Cadbury Chocolate Production to Shift from Europe Back to Birmingham
12,000 Tonnes of Chocolate to be Made in the UK
Mondelez is relocating production of 12,000 tonnes of chocolate – that’s 125 million bars – from Germany and other European sites to Birmingham starting next year. This major move will see the majority of Dairy Milk bars made at the Birmingham plant, boosting output well beyond the 35,000 tonnes produced there in 2020.
£15 Million Investment Boosts Bournville Factory
Bournville’s costs were triple those of European factories five years ago. But thanks to a £15 million investment in new production lines, the UK site has increased its capacity by 30%, making the chocolate factory more efficient and competitive.
“At a time when manufacturing in the UK is facing significant challenges, it has never been more important to secure our business’s long-term competitiveness and sustainability,” said Louise Stigant, Mondelez’s UK head.
“This investment will continue to modernise our Bournville manufacturing processes and ensure we meet the demand for a highly efficient and robust supply infrastructure for our iconic Cadbury Dairy Milk tablets.”
Some Dairy Milk Variants to Stay in Europe
Mondelez confirmed that a small number of Dairy Milk versions – including the Big Taste range – will still be produced in Europe due to technical and capacity reasons.
Trade Unions Praise Move as a Win for UK Workers
The shift back to Birmingham has been welcomed by trade unions as a strong vote of confidence in British workers.
Unite’s Joe Clarke said, “To complete consultations and negotiations to deliver this fantastic investment, even in the midst of the Covid restrictions, is a credit to the trade union representatives, members, and business.”
