Nestlé is set to launch KitKat Ruby, making it the first brand to feature ruby chocolate.

The UK will be the first European country to sell the Kitkat Ruby, which has been produced using the new chocolate, seen as the fourth type after dark, milk and white.

Swiss chocolatier Barry Callebaut spent a decade developing the innovative flavour from unfermented cocoa beans that offer berry-fruitiness taste without the addition of any flavour or colour.

Nestlé UK confectionery business marketing director Alex Gonnella said: “We know that a new type of KitKat is a really big deal and we are very excited to be able to offer a different type of chocolate for KitKat fans to try.

“After the extremely successful launch of KitKat Chocolatory Sublime Ruby in Japan and South Korea, this is the first time the ruby chocolate will be available in an iconic four-finger format and we are sure that the KitKat will be a great hit in the UK.

“This is the first time the ruby chocolate will be available in an iconic four-finger format and we are sure that the KitKat will be a great hit in the UK.”

“Ruby chocolate is a big innovation in confectionery and we are very proud that KitKat is the first major brand in the UK to feature this exciting new chocolate.”

Ruby chocolate was unveiled by Barry Callebaut in September last year, and was first introduced in Japan and Korea as Kitkat Chocolatory Sublime Ruby, and sold exclusively at KitKat Chocolatory boutiques.

Barry Callebaut chief innovation, quality and sustainability officer Pablo Perversi said: “I am very pleased to see the result of our partnership with Nestlé, the iconic four-finger KitKat made with our ruby chocolate. Consumers across the world will be intrigued by the unique taste of this crispy delight.”

In the UK, the new KitKat Ruby will be available exclusively in Tesco from 16 April, and the product will be launched in Europe and the US at a later stage.