In September last year, esteemed Swiss cacao processor Barry Callebaut produced “ruby” chocolate, the first new natural colour for chocolate since white chocolate was conceived in the 1930s.
Nestlé has now teamed up with Barry Callebaut to release the “Sublime Ruby” KitKat, created by chef Yasumasa Takagi.
The limited edition product will be on sale from tomorrow in seven permanent KitKat Chocolatory stores across Japan and Korea, online and in around 80 seasonal pop-up stores in Japan.
It will be marketed as an ideal romantic gift in the run up to Valentine’s Day.
“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,” said Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO of Barry Callebaut.
Chef Takagi, the craftsman behind the creation, also spoke about his delight at being a part of such an innovative product.
“I am extremely honoured to be a part of this landmark moment in the history of chocolate, with which I have worked intimately for over thirty years,” he said.
“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.”