For close to a century, York has been the headquarters of one of the most renowned chocolate bars globally: KitKat.
Originally introduced in 1935 under the name Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp, this cherished delight has been manufactured in the historic city ever since.
Presently, Nestlé owns the York factory, which serves as the core hub for KitKat production, catering not only to the UK market but also to consumers worldwide.
Behind the scenes, a team of devoted specialists continuously works on enhancing and modernizing the product to align with contemporary preferences while upholding the traditional flavor that has resonated with generations.
Holding a job that involves contributing to the production of one of the UK’s favorite chocolate bars is a dream for many. Yet, for Rob Jackson, a product and process specialist at Nestlé focusing on KitKat, it is a reality.
Rob entered the confectionery realm eight years ago without a culinary background but armed with a master’s degree in forensic anthropology and teaching experience.
“I sought the chance to work in a practical industrial science laboratory,” he articulates.
“Nestlé was on the lookout for a lab technician at its global confectionery R&D center here in York, and I thought, ‘what an excellent opportunity’.”
Since joining Nestlé, Rob has transitioned through various departments, from the lab and healthy snacking to the KitKat team in the Product Technology Center, and presently, his diverse role in the factory itself.
Rob and his team are consistently engaged in refining and enhancing the product. “There are continuous innovations, even with our flagship products,” he elaborates.
“This could involve experimenting with new ingredients, making subtle adjustments to recipes, or revamping manufacturing processes by incorporating cutting-edge technologies to reduce carbon emissions during wafer baking or streamline molding processes.”
Emphasizing sustainability, Rob mentions, “Reducing carbon emissions from our operations and supply chain is a significant focus for me currently.”
He hints at upcoming chocolate bar releases, teasing, “Exciting new products are in the pipeline, but that’s all I can share for now!”
When dealing with such an iconic and beloved product, maintaining high standards is crucial, and one method employed is an internal panel of expert tasters.
“They are trained to discern subtle variations and articulate them in an objective and scientific manner,” Rob details.
“Rather than personal preferences, they identify attributes like intense cocoa, biscuit, or milk flavors. We analyze this feedback to gauge consumer desires and make informed decisions.”
Rob expresses contentment with his career trajectory, stating, “Even amidst challenging days, whether due to technical glitches or chocolate spills, I can always pause and appreciate the excitement of what I do. It’s truly fulfilling.”
After nearly a century, KitKat stands as a symbol of York’s rich confectionery legacy – and with individuals like Rob, its future promises to be equally delightful.