In the news release, Thieves Make a Break For It as 12 Tonnes of KITKAT Go Missing, issued 27-Mar-2026 by Nestlé over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that it has been reported that this theft could lead to a supply shortage ahead of Easter. Nestlé has confirmed that this is incorrect – the incident will have no impact on supply or trade, and there is no shortage risk. The complete, corrected release follows:
VEVEY, Switzerland, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KITKAT today confirmed that a truck transporting 413,793 units of its new chocolate range has been stolen during transit in Europe.
The shipment, weighing approximately 12 tonnes, disappeared last week while between production and distribution locations. Having left Central Italy last week, the bars were to be distributed throughout Europe - with the 1,250-1,350km route eventually terminating in Poland. The vehicle and its contents remain unaccounted for, and investigations are ongoing in close collaboration with local authorities and supply chain partners.
While there is no risk associated with the product itself and partners have been alerted, KITKAT believes the missing items could enter unofficial sales channels across European markets.
The theft comes shortly after a joint report¹ from the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) and the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) EMEA, which outlined an alarming rise in cargo theft and freight fraud - with more sophisticated methods of deception becoming increasingly common.
A KITKAT spokesperson said:
Consumers are requested to not attempt to locate, handle or recover any stolen goods and to not take any direct action. Any relevant information should be shared with local law enforcement authorities.
KITKAT will continue to support the investigation and provide further updates as appropriate.
IUMI and TAPA EMEA report.
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