Nestled in the city of York for close to a century, stands the renowned KitKat chocolate bar. Originally introduced in 1935 as Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp, this beloved confection has been crafted within the historic city’s confines ever since. Today, under the stewardship of Nestlé, the York factory remains the hub of KitKat production, catering not only to the UK market but also supplying the global demand.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of experts diligently works to innovate and enhance the product to align with contemporary preferences while upholding the timeless flavor cherished by generations. For Rob Jackson, a product and process specialist at Nestlé focusing on KitKat, turning the dream of contributing to the creation of one of the UK’s favorite chocolate bars into reality is a daily occurrence.

Rob, who ventured into the confectionery realm eight years ago armed with a master’s degree in forensic anthropology and teaching experience rather than a culinary background, sought the practicality of applying his scientific skills in an industrial laboratory setting. His journey at Nestlé commenced as a lab technician at the global confectionery R&D center in York, presenting him with an opportunity he found truly compelling.

Throughout his tenure at Nestlé, Rob has navigated various departments, transitioning from the lab and the healthy snacking sector to the KitKat team within the Product Technology Centre, and currently, to a role at the factory that he finds exceptionally diverse. Continuous enhancements and modifications are the norm for Rob and his team, who are perpetually engaged in refining the product.

Sustainability is at the forefront of Rob’s endeavors, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions both within their processes and the supply chain. While hinting at forthcoming chocolate bar innovations, Rob remains tight-lipped about specifics, teasing a sense of anticipation among KitKat enthusiasts.

Maintaining the standards of a globally recognized and cherished product involves an in-house team of expert tasters who are adept at discerning subtle nuances objectively. This feedback loop aids in decision-making and ensures that consumer preferences are met effectively.

Reflecting on his career trajectory, Rob expresses satisfaction, noting the inherent joy in working on such a renowned product despite occasional challenges. The legacy of KitKat as a symbol of York’s confectionery heritage persists after nine decades, with a promising future shaped by dedicated professionals like Rob.