The Nestlé favourite ran its first ad in 1957, the following year introducing the "Have a break, have a Kit Kat" strapline, which still remains today, despite being dropped for a time in 2004.
JWT has handled the UK Kit Kat advertising account since the 1930s. While the brand’s campaigns have developed over the years, its TV ads are best known for their humour. Here is a selection of UK ads, including appearances from rollerskating pandas and Jason Statham, followed by a number of international ads.
'Panda' 1989
'Claw machine' 2000
'Record producer' 1984
'No rest for the wicked' 1987
'Working like a machine?' 1999
Daleks 'peace and love' 2001
'You are not a salmon' featuring Jason Statham 2003
Introducing Peanut butter Kit Kat Chunky 2007
Kit Kat is available around the world, with cultural differences reflected in the product and ad campaigns.
The Kit Kat bar is now produced in 14 countries, including UK, Egypt, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Algeria, South Africa, Germany, Japan, China, Malaysia, India, Turkey, Venezuela, Spain, Mexico and Bulgaria.
In Japan, there are more than 40 different flavours of available, including Wasabi, Strawberry Cheesecake, Lemon Vinegar and Cucumber. While in China, it is sold in a plastic bag due to the humid weather in the region.
The largest single retail outlet for Kit Kat is Dubai Duty Free, which sells over a tonne a day. Across the world 17.6 billion Kit Kat fingers are eaten every year.
Here are some of the TV ads that have aired around the world:
'Squirrel', India
'Work like a machine', Malaysia
'Racing track', Australia
'City', US
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