Yes, The Hershey Company owns the rights to produce and sell Kit Kat bars in the United States. However, it's important to understand that Kit Kat has a unique dual ownership structure; globally, the brand is owned by Nestlé.
The Nuance of Kit Kat Ownership
While many associate Kit Kat with American confectionery, the popular chocolate-covered wafer bar has British origins. It was originally created by Rowntree's of York, a British company. Over time, Rowntree's was acquired by Nestlé, which now holds the global ownership of the Kit Kat brand.
However, a distinct agreement means that for the United States market, the manufacturing and distribution rights for Kit Kat belong to The Hershey Company. Specifically, Kit Kat bars sold within the U.S. are produced by H.B. Reese, which is a division of Hershey. This arrangement has been in place for decades, leading to a common misconception about the brand's sole ownership.
Here's a breakdown of the ownership:
| Aspect | United States Market | Global Market (Outside U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Owner | The Hershey Company (under license) | Nestlé |
| Manufacturer | H.B. Reese (a division of The Hershey Company) | Nestlé |
| Origin of the Brand | British (invented by Rowntree's of York) | British (invented by Rowntree's of York) |
This distinctive split means that while the core product remains consistent, there can be subtle differences in ingredients or varieties offered between Kit Kats produced for the U.S. market and those sold internationally by Nestlé.
