Investigating global business is a real treat!

November 12, 2018

Year 9 Geography students were in for a double treat last week as they investigated how a transnational company operates in today’s global market place.

Not only did they enjoy a much-anticipated visit to the Cadbury factory located in Bournville, Birmingham (Cadbury’s is part of Kraft Foods), but they were also told by a Cadbury’s employee that they were “one of the best school groups to tour the factory”.

On arrival, Year 9 had the opportunity to listen to an excellent talk presented by Cadbury Education Manager, Mr Colin Pitt. They were able to find out about the complexities of global business, and why Kraft Foods purchased Cadburys in 2010.

Head of Geography at Monmouth School for Girls, Mr Meek, explained more about what the girls learned during their visit, which included discussing new product design and advertising, as well as how 300 people are now employed in Bournville’s Centre of Chocolate Excellence.

He added: “As new markets develop across the world, Cadburys has to cater for many different tastes and palates and pupils were amazed to hear about the new flavours of Oreo biscuits for the Chinese market – chicken wing and wasabi. The Chinese favour more savoury snacks than sweet.”

Pupils were also interested in learning about the Cadbury caring philosophy. Each year, Cadbury workers are involved in many charitable fundraising activities. Cadburys also has a foundation for supporting rural cocoa farmers and their communities, called Cocoa Life (further information can be found at www.mondelezinternational.com). Colin was impressed with the girls’ attention and thought-provoking questions, and praised Year 9 for their insight and interest.

After lunch, pupils were taken on a short guided walk of the ‘Garden Village,’ built by the Cadbury family in order to create an alternative to the nearby polluted industrial city of Birmingham. They then proceeded to their factory tour, investigating the historic roots of chocolate and the Cadbury family. Students also enjoyed the hands on activities, including tempering warm chocolate.

Pupils said they had thoroughly enjoyed the trip, with a student explaining: “I enjoyed the Cadbury trip as it was fun as well as educational. I learnt many things I didn’t know before.”

Mr Meek added: “A fantastic time was had by all. Who would expect there would be so much geography in a humble bar of chocolate? Thank you to Year 9 who were, ‘one the best school groups to tour the factory’ as quoted by a Cadbury employee.”