SWITZERLAND | KITKAT has confirmed that a truck transporting 413,793 units of its new chocolate range was stolen during transit in Europe.
The shipment, weighing approximately 12 tonnes, disappeared last week while en route between production and distribution locations.
Having left Central Italy last week, the bars were to be distributed throughout Europe, with the 1,250-1,350km route eventually terminating in Poland. The vehicle and its contents remain unaccounted for, and investigations are ongoing in close collaboration with local authorities and supply chain partners.
While there is no risk associated with the product itself, and partners have been alerted, KITKAT believes the missing items could enter unofficial sales channels across European markets.
The theft comes shortly after a joint report from the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) and the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) EMEA, which outlined an alarming rise in cargo theft and freight fraud, with more sophisticated methods of deception becoming increasingly common.
"We've always encouraged people to have a break with KITKAT - but it seems thieves have taken the message too literally and made a break with more than 12 tonnes of our chocolate," said a KITKAT spokesperson.
"Whilst we appreciate the criminals' exceptional taste, the fact remains that cargo theft is an escalating issue for businesses of all sizes. With more sophisticated schemes being deployed on a regular basis, we have chosen to go public with our own experience in the hope that it raises awareness of an increasingly common criminal trend."
Consumers are requested not to attempt to locate, handle, or recover any stolen goods, nor to take any direct action. Any relevant information should be shared with local law enforcement authorities.
KITKAT will continue to support the investigation and provide further updates as appropriate.
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