For close to a century, York has been the birthplace of one of the most globally beloved chocolate bars known as KitKat.
Originally introduced in 1935 as Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp, this cherished confection has been crafted in the historic city ever since.
Today, under the stewardship of Nestlé, the York factory stands as the hub of KitKat production, catering not only to the UK market but also serving consumers worldwide.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of experts tirelessly engages in innovation and refinement to align the product with contemporary preferences while upholding the timeless flavor cherished by generations.
Having the opportunity to contribute to the creation of one of the UK’s favorite chocolate bars is a dream for many. Yet, for Rob Jackson, a product and process specialist at Nestlé focusing on KitKat, it is a reality.
Rob ventured into the confectionery world eight years ago, armed not with a culinary background, but with a master’s degree in forensic anthropology and teaching experience.
“I sought the chance to work in a practical industrial setting that incorporated real-world science,” he elaborates.
“When Nestlé sought a lab technician for its global confectionery R&D center in York, I saw it as a fantastic opportunity.”
Since joining Nestlé, Rob has navigated through various departments, from the lab and healthy snacking to the KitKat team in the Product Technology Centre, and currently to his multifaceted role in the factory.
Rob and his team are consistently engaged in refining and enhancing processes. “There are constant developments, even in our core products,” he notes.
“This may involve testing new ingredients, tweaking recipes, modifying manufacturing procedures, or integrating new technologies like reducing carbon emissions in wafer baking or enhancing efficiencies in the molding process.”
Emphasizing his current focus on sustainability, Rob mentions, “I am dedicated to minimizing carbon emissions in our operations and supply chain.”
Furthermore, he hints at upcoming chocolate bar innovations but keeps the details under wraps for now.
When dealing with such an iconic and cherished product, maintaining high standards is crucial, and an internal team of expert tasters plays a pivotal role.
“These experts are trained to discern subtle nuances and articulate them objectively and scientifically,” Rob clarifies.
“Rather than personal preferences, they describe flavors in terms of intensity like cocoa, biscuit, or milk, enabling us to gauge consumer preferences and make informed decisions.”
Rob expresses no regrets about his career journey. “Despite challenging days with technical glitches or chocolate spills, I always pause to appreciate the excitement of my work,” he muses.
After nine decades, KitKat stands as a symbol of York’s rich confectionery legacy, with a promising future shaped by individuals like Rob.