Nestle to launch Ruby chocolate version under KitKat brand

Swiss food company Nestle is set to become the first firm in the world to launch a ruby chocolate version of the KitKat brand in Japan, South Korea and online.

Last September, global cocoa products producer Barry Callebaut created ruby chocolate, as the fourth chocolate type after dark, milk and white.

Made from the Ruby cocoa bean, ruby chocolate is claimed to be free from berries, berry flavour or artificial colours.

Barry Callebaut CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique said: “I am very pleased that our innovative breakthrough Ruby chocolate has come to life so quickly through our partnership with Nestle and the pioneering KitKat brand in Japan.

“Nestle was very quick in spotting the trend and in introducing a ruby chocolate version of KitKat, which will entice consumers across Asia and beyond.”

Nestle noted that the new KitKat Chocolatory Sublime Ruby product will be rolled out to the Japanese and South Korean markets later this month, as well as KitKat Chocolatory stores and over the internet.

KitKat Chocolatory is a speciality store in Japan and South Korea, which sells KitKat chocolates created under the direction of Yasumasa Takagi, owner-chef of Le Pâtissier Takagi.

The ruby chocolate used in KitKat Chocolatory Sublime Ruby is said to offer a fresh berry-fruity taste and characteristic colour.