ZURICH, Switzerland — Thieves stole 12 tons of KitKat chocolate bars from a truck in Europe last week, Nestlé confirmed, in what authorities are calling one of the largest confectionery thefts in recent years. The stolen shipment, amounting to more than 413,000 bars, disappeared after leaving a factory in central Italy bound for Poland.

Nestlé said the truck never reached its destination and both the vehicle and its cargo remain missing. The company explained that the stolen bars were part of a new KitKat range scheduled for distribution across Europe ahead of Easter. 

“We’ve always encouraged people to have a break with KitKat,” a Nestlé spokesperson told AFP, “but it seems thieves have taken the message too literally and made a break with more than 12 tons of our chocolate.”

The theft has sparked a police investigation in Italy, where authorities suspect the heist was carried out by organized cargo thieves. Nestlé added that the missing bars can be traced through unique batch codes, allowing retailers and consumers to identify stolen products if they surface in the market.

The incident has raised concerns about supply chain security in Europe, particularly as demand for chocolate surges during the Easter season. Analysts warn that the theft could cause localized shortages in some markets, though Nestlé assured consumers that production continues and distribution will be adjusted to minimize disruption.

Police have yet to identify suspects, and the truck remains unaccounted for as of March 30, 2026. The company has urged vigilance among distributors and retailers, emphasizing that any suspicious KitKat shipments should be reported immediately.

This “chocolaty heist” has quickly gained attention across Europe, not only for its scale but also for its timing, as millions of consumers prepare for Easter celebrations. For now, Nestlé and law enforcement agencies are working together to track down the missing cargo and prevent stolen bars from entering the market.