Plan to develop Cadbury World

Cadbury has revealed plans to grow both its Cadbury World tourist operation in Dunedin and the city's Chocolate Carnival.

However, whether the plans are implemented will depend on American food giant Kraft Foods Inc, which has taken over the 185-year-old British chocolate maker.

Kraft achieved control yesterday when 71% of Cadbury shareholders accepted Kraft's $26.9 billion bid at the end of a long and hostile takeover battle.

Cadbury corporate communications manager Daniel Ellis was not able to discuss Kraft's intentions in Dunedin, but outlined plans Cadbury had drawn up in recent weeks to "help grow and develop" Cadbury World and its Dunedin events into "nationally recognised, first class attractions".

"We will increase our focus on promotions and events in Dunedin and increase opportunities to nationally support both Cadbury World and Chocolate Carnival while maintaining their unique local Dunedin feel."

The first step in the Cadbury plan would be to bring the management of Cadbury World and the Chocolate Carnival together.

That would require one redundancy, with four jobs merged into three.

Mr Ellis said Cadbury was planning "absolutely no more" factory redundancies following the 145 jobs lost last year.

Last year, Cadbury spent $83,000 on the carnival and Mr Ellis said "we're looking to spend that and some more".

"I'm not sure of the exact figure for this year, but our point of view, prior to Kraft obviously, was that carnival will continue and it's something that we see growing for years to come.

"There were absolutely no plans on changing that but, having said that, you would want to check with Kraft whether or not that's consistent with where they are headed."

Kraft's head of corporate affairs Simon Talbot declined Otago Daily Times requests yesterday to discuss the future of its newly-acquired Dunedin chocolate factory.

An emailed statement from Mr Talbot described Kraft as "a global powerhouse in snacks, confectionery and quick meals", with consumers in more than 160 countries.

"As we warmly welcome Cadbury's people to our family, we're excited about our phenomenal future together.

"As we learn more from one another, we will communicate additional information about the new Kraft Foods at the appropriate time.

"Thanks for your interest."

• Use of a Cadbury car park by patrons of the Otago Farmers Market over the last two years has raised $50,296.40 for Cure Kids, Cadbury announced yesterday.

Another $1758.30 went to the Red Cross Samoa tsunami appeal.

- mark.price@odt.co.nz [2]