World Nutella Day survives after Ferrero reaches out to superfan
This article, from the Los Angeles Times, would at first appear to be frivolous, but it is actually an excellent example of a consumer product with a global reach.
In this article, we learn that a group of Nutella fans had created a new holiday, World Nutella Day (observed February 5) and had been hit with a cease-and-desist order from Ferrero Rocher (the Italian firm that manufactures the product). In this update (May 22), we learn that Ferrero Rocher has come to an agreement with the holiday's founder, Sara Rosso, most likely in response to the outrage expressed by numerous Nutella fans (addicts ?).
Note the obligatory Facebook page.
Ina statement on the World Nutella Day's website , we further learn that:
"I’m relieved to say there’s been a positive resolution to the situation. Ferrero employees reached out to me directly after I had posted my fan letter online and sent my formal reply to their C&D. They were very gracious and supportive and we were able to have a productive discussion about World Nutella Day living on for the fans, which is the whole point."
So what's the international connection here, apart from the fact that it's a US fan (although she lives in Italy) and an Italian company?
Nutella's sold in North America (US and Canada), all over Europe, Middle East, North Africa and Australia/New Zealand -- anywhere where there's a population that can afford such an indulgence [1]
Some representative news coverage of the controversy (and other Nutella news), from:
[1]It’s not a question of whether people worldwide like chocolate. Chocolate is a universal. Chocolate sales are just beginning to take off in Asia; the linked article uses the phrase “no sign of slowing”
