Naming the latest version of Android after Nestlé’s iconic chocolate and wafer confectionery continued Google’s marketing plan of selecting sweet-themed names. Android KitKat follows the launch of Android Cupcake in 2009 and, most recently, Android Jelly Bean.
Marc Vanlerberghe, director of Android Marketing, said: “We couldn’t imagine a better name for our Android K release than the tasty chocolate that’s been a favourite among the team since the early days of Android.”
Most technology commentators expected the ‘K’ version of the mobile operating system would to named Android Key Lime Pie.
Nestlé will mark the launch of Android KitKat with the sale of specially-branded KitKat bars in 19 countries. Those include: Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, Dubai, Russia, the UK and the US.
Specially branded KitKat bars
The dedicated packs will direct consumers to the website android.com/kitkat where they can win prizes. The prizes on offer include: Google Nexus 7 tablets, and credits to spend in Google Play, Google’s online store for apps, games, music, movies and books.
Patrice Bula, Nestlé’s head of marketing, said: “We’re excited to announce this partnership with Android, the world's most popular mobile platform, which will help us to enable even more KitKat fans to enjoy their break.”
Bula added: “KitKat is one of the world’s top ten fast-moving consumer goods brands in social media in terms of fan numbers and engagement. We continue to build on its strong digital presence with interactive, creative branding campaigns.”
Some Android robot-shaped KitKat bars will also be available as prizes in selected markets.
Nestlé’s branding partnership
The confectionery giant said in a statement: “Nestlé’s branding partnership with Google is the company’s latest move in its ambition to leverage digital technology and online content to get closer to its consumers to better understand and cater to their preferences.”
The firm acquired its first online content property earlier this year in the form of the Petfinder website in the US. The online database service connects would-be owners with adoptable pets and is visited by more than 100M pet-lovers each year.
Meanwhile, earlier this week Nestlé boss Fiona Kendrick was appointed as one of five new Uk government commissioners for employment and skills.
Kendrick is also a candidate for the title Personality of the Year in the Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards. She is one of six industry leaders in contention for the award, which recognises the achievement of the man or woman who has done the most to champion the interests of food and drink manufacturing.
More information and the opportunity to vote is available here.