Controversy has struck the "candy world" ahead of Easter Sunday, and Tampa International Airport (TPA) has broken its silence.
Over the weekend, Nestlé KitKat released a statement, stunning candy lovers around the world.
“We can confirm that 12T of KitKat products were stolen while in transit between our factory in Central Italy and their destination in Poland,” Nestlé KitKat’s announced on social media. “We are working closely with local authorities and supply chair partners to investigate.”
Twelve tons of candy were reportedly stolen in what many are viewing as a Fast & Furious-style robbery, and no suspects have been reported.
In response to Nestlé KitKat’s announcement, Tampa International Airport released a statement, sharing, “Our hearts go out to our friends at KitKat during this difficult time in their company’s history.” The airport further shared “unrelated news,” informing travelers that “Phoebe will be giving out little pieces of chocolate ahead of Easter for anyone who wants to have a break.”
Phoebe, for those not in the know, is a 21-foot-tall pink flamingo sculpture by American artist Matthew Mazzotta that is located in the main terminal (level 3) of TPA. The statue received the name "Phoebe" through a naming contest.
The “unrelated news,” however, has raised questions surrounding what the “little pieces of chocolate” being distributed at the airport actually are. Could they be Nestlé KitKats?
As travelers experience inconvenient wait times at airports across the country, could this be a gesture to help alleviate tension at TSA lines?
With wait times stretching longer than CVS receipts at several checkpoints this week, even symbolic chocolate diplomacy may be welcomed by weary Americans.
If so, other airports could follow suit. For now, we’ll just wait for another “break” in this story.
