As Easter approaches, chocolates are becoming a hot-selling product in the European market, but a chocolate theft has caused a sensation. The Swiss multinational food giant Nestle’s chocolate brand KitKat confirmed that a batch of around 12 tons of KitKat chocolate bars went missing while being transported in Europe. This could lead to shortages in stores before Easter.
KitKat confirmed on Saturday (March 28) in a statement to Agence France-Presse that a truck carrying 413,793 KitKat chocolate bars from a new series was stolen while in transit in Europe. The weight of this batch exceeded 12 tons and mysteriously disappeared on the way from the production site to the distribution destination last week.
KitKat warned that “this theft could lead to a shortage of KitKat chocolates on the shelves,” stating, “Unfortunately, consumers may have difficulty finding their favorite chocolates before Easter.”
The stolen truck departed from central Italy with Poland as its destination, planning to distribute these chocolate bars in various countries along the way. KitKat did not disclose the specific location where the goods were lost but stated that the “vehicle and goods are still missing.”
KitKat mentioned that the company is “currently working closely with local governments and supply chain partners to conduct an investigation.” The stolen chocolate bars “may flow into unofficial sales channels throughout Europe.”
However, KitKat introduced a way to help track the goods. KitKat explained that by scanning the unique batch number on each chocolate bar, these stolen goods can be tracked. If a matching batch number is found, the scanner will receive clear instructions on how to notify KitKat, who will then share the relevant evidence appropriately.
According to the Associated Press, KitKat stated in another statement, “While we appreciate these thieves’ ‘uncommon taste,’ theft of goods is an increasingly serious problem for businesses of all sizes.”
“With increasingly complex criminal methods being regularly used, we choose to share our own experience to raise awareness of this growing trend of crime,” the statement added.