A truck carrying F1-shaped KitKats was hijacked in Europe. A spectacular theft that highlights a growing phenomenon.
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The world of Formula 1 has been the scene of an incident that is unusual, to say the least. Alongside its partnership with the sport, the KitKat brand saw a large shipment of merchandise vanish into thin air.
Since 2025, Nestlé has partnered with F1 by launching a special series of chocolates in the shape of single-seaters. Following its success, the operation was renewed in 2026 with a new design intended for the general public.
But this original marketing strategy recently took an unexpected turn: a truck carrying these products was stolen while crossing Europe.
12 tons of chocolate gone
The convoy, which left Italy and was en route to Poland, was carrying no less than 12 tons of these famous Formula 1-shaped chocolates. In total, 413 793 units were to be delivered progressively to several countries.
The theft occurred in transit, under circumstances that have not yet been fully clarified. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the extent of the material damage remains considerable.
This type of incident is part of a broader trend of cargo hijacking in Europe, a phenomenon on the rise in recent years that concerns many companies.
A reaction tinged with humor… but a serious message
Facing this situation, the brand’s reaction did not lack irony, while highlighting the seriousness of the problem.
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In a statement, a KitKat spokesperson said: “We have always encouraged people to have a break with KitKat — but it seems some took the message a bit too literally by seizing more than 12 tons of chocolate.”
Behind this touch of humor, the company highlights a very real issue: “While we recognize the thieves’ good taste, cargo theft is a growing problem for businesses of all sizes.”
A growing criminal phenomenon
Beyond the anecdote, this event highlights a worrying development in the transport sector. Cargo hijackings are becoming increasingly frequent, with ever more sophisticated methods.
Nestlé has also chosen to publicize this incident to warn about this reality: “With increasingly sophisticated schemes, we have decided to make this matter public to raise awareness of an increasingly widespread criminal trend.”
While the case may seem amusing at first, it serves as a reminder that even the most unexpected products — in this case, F1-shaped chocolates — can become prime targets.
One thing is certain: these chocolate single-seaters will likely never cross the intended finish line.
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