our Story
From a grocery shop, to a factory, to the Cadbury we know today
From a grocery shop, to a factory, to the Cadbury we know today
From a grocery shop, to a factory, to the Cadbury we know today.This is the story of a father and two sons, and how their generosity inspired generations to come. They poured a ‘glass and a half’ into their Dairy Milk - and into their workers and communities, too. At Cadbury, people always have been, and will be, at the heart of everything we do.
From a grocery shop, to a factory, to the Cadbury we know today. This is the story of a father and two sons, and how their generosity inspired generations to come. They poured a ‘glass and a half’ into their Dairy Milk - and into their workers and communities, too. At Cadbury, people always have been, and will be, at the heart of everything we do.
They found it, just south of Birmingham - 14.5 acres, with a meadow, cottage and a stream called the Bourn. By adding ‘ville’ (French for ‘town’), they named the site Bournville.
Bournville had good transport links, and room to expand. George wanted to build a place full of green spaces, where Cadbury workers could leave the crowded, dirty city behind and enjoy a better quality of life.
He began to draw up plans for the factory with Birmingham architect George H. Gadd. In January 1879 building began on the factory, along with the first 16 houses for employees. There was more to come…
As George Cadbury said, 'If the country is a good place to live in, why not to work in?’ And so, Bournville
became a place where employees could live, work and play.
Children enjoyed a new playground, country outings and summer camps. Whilst the men played football, hockey and
cricket. In 1902, 30% of Cadbury’s capital expenditure was spent on workers’ welfare. Tennis and squash courts
were built, along with a bowling green and swimming pools with heated changing rooms.
Workers’ facilities like these were unheard of in Victorian times - as were holidays. Cadbury became one of the
first firms to introduce a Saturday half-day off work. “People told us it would mean ruin,” said George. “I do
not think any men could have been happier".
Cadbury was quick to support the war effort however possible, so the Bournville factory was put to use for
the greater good of the country.
During the First World War, the firm's milk supply was diverted to the people of Birmingham, factories were
used to make dried veg and fruit pulp, and buildings were turned into hospitals. When World War II broke out,
the Bournville factory turned to making gun doors for Spitfires, cases for aeroplane flares, aircraft parts,
gas masks and jerrycans.
In 1935, the Cadbury family founded the Cadbury Foundation, as a tribute to the brothers and to carry on their
work. The foundation is still inspired by them today, supporting colleagues and the community. Volunteering,
funding, helping local schools, charities, people and businesses. Just as it ever was, it’s important to
everyone at Cadbury to play their part.
Looking out for our people and local communities since
1935
That’s why, wherever you find any of our factories or offices
throughout the UK and Ireland, you’ll find us
out and about in
the community. We’re getting involved in activities to support people’s
health and
wellbeing. We’re encouraging the next generation of
talented young people to develop their skills so they can
make
the most of their career opportunities.
Right from the very beginning, George, Richard and the Cadbury family have been interested in projects which could make the lives of their workers and communities better. Starting from the first donation of £40, given to the Stirchley Girls Club, the Cadbury Foundation has grown that figure to £10 million, helping hundreds of local causes over the last 15 years.
For well over a decade, we’ve been helping students, parents, teachers and people in the West Midlands community to lead a healthier lifestyle. Through learning about healthy eating, improving their cooking skills, growing their own fruit and vegetables, and getting more active.
Children enjoyed a new playground, country outings and summer camps. Whilst the men played football, hockey and cricket. In 1902, 30% of Cadbury’s capital expenditure was spent on workers’ welfare. Tennis and squash courts were built, along with a bowling green and swimming pools with heated changing rooms.
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