KitKat, a beloved chocolate bar, has been manufactured in York for close to a century. Originally introduced in 1935 as Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp, the confectionery has stayed true to its roots in the historic city. Today, Nestlé oversees operations at the York factory, which serves as the global hub for KitKat production, catering to markets worldwide.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of experts continuously enhances the product to meet contemporary preferences while preserving its iconic flavor cherished by generations. Rob Jackson, a product and process specialist at Nestlé working on KitKat, embodies the passion for crafting this favorite chocolate bar.
Rob, with a background in forensic anthropology and teaching experience, ventured into the confectionery realm eight years ago. His journey into the world of chocolate began when he seized the opportunity to work at Nestlé’s confectionery R&D center in York.
Over the years, Rob has transitioned through various roles within Nestlé, including stints in the lab, healthy snacking, and the KitKat team at the Product Technology Centre. His current position at the factory offers a diverse array of responsibilities.
Continual innovation is at the core of Rob’s work, focusing on refining ingredients, recipes, manufacturing processes, and sustainability initiatives to enhance KitKat’s production. The team’s commitment to quality is upheld by expert tasters trained to evaluate and describe flavor nuances objectively.
Rob expresses enthusiasm for the ongoing developments in the chocolate industry, hinting at exciting new products in the pipeline. While challenges may arise, Rob finds fulfillment in his impactful role within the confectionery sector.
With KitKat serving as a symbol of York’s rich confectionery heritage for nine decades, the future of this iconic chocolate bar appears promising, thanks to dedicated individuals like Rob ensuring its continued success.