Nestlé invests US$18.8M in AI at KitKat factory in Campbellfield, Victoria

AUSTRALIA – Nestlé Australia has invested A$30m (US$18.8m) to integrate digital and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to enhance safety and product improvement in the food company.

The company said its investment in technology aims to boost the wafer and expand production capacity.

In a statement, the company announced that this investment in technology will result to smaller size of the wafer as it aims to advance the wafer production and capacity.

Nestlé General Manager Confectionery Andrew Lawrey said: “The new technology we have installed in our factory allows us to create new flavors and fillings, textures and tastes.

“By investing in automation, we can significantly reduce manual handling, making the job safer for our operators. We will also be able to minimize food and packaging waste.” 

The manager also noted that as part of the investment, a new wafer oven will be introduced to enhance the quality of the wafer by making it crispier.

The new KitKat 4 Finger bar, due to the smaller moulds that are in the new oven, will reduce from 45g to 42g.

The KitKat Neapolitan, which was launched earlier this month, will be one of the first products produced using the new technology. 

The new product, featuring vanilla and strawberry flavors with a milk chocolate base, is set to hit Australian shelves this month and New Zealand retailers in February.  

The Nestlé factory in Campbellfield employs more than 400 people and makes a number of Australians’ favorite chocolate brands including KitKat, Aero, Smarties, Milkybar, Chokito and baking products Bakers’ Choice and Plaistowe.

The investment comes shortly after Nestle launched Allen’s Berry Bunch, a brand-new lolly for Aussies to enjoy.

According to the report from the company consumers are sure to find a soft spot for the new lolly which is bursting onto the scene with a unique soft-jelly texture, sugary coating.

The taste packs a ‘bunch’ too, boasting ripe raspberry, juicy blackcurrant and sweet strawberry flavours.

It’s also berry good news for plant-based lolly-lovers as Allen’s Berry Bunch lollies are vegan-friendly too.

Nestlé Head of Marketing Confectionery, Melanie Chen concluded, “Lolly consumers will be thrilled to see a re-imagination of the Allen’s iconic berry flavor trio – raspberry, blackcurrant and strawberry – with our new Allen’s Berry Bunch. What’s more, a vegan-friendly flavor will bring a bit of fun to plant-based lolly consumers.”

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