Nestlé coffee-confectionery innovation overview
- Nestlé launches Nescafé drinks inspired by KitKat and Lion brands
- New products combine coffee functionality with confectionery treat appeal
- Launch supports Nestlé’s cross-category innovation and portfolio leverage strategy
- A £28m UK factory investment has improved manufacturing efficiency and output
- Premium flavour-led innovation aims to drive value growth opportunities
Nestlé is combining its two most powerful sectors – confectionery and coffee.
The two heavyweights of the Swiss multinational’s arsenal are coming together with the launch of Nescafé KitKat White Flavour Latte and Nescafé Lion Flavour Mocha.
The move marks a further step in the company’s push to capitalise on cross-category innovation – leveraging brand recognition across categories and strengthening position in increasingly crowded coffee and confectionery landscapes.
It also reflects a further blurring of the lines between snacking and drinking, as consumers look for products that combine the treat appeal of confectionery with the functionality of coffee.
The launch comes as manufacturers look to drive value growth through premium, flavour-led innovation.
Investment in manufacturing
Innovation in the two new products was, says Nestlé, made possible by a recent £28m (€32.5m) investment in its Dalston UK factory, where they were created.
“Our Nestlé confectionery-inspired launches have been some of our most successful new product development in recent years, helping us bring hundreds of thousands of new shoppers into the coffee category,” says Ingrid Hayes, marketing director for Nescafé UK and Ireland. “With the investment we’ve made in our UK manufacturing, we’re well placed to keep bringing exciting new products to market.”
“The investment last year has enabled advances in manufacturing processes,” adds Ian Pipes, Dalston factory manager. “It’s improved efficiency and increased output.”
The move highlights how Nestlé is using its scale and brand portfolio to unlock new opportunities.
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