William Salice: Creator of the Kinder Surprise dies, aged 83

The popular sweet was invented in 1974

William Salice in 2005 (REX features)

The man credited with inventing the Kinder Surprise has died, aged 83.

William Salice, passed away on Thursday in Pavia, northern Italy after suffering a stroke, according to Italian media.

Salice created the Kinder Surprise – the egg-shaped chocolate and white chocolate sweet which contains a toy inside – in 1974. The idea for the chocolate was a solution for the company of what to do with Easter egg moulds for the remainder of the year, reports the BBC.

He worked closely with the Ferrero family, who, as well as being behind the Kinder Surprise created the chocolate and hazelnut Nutella spread and Ferrero Rochers. The company’s boss, Michele Ferrero – Italy’s richest man – died last year.

Salice retired in 2007 and has since been an active part of his foundation Colour Me Life, a not for profit foundation which encourages and nurtures young talent in Italy.