Kit Kat Logo (international) PNG
The KitKat logo (international) highlights the importance of preserving traditions as they help advance the future. It reflects the company’s success and its drive for progress and modernity. The concise design conveys the outward simplicity of the treat with its delightful contents. The joy wafer sticks’ flavor brings is unparalleled, providing a positive mood and relaxation. The emblem encapsulates this concept in the brand’s colorful design. Its style is carefree and fun. Even the “K” letters convey the shape of the confectionery item: they are maximally elongated. They have a paired structure of legs, influencing the marketing strategy.
Kit Kat: Brand overview
Kit Kat is a popular brand of chocolate wafers that hit the market in 1935. It originally belonged to the British company Rowntree’s. The rights to its use are divided between the Swiss multinational corporation Nestlé and the American confectioner The Hershey Company.
Kit Kat, a famous chocolate brand, has been making breaks enjoyable for over 80 years. It all started in 1935 in the United Kingdom, introduced by Rowntree’s of York as “Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp.” By 1937, it got the name we all recognize today: Kit Kat. The name’s origin is a bit of a fun puzzle, possibly linked to the Kit-Cat Club in London or slang for a tea break.
World War II played a big role in Kit Kat’s history. Thanks to its compact size and nutritional value, it was a source of comfort for soldiers. The war also led to the creation of Kit Kat Dark due to a milk shortage, a variant that continued to be popular even after the war.
The brand took off after the war, especially with introducing the slogan “Have a break, have a Kit Kat” in 1958. Kit Kat expanded worldwide, forming partnerships in the US with Hershey’s and Japan with Fujiya. This expansion was crucial for introducing Kit Kat to different cultures and tastes.
Nestlé’s acquisition of Kit Kat in 1988 marked a new era of innovation. The ’90s and 2000s saw the introduction of new flavors and versions, like Kit Kat Chunky. A standout moment was Japan’s Kit Kat Mail campaign launch in 2012, allowing personalized messages on the packaging, combining innovation and tradition.
Today, Kit Kat is one of the top-selling chocolate bars globally, available in over 80 countries and leading markets in Japan and the UK. Despite its global reach and the introduction of over 300 varieties in Japan, the classic milk chocolate Kit Kat remains a bestseller.
Meaning and History
One reason for Kit Kat’s phenomenal success is its memorable, contrasting logo. This powerful marketing tool is present on all product packaging. Although the logo’s design has been updated several times, the fundamental graphic principles have remained unchanged.
What is Kit Kat?
Kit Kat is a confectionery brand that includes milk chocolate and crispy wafers. It is owned by the Swiss company Nestle, which acquired it in 1989. The brand of chocolate bars appeared much earlier – in 1935. It was founded by the British firm Rowntree’s.
1935 – 1937
The Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp logo emphasizes simplicity and straightforwardness. The primary design element is a red background with bold white text, giving the emblem brightness and recognizability. The “Chocolate Crisp” text is in large, bold serif font. The font conveys quality and luxury, helping the brand stand out from competitors. Using capital letters highlights the importance of the product and makes it memorable.
The name “Rowntree’s,” placed above the main text, is in a lighter, more elegant font, bringing balance to the logo. This reflects the symbolism of the time—an emphasis on elegance and neatness paired with confidence in product quality. The arched shape of the text adds dynamism to the composition and creates a visually appealing invitation to explore the product further.
The red background symbolizes energy, passion, and strength—qualities the brand aimed to convey through its product. The white text on this background is easy to read, creating contrast and clarity. During those years, this approach was popular among manufacturers striving to make their products stand out on store shelves.
The phrase “4 big chocolate wafers” and the price “2d” highlight the product’s affordability and generosity, an important marketing move in the economically unstable 1930s. This gave the brand a reputation as a trustworthy and caring producer, offering more for less.
1937 – 1942
The new visual appearance of the emblem marked an important step in the brand’s history—the new design aimed to convey modernity and progress while maintaining a connection to the past. The red background remained a key element of the visual style, symbolizing energy and passion—values the brand sought to embed in its products. A white oval was introduced at the logo’s center, replacing the previous “Rowntree’s” text. Inside the oval, the new name Kit Kat appeared in bold, customized sans-serif font. The font featured widened “K” letters, giving the logo dynamism and uniqueness. This new font symbolized change, renewal, and a focus on the future.
Below the brand name, the phrase “Chocolate Crisp” remained in the old serif style, emphasizing continuity and the product’s connection to its history, having been loved under its previous name. This approach helped retain consumer trust despite the changes.
The phrase “Made Only by Rowntrees,” placed at the bottom, highlighted the product’s uniqueness and originality, which was crucial during intense competition among chocolate manufacturers. In those years, following the Great Depression and on the brink of World War II, consumers sought reliable brands, and this design element reinforced a sense of confidence and trust.
As a result, the 1937 logo symbolized the brand’s successful transition to a new level, preserving historical elements while adding modernity and individuality. This design was a step toward the recognizable Kit Kat image we know today.
1942 – 1945
In 1942, the Kit Kat logo underwent significant changes directly related to the events of World War II. During this time, a shortage of key ingredients arose, and the chocolate bar was produced using only dark chocolate. The logo was adapted to reflect these temporary changes to the product.
The emblem’s color scheme changed drastically: the familiar red background was replaced by blue. This was the only time in the brand’s history that the logo featured a blue background. It symbolized the changes in the product’s composition and the general mood of the time—a period of restrictions and austerity. Despite these difficulties, the brand managed to maintain its distinctive style.
The typography also changed. The letters became more formal and acquired serifs, emphasizing the company’s importance and resilience during wartime. The visual design became more minimalist as the familiar oval frame disappeared, creating a simpler and more direct image that reflected the new realities.
The phrase “This product is made with plain chocolate” was an important informational element, informing consumers about the temporary changes. This statement highlighted the brand’s honesty with its customers, which was crucial during those challenging years. The promise to return to the classic recipe “as soon as milk is available” also demonstrated the brand’s commitment to returning to its roots as soon as circumstances allowed.
Thus, the 1942 logo symbolized the brand’s adaptation and survival during difficult times, maintaining a connection to the past while reflecting the realities of wartime and the temporary changes in the product.
1945 – 1970s
This Kit Kat logo returned to the red and white color scheme that had become strongly associated with the brand. This step emphasized recovery and stability following the end of World War II when the company could once again produce the familiar milk chocolate bars for consumers.
The central element was a white oval, inside which the name “Kit Kat” was prominently displayed in large letters. This oval acted as a “frame,” highlighting the most important aspect—the brand name. The “Kit Kat” font was bold and dynamic, with elongated lines on the letters, especially the “K,” creating a sense of movement and energy. These elements emphasized the brand’s dynamism and freshness.
The red color used for the text symbolized confidence and strength, while the white background conveyed a sense of purity and clarity. The simplicity and conciseness of the design made the emblem easily recognizable and legible, both on packaging and in advertising. This was a step forward compared to previous logos, which had retained more decorative and complex elements.
This visual symbol was important for its time because it reflected the brand’s desire for revival and the continuation of its successful journey. Kit Kat returned to its roots but with a modern approach to graphic design that highlighted the brand’s traditions and continuity during the challenging post-war years.
1970s – 1988
The Kit Kat logo of the 1970s is a vivid example of how the brand emphasized recognizability and tradition while refreshing its appearance. During this time, a new element was introduced on the packaging—a frame that gave the design a more complete and structured look. A red oval frame surrounds the brand name, creating an effect of “protection” and completeness, visually enhancing the emblem.
The “Kit Kat” name is still rendered in bold red font, with the elongated “K” letters dominating, adding dynamism and strength to the logo. The font remained the same as the one used since the 1940s, but the frame added extra solidity and cohesion. This structure symbolizes the brand’s stability, confidence, and long-standing reputation.
This design reflected the trends of the 1970s when brands were actively experimenting with graphic design, aiming for minimalism and clarity. The introduction of the frame can be linked to the brand’s growing focus on international markets at the time, and the simplicity and completeness of the logo helped strengthen the brand on a global level.
1988 – 1995
In 1988, Nestlé purchased Rowntree’s and the Kit Kat brand with it. After this, it changed the corporate style of its chocolate and wafer products. The wrapper became bright red. It featured white inscriptions “Nestlé” (at the top) and “Kit Kat” (inside a white ellipse with a double contour).
1995 – 2004
1996 Kit Kat refreshed its logo to reflect its quality and style. The update made the logo’s text bolder and more elegant, enhancing its visual impact. The red logo was also brightened to a richer hue, adding a professional touch. The “Nestle” logotype was resized to smaller letters and subtly positioned on the left side of the emblem, highlighted with an understated, flowing underline. This redesign updated the brand’s look and strengthened its iconic image in the competitive confectionery market.
2004 – 2017
Designers used shadows to make the logo more noticeable. This graphic technique gives the drawing a three-dimensional effect. Developers also placed “Nestlé” in an elongated red heart shape. Another change concerned the placement of the ellipse—now, its right side is slightly raised along with the “Kit Kat” inscription.
2017 – 2022
In 2017, the logo was updated to sharpen its features and make it more visually striking while keeping its original structure intact for easy recognition. The logo’s color shifted to a deeper and darker red, adding a bold and intense look. An image of crispy chocolate was added at the bottom of the logo to highlight the product’s texture and quality, further enriching the logo’s meaning and emphasizing the brand’s focus on sensory appeal.
2022 – today
The modern KitKat logo retains the earlier continuity and traditions while introducing a contemporary look. The red and white color scheme remains integral to the visual style, and the large oval surrounding the brand name creates a sense of unity and recognizability. The smooth and confident typography emphasizes the brand’s consistency and stability.
The elements of the emblem show how the classic design has been adapted to modern realities. For example, previous features like the broken chocolate bar image and color gradients have been removed. Now, the focus is on the “KitKat” name itself, rendered in a geometric font with clean, sharp lines. The matching “K” letters resemble the shape of the chocolate bar’s breakable sticks, creating a playful association with the product. This play on shapes makes the logo dynamic while remaining simple and easily recognizable. This effect is enhanced by angular cutouts that harmonize with the lowercase italicized glyphs on the capital letters.
The oval that frames the text is slightly tilted to the right, symbolizing growth and progress, reflecting the company’s ambition and drive to move forward. The oval appears sharp and precise, reinforcing the brand’s confidence. The red color continues to be the main highlight, conveying energy and richness of flavor, while the white background ensures the logo is easily readable and visually balanced. The deep red represents bold flavor and the widespread availability of the chocolate bar. This palette conveys passion, emotional highs, and enjoyment.
The emblem also includes the Nestlé brand mark in the upper left corner. This symbolizes the partnership between the two companies and a commitment to quality, further reinforcing the brand’s global standing.
This visual mark exemplifies how traditions can be preserved while giving the brand a modern and relevant appearance.
Kit Kat: Interesting Facts
Kit Kat, the chocolate wafer bar we all know, has a pretty cool story and has become special in the world of sweets.
- How It Started: Kit Kat was first introduced in the UK in 1935, made by Rowntree’s of York, now part of Nestlé. It was first called “Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp” but changed to “Kit Kat Chocolate Crisp” two years later and then just “Kit Kat.”
- Famous Slogan: Since 1957, Kit Kat has used the slogan “Have a break, have a Kit Kat,” encouraging people to take a little break with a Kit Kat bar. The idea of taking a “break” has become a big part of what Kit Kat is all about.
- Different in the USA: While Nestlé makes Kit Kats in most places, Hershey’s makes it in the United States. This started from an agreement made in 1970, which is why Kit Kat might taste a bit different in the US.
- Kit Kat in Japan: Japan loves Kit Kat and has created over 300 flavors, from green tea to wasabi. Kit Kats are popular gifts because “Kitto Katsu” sounds like a Japanese phrase that means good luck.
- Space Kit Kat: In 2008, a Kit Kat bar was tied to a helium balloon for a science project and went to space. It floated 18 miles high, making it the first chocolate bar to reach near space.
- Using Good Cocoa: Nestlé promises to use cocoa that’s gotten in a way that’s okay for the planet and good for the farmers, aiming to make all Kit Kats with this kind of cocoa.
- Make Your Kit Kat: In some places like Japan and Australia, there are special Kit Kat stores called Chocolatory, where you can make Kit Kats with flavors and toppings you can’t find in regular stores.
- A Huge Kit Kat: For its 75th birthday in 2010, Kit Kat fans in the UK made the world’s biggest Kit Kat, weighing over 5,440 kg (about 12,000 lbs), setting a world record.
- Eco-Friendly Wrapping: In Japan, Kit Kat tried out paper wrappers that you can turn into origami. This is part of using less plastic and being nicer to the environment.
- Kit Kat and Pop Culture: Kit Kat has been involved in many fun collaborations, like making special bars with Hello Kitty in Japan, which shows how much it’s part of the culture.
Font and Colors
Nestlé and The Hershey Company have different Kit Kat logos. Hershey’s version features the brand name in white letters with black outlines on a red background. The font is similar to the Kit Kat font by Dennis Ludlow.
The Nestlé logo contains more original elements. The “Kit Kat” inscription is inside a slanted oval with a double frame. The style of the inscription is reminiscent of a modified Gill Sans font developed by Arthur Eric Rowton Gill.
The graphic sign shares many color palettes with Oxo, Virgin, and Coca-Cola, combining white and red. This combination of shades is advantageous from a marketing perspective, as it creates a winning contrast.
FAQ
Why is it called a KitKat?
The name “Kit Kat” has a unique history dating back to the 18th century. It was inspired by a literary club started by Christopher Catling, also known as “Kit Cat.” He ran a pie shop in London where the club met. This place was popular among famous writers, politicians, and influential British culture and political figures.
When the Rowntree’s company in the UK named their chocolate bar “Kit Kat,” they wanted to remember this history of social breaks and pleasant gatherings, adding a new twist. They linked the chocolate bar with a long-standing tradition, showing how an old name can give a brand a special meaning and connect it to a broad cultural story.
After Nestlé bought Rowntree’s in 1988, they continued to share the story behind the Kit Kat name on their website. They honor the origin of Catling’s club, showing respect for the brand’s past and cultural importance. Nestlé’s approach adds a layer of meaning to the Kit Kat brand, associating it with a delicious snack, a tradition of social interaction, and historical significance.
Why is the KitKat logo red?
The KitKat logo, designed between 1935 and 1937, stands out with its white letters on a vibrant red background. This design choice wasn’t just for looks; it aimed to make an impact. Red is a color that catches the eye and is often associated with energy, passion, and action—qualities that KitKat aimed to embody.
The contrast of red and white in the logo was especially effective in making the logo noticeable on store shelves, drawing customers’ attention. During the 1930s, as color printing was becoming more common, this bright red helped KitKat to be distinctive and appealed to consumers seeking novelty and luxury in everyday items. The choice of red for the logo aligns with KitKat’s goal to offer warmth, enjoyment, and a break from the daily routine. The color effectively conveys KitKat’s message of relaxing, enjoying, and indulging in a little treat.
What is an interesting fact about Kit Kat?
Kit Kat bars started in 1935 in England, initially called “Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp.” The name highlighted the candy’s crispy wafer, a distinctive feature. By 1937, the name changed to “KIT KAT® Chocolate Crisp,” marking the beginning of its journey to becoming a globally loved brand. Kit Kat bars contain dairy products, so they are unsuitable for vegans. The milk in the chocolate coating and other animal-based ingredients in some flavors means vegans cannot eat them.
How long is open Kit Kat good for?
If you store it correctly, an unopened Kit Kat can last around nine months to a year. The chocolate’s ingredients help it stay fresh. Just remember to keep it somewhere dry and away from the sun to make it last longer. After opening a Kit Kat, it can still be good for about 2-3 months. Opening it exposes the chocolate to air, which might change its texture and taste. To keep it tasting fresh longer, store it in an airtight container or a sealable bag in a dry place.
What does the KitKat logo mean?
The KitKat logo tells the brand’s story and history, not just through its design but also with symbols. It features a chocolate bar broken in half to show off KitKat’s signature crunch. This image encourages people to pause and enjoy a moment of break. The logo includes “Nestlé” within a red heart, indicating Nestlé’s ownership of KitKat and suggesting that care and high quality are important in making each bar.
The KitKat logo merges the brand’s heritage with its central idea: taking a break with a crunchy chocolate bar. It links history and the simple pleasure of enjoying a break in one memorable symbol.
What is the symbol of Kit Kat?
The Kit Kat logo is famous around the world for its eye-catching design. It features the word “kitkat” in red, placed inside a white oval, both tilted to give a dynamic appearance. The vibrant red color conveys energy, aligning with the brand’s message.
The logo’s letters mimic the look of chocolate bars, which adds a playful element and underscores the product’s key feature: the chocolate. This 3D effect makes the logo stand out and visually links it to the experience of enjoying a Kit Kat, focusing on the joy of the chocolate. This has made the logo recognizable and a global symbol for enjoying a tasty treat.
Why is the Kit Kat logo different from others?
The Kit Kat logo varies by location, which is uncommon for a worldwide brand. This variation is due to the brand’s ownership and licensing arrangements. While Nestlé, a Swiss company, owns Kit Kat globally, the Hershey Company holds the license in the United States. As a result, the Kit Kat logo has two distinct designs.
Globally, Nestlé’s version of the Kit Kat logo features the brand name in red within a white oval, sometimes appearing three-dimensional to resemble chocolate bars. This design emphasizes the chocolate’s texture and the pleasure of eating a Kit Kat.
In contrast, the US version by Hershey displays black and white letters against a red background, differing significantly from the global design. This reflects Hershey’s unique branding strategy for Kit Kat in America, distinguishing it from the international version. The contrast between these logos underscores the unique business partnership between Nestlé and Hershey, illustrating how licensing agreements can give a single brand different identities in various markets.
What does the Kit Kat logo symbolize?
The Kit Kat logo highlights the chocolate bar’s quality and distinctive features. It shows the bar broken in half to emphasize the crispy layers inside, drawing attention to the crunchy wafers that make Kit Kat unique. The flying crumbs in the image further underline the crunchiness, often associated with freshness, making the chocolate even more appealing.
The logo uses red and white colors to stand out. Red is chosen for its ability to catch the eye, making the logo more visible on store shelves and in advertisements, conveying energy and excitement. White is used for the text and bar image, ensuring the logo is easy to read and stands against the red background.
What is the symbol of KitKat?
The KitKat symbol catches your eye with its bright red name inside a matching oval against a white background. The font has a modern feel, especially the “K” s designed to look like chocolate bars, making it easy to spot the brand. Below the logo, you often see a picture of a KitKat bar broken in half, showcasing the crunchy layers inside. This image displays the product and invites people to take a moment and enjoy a KitKat break. The symbol goes beyond a logo; it represents the brand’s promise to deliver a unique chocolate experience. Through its design and imagery, the symbol stands as an icon of pleasure and indulgence in the world of chocolates.
Why do Kit Kat logos differ from each other?
The KitKat logo looks different worldwide due to unique licensing and branding strategies. Nestlé, a Swiss company, owns KitKat and uses a classic logo featuring a red oval with the brand name and a chocolate bar image. This design is famous worldwide for its traditional appearance. However, the Hershey Company sells KitKat chocolates in the United States under a different logo: “KitKat” in white letters on a red rectangle. This is because of an agreement between Hershey and Nestlé, allowing Hershey to use its branding style for KitKat in the U.S.
These variations in the KitKat logo, from the classic design to those used in the U.S. and Australia, illustrate how the brand adapts to different markets and consumer interests. The classic logo maintains KitKat’s well-known identity, while the changes in the U.S. and Australia showcase the brand’s flexibility in meeting regional tastes and supporting causes like sustainability.
When did Kit Kat change its logo?
In 2017, KitKat updated its logo to make it look fresher and better reflect what the brand stands for. The new logo shows a KitKat bar broken in two, which is something all chocolate lovers recognize. The colors changed, too, with a deeper red, and the letter outlines got thicker with an orange tint. This made the logo pop out more and gave it a three-dimensional appearance.
In 2020, KitKat Australia introduced a unique logo to show its commitment to sustainability. This logo featured three brown arrows forming a recycling symbol, a significant departure from the usual design to promote recycling and environmental care. Though this special logo was used only in Australia and for a limited time, it demonstrated KitKat’s willingness to innovate and tackle big issues like sustainability.
