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Kit Kat bars in the [[United States]] are produced under licence by The Hershey Company, a Nestlé competitor, due to a prior licensing agreement with Rowntree.
Kit Kat bars in the [[United States]] are produced under licence by The Hershey Company, a Nestlé competitor, due to a prior licensing agreement with Rowntree.


The year 2003 was a turning point for the Kit Kat bar as well as the [[confectionery]] industry in general. The popularity of [[low carb]] diets and the push to healthier eating stifled sales growth in many parts of the world. In addition, fierce competition from [[Cadbury Schweppes|Cadbury's]] newly formed [[Dairy Milk]] superbrand also contributed to sales of the Kit Kat decreasing considerably in its home market of the UK, and threatened to depose it from its #1 position.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3560857.stm Fat profits: Choc tactics], [[BBC News]], 24 March 2004</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3315183.stm Consumers 'snub unhealthy brands'], [[BBC News]], 13 December 2003</ref>
The year 2003 was a turning point for the Kit Kat bar as well as the [[confectionery]] industry in general. The popularity of [[low carb]] diets and the push to healthier eating stifled sales growth in many parts of the world. In addition, fierce competition from [[Cadbury Schweppes|Cadbury's]] newly formed [[Dairy Milk]] superbrand also contributed to sales of the Kit Kat decreasing considerably in its home market of the UK, and threatened to depose it from its #1 position.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3560857.stm Fat profits: Choc tactics], [[BBC News]], 24 March 2004</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3315183.stm Consumers 'snub unhealthy brands'], [[BBC News]], 13 December 2003</ref>
The solution adopted by Nestlé and others was to increase dramatically the number of new and unique variations of their confections and market them as [[Special edition|limited]] or [[Special edition|special]] editions, whereby they would usually only be available for a few months at a time so as not to impact the sales of their permanent edition counterparts.<ref>Robert Uhlig, [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/02/19/nkit19.xml Cheesecake Kit Kat? Give us a break], [[Daily Telegraph]], February 19, 2004</ref> The strategy initially reversed the decline of the Kit Kat<ref>http://www.irn-talkingshop.co.uk/categorymanager/nestlerowntree/nestle%20temp/pressrelease/Lemon%20Yoghurt%20Boosts%20Kit Kat.pdf</ref> and has been adopted worldwide by Nestlé, Hershey, [[Mars Incorporated|Mars]] and others with similar success.<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/Business/story?id=950088& Limited Editions Are Latest Candy Craze], [[ABC News]], July 18, 2005</ref><ref>Jenn Abelson, [http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/05/02/limited_edition_candies_sweeten_the_marketplace?mode=PF Limited-edition candies sweeten the marketplace], [[Boston Globe]], May 2, 2005</ref>
The solution adopted by Nestlé and others was to increase dramatically the number of new and unique variations of their confections and market them as [[Special edition|limited]] or [[Special edition|special]] editions, whereby they would usually only be available for a few months at a time so as not to impact the sales of their permanent edition counterparts.<ref>Robert Uhlig, [http://web.archive.org/web/20041118050154/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/02/19/nkit19.xml Cheesecake Kit Kat? Give us a break], [[Daily Telegraph]], February 19, 2004</ref> The strategy initially reversed the decline of the Kit Kat<ref>[http://www.irn-talkingshop.co.uk/categorymanager/nestlerowntree/nestle%20temp/pressrelease/Lemon%20Yoghurt%20Boosts%20Kit Kat.pdf]{{dead link|date=December 2010}}</ref> and has been adopted worldwide by Nestlé, Hershey, [[Mars Incorporated|Mars]] and others with similar success.<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/Business/story?id=950088& Limited Editions Are Latest Candy Craze], [[ABC News]], July 18, 2005</ref><ref>Jenn Abelson, [http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/05/02/limited_edition_candies_sweeten_the_marketplace/ Limited-edition candies sweeten the marketplace], [[Boston Globe]], May 2, 2005</ref>


This has resulted in many new flavours and varieties of the Kit Kat and other confections appearing globally since then. While some flavours have been hits, many have flopped, alienating some consumers in the process, causing Nestlé to scale back on new releases.{{Citation needed|date=August 2010}}
This has resulted in many new flavours and varieties of the Kit Kat and other confections appearing globally since then. While some flavours have been hits, many have flopped, alienating some consumers in the process, causing Nestlé to scale back on new releases.{{Citation needed|date=August 2010}}


In late 2005, Chris White, the managing director of Nestlé Rowntree abruptly left his job amid controversy that his marketing strategies may in fact have had a negative impact on Kit Kat and confection sales in the long term.<ref>[http://www.brandrepublic.com/bulletins/digital/article/527911/nestle-crisis-follows-crisis-nestle/ Nestle: Crisis follows crisis at Nestle], Brand Republic, November 16, 2005 (pay)</ref> Also, in September 2006 Nestlé announced they were eliminating 25% of their workforce in York and moving production of [[Smarties]] to Germany. One of the reasons given for the cuts and moves was so the York factory could be modernised for Kit Kat production to continue.<ref>[http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlebusiness.aspx?type=businessNews&storyID=2006-09-20T165459Z_01_ZAT005483_RTRUKOC_0_UK-FOOD-NESTLE1.xml] [[Reuters]], September 9, 2006 (link now dead)</ref>
In late 2005, Chris White, the managing director of Nestlé Rowntree abruptly left his job amid controversy that his marketing strategies may in fact have had a negative impact on Kit Kat and confection sales in the long term.<ref>[http://www.brandrepublic.com/bulletins/digital/article/527911/nestle-crisis-follows-crisis-nestle/ Nestle: Crisis follows crisis at Nestle], Brand Republic, November 16, 2005 (pay)</ref> Also, in September 2006 Nestlé announced they were eliminating 25% of their workforce in York and moving production of [[Smarties]] to Germany. One of the reasons given for the cuts and moves was so the York factory could be modernised for Kit Kat production to continue.<ref>[http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlebusiness.aspx?type=businessNews&storyID=2006-09-20T165459Z_01_ZAT005483_RTRUKOC_0_UK-FOOD-NESTLE1.xml]{{dead link|date=December 2010}} [[Reuters]], September 9, 2006 (link now dead)</ref>


As dark chocolate has seen increased demand and favour worldwide because of its purported health benefits, September 2006 saw the launch of the four-finger Kit Kat Fine Dark in the UK as a permanent edition, as well as new packaging for the entire brand.{{Citation needed|date=July 2007}} Hershey had sold the four-finger Kit Kat Dark in the US several years previously as a limited edition, and has begun doing so again.<ref>[http://www.hersheys.com/productlocator/index.asp Hersheys Product Locator]</ref>
As dark chocolate has seen increased demand and favour worldwide because of its purported health benefits, September 2006 saw the launch of the four-finger Kit Kat Fine Dark in the UK as a permanent edition, as well as new packaging for the entire brand.{{Citation needed|date=July 2007}} Hershey had sold the four-finger Kit Kat Dark in the US several years previously as a limited edition, and has begun doing so again.<ref>[http://www.thehersheycompany.com/contact-us/locate-hard-to-find-products.aspx Hersheys Product Locator]</ref>


Nestle now manufactures two finger Kit Kats with natural flavourings, and for the first time, Kit Kats in this format are suitable for vegetarians. It is not known at this date whether or not other varieties will follow suit.
Nestle now manufactures two finger Kit Kats with natural flavourings, and for the first time, Kit Kats in this format are suitable for vegetarians. It is not known at this date whether or not other varieties will follow suit.
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Originally named Rowntree's chocolate crisp, the traditional red wrapper of the original bar briefly became blue between 1945–1947. As a result of milk shortages after the end of World War II, the milk chocolate coating was suspended and a dark chocolate was used instead during that period.
Originally named Rowntree's chocolate crisp, the traditional red wrapper of the original bar briefly became blue between 1945–1947. As a result of milk shortages after the end of World War II, the milk chocolate coating was suspended and a dark chocolate was used instead during that period.


[[File:KitKat US logo.svg|thumb|The [[United States]] version of the logo.]]The Hershey Company has a licence to produce Kit Kat bars in the United States which dates from 1969, when Hershey executed a licensing agreement for both the Kit Kat and the [[Rolo]] with Rowntree. Nestlé, which has a substantial presence in the US, had to honour the licensing agreement which allows Hershey to retain the Kit Kat / Rolo licence so long as Hershey is not sold. This was a factor in Hershey's failed attempt to attract a serious buyer in 2002.<ref>[http://www.confectionerynews.com/news/ng.asp?id=14092-nestle-quiet-on Nestlé quiet on Hershey sale], Confectionery News, August 05, 2002</ref><ref>Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/08/27/BU3088.DTL&type=business Possible buyers, seller far apart on Hershey sale], [[San Francisco Chronicle]], August 27, 2002</ref>
[[File:KitKat US logo.svg|thumb|The [[United States]] version of the logo.]]The Hershey Company has a licence to produce Kit Kat bars in the United States which dates from 1969, when Hershey executed a licensing agreement for both the Kit Kat and the [[Rolo]] with Rowntree. Nestlé, which has a substantial presence in the US, had to honour the licensing agreement which allows Hershey to retain the Kit Kat / Rolo licence so long as Hershey is not sold. This was a factor in Hershey's failed attempt to attract a serious buyer in 2002.<ref>[http://www.confectionerynews.com/Markets/Nestle-quiet-on-Hershey-sale Nestlé quiet on Hershey sale], Confectionery News, August 05, 2002</ref><ref>Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/08/27/BU3088.DTL&type=business Possible buyers, seller far apart on Hershey sale], [[San Francisco Chronicle]], August 27, 2002</ref>


Hershey's Kit Kat packaging and advertising in the USA has differed from the branding used in every other country where it is sold, although in 2002 Hershey Kit Kats finally started to adopt the slanted [[ellipse]] [[logo]] used worldwide by Nestlé (though the ellipse is red and the text is white, rather than the other way around). It is possible to purchase the (imported) Nestle version of the Kit Kat Chunky in various specialty shops in the US.
Hershey's Kit Kat packaging and advertising in the USA has differed from the branding used in every other country where it is sold, although in 2002 Hershey Kit Kats finally started to adopt the slanted [[ellipse]] [[logo]] used worldwide by Nestlé (though the ellipse is red and the text is white, rather than the other way around). It is possible to purchase the (imported) Nestle version of the Kit Kat Chunky in various specialty shops in the US.
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===Fairtrade===
===Fairtrade===
In December 2009, it was announced that the four finger variety of Kit Kat would use [[Fairtrade]] chocolate (at least in Britain and Ireland) from January 2010.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinknews/6730155/Nestles-Kit-Kat-goes-Fairtrade.html Nestle's Kit Kat goes Fairtrade] The Telegraph, December 7, 2009</ref> It has also been announced that the fair trade Kit Kat promotion will be extended to the finger edition as of January 2010.<ref>{{cite web | title=Not so fair trade | url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cif-green/2009/dec/12/fair-trade-fairtrade-kitkat-farmers | publisher=[[The Guardian]] | last=Chambers | first=Andrew | date=12 Dec 2009 | accessdate=1 Jun 2010 }}</ref>
In December 2009, it was announced that the four finger variety of Kit Kat would use [[Fairtrade]] chocolate (at least in Britain and Ireland) from January 2010.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinknews/6730155/Nestles-Kit-Kat-goes-Fairtrade.html Nestle's Kit Kat goes Fairtrade] The Telegraph, December 7, 2009</ref> It has also been announced that the fair trade Kit Kat promotion will be extended to the finger edition as of January 2010.<ref>{{cite web | title=Not so fair trade | url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cif-green/2009/dec/12/fair-trade-fairtrade-kitkat-farmers | publisher=The Guardian | last=Chambers | first=Andrew | date=12 Dec 2009 | accessdate=1 Jun 2010 }}</ref>


==Varieties==
==Varieties==
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| "Caramel Macchiato"
| "Caramel Macchiato"
| Japan
| Japan
| <ref>[http://p.nestle.co.jp/Kit Kat/limited/kk_caramel_mac.html "ネスレ キットカットキャラメルマキアート味"]. Retrieved 7 October 2008. {{ja icon}}</ref>
| <ref>[http://p.nestle.co.jp/Kit Kat/limited/kk_caramel_mac.html "ネスレ キットカットキャラメルマキアート味"]{{dead link|date=December 2010}}. Retrieved 7 October 2008. {{ja icon}}</ref>
|-
|-
| "Caramel Pudding"
| "Caramel Pudding"
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|
|
|-
|-
| "Fruit Parfait"
| "Fruit Parfait"
| Japan
| Japan
|
|
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| Japan
| Japan
| Regional variety available in Yamagata, Miyagi and Fukushima prefecture. Mashed edamame beans flavour.
| Regional variety available in Yamagata, Miyagi and Fukushima prefecture. Mashed edamame beans flavour.
|-
|}
|}


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| Worldwide
| Worldwide
| Permanent or temporary edition depending on region.
| Permanent or temporary edition depending on region.
|-
|}
|}


===Other forms and shapes===
===Other forms and shapes===
{{Prose|section|date=July 2009}}
{{Prose|section|date=July 2009}}
*Kit Kat Choc'n'Go &mdash; France (box of individually wrapped fingers)
*Kit Kat Choc'n'Go — France (box of individually wrapped fingers)
*Kit Kat Choc'n'Go Dark Choco &mdash; France (limited edition, dark chocolate coating with caramelised cocoa pieces)
*Kit Kat Choc'n'Go Dark Choco — France (limited edition, dark chocolate coating with caramelised cocoa pieces)
*Kit Kat Delight &mdash; Italy
*Kit Kat Delight — Italy
*Kit Kat Family Block &mdash; Australia (twelve finger family size bar)
*Kit Kat Family Block — Australia (twelve finger family size bar)
*Kit Kat Family Block Chocolate Overload &mdash; Australia
*Kit Kat Family Block Chocolate Overload — Australia
*Kit Kat I-Stick &mdash; Japan limited edition (creamy bitter chocolate between wafers and dark chocolate coating, two stick format sold in cooler or freezer section of stores)
*Kit Kat I-Stick — Japan limited edition (creamy bitter chocolate between wafers and dark chocolate coating, two stick format sold in cooler or freezer section of stores)
*Kit Kat Stick &mdash; Japan (box of individually wrapped long Kit Kat fingers)
*Kit Kat Stick — Japan (box of individually wrapped long Kit Kat fingers)
*Kit Kat Stick Almond &mdash; Japan
*Kit Kat Stick Almond — Japan
*Kit Kat Stick Half Bitter &mdash; Japan
*Kit Kat Stick Half Bitter — Japan
*Kit Kat Tablet &mdash; France (same as Kit Kat Family Block)
*Kit Kat Tablet — France (same as Kit Kat Family Block)
*Kit Kat Ball &mdash; France (bag of round bite-size pieces)
*Kit Kat Ball — France (bag of round bite-size pieces)
*Kit Kat Bites &mdash; US, Malaysia (similar to Kit Kat ball)
*Kit Kat Bites — US, Malaysia (similar to Kit Kat ball)
*Kit Kat Little &mdash; Japan (newer version of Kit Kat Baby)
*Kit Kat Little — Japan (newer version of Kit Kat Baby)
*Kit Kat Pop Choc &mdash; UK, Germany, Poland, The Netherlands, Sweden (also identical to Kit Kat Ball)
*Kit Kat Pop Choc — UK, Germany, Poland, The Netherlands, Sweden (also identical to Kit Kat Ball)
*Kit Kat Kubes &mdash; UK (square-shaped miniature pieces)
*Kit Kat Kubes — UK (square-shaped miniature pieces)
*Kit Kat Chunky &mdash; The Netherlands (bigger size Kit Kat Chunky)
*Kit Kat Chunky — The Netherlands (bigger size Kit Kat Chunky)
*Kit Kat Senses; Czech Republic, Canada, Poland, Saudi Arabia, UK and Ireland (hazelnut praline centered)<ref name="Kit Kat Senses">http://www.canadaonly.ca/products/Kit-Kat-Senses.html "Canadian Kit Kat Senses"</ref>
*Kit Kat Senses; Czech Republic, Canada, Poland, Saudi Arabia, UK and Ireland (hazelnut praline centered)<ref name="Kit Kat Senses">http://www.canadaonly.ca/products/Kit-Kat-Senses.html "Canadian Kit Kat Senses"</ref>
*Kit Kat Senses Easter Egg &mdash; UK (chocolate egg with a Senses bar)
*Kit Kat Senses Easter Egg — UK (chocolate egg with a Senses bar)
*Kit Kat Chunky Duo &mdash; UK (a little larger than a Kit Kat Chunky King size, and split into two separate bars)
*Kit Kat Chunky Duo — UK (a little larger than a Kit Kat Chunky King size, and split into two separate bars)
*Kit Kat (Finger size) &mdash; Pakistan (almost half the size of a Kit Kat bar)
*Kit Kat (Finger size) — Pakistan (almost half the size of a Kit Kat bar)
*Kit Kat Watermelon Minis &mdash; Japan<ref name="rinkya">http://rinkya.blogspot.com/2008/09/new-kit-kats-for-order-on-rinkya.html "New Kit Kats For Order On Rinkya!" (9 September 2008). Retrieved on 7 October 2008.</ref>
*Kit Kat Watermelon Minis — Japan<ref name=autogenerated1>http://rinkya.blogspot.com/2008/09/new-kit-kats-for-order-on-rinkya.html "New Kit Kats For Order On Rinkya!" (9 September 2008). Retrieved on 7 October 2008.</ref>
*Kit Kat Black Sugar Minis &mdash; Japan<ref name="rinkya"/>
*Kit Kat Black Sugar Minis — Japan<ref name="rinkya"/>
*Kit Kat Cone &mdash; Japan, Denmark (ice-cream cone with vanilla ice-cream covered in chocolate with a single Kit Kat stick in the top)
*Kit Kat Cone — Japan, Denmark (ice-cream cone with vanilla ice-cream covered in chocolate with a single Kit Kat stick in the top)
*Kit Kat Caramel Pudding Minis &mdash; Japan
*Kit Kat Caramel Pudding Minis — Japan
*Kit Kat Little with Chili Powder &mdash; Japan
*Kit Kat Little with Chili Powder — Japan
*Kit Kat Orange
*Kit Kat Orange
*Kit Kat Mint
*Kit Kat Mint
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===UK===
===UK===
Milk chocolate (66%) ([[sugar]], [[cocoa butter]], [[cocoa mass]], dried skimmed [[milk]], [[whey]] powder, butterfat,
Milk chocolate (66%) ([[sugar]], [[cocoa butter]], [[cocoa mass]], dried skimmed [[milk]], [[whey]] powder, butterfat,
[[vegetable fat]], [[lactose]], [[Emulsion|emulsifier]] ([[Soybean|soya]] [[lecithin]]), flavouring), [[wheat]] [[flour]], sugar, vegetable fat, cocoa mass, [[yeast]], raising agent ([[sodium bicarbonate]]), [[salt]], [[calcium sulfate|calcium sulphate]] (a.k.a food-grade [[gypsum]]), flavouring. In 2006, the UK four-finger Kit Kat contained 233 dietary [[calorie]]s (kcal) (975 [[kilojoule]]s). In 2009, the two-finger Kit Kat contained 107 calories<ref>http://kitkat.co.uk/textonly/now/</ref>
[[vegetable fat]], [[lactose]], [[Emulsion|emulsifier]] ([[Soybean|soya]] [[lecithin]]), flavouring), [[wheat]] [[flour]], sugar, vegetable fat, cocoa mass, [[yeast]], raising agent ([[sodium bicarbonate]]), [[salt]], [[calcium sulfate|calcium sulphate]] (a.k.a food-grade [[gypsum]]), flavouring. In 2006, the UK four-finger Kit Kat contained 233 dietary [[calorie]]s (kcal) (975 [[kilojoule]]s). In 2009, the two-finger Kit Kat contained 107 calories.<ref>[http://kitkat.co.uk/textonly/now/]{{dead link|date=December 2010}}</ref><ref>[http://www.easier.com/29099-a-low-calorie-treat-from-kitkat.html A low calorie treat from KitKat | Easier<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
.<ref>http://www.easier.com/view/Lifestyle/Health_and_Fitness/Diet/article-156784.html</ref>


====Golden ticket draw====
====Golden ticket draw====
During the first three weeks of ''[[Big Brother 2006 (UK)|Big Brother Series 7]]'', [[Channel 4]] conducted a promotion in conjunction with [[Nestle]] to distribute 100 "golden tickets" randomly throughout Kit Kats, in a style reminiscent of the story ''[[Charlie and the Chocolate Factory]]''. Members of the public finding these tickets were permitted to use them to give themselves a chance to become a ''Big Brother'' housemate and bypass the standard auditions process.
During the first three weeks of ''[[Big Brother 2006 (UK)|Big Brother Series 7]]'', [[Channel 4]] conducted a promotion in conjunction with [[Nestle]] to distribute 100 "golden tickets" randomly throughout Kit Kats, in a style reminiscent of the story ''[[Charlie and the Chocolate Factory]]''. Members of the public finding these tickets were permitted to use them to give themselves a chance to become a ''Big Brother'' housemate and bypass the standard auditions process.


Golden ticket holders were invited to a television show where one of them, [[List of Big Brother 2006 housemates (UK)#Susie|Susie Verrico]], was chosen to enter the House by [[List of Big Brother 2006 housemates (UK)#Aisleyne|Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace]], picking a ball out of a machine at random.
Golden ticket holders were invited to a television show where one of them, [[Susie Verrico]], was chosen to enter the House by [[List of Big Brother 2006 housemates (UK)#Aisleyne|Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace]], picking a ball out of a machine at random.


This contest caused some controversy, with the [[Advertising Standards Authority (United Kingdom)|Advertising Standards Authority]] saying that the terms and conditions of the draw should have been made clearer in related advertisements, and that an independent adjudicator should have been present before and during the draw.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.itv.com/news/entertainment_3c26360018cbcc12d9c89259fbfc6132.html| title=ITV News Website:Big Brother contest slammed again| accessdate=2006-10-11}}</ref>
This contest caused some controversy, with the [[Advertising Standards Authority (United Kingdom)|Advertising Standards Authority]] saying that the terms and conditions of the draw should have been made clearer in related advertisements, and that an independent adjudicator should have been present before and during the draw.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.itv.com/news/entertainment_3c26360018cbcc12d9c89259fbfc6132.html| title=ITV News Website:Big Brother contest slammed again| accessdate=2006-10-11}}</ref>

Revision as of 22:13, 6 December 2010

For other uses of "Kit Kat" or "Kit Cat", see Kit Kat (disambiguation).
Kit Kat
International KitKat logo
International KitKat logo
Product typeConfectionery
OwnerNestlé
CountryUnited Kingdom
Introduced1935
MarketsWorld
WebsiteKit Kat

A Kit Kat is a chocolate confection which was first created by Rowntree's of York, England, and now produced worldwide by Nestlé, which acquired Rowntree in 1988,[1] except in the United States where it is made under licence by The Hershey Company. Each bar consists of fingers composed of three layers of crème-filled wafer, covered in an outer layer of chocolate. Each finger can be snapped from the bar one at a time.

History

Kit Kat split in half

The origins of the 'Kit Kat' brand stem back to 1911, when Rowntree, a confectionery company based in York in the United Kingdom, trademarked the terms 'Kit Cat' and 'Kit Kat'. Although the terms were not immediately utilised, the first conception of the Kit Kat appeared in the 1920s, where Rowntree launched a brand of boxed chocolates entitled 'Kit Cat'. The 'Kit Cat' product continued into the 1930s, when Rowntree shifted focus and production on strong assortment brands, 'Black Magic' and 'Dairy Box'. With the promotion of alternative products, the 'Kit Cat' brand eventually decreased and was eventually discontinued.[2] The 'Kit Kat' brand emerged in 1939. The original four-finger bar was developed after a worker at the Rowntree York Factory put a suggestion in a recommendation box for a snack that "a man could take to work in his pack up".[3] The bar launched on the 29th of August, 1935, under the title of 'Rowntree's Chocolate Crisp' (priced at 2d), and was sold in London and throughout Southern England. The success of the four finger bar led to the later creation of the two-finger version, which was launched on May 15, 1946.

The product's official title of 'Rowntree's Chocolate Crisp' was renamed to 'Kit Kat Chocolate Crisp' in 1937, the same year that 'Kit Kat' began to incorporate 'Break' into their recognisable advertising strategy.[2] The colour scheme and first flavour variation to the brand came in 1942, owing to World War II, when food shortages prompted an alteration in the recipe. The flavour of 'Kit Kat' was changed to 'dark', and the packaging abandoned its 'Chocolate Crisp' title, and was adorned in blue.[4] After the war, the title was altered to 'Kit Kat' and resumed its original milk recipe and original red packaging.

4-finger Kit Kat

Due to a widespread success in the United Kingdom, 'Kit Kat' picked up global supplying and recognition in the 1950s when the brand was shipped to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada. During the same decade, Donald Gilles, the executive at 'JWT London', created the iconic advertising line "Have a Break, Have a Kit Kat". The brand further expanded in the 1970s, where Rowntree created a new distribution factory in Germany to increase European demand, and established agreements to distribute the brand in the USA and Japan, through the Hershey Corp company and Fujiya company, respectively.[2] In June 1988, Nestlé acquired 'Kit Kat' through the purchase of Rowntree. This gave Nestlé global control over the brand, with the exception of North America,[5] and production and distribution increased with new facilities in Japan and additional manufacturing operations set up in Malaysia, India, and China.[2]

Variants in the traditional chocolate bar first appeared in the 1990s. 1996 introduced 'Kit Kat Orange', the first flavour variant, to be launched in the United Kingdom. The success was followed by several varieties including mint and caramel, and in 1999 'Kit Kat Chunky' was launched and received favourably by international consumers. Variations of the traditional 'Kit Kat' have continued to develop throughout the 2000s. In 2000, Nestlé acquired Fujiya’s share of the brand in Japan, and also expanded its marketplace in Bulgaria, Russia, Turkey, and Venezuela, in addition to markets in Eastern and Central Europe.[2] Throughout the decade, 'Kit Kat' has introduced dozens of flavours and variations within specific consumer markets, and celebrated its 75th anniversary on the 10th of October, 2010.

The traditional bar has four fingers which each measure approximately 1 centimetre (0.39 in) by 9 centimetres (3.5 in). The 1999 'Kit Kat Chunky' (known as 'Big Kat' in the U.S.) has one large finger approximately 2.5 centimetres (0.98 in) wide. 'Kit Kat' bars contain varying numbers of fingers depending on the market, ranging from the half-finger sized Kit Kat Petit in Japan, to the three-fingered variants in Arabia, to the twelve-finger 'Kit Kat' family-size bars in Australia and France. 'Kit Kat' bars are sold either individually or in bags, boxes or multi-packs. In Ireland, the UK, and America, Nestlé also produces a 'Kit Kat' Ice Cream, and in Malaysia, 'Kit Kat Drumsticks'.

Global confection

Kit Kat bars are produced in 18 countries by Nestlé: UK, Egypt, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Algeria, South Africa, Germany, Japan, China, Malaysia, India, Turkey, Venezuela, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Mexico and Bulgaria.

Kit Kat bars in the United States are produced under licence by The Hershey Company, a Nestlé competitor, due to a prior licensing agreement with Rowntree.

The year 2003 was a turning point for the Kit Kat bar as well as the confectionery industry in general. The popularity of low carb diets and the push to healthier eating stifled sales growth in many parts of the world. In addition, fierce competition from Cadbury's newly formed Dairy Milk superbrand also contributed to sales of the Kit Kat decreasing considerably in its home market of the UK, and threatened to depose it from its #1 position.[6][7] The solution adopted by Nestlé and others was to increase dramatically the number of new and unique variations of their confections and market them as limited or special editions, whereby they would usually only be available for a few months at a time so as not to impact the sales of their permanent edition counterparts.[8] The strategy initially reversed the decline of the Kit Kat[9] and has been adopted worldwide by Nestlé, Hershey, Mars and others with similar success.[10][11]

This has resulted in many new flavours and varieties of the Kit Kat and other confections appearing globally since then. While some flavours have been hits, many have flopped, alienating some consumers in the process, causing Nestlé to scale back on new releases.[citation needed]

In late 2005, Chris White, the managing director of Nestlé Rowntree abruptly left his job amid controversy that his marketing strategies may in fact have had a negative impact on Kit Kat and confection sales in the long term.[12] Also, in September 2006 Nestlé announced they were eliminating 25% of their workforce in York and moving production of Smarties to Germany. One of the reasons given for the cuts and moves was so the York factory could be modernised for Kit Kat production to continue.[13]

As dark chocolate has seen increased demand and favour worldwide because of its purported health benefits, September 2006 saw the launch of the four-finger Kit Kat Fine Dark in the UK as a permanent edition, as well as new packaging for the entire brand.[citation needed] Hershey had sold the four-finger Kit Kat Dark in the US several years previously as a limited edition, and has begun doing so again.[14]

Nestle now manufactures two finger Kit Kats with natural flavourings, and for the first time, Kit Kats in this format are suitable for vegetarians. It is not known at this date whether or not other varieties will follow suit.

Brand name and appearance

File:Kit-Kat-Wrapper-Small.jpg
The US packaging

Originally named Rowntree's chocolate crisp, the traditional red wrapper of the original bar briefly became blue between 1945–1947. As a result of milk shortages after the end of World War II, the milk chocolate coating was suspended and a dark chocolate was used instead during that period.

The United States version of the logo.

The Hershey Company has a licence to produce Kit Kat bars in the United States which dates from 1969, when Hershey executed a licensing agreement for both the Kit Kat and the Rolo with Rowntree. Nestlé, which has a substantial presence in the US, had to honour the licensing agreement which allows Hershey to retain the Kit Kat / Rolo licence so long as Hershey is not sold. This was a factor in Hershey's failed attempt to attract a serious buyer in 2002.[15][16]

Hershey's Kit Kat packaging and advertising in the USA has differed from the branding used in every other country where it is sold, although in 2002 Hershey Kit Kats finally started to adopt the slanted ellipse logo used worldwide by Nestlé (though the ellipse is red and the text is white, rather than the other way around). It is possible to purchase the (imported) Nestle version of the Kit Kat Chunky in various specialty shops in the US.

In Norway, a similar product is manufactured by Kraft Foods and sold as Kvikk Lunsj; Kvikk Lunsj XXL is similar to a Kit Kat Chunky.

Marketing and promotion

After launching in the 1930s, Rowntree's Chocolate Crisp was originally advertised as "the biggest little meal" and "the best companion to a cup of tea". During the Second World War, Kit Kat was depicted as a valuable wartime foodstuff, with the slogan "what active people need". 'Kitty the Kat' arrived in the late 1940s to emphasise the "rich full cream milk" qualities of the bar and, thanks to contemporary improvements in production methods, also highlighted the new and improved 'snap' by responding to a biscuit being broken off screen. The first Kit Kat poster appeared in 1951, and the first colour TV advertisement appeared in 1969.

Since 1957, the slogan for the Kit Kat in the UK and elsewhere has been "Have a break... have a Kit Kat". However, in 1995, Nestlé sought to trademark the "Have a break" portion. After a ten year legal battle, which was contested by rival Mars, the European Court of Justice ruled on July 7, 2005 to send the case back to the British Courts.[17]

In the meantime, Nestlé UK changed the slogan in 2004 to "Make the most of your break".[18] The new slogan was not embraced outside of the UK and recently Nestlé Rowntree has returned to using the original slogan.

The "classic" American version of the "Gimme a Break" Kit Kat jingle (in use in the US since 1986) was written by Ken Shuldman (lyrics) and Michael A. Levine (music) for the DDB Advertising Agency. Versions of the original have been covered by Carrie Underwood, Shawn Colvin, and many studio singers, as well as people who have appeared on-camera in the commercials. The jingle was cited in a study by University of Cincinnati researcher James A. Kellaris as one of the top ten "earworms" - bits of melody that become stuck in your head. Another version of the advertising jingle 'Gimme a break' created for Kit Kat "Factory" commercial in the USA was an original recording by Andrew W.K. W.K. was hired to write a new musical version for their "Gimme a break" slogan. Variations on the Andrew W.K. advertisement included executive dance routines in corporate offices, and a network news room. However, the "classic" song has also been used again since the newer version first aired in 2004.

A 1989 advertisement for Kit Kat, in which a giant panda in a zoo "takes a break", came in 30th in Channel 4's "100 Greatest Adverts" poll in 2000.

In late 2004 through to the end of 2006, Nestlé Rowntree sponsored York City F.C.. As a result the club's home-ground, Bootham Crescent, was renamed to KitKat Crescent.[19]

Fairtrade

In December 2009, it was announced that the four finger variety of Kit Kat would use Fairtrade chocolate (at least in Britain and Ireland) from January 2010.[20] It has also been announced that the fair trade Kit Kat promotion will be extended to the finger edition as of January 2010.[21]

Varieties

Many varieties of Kit Kat have existed, either temporarily or permanently: There are often country-specific limited edition bars (not listed). (listed by primary market or origin)

The Kit Kat Orange was the first flavour variant. It was introduced in the UK in 1996, followed in 1997 by the Kit Kat Dark and Kit Kat Mint.[citation needed] As of 2008, all three are available as permanent editions in the UK in two finger multipacks, along with the Kit Kat Original and Kit Kat White.

A wide variety of promotional items exist, ranging from the obvious (such as mugs, pens, oven gloves and tea-towels) to the somewhat less obvious (such as Kit Kat coats for small dogs). Recently in Japan, Kit Kats have come packaged with CD singles and a special limited edition double pack of Kit Kat Crispy Monogatari came bundled with a mini book featuring six short stories, one of which is written by Koji Suzuki, author of the Ring cycle series of books. The brand is often declined into special edition products in different markets to commemorate festivals such as St. Valentine's Day.

Kit Kat Japan also has unique "Regional" variations such as a mango-flavoured Kit Kat available only in Kyushu and Okinawa.

Kit Kat is also available in jars that are dispensed from vending machines in Japan.

Standard finger bars

The 'standard' Kit Kat finger bars can come in a variety of presentations. The bars can come in a miniature form of two finger mini bars, or a larger standard four, or in some cases, three, fingered bars. The standard size has been upgraded in several cases up to a 'King Size' bar, which can include up to five or eight fingers.

A UK standard 2 finger bar in 2008 packaging
File:Kit kat matcha.JPG
Japanese matcha-flavoured Kit Kat.
Flavour Country Notes
"Aloe Yogurt" Japan
"Apple" Japan
"Apple Vinegar" Japan
"Azuki" Japan Red Bean flavour.
"Banana" Canada, Japan
"Beet" Japan
"Bitter Almond" Japan
"Black Tea" Japan
"Blueberry" Japan
"Blueberry Cheesecake" Japan
"Bubblegum" Japan Made with blue chocolate
"Brown Sugar Kinako" Japan
"Cacao 61%" Japan Newer version of 'Kit Kat Bitter' with 61% cocoa content.
"Cacao 72%" Japan Dark chocolate petits with 72% cocoa content.
"Café Latte with Hokkaidō Milk" Japan
"Calpis" Japan Yogurt flavored drink.
"Caramac" United Kingdom Limited release.
"Cantaloupe" Japan
"Cappuccino" Poland, United Kingdom
"Caramel" United Kingdom, Japan
"Caramel and Salt" Japan
"Caramel Macchiato" Japan [22]
"Caramel Pudding" Japan
"Carb Alternatives" United States Low carbohydrate version with 50% less sugar.
"Chocolate Banana" Japan
"Chocolate Overload" Australia Milk chocolate outside, chocolate creme filling, and chocolate wafers.
"Cola and Lemon squash" Japan Limited Edition
"Citrus Pepper" Japan
"Cookies & Chocolate" Japan
"Cookies and Milk" Japan
"Cookies PLUS" Japan
"Creamier Chocolate" Canada Available for a special limited time offer in Canada.
"Creamy Apple" Japan
"Cucumber" Japan
"Custard Pudding" Japan
"Dark Chocolate" Italy, United Kingdom, United States
"Dark Chocolate with Cookies for adults" Japan
"Daigakuimo" Japan Sweet Potato flavour.
"European Cheese" Japan
"Exotic Kansai" Japan Sweet chocolate with a sour mix of orange, lemon, and passion fruit accented with ginger.
"Fine Dark" United Kingdom, Spain & Germany European variant of Kit Kat Dark Chocolate.
"Framboise" Japan
"Fruit Parfait" Japan
"Ginger Ale" Japan
"Green Grape Muscat" Japan [23]
"Gold" Japan Petits with fudge-like covering and dusted cocoa powder on outside.
"Golden Peach" Japan
"Hazelnut" Japan
"Hascapp" Japan Regional variety available in Hokkaido prefecture. Hokkaido Blueberry flavour.
"Houjicha" Japan Roasted Tea flavour.
"Iced Tea" Japan
"International Recipe" East Asia Available in select East Asian countries. Chocolate made from Ghana cocoa beans.
"Itoen Juu-jitsu Yasai" Japan Vegetable Enriched 'Veggie' flavour.[23]
"Jasmine Tea" Japan
"Jyagaimo" Japan Regional variety available in Hokkaido prefecture. Potato flavour.
"Kobe Pudding" Japan Regional variety available in Kobe.
"Kinako" Japan Soybean flavour.
"Kinako Ohagi" Japan
"Kiwifruit" Japan
"Kokuto" Japan Black Sugar Flavour.
"Lemon Chocolate" Japan Valentine's Day Limited Edition.
"Lemon Vinegar" Japan
"Lite" India Two finger bar with 50% less sugar
"Low Carb" United Kingdom
"Mango" Japan Made with orange chocolate.
"Mango Pudding" Japan
"Maple" Japan
"Matcha" Japan Green tea flavour. Made with green chocolate.
"Melon" Japan
"Mild Bitter" Japan
"Milk Coffee" Japan
"Milky White" Germany Variant of Kit Kat White Chocolate.
"Mint" United Kingdom, United States Permanent in the UK, temporary in the US.
"Mint Chocolate" Australia Mint green coloured wafers.
"Miso" Japan
"Mixed Juice" Japan
"Noisette" Germany Hazelnut flavoured.
"Orange" United Kingdom, United States, Japan, Malaysia Permanent in the UK, and temporary in the US, Japan and Malaysia
"Original" Worldwide Different taste and texture in different countries.
"Passion fruit" Japan
"Pepper" Japan
"Pickled Plum" Japan
"Pineapple" South Africa, Japan
"Pumpkin" Japan
"Ramune" Japan Soda drink flavour.
"Raspberry and Passion fruit" Japan
"Relaxation Cacao" Japan
"Rose" Japan
"Royal Milk Tea" Japan
"Sakura" Japan Cherry Blossom Flavour.
"Sakura Macha" Japan Cherry Blossom Green Tea
"Semisweet" Japan
"Sour Orange" Japan
"Soy Sauce" Japan Regional variety available in Tokyo.
"Sports Drink" Japan
"Sparkling Strawberry" Japan
"Strawberry" Japan Made with pink chocolate.
"Strawberry and Cranberry" Japan
"Strawberry and Milk" Japan
"Strawberry Cheesecake" Japan
"Tiramisu" Japan
"Tiramisu Macha" Japan Tiramisu with green tea.
"Triple Berry" Japan
"Ume Soda" Japan Plum soda.
"Vanilla Bean" Japan
"Wa Guri" Japan Chestnut flavour.
"Wasabi" Japan Made with green chocolate
"Watermelon and Salt" Japan
"White" Japan, Spain
"White Creme" United States US permanent variation. Made with vegetable oil based candy coating rather than pure white chocolate
"White Chocolate" Italy
"White Peach" Japan
"Wine" Japan
"Yakimorokoshi" Japan Regional variety available in Hokkaido prefecture. Grilled Corn flavour.
"Yuzu" Japan
"Zunda" Japan Regional variety available in Yamagata, Miyagi and Fukushima prefecture. Mashed edamame beans flavour.

Large single finger 'Chunky' bars

File:KitKat chunky.jpg
Kit Kat Chunky
File:KitKatChunky.jpg
Kit Kat Chunky and Kit Kat Chunky Peanut Butter, as sold in the UK (September 2006)
File:Earl Grey KitKat.jpg
Earl Grey tea Kit Kat from Japan
Flavour Country Notes
"Banana" Japan
"Big Kat" Japan, United States Hershey produced version of 'Chunky'.
"Big Kat Bitter" Japan
"Black" Turkey Dark chocolate 'Chunky' bar.
"Caramel" Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States Varies in recipe and texture in different countries
"Caramel and salt" Japan
"Chunky (Standard)" Worldwide Varies in recipe in different areas.
"Cinnamon" Canada
"Coffee" Canada
"Cookies & Cream" Australia, New Zealand Released in August 2008.
"Cookie Dough" Australia Discontinued in 2008 due to lack of demand.
Custard Pudding" Japan
"Earl Grey Tea" Japan
"Editions Caramel Dream" Germany Duplicate of “Kit Kat Chunky Caramel”
"Editions Golden Caramel" United Kingdom Duplicate of “Kit Kat Chunky Caramel”
"Editions Seville Orange" United Kingdom
"Editions Tiramisu" United Kingdom
"Hazelnut Cream" Germany
"Honeycomb" Australia Discontinued in 2008 due to lack of demand.
"Matcha" Japan Green tea flavour. Made with green chocolate.
"M.A.X" Worldwide “Maximum Appetite Xcitement” variation on the 'Chunky' bar.
"Peanut Butter" Worldwide Chunky with peanut butter filling. now discontinued due to lack of demand
"Strawberry" Australia Temporary variety. Raised funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation
"White" Worldwide Permanent or temporary edition depending on region.

Other forms and shapes

  • Kit Kat Choc'n'Go — France (box of individually wrapped fingers)
  • Kit Kat Choc'n'Go Dark Choco — France (limited edition, dark chocolate coating with caramelised cocoa pieces)
  • Kit Kat Delight — Italy
  • Kit Kat Family Block — Australia (twelve finger family size bar)
  • Kit Kat Family Block Chocolate Overload — Australia
  • Kit Kat I-Stick — Japan limited edition (creamy bitter chocolate between wafers and dark chocolate coating, two stick format sold in cooler or freezer section of stores)
  • Kit Kat Stick — Japan (box of individually wrapped long Kit Kat fingers)
  • Kit Kat Stick Almond — Japan
  • Kit Kat Stick Half Bitter — Japan
  • Kit Kat Tablet — France (same as Kit Kat Family Block)
  • Kit Kat Ball — France (bag of round bite-size pieces)
  • Kit Kat Bites — US, Malaysia (similar to Kit Kat ball)
  • Kit Kat Little — Japan (newer version of Kit Kat Baby)
  • Kit Kat Pop Choc — UK, Germany, Poland, The Netherlands, Sweden (also identical to Kit Kat Ball)
  • Kit Kat Kubes — UK (square-shaped miniature pieces)
  • Kit Kat Chunky — The Netherlands (bigger size Kit Kat Chunky)
  • Kit Kat Senses; Czech Republic, Canada, Poland, Saudi Arabia, UK and Ireland (hazelnut praline centered)[24]
  • Kit Kat Senses Easter Egg — UK (chocolate egg with a Senses bar)
  • Kit Kat Chunky Duo — UK (a little larger than a Kit Kat Chunky King size, and split into two separate bars)
  • Kit Kat (Finger size) — Pakistan (almost half the size of a Kit Kat bar)
  • Kit Kat Watermelon Minis — Japan[25]
  • Kit Kat Black Sugar Minis — Japan[23]
  • Kit Kat Cone — Japan, Denmark (ice-cream cone with vanilla ice-cream covered in chocolate with a single Kit Kat stick in the top)
  • Kit Kat Caramel Pudding Minis — Japan
  • Kit Kat Little with Chili Powder — Japan
  • Kit Kat Orange
  • Kit Kat Mint
  • Kit Kat - Dark Chocolate

Ingredients

Original Kit Kat ingredients unless otherwise stated, listed by decreasing weight:

UK

Milk chocolate (66%) (sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, dried skimmed milk, whey powder, butterfat, vegetable fat, lactose, emulsifier (soya lecithin), flavouring), wheat flour, sugar, vegetable fat, cocoa mass, yeast, raising agent (sodium bicarbonate), salt, calcium sulphate (a.k.a food-grade gypsum), flavouring. In 2006, the UK four-finger Kit Kat contained 233 dietary calories (kcal) (975 kilojoules). In 2009, the two-finger Kit Kat contained 107 calories.[26][27]

Golden ticket draw

During the first three weeks of Big Brother Series 7, Channel 4 conducted a promotion in conjunction with Nestle to distribute 100 "golden tickets" randomly throughout Kit Kats, in a style reminiscent of the story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Members of the public finding these tickets were permitted to use them to give themselves a chance to become a Big Brother housemate and bypass the standard auditions process.

Golden ticket holders were invited to a television show where one of them, Susie Verrico, was chosen to enter the House by Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace, picking a ball out of a machine at random.

This contest caused some controversy, with the Advertising Standards Authority saying that the terms and conditions of the draw should have been made clearer in related advertisements, and that an independent adjudicator should have been present before and during the draw.[28]

USA

Hershey's Kit Kat Crisp Wafers In Chocolate [1 oz] Sugar, Wheat Flour, Cocoa Butter, Nonfat Milk, Chocolate, Refined Palm Kernel Oil, Lactose (Milk)Milk Fat, contains 2% or Less of: Soy Lecithin, PGPR (Emulsifier), Yeast, Artificial Flavor, Salt, and Sodium Bicarbonate.

The ingredient PGPR is used in Kit Kats manufactured in the United States. This ingredient (PGPR) could conceivably produce an allergic reaction since it is made from castor beans to which some people can be allergic. It is used as a substitute for White Chocolate which is quite expensive.

Canada

Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Modified Milk Ingredients, Cocoa Butter, Unsweetened Chocolate, Lactose, Soya Lecithin, Polyglycerol Polyricnoleate, Artificial Flavour), Wheat Flour, Sugar, Modified Palm Oil, Unsweetened Chocolate or Cocoa Powder, Sodium Bicarbonate, Soya Lecithin, Artificial Flavour. May contain Salt and Yeast, Kit Kat Creamier Chocolate* (Chocolat Plus Onctueux*), (Special limited time offer in Canada),

Dark form

Dark Chocolate (Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Milk Ingredients, Soya Lecithin, Salt, Artificial Flavour), Wheat Flour, Sugar, Modified Palm Oil, Unsweetened Chocolate or Cocoa Powder, Sodium Bicarbonate, Soya Lecithin, Artificial Flavour. May contain Salt and/or Yeast.

Asia

Nestlé have factories in various locations in China, to supply to China and Hong Kong. During the 2008 Chinese milk scandal, where melamine was found to have tainted some milk suppliers in China, importers in Hong Kong chose to import British versions of the chocolate bar.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ "Nestle UK Website- History of Rowntree". Archived from the original on 2007-03-18. Retrieved 2007-04-04. 1988 - Nestlé SA buys Rowntree plc.
  2. ^ a b c d e Happy 75th birthday Kit Kat Nestlé, 10th October 2010
  3. ^ The Press, KitKat’s 75th anniversary heralded, The Press, 12th October 2010
  4. ^ Kit Kat Turns 75 Popsop, 11 October 2010
  5. ^ Kit Kat Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary Net News Publisher, 12th October 2010
  6. ^ Fat profits: Choc tactics, BBC News, 24 March 2004
  7. ^ Consumers 'snub unhealthy brands', BBC News, 13 December 2003
  8. ^ Robert Uhlig, Cheesecake Kit Kat? Give us a break, Daily Telegraph, February 19, 2004
  9. ^ Kat.pdf[dead link]
  10. ^ Limited Editions Are Latest Candy Craze, ABC News, July 18, 2005
  11. ^ Jenn Abelson, Limited-edition candies sweeten the marketplace, Boston Globe, May 2, 2005
  12. ^ Nestle: Crisis follows crisis at Nestle, Brand Republic, November 16, 2005 (pay)
  13. ^ [1][dead link] Reuters, September 9, 2006 (link now dead)
  14. ^ Hersheys Product Locator
  15. ^ Nestlé quiet on Hershey sale, Confectionery News, August 05, 2002
  16. ^ Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, Possible buyers, seller far apart on Hershey sale, San Francisco Chronicle, August 27, 2002
  17. ^ Kit Kat slogan dispute sent back to U.K. courts, International Herald Tribune, July 8, 2005
  18. ^ Slaven Marinovich, Kit Kat barred, Brand Channel, June 6, 2005 issue
  19. ^ Kat.shtml Kit Kat Crescent, BBC North Yorkshire, January 19, 2005
  20. ^ Nestle's Kit Kat goes Fairtrade The Telegraph, December 7, 2009
  21. ^ Chambers, Andrew (12 Dec 2009). "Not so fair trade". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 Jun 2010.
  22. ^ Kat/limited/kk_caramel_mac.html "ネスレ キットカットキャラメルマキアート味"[dead link]. Retrieved 7 October 2008. Template:Ja icon
  23. ^ a b c http://rinkya.blogspot.com/2009/09/veggie-kit-kat-taste-review.html "Veggie Kit Kat Review.
  24. ^ http://www.canadaonly.ca/products/Kit-Kat-Senses.html "Canadian Kit Kat Senses"
  25. ^ http://rinkya.blogspot.com/2008/09/new-kit-kats-for-order-on-rinkya.html "New Kit Kats For Order On Rinkya!" (9 September 2008). Retrieved on 7 October 2008.
  26. ^ [2][dead link]
  27. ^ A low calorie treat from KitKat | Easier
  28. ^ "ITV News Website:Big Brother contest slammed again". Retrieved 2006-10-11.
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