Mondelez International, owner of Cadbury, has announced that a $7 million redevelopment of Dunedin Cadbury World will go ahead.
Following the decision to end manufacturing operations in Dunedin, investment into a redevelopment of the Cadbury World attraction was announced. Mondelez International has now announced it will go ahead with this redevelopment, creating 25 new jobs, reports the Otago Daily Times.
New Zealand country head James Kane said: “The $7 million investment will create an entirely new tourism experience in the historic Castle St Old Dairy which is being refurbished to provide a new home for Cadbury World.”
“We hope to double the number of full-time equivalent roles from about 25 to 50.”
“Visitor numbers are expected to go from 110,000 to over 180,000 per year, ensuring it remains one of Dunedin’s most popular tourist attractions and a popular meeting place for the local community.”
“The decision to end local operations has been a difficult one for our people and the business, however our investment in Cadbury World ensures an important part of Dunedin’s growing tourism sector remains in the city.”
Mondelez has also committed to running many of the events part of the Cadbury Chocolate Carnival.
Mr Kane said: “We know many of the Carnival events are incredibly popular, and also provide support for local community groups,”
“We thought long and hard about what would be appropriate in 2018 following the closure of the Dunedin factory, and sought feedback from the local team and community stakeholders.”
“We believe a calendar of events associated with Cadbury World is the best way to continue to engage the local community, attract visitors from outside Dunedin, and raise funds for our community partners.”
Image Courtesy Cadbury World
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/mondelez-commits-cadbury-world
