The world’s biggest food and drink group Nestle today said a renewed focus on the UK chocolate market helped drive a 16% hike in annual earnings.

Confectionery-to-coffee giant Nestle today reported strong sales growth as price increases helped to offset rising input costs.

Foods group Nestle today said slower confectionery sales and the highest coffee prices in seven years had failed to knock a “very strong” six months.

CONSIDERING that the makers of Kit Kat went all the way to the European Court to protect their famous slogan, it is ironic that consumers are indeed having a break — from Nestlé Rowntree’s flagship product.