400,000 KitKat bars stolen in major heist as company issues statement
Nestlè confirmed thieves have seized 12 tons of KitKat products amid the Easter rush, spelling possible devastation for European consumers.
On 28 March, the Swiss food giant said that a truck transporting 413,793 units of its new chocolate range from central Italy to a distribution site in Poland had been stolen during transit.
It’s understood that the vehicle, as well as its contents, remain unaccounted for in Europe, as per recent reports.
KitKat bosses continue to investigate the missing confectionery stash and are currently collaborating with local authorities as well as supply chain partners, PR News Wire wrote.
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While the stolen goods may enter unofficial sales channels across European markets, there is ‘no risk’ associated with consuming them, the chocolate company stated.
If the lost sweet treats are illegally sold on, then Nestlé should be able to trace them by scanning the unique batch codes found on each bar, according to European news site DW,
“If a match is found, the scanner will be given clear instructions on how to alert KitKat who will then share the evidence appropriately,” the company added.
However, the company do not want consumers to attempt to locate, handle, or recover any of the KitKats.
“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,” a spokesperson stated.
“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."
Unfortunately, the KitKat cargo heist may cause major chocolate shortages across Europe, Nestlé warned.
Considering home delivery expert Parcelhero predicted that Brits will spend a jaw-dropping £2.39 billion on chocolate - as well as cards, meals and gifts this Easter - it could spell disaster for both consumers and the business this spring.
Other Nestlé chocolate products, such as Aero, Milkybar, and Smarties, will still be available to gorge on this April.
FOODbible has contacted Nestlé for further comment.
Crooks illegally collecting KitKats comes just months after Costco lost a $400,000 (£295,300) lobster shipment in the United States.
On 12 December, a group of criminals allegedly posed as a legitimate company, convincing Dylan Rexing, CEO of Rexing Companies, that they would deliver the fish to Costco stores in Illinois and Minnesota.
When the produce never showed up, the FBI began investigating, as per Delish.
FOODbible previously contacted Costco for comment.
Ella Scott