Nutella Designs Millions Of Unique Limited-Edition Jars

Nutella, in partnership with Ogilvy Italy, used an algorithm to create 7 million unique Nutella jars for a colorful limited-edition release in Italy. But some wonder: Is the role of the designer slowly becoming obsolete?

Millions of “Nutella Unica” jars – each one completely different than the next – were released all over Italy back in February 2017. The hazelnut and chocolate-filled containers were completely sold out in a single month, and have the rest of the world asking: Where and when can I get a jar?

The designs were created by a special algorithm that combined colors and patterns into a nearly endless sequence of possibilities. Each exclusive design was then printed onto the classic Nutella label and given an ID code to “authenticate it as a unique jar.” But given the scalability (and apparent quality) of the designs, will the traditional role of the designer soon take a back seat to…an algorithm?

The abstract-minimalistic designs are miniature works of art in their own right. This first limited edition project was born out of the philosophy that Nutella “can be as special and expressive as every single one of its customers,” hence, the name Nutella Unica.

The launch of the project also included an online video activation that “allowed [customers] to create a customized video to celebrate someone unique,” says Nutella’s PR firm. Now that the whole world has Nutella art envy, we can help but wonder when the delightful little jars will make their way to the United States.

Imagery Credits: Agency, Ogilvy Italy; Paolo Iabichino – Chief Creative Officer; Giuseppe Mastromatteo – Chief Creative Officer; Michael Berger – Group Head of Digital & Business Development; Lavinia Francia – Client Creative Director; Andrea Guzzetti – Senior Art Director; Simone Zanelli – Account Director; Project Leader Ferrero – Serena Lombardo; Printing and software technology: Hp

About the author

Amber C. Snider

Home & Design Editor

Amber was born in Washington, D.C. and relocated to NYC in 2007. She received an M.A. degree in Liberal Studies: Women's Studies, Gender, and Sexuality from CUNY's Graduate Center and University, and an honors B.A. in English from The City College of New York. Before coming to Culture Trip, she was the executive editor for Metropolitan Magazine, a boutique luxury lifestyle and arts publication, as well as the editor for ResidencyNY Magazine. In 2015, she also started her own company, ACS Media Services, and has over 8+ years experience as a writer/editor in the NYC area. As one of the original employees in Culture Trip’s New York City office, Amber focuses on three verticals: Design, Architecture, and Home and Interiors, exploring how creativity and design influences our contemporary social landscape. She lives in Brooklyn with her typewriter.