Latest Android Platform Named After Iconic Kit Kat Chocolate Bar

HERSHEY, Pa., Sept. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Google today announced the name of the latest version of its Android mobile operating system, calling it Android KitKat after one of America's most beloved confectionery brands. The creators of the world's most popular mobile platform have teamed up with The Hershey Company, in the United States, for the next release of the platform 'Android KitKat.'

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130903/CG73034-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130903/CG73034-b)

"We couldn't imagine a better name for our Android K release than the chocolate treat that's been a favorite go-to snack among the team since the early days of Android," said Marc Vanlerberghe, director of Android Marketing.

Android KitKat is version 4.4 of Google's mobile operating system, developed by the company's engineers under sweet-themed codenames that began with Android Cupcake 1.5 in 2009. The codenames have continued alphabetically through to Android Jelly Bean 4.3, released earlier this year.

The news that the letter 'K' will be dedicated to the iconic Kit Kat^® brand will surprise many technology pundits, who expected the latest version to be named 'Android Key Lime Pie.'

"We are proud and excited to have one of the world's leading mobile innovators pair up with one of America's favorite chocolate brands," said Jennifer Podhajsky, Vice President, U.S. Chocolate, The Hershey Company. "Google's choice to name their next Android platform release Kit Kat brings together two well-known icons from pop culture and technology and gives the classic jingle of 'Gimme a Break™' a whole new meaning in the tech world."

This news complements the recent launch of The Hershey Company's new and innovative Kit Kat Minis product that represents the latest innovation in confectionery and on-the-go snacks. The product is the result of many months of research and development by Hershey engineers to miniaturize one of the world's most popular candy bars without compromising the extraordinarily popular taste, texture and shape of the light crispy Kit Kat wafers covered in smooth milk chocolate.

As part of the U.S. campaign, Kit Kat brand and Google will offer consumers the chance to win 1,000 Nexus 7 tablets, 150,000 Google Play $5.00 credits and 20,000 coupons for a free 8 ounce bag of Kit Kat Minis. To enter the promotion, consumers should look for a code inside the wrapper of specially marked Kit Kat 1.5 oz bars where they will need to visit android.com/kitkat for their chance to win. The promotion will run between September 6, 2013 and January 31, 2014.

To celebrate the announcement, the brand is also launching a Kit Kat USA Facebook page (facebook.com/KitKatUSA) and a Kit Kat USA Google+ page (google.com/+kitkatusa) to connect with Kit Kat U.S. fans and keep them up-to-date on the latest details of the Android KitKat campaign. A giant statue of the Android made out of the iconic Kit Kat bars will reside at Hershey's headquarters in Hershey, PA.

The Google announcement is part of a larger global partnership with Nestle. The Hershey Company is a license holder of the Kit Kat trademark in the United States, where it manufactures and sells the Kit Kat brand.  To mark the release of the Android KitKat, more than 50 million specially branded Kit Kat bars will be available in 19 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, Middle East, Russia, and the United States.

For more information, please visit kitkatusa.com

Kit Kat is a registered trademark under license from Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and more than 12,000 employees. With revenues of nearly $6 billion, Hershey offers confectionery products under more than 25 brand names, including such iconic brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Hershey's Bliss, Hershey's Special Dark, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, and Ice Breakers. Hershey also offers premium and artisan chocolate products under such brands as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba through the Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets such as China and Mexico while continuing to build its competitive advantage in the United States and Canada.

For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live, work and do business. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of the company's global business strategy, which includes goals and priorities focused on fair and ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship, fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively impacting society and local communities. Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and administered by Hershey Trust Company, provides a quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.

SOURCE The Hershey Company