Cadbury gains major Bournville consumer research facilities

The UK facilities of the Mondelēz International have received a notable boost in unveiling a £3.3 million advanced consumer research centre in Bournville, where its Cadbury manufacturing is based, writes Neill Barston,

This major production location for the business remains of core importance, as the recently opened facilities will enable development for extensions of its wider portfolio including Toblerone and Milka brands.

Significantly, it will also serve as a base for 50 chocolate tasters, employed by the company as part of its extensive research and development operations for the UK and beyond.

As the business explained, the facilities bring together Mondelēz International’s sensory and consumer research capabilities under one roof, creating a central hub to shape the next generation of innovative snacking products.

Furthermore, over 50 newly trained Sensory Panellists, also known as chocolate tasters, will be based at the Consumer Research Centre and will play a crucial role in product development by using their expert sensory skills to provide feedback on characteristics including the taste, texture, and aroma to ensure all products meet the highest standards.

The new 806m2 facility is also home to dedicated spaces for consumer research, where focus groups, in-depth studies and collaborative product creation will take place.

In addition, advanced technologies, including augmented reality and high-tech development kitchens, will enable the leading global snacking company to experiment with new recipes and bring new ideas for consumers to life.

The Consumer Research Centre is based in the company’s existing Global Centre of Excellence for Chocolate Research and Development in Bournville, where every chocolate product that Mondelēz International makes and sells in over 150 countries begins its development.

Louise Stigant, Senior Vice-President and Managing Director for UK&I at Mondelēz International UK, which presently employs around 10,000 people across Britain welcomed its opening.

She said: “The opening of our brand-new Consumer Research Centre demonstrates our ongoing commitment to world-class innovation. Bournville is our Global Centre of Excellence for Chocolate Research and Development and we are hugely excited with this new addition.

“By bringing together cutting-edge technology, sensory expertise and real consumer insights, the facility will ensure that we can continue adapting to evolving consumer trends and expanding choices for consumers, as well as enable us to continue to innovate and lead the future of snacking.”

Sally Loughlin, Vice-President for Consumer Science Research and Development at Mondelēz International UK, also believed that its latest facilities would play a crucial role in its research capabilities.

She said: “Within the facilities we will welcome consumers to co-create and provide vital feedback on new chocolate recipes and innovations, and it will also be home to over 50 trained sensory panellists, or chocolate tasters, who will use their sensory skills to provide vital feedback on the characteristics of our new creations.”