KitKit Sublime Ruby
Nestle Japan Ltd. will sell Sublime Ruby exclusively at KitKat Chocolatory specialty stores in Japan and South Korea as well as online.
 

TOKYO — Ruby chocolate, the first new chocolate variety in 80 years, will make its debut in a commercial product in Japan. Starting Jan. 19, Nestle Japan Ltd. will sell Sublime Ruby exclusively at KitKat Chocolatory specialty stores in Japan and South Korea as well as online.

Barry Callebaut launched ruby chocolate last September, or 80 years after the introduction of white chocolate, according to Zurich-based Barry Callebaut. Dark and milk are the other two chocolate varieties.

Nestle Japan’s Sublime Ruby bar features a pink color achieved without using any additives and a fruity flavor reminiscent of berries. Yasumasa Takagi, head chef and owner of Le Patissier Takagi in Tokyo, created Sublime Ruby.

KitKit Sublime Ruby
Nestle Japan’s Sublime Ruby bar features a pink color achieved without using any additives and a fruity flavor reminiscent of berries.
 

“I am extremely honored to be part of this landmark moment in the history of chocolate, with which I have worked intimately for over 30 years,” he said. “I have created an especially simple KitKat that allows you to enjoy the characteristic fruity fragrance and subtle acidity of ruby cacao to the fullest. Enjoy wonderful flavors that have never been experienced before.”

Nestle Japan will promote Sublime Ruby as a Valentine’s Day gift. One bar will sell for 400 yen ($3.61). An assortment of five pieces will include two Sublime Ruby bars along with one each of Sublime Bitter, Milk and White. It will sell for 1,800 yen ($16.23). An assortment of seven pieces will include two Sublime Ruby bars along with one each of Sublime Bitter, Milk, White, Matcha and Raw. It will sell for 2,400 yen ($21.64).

Ruby chocolate is made from the ruby cocoa bean. Barry Callebaut was able to unlock the specific attributes of the bean.

Antonie de Saint-Affrique, Barry Callebaut
Antoine de Saint-Affrique, c.e.o. of Barry Callebaut
“I am very pleased that our innovative, breakthrough ruby chocolate has come to life so quickly through our partnership with Nestle and the pioneering KitKat brand in Japan,” said Antoine de Saint-Affrique, chief executive officer of Barry Callebaut. “Nestle was very quick in spotting the trend and in introducing a ruby chocolate version of KitKat, which will entice consumers across Asia and beyond.”