Press release -
Cadbury archives in Bournville receives six figure investment
Mondelēz International has made a six figure investment into its Cadbury archives in Bournville, as part of the iconic brand’s 200th anniversary.
The archives, which have been situated in the heart of Bournville for more than 120 years, have received a substantial refurbishment and investment of £350,000 to mark Cadbury’s milestone 200-year anniversary.
The Cadbury archives, one of only two in the world, serve as a treasure trove of historical artifacts, documents and memorabilia that displays the evolution of Cadbury from its humble beginnings to its status today as one of the world’s most beloved brands. The investment from Mondelēz International has revitalised and refurbished the archives of one of their most beloved brands, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.
With nearly 50,000 Cadbury items, some dating as far back as 1842, the archives are home to some of the rarest Cadbury documents and artefacts in the world. Key pieces include a scrapbook containing information from the Bridge Street factory, which was the Cadbury factory before Bournville, as well as Richard Cadbury’s own personal watercolour painting book from 1866. Countless artifacts, business reports and memorabilia, including packaging, mugs and seasonal items, are also kept safe in the space and showcase the evolution of the Cadbury business and brand from 1824 to the present day.
Professor Carl Chinn MBE, Duncan Cadbury, Trustee and former Chairman of the Bournville Village Trust, and archivist Sarah Foden, curator of Cadbury’s history for the past 35 years, officially unveiled and reopened the archives today (Thursday 14 March).
Sarah Foden commented:
“This investment is transformative for our archives. Not only has it enabled us to invest in a new space, it has also allowed our dedicated archives team to enhance the preservation of the precious artifacts and safeguard materials for the future.”
Birmingham-born historian and best-selling author, Professor Carl Chinn MBE, commented:
“The Cadbury archives are an invaluable resource for understanding the evolution of the iconic Cadbury brand, which is synonymous with Birmingham. This investment from Mondelēz International not only showcases their commitment to preserving our local heritage and history, but also ensures that the stories encapsulated within these walls will continue to inspire and educate future generations for many years to come.”
Louise Stigant, UK Managing Director of Mondelēz International, added:
“As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Cadbury throughout the year, the value of our heritage has never been more apparent. The archives are unique and irreplaceable, and I am incredibly proud of the newly renovated space which forms an essential part of both this year’s 200-year celebrations and beyond. The investment into the Cadbury archives is a fantastic way of honouring our past, and shaping our future.”
Although the archives are not open to the public, the local community will have the chance to visit the archives as part of Bournville Heritage Open Day on Saturday 14 September, where they can see the fascinating items first-hand. What’s more, further exciting opportunities for the public to visit the newly refurbished archives are in the pipeline throughout the year, as part of Cadbury’s ongoing 200-year anniversary celebrations.
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About Mondelēz International
Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2022 net revenues of approximately $31 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as Oreo, Ritz, LU, Clif Bar and Tate's Bake Shop biscuits and baked snacks, as well as Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/MDLZ.
About Cadbury
For 200 years, since John Cadbury opened a grocer’s shop in Birmingham in 1824, Cadbury has been the nation’s favourite chocolate bar. Recently voted The Grocer’s Britain’s Biggest Brand 2022*, Cadbury has a wide range of well-loved delicious chocolate that reminds the nation that there is a ‘Glass and a Half’ of generosity in everyone. The brand’s success is built upon its deep understanding of customers, shoppers and the category, ensuring it continues to evolve to remain relevant. The health and wellbeing of its customers is hugely important and so Cadbury helps run Be Treatwise, to remind people that treats are special, to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle. Portion control and consumer education, through on pack labelling, have a huge part to play in Cadbury’s strategy to ‘inspire mindful snacking’. The brand recently announced a programme to bring all Cadbury standard chocolate products predominantly purchased for consumption by children, under 100 calories. 100% of the cocoa in Cadbury’s chocolate is sustainably sourced through the company’s Cocoa Life programme, which supports sustainable cocoa farming. This helps secure a positive future for farmers, their families and their communities. For more information visit www.cadbury.co.uk.
