Nestlé has resorted to using police convoys to transport KitKat bars after thieves stole more than 12 tonnes of the chocolate in Italy. The heist, which occurred on 26 March, involved a truck carrying 413,793 units of the new Formula One line bars, destined for Poland.
The stolen shipment, worth an undisclosed amount, was taken while in transit from a factory in central Italy. Nestlé confirmed the theft to the Guardian, stating it is investigating with local authorities and supply chain partners. The vehicle and chocolate have not been located, and no injuries were reported.
In a statement, Nestlé riffed on the KitKat slogan: “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 tons of our chocolate.” The company warned the stolen bars could appear on unofficial markets, but law enforcement can trace them via batch codes.
The theft, coming just before Easter, could cause shortages for customers. Nestlé has since implemented police escorts for chocolate deliveries to prevent further incidents.
