Nestlé says 413,793 KitKat candy bars shipped were stolen
Nestlé says 413,793 KitKat candy bars shipped were stolen
scripps news
KitKat is not backing down in its efforts to find thousands of missing chocolates after the candy bar maker was targeted by thieves.
Days after Kit Kat announced that thieves in Europe stole an entire truck loaded with more than 400,000 of the company’s candy bars, the company has launched the Stolen Kit Kat Tracker to help find lost candy.
“Someone really stole 12 tons of Kit Kats, and we really want to know where they went,” Kit Kat said in a statement posted to X on April 1.
Despite the timing of the announcement, the brand emphasized that the stolen Burt Tracker is not a stunt or an April Fool’s joke.
In a statement to USA TODAY, Nestlé confirmed that thieves stole more than 12 tons, or approximately 414,000 Kit Kat bars, from a truck that left a production site in Italy during the week of March 23.
The Swiss food maker distributes Kit Kat bars around the world, except in the United States, where Hershey has the rights.
Is your Kit Kat from a stolen batch? Track it here.
Nestlé published the stolen Kit Kat tracker on its website on April 1st.
“Help us find them. Use the stolen KitKat tracker,” KitKat wrote to X.
The tracker will instruct the customer to find the eight-digit batch code on the back of the Kit Kat bar and enter it into the tracker. Next, indicate if the chocolates are from the stolen batch. If not, users will be prompted to share their tracker to expand their search.
It is unclear what will happen if a user enters the batch code for a stolen lot. Nestlé told USA TODAY that if a consumer or retailer scans a stolen package, the scanner “will be given clear instructions on how to alert KitKat, and KitKat will share evidence as appropriate.”
Nestlé also told USA TODAY that the stolen product was not its regular chocolate, but a Kit Kat bar shaped like the company’s new F1 car.
What we know about the Kit Kat heist
Nestlé said in a statement to USA TODAY that the Kit Kats were stolen from a truck that was leaving a production site in central Italy for a distribution hub in Europe and eventually bound for Poland.
“The vehicle and its contents remain unaccounted for and an investigation is ongoing in close coordination with local authorities and supply chain partners,” Nestlé said in a statement.
Nestlé did not say where the truck was taken on its more than 800-mile route. The company said Kit Kat fans do not need to worry about theft affecting Kit Kat supplies at retail stores.
Nestlé said: “While the theft is concerning, our global supply chain is strong and diversified and we are committed to managing the impact of this incident while supporting the ongoing investigation.”
Stolen candy bars can be identified by a unique batch code assigned to each individual bar that can be scanned, the company said. It added that shortages “could enter unofficial sales channels across European markets.”
Brand involved in KitKat virus theft
News of the chocolate raid spread quickly after KitKat shared a statement about the X robbery. The post has been viewed more than 132 million times to date.
It also prompted many other well-known brands to issue their own statements. Many of them took the opportunity to clear their names and even promoted or claimed to have launched their own chocolate confections.
Domino’s Pizza UK wrote to X: “We would like to express our thoughts and condolences following the recent sad news about KitKat,” and added: “On a completely unrelated note, we are pleased to announce that we are launching a new KitKat pizza.”
Outback Steakhouse echoed this sentiment: “Our thoughts are with our KitKat friends as they navigate these unexpected and difficult times. In completely unrelated news, we’re introducing the new Bloomin’ KitKat, only $1 while supplies last.”
“It’s not a good time to be serving Kit Kat pancakes,” Denny’s said.
PayPal further added, “May I recommend PayPal Purchase Protection?”
Melina Khan is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Contact her at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
Mike Snyder is a national trends news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, and X, and email him at: mike snyder & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.
