All natural Nestle
2 March 2012 – Kit Kat, Rowntree’s and Aero manufacturer, Nestlé Confectionery UK has become the first major confectioner to remove artificial colours, flavours and preservatives from its entire confectionery range.
Nestlé Crunch chocolate bar is the last of the 79 products to become ‘no arts’, marking the culmination of extensive research and product development that started in 2005 and which has seen more than 80 ingredients being replaced with alternatives.
Concentrates of fruit, vegetables and edible plants such as carrot, hibiscus, radish safflower and lemon are a few examples of ingredients used to impart their characteristic colours and these have been used in some of Britain’s favourite treats such as Smarties.
David Rennie, managing director of Nestlé Confectionery UK says “This is a significant milestone. Nestlé is proud to be the only major confectionery company in the UK to announce it is 100% free of artificial preservatives, flavours or colours across the entire portfolio. To achieve this, Nestlé Confectionery and our suppliers have worked very hard ensuring we don’t compromise and we maintain the same quality and taste of all our brands.”
The changes were made in response to consumers demanding fewer artificial ingredients in their foods and a commitment by Nestlé Confectionery to find alternatives to artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. Consumer research revealed three quarters (74%) of us now look for natural products which includes the need to be free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives when buying confectionery.
Marcelo Melchior, head of the global confectionery strategic business unit, Nestlé SA says, “While pleasure will always be our priority for confectionery, a responsible approach towards our portfolio will help us to be recognised as offering the confectionery brands consumers feel good about purchasing.”
The removal of artificial colours flavours and preservatives builds on the ongoing work Nestlé Confectionery UK has undertaken in recent years. This includes:
• In 2006, Nestlé Confectionery UK was the first confectioner to place calorie information on front of pack across its portfolio
• In 2009, Nestlé Confectionery UK re-launched its chocolate biscuit bar range. Blue Riband, Breakaway, Toffee Crisp and Drifter contain 99 calories with no impact on taste. Kit Kat 2 Finger is 107 calories.
