Kit Kat is produced by different companies depending on the country:

• Globally outside the United States: Kit Kat is produced by Nestlé. This is the result of Nestlé acquiring Rowntree’s in 1988, after which Nestlé took over the brand’s global production and distribution (with U.S. production historically licensed to Hershey).

• In the United States: Kit Kat bars are produced under license by The Hershey Company, a arrangement that dates back to 1970 and continued even after Nestlé’s acquisition of Rowntree’s.

Notes:

• The Kit Kat brand originated in the United Kingdom with Rowntree’s in the 1930s, and the U.S. distribution/production arrangement with Hershey began in the 1970s. Nestlé’s global ownership began in 1988, but the U.S. license to Hershey remained in place (and Hershey still actively markets Kit Kat in the U.S.).

• In recent years Nestlé has emphasized Kit Kat production and sourcing under its own operations in many markets, including commitments around cocoa sourcing through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan.

Direct answer:

• Global (except U.S.): Nestlé is the parent company that makes Kit Kat.

• United States: The Hershey Company is the producer under license.