John Kitt, the well-known and respected confectionery researcher and patents-holder who spent 43 years in the industry, passed away Aug. 26. He began his career with Barratt’s Ltd. in 1966 in the United Kingdom, afterwards coming to the United States and subsequently working for Knechtel Laboratories, Standard Brands, Nabisco Brands and Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. He retired from Wrigley in 2006, but remained active in the industry, working to establish a central confectionery research and educational center in the United States.  

Always involved in promulgating education and research, Kitt served on various industry technical and educational committees. In 1986, he received a National Confectioners Association Certificate of Appreciation for guidance and contributions to its technical program. In 1997, Kitt was Candy Industry’s Kettle Award recipient. The following year he was recognized by the American Association of Candy Technologists with the Stroud Jordan Award. Kitt also has been honored with a NCA Research and Education Award and was inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame in 2008. 

Born in Beckenham, England, on March 7, 1944, Kitt attended high school in Bramhall and then studied sugar, cocoa and chocolate technology at Borough Polytechnic in London and the City and Guilds of London Institute. He is survived by his wife, Jeannette.