“Cadbury Nigeria at 60: Empowering Thousands of Farmers Across Six States Through Cocoa Sustainability”

Cadbury Nigeria Plc, a subsidiary of Mondelēz International, marks its 60th anniversary, celebrating a legacy of resilience, innovation, and value creation in the Nigerian market. From its humble beginnings in 1965 as a repackaging operation to becoming a fully integrated manufacturer and a publicly listed company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1976, Cadbury Nigeria has cemented its place as a leading snacking brand in the country.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman, Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria, acknowledged the challenges and triumphs that have shaped its success over the decades. “Cadbury Nigeria has come a long way from its humble beginnings to what it has become today. We are proud of our achievements in the last six decades. The journey has often been turbulent, but we will continue to demonstrate resilience and offer value to our shareholders,” he stated.

Managing Director, Oyeyimika Adeboye, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence despite a volatile economic environment. “We are agile, innovative, resilient, and extremely focused on delivering value to all our stakeholders. As we celebrate our Diamond anniversary, we look forward to many more successful years in Nigeria,” she said.

A Storied Legacy: From Bournvita to Market Leadership

Cadbury Nigeria’s flagship product, Bournvita, was introduced in 1960 and became the first locally manufactured cocoa beverage in 1965. Over the years, the company expanded its portfolio to include Cadbury Hot Chocolate 3-in-1, TomTom Classic (introduced in 1970), and other iconic brands such as Buttermint, Caramel, Cadbury Coffee, Clorets, and FreshLime.

Operating in three key product categories—cocoa beverages, gum, and candy—Cadbury Nigeria has remained a dominant player in the fast-moving consumer goods sector. The company’s cocoa-processing facility in Ondo State supplies high-quality cocoa by-products for both local and export markets, reinforcing its contribution to Nigeria’s non-oil exports.

Commitment to Sustainability and Community Development

Beyond its commercial success, Cadbury Nigeria has been at the forefront of social impact initiatives. The Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle Project, executed from 2018 to 2021 with a $1 million investment, benefited over 6,000 Lagos State primary school pupils, promoting proper nutrition, physical activity, and gardening.

In July 2022, Cadbury Nigeria deepened its commitment to sustainable cocoa farming with the Cocoa Life program, empowering thousands of farmers across Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Oyo, and Cross River states. This initiative aligns with the company’s backward integration strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability in cocoa production.

Industry Recognition and Future Outlook

Cadbury Nigeria’s outstanding corporate culture has earned it recognition as a Top Employer in Nigeria by the Top Employers Institute, as well as a place among the Top 100 Companies in Nigeria and 100 Best Companies to Work for in Nigeria.

With Mondelez International holding a 79.39% equity stake and 20.61% owned by Nigerian investors, the company remains poised for sustained growth. As it embarks on the next phase of its journey, Cadbury Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to nourishing consumers, supporting local farmers, and creating value for its shareholders and stakeholders.

As the company celebrates its 60-year milestone, it stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to Nigeria’s economic and social progress.

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