Nestlé’s KitKat: A Sweet Legacy in York
For close to a century, York has housed the renowned KitKat chocolate bar, a favorite worldwide. Originally known as Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp in 1935, this beloved treat has been crafted in the city ever since. Today, Nestlé oversees operations in the York factory, serving as the hub for KitKat production not only in the UK but across global markets.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of experts continuously enhances the product to meet contemporary demands while preserving its timeless flavor. Rob Jackson, a product and process specialist at Nestlé working on KitKat, embodies the passion for creating one of the UK’s most cherished chocolate bars.
Rob, with a background in forensic anthropology and teaching, found his way into the confectionery world eight years ago. His journey at Nestlé began as a lab technician at the global confectionery R&D center in York, evolving into his current diverse role within the KitKat team.
The team led by Rob focuses on refining and innovating KitKat, introducing improvements like new ingredients, recipe tweaks, and advancements in manufacturing processes to enhance sustainability and efficiency. Rob’s emphasis on reducing carbon emissions aligns with Nestlé’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
As Rob hints at exciting new chocolate bars in the pipeline, the process of maintaining KitKat’s high standards involves a specialized team of expert tasters trained to evaluate subtle nuances objectively. By analyzing consumer preferences, decisions are made to ensure the product meets market expectations.
Rob reflects on his fulfilling career, acknowledging the challenges and joys of working on a globally recognized product like KitKat. With 90 years of heritage, KitKat stands as a symbol of York’s confectionery legacy, promising a sweet future under the guidance of passionate individuals like Rob.
