Neil WHITESMITH. However, before I do, let me leave you with a question from a famous commercial that perfectly captures the spirit of Nutella: “What would the world be without Nutella?”
So, Happy World Nutella Day everyone!
Thank you!