© Nestlé Japan/Flickr
Nestlé has become the first company to sell a product made from ruby chocolate, as it has introduced a ruby version of its KitKat bars in Japan and South Korea.
Swiss chocolatier Barry Callebaut developed the new form of chocolate last year, which is made from the ruby cacao bean and boasts a berry taste and naturally-occurring pink colour.
The KitKat Chocolatory Sublime Ruby bars will initially be sold in KitKat’s Chocolatory stores and online in Japan and South Korea, but will be introduced to other markets including the UK in the future.
An additional 80 pop up stores will open around Japan to sell the products in preparation for Valentine’s Day.
Chocolatier Yasumasa Takagi crafted the Sublime Ruby bars, and he said: “I am extremely honoured to be part of this landmark moment in the history of chocolate, with which I have worked intimately for over thirty years.
“I have created an especially simple KitKat that allows you to enjoy the characteristic fruity fragrance and subtle acidity of ruby cacao to the fullest, allowing consumers to enjoy wonderful flavours that have never been experienced before.”
Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO of Barry Callebaut: “I am very pleased that our innovative breakthrough Ruby chocolate has come to life so quickly through our partnership with Nestlé and the pioneering KitKat Brand in Japan.
“Nestlé was very quick in spotting the trend and in introducing a Ruby chocolate version of KitKat, which will entice consumers across Asia and beyond.”
The introduction of the new product comes two days after Nestlé announced it was selling its US confectionary unit to Ferrero for $2.8 billion.
Nestlé claimed the sale would allow it to focus on developing its international confectionary business.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024