Chocolate lovers and factory workers were dismayed when they heard that Cadbury’s factory in Dunedin will be shutting down. However, Dunedin City Councillor Jim O’Malley has a plan to try and raise $20 million to keep part of the factory open for production.
Donors supporting a fundraising drive to save Kiwi-made Cadbury products have already pledged more than $4.2m to the Own The Factory campaign. The volunteer group wants to keep production of some of Cadbury’s famous Kiwi brands – including Jaffas, Pineapple Lumps, Buzz Bars and Pinky Bars – in the country. People can pledge at OwnTheFactory.co.nz until June 21.
Foodstuffs has also announced that they would throw their support in behind anyone who has what it takes to save the iconic Jaffas, Pineapple Lumps, and iconic chocolate bars.
Chris Quin, CEO, Foodstuffs North Island and Steve Anderson, CEO Foodstuffs South Island said: “Like most New Zealanders, we are gutted at the prospect that the days are numbered for our iconic Jaffas, Pineapple Lumps, Buzz Bars, and Pinky Bars. Foodstuffs, the owner of PAK’nSAVE, New World, and Four Square, is a proud New Zealand company, and like the rest of the country we grew up with these Kiwi favourites. Reading the news that time is fast running out to save these favourite treats gave us a brilliant idea.
“If you think you have what it takes to help us save them for New Zealand, we’ll get right behind you. We’ll work with you to help you get set up to sell to us, cram our shelves with them, and we’ll then help promote them to the millions of New Zealanders and visitors to this fine country who come through our doors each week. We’ll work up a sweat like nothing you’ve ever seen, unless it was on the ABs’ foreheads in an international test match, or the Silver Ferns as they race around the court against the Aussies, or our heroes in Bermuda as they race from side to side on that insanely scary boat.
“So, if you’re sitting on the fence. Get off it now. Be a saviour. Give us a call. And let’s work together to rescue these awesome treats.”
“Our Facebook community responded in the thousands telling us that they also wanted to bring back the much loved and much missed Snifters,” says Anderson.
He says: “One team from Dunedin, led by Dr Jim O’Malley, has put their hand up to rescue the factory and continue manufacturing the favourite Kiwi candies. We salute their initiative and, if their bid is successful, Foodstuffs will get right in behind them and work with them to get set up. We’ll help them sell to us, put the product on shelf and promote them to the millions of customers who visit New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square supermarkets around the country each week.
“We wish the team all the best and we’re really looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
“Get in behind New Zealand!”
