Internet giant Google, known for nicknaming its Android mobile operating systems after desserts, has for the first time chosen a corporate brand for its 4.4 version. The new Android OS will be called ‘Kit Kat’, after the chocolate brand that’s owned by Nestlé globally and controlled by Hershey Co. in the U.S.
Nestlé spokesperson Nina Kruchten said no money exchanged hands as part of the deal, which a Google spokesperson confirmed.
Marc Vanlerberghe, director of Android Marketing, said in a statement, “We couldn’t imagine a better name for our Android K release than the tasty chocolate that’s been a favorite among the team since the early days of Android”.
Nestle and Hershey look to be using the deal to build their digital reputations. Jennifer Podhajsky, vice president of US chocolate at Hershey, said the deal appealed to Hershey because Android’s and Kit Kat’s principal demographics overlap. “Kit Kat consumers are young, vibrant consumers of candy and chocolate bars, and that’s a nice match with Android.”
The deal gives Google some free publicity for Android, which will be featured on the packaging on the specially branded Kit Kat bars in 19 countries, including the U.S., Brazil, Germany, India, the U.K.
The Android 4.4 Kit Kat system is expected to launch in October. The software is now running on more than 750 million smartphones and tablets throughout the world, making it the world’s most widely used mobile operating system.
Image and article courtesy of Advertising Age and news.com.au