KitKat, a beloved chocolate bar globally, has been produced in York for almost 100 years. Originally introduced in 1935 as Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp, the treat has maintained its production in the city. Today, Nestlé owns the brand and the York factory serves as the primary hub for KitKat production, catering not only to the UK market but also to international markets.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team continuously enhances and modernizes the product while preserving its timeless flavor. Rob Jackson, a product and process specialist at Nestlé, is one of the individuals contributing to this process. Despite lacking a background in food, Rob, armed with a master’s degree in forensic anthropology and teaching experience, found his niche in the confectionery world.

Rob’s journey at Nestlé has been diverse, moving across different departments within the organization. His current role involves working on enhancing sustainability efforts and optimizing manufacturing processes. Rob’s team focuses on refining ingredients, recipes, and manufacturing techniques to ensure KitKat remains a top-tier product.

With a keen eye on maintaining quality, Nestlé employs expert tasters to evaluate and provide objective feedback on product variations. This feedback helps in making informed decisions about product enhancements to align with consumer preferences.

Despite the challenges that come with the job, Rob finds immense satisfaction in his work. He appreciates the unique and exciting aspects of his role, even on the most stressful days.

After nearly a century, KitKat continues to symbolize York’s rich confectionery legacy. With dedicated professionals like Rob, the brand’s future remains promising and delightful.