As part of UK Chocolate week, Mondelēz International has embarked on its #ProudlyMadeHere campaign, celebrating its British Cadbury workers, part of the company’s contribution of nearly £1billion value into the regional economy last year, writes Neill Barston.

Notably, the major confectionery business, which recently marked its 200th anniversary, employs some 3,800 people in the UK, including the famed firm’s flagship production site at Bournville, Birmingham.

According to the business in its latest impact report, its influence to the West Midlands economy has risen some 112% in the past five years alone, as demand for its confectionery and snacking ranges has continued to evolve.

As the company noted, #ProudlyMadeHere also showcases the journey of Cadbury chocolate through the UK, with behind-the-scenes videos of factories across the UK and the talented people creating Cadbury Dairy Milk – which global surveys have highlighted as retaining its status as one of the globe’s favourite chocolate bars.

As the business noted, its celebratory campaign marks the full value chain of its operations, from the company’s facilities in Chirk, North Wales, where teams roast cocoa beans, unlocking the rich, distinctive flavour at the heart of every Cadbury Dairy Milk bar.

It also notes its British dairy farms, with its partners across Wiltshire and Gloucestershire supply the fresh milk for the firm’s core chocolate range, and also Marlbrook, Herefordshire, where its  chocolate crumb is developed, as well as its Bournville HQ.

Another integral part of its operations take place at  Minworth, West Midlands, which is where its distribution facilities are based from, forming part of its overall package of manufacturing in the UK.  

Christian Woolfenden, SVP and Managing Director UK&I, commented:”Every bar of Cadbury Dairy Milk carries a story of people and places across the UK. From our farming partners delivering fresh milk, to the teams creating chocolate crumb in Marlbrook and the chocolate makers in Bournville who have perfected their craft over generations, this is chocolate made with genuine pride.

“We want people to know that when they break off a piece of Cadbury Dairy Milk, they’re enjoying something shaped by thousands of skilled, passionate people right here in the UK. That’s what #ProudlyMadeHere is all about.”

Amanda Perry, Manufacturing Lead at the iconic Cadbury Bournville factory, also welcomed the campaign.

She added:: “I love leading our Cadbury Bournville factory where, after over 200 years, we continue to produce over 1.5 million Cadbury Dairy Milk tablets, millions of Cadbury buttons, crème eggs and many more delicious chocolate products every day! Every person who comes to work in the factory is proud of the heritage we have here in Bournville, and the role they play in creating the
nation’s favourite chocolate.”