Formula 1 partner KitKat loses over 400,000 F1 chocolate bars in major Europe theft

KitKat has revealed that more than 12 tonnes of its F1-themed chocolate bars were stolen from a truck en route from Italy to Poland, with the shipment still missing

KitKat, which has been a partner of Formula 1 since the start of the 2025 season, has confirmed that 12 tonnes of the F1 KitKat chocolate bars were stolen during transit in Europe.

The chocolate brand told AFP, "A truck transporting 413,793 units of its new chocolate range has been stolen during transit in Europe.

"We've always encouraged people to have a break with KitKat. But it seems thieves have taken the message too literally and made a break with more than 12 tons of our chocolate."

The truck was on its way from Italy to Poland when it was stolen. The company added that "the vehicle and its contents remain unaccounted for."

An investigation is ongoing with local authorities.

Nestlé, with its KitKat brand, partnered with F1 on a multi-year partnership from 2025, serving as the championship's official chocolate bar.

Emily Prazer, chief commercial officer at F1, said at the time: "We’re delighted to have such a universally recognised and fun brand as KitKat joining us as a partner.

"They’re universally loved and we can’t wait to see the fantastic experiences they’ll be bringing to our fans at the track and the new audiences they’ll introduce to the sport."

Bernard Meunier, head of strategic business units and marketing and sales at Nestlé, added: "Formula 1 is a global phenomenon with a rapidly growing, diverse fanbase, especially among younger audiences. With its global reach and packed schedule, F1 offers KitKat the perfect platform to remind everyone to make time for a break.

"We’re excited to bring our signature sense of fun to this thrilling sport and to create memorable experiences for fans around the world."

As part of the partnership, KitKat released its F1 chocolate bars ahead of the 2026 season. "To mark this exciting partnership, the brand is launching a chocolate masterpiece in the shape of a Formula 1 racing car, the first of its kind," the launch press release stated.

"Featuring a smooth milk chocolate shell with creamy filling and embedded crispy cereal pieces."