The Founding Of The Cadbury Business

The founding of the Cadbury business dates back to 1831 when John Cadbury first made cocoa products on a factory scale in an old malthouse in Crooked Lane, Birmingham.

In 1847 the business moved to larger premises in Bridge Street, which had its own private canal spur linking the factory via the Birmingham Navigation Canal to the major ports of Britain.

Business continued at the Bridge Street site for 32 years and by 1878 the workforce had expanded to 200, so more space was needed. This heralded the move to Bournville and the building of what is now one of the largest chocolate factories in the world.

John Cadbury retired in 1861 handing over the business to his eldest sons Richard and George. It is to their leadership that the success of the enterprise is owed as the company prospered.