New Delhi: Nestlé has said India has emerged as the largest global market for KitKat, overtaking other major markets as the confectionery brand recorded growth in both value and volume.
India had been the second-largest market for KitKat over the past few years before moving to the top position globally, according to the company. The brand is sold in more than 85 countries.
“India is now the largest market for KitKat globally, and the brand has accelerated its market share growth over the last few years,” Manish Tiwary said during a recent media interaction.
KitKat has become the second brand in Nestlé’s India portfolio, after Maggi, to make India its largest global market.
A decade ago, India ranked tenth globally for KitKat sales.
According to the company, the confectionery category delivered high double-digit growth in both value and volume during FY26, supported by transaction growth across key brands.
Jagatheesan Gopichandar said the growth in KitKat was linked to wider consumer penetration and expansion into newer consumption occasions.
“We entered into gifting with KitKat Celebreak and nibbling with KitKat pops. We accelerated the premium portfolio with the launch of KITKAT Delights range with variants including Salted Caramel and Hazelnut, alongside mainstream innovations such as KITKAT DUO and KitKat Lemon and Lime,” he said.
The company said it increased advertising investments and expanded partnerships and campaigns to strengthen consumer engagement. It also cited investments in its visicooler programme, glass-door refrigeration units used for retail display and storage, as a contributor to growth across urban and rural markets.
In its FY25 annual report, Nestlé India said it had sold 3,950 million fingers of KitKat after doubling its market share and becoming one of the fastest-growing brands in India’s chocolate category.
The company also stated earlier that India is the largest global market for Maggi, with more than five billion serves sold.
KitKat was created in the 1930s by British confectionery company Rowntree’s and became part of Nestlé after the Swiss company acquired Rowntree’s in 1988. In the United States, the brand is manufactured under licence by The Hershey Company.