2000 to date
In May 2008, Cadbury plc was created with a vision to be the biggest and best confectionery company in the world. This followed the demerger of the Americas beverages business [which now trades independently as Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPSG)]. The European beverages business was sold in 2006 to focus on businesses with greater potential for growth and returns.
Adams Confectionery was acquired in March 2003 for $4.2 billion (£2.7m), making us the leading world-wide confectionery company and the world’s number 2 in chewing gum. Today, four Adams brands – Halls, Trident, Dentyne and the ‘Bubbas’ bubble gum range - are all "power brands" within the Cadbury plc portfolio. The acquisition of Dandy with it’s Stimorol brand in 2002 makes us Europe’s number two in chewing gum. In 2000 we acquired Hollywood, a leading French chewing gum and confectionery brand.
1990s
The growth in beverages continues with the acquisition of Dr Pepper/Seven Up, shifting the balance of profits in favour of North America. We acquire Hawaiian Punch, America’s leading fruit punch brand and become the largest independent bottler in the US following a series of acquisitions. In 1997 the Group launches 'Managing for Value' and defines new, clear, financial objectives for the company.
Also in 1997, Warner-Lambert changes the name of its US confectionery business from the American Chicle Group to Adams. Dentyne Ice is launched, pioneering the intense pellet gum segment in the US.
1960 – 1989
In 1969 Cadbury Group Ltd merges with Schweppes Ltd and Cadbury Schweppes plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange. In 1989 Cadbury Schweppes is listed on the Melbourne Stock Exchange in Australia.
In the 1960s Cadbury introduces the latest technologies and installs specialist plants for milk processing and cocoa bean processing in the UK. In the UK, Bassett and Trebor are acquired in 1989 and merged together in 1990.
In the US Trident Original launches in 1962 as the first nationally distributed sugar-free chewing gum and the first product promoted not to cause tooth decay. Adams launches the first sour fruit flavoured chewing gum in 1965
Halls is acquired by Warner-Lambert in 1964 and joins the American Chicle Group in 1971
1939 – 1959
Post war, public concern about tooth decay in young people through eating too many sugared products leads researchers at American Chicle to go to work to create a sugar-free gum that will equal sugared gum in texture and taste. Clorets, the first heavy-duty breath freshener, is introduced and new developments in chemical research provide more powerful formulas to fight bad breath.
During World War II American soldiers spread the popularity of chewing gum throughout the world. The American Chicle Company is acquired by Warner-Lambert and grows rapidly with new innovative products.
During the war years, cocoa and chocolate products are regarded as essential foods for the forces and civilian population. Rationing continues until 1952. In 1949 Cadbury opened a factory in India.
1900 – 1939
Cadbury’s growth accelerates with the establishment of manufacturing operations in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa. Cadbury's Dairy Milk is introduced in 1905 with a new recipe using fresh milk. It becomes the clear market leader in the mid 1920s – a position it has enjoyed ever since. In 1919 Cadbury Brothers merges with JS Fry & Sons of Bristol, acquiring a complementary range of chocolate.
In 1914 Chiclets becomes the first candy-coated gum. The combined Adams business is now known as the American Chicle Company and expands rapidly, particularly with the acquisition of the Chiclets franchise in 1914 and Dentyne in 1916. Scientific studies in the 1930s find the act of chewing reduces muscular tension and helps people Relax.
1800s
In 1824 John Cadbury opens his shop at 93 Bull Street, Birmingham in the UK. Apart from selling tea and coffee, he also sells hops, mustard and a new sideline - cocoa and drinking chocolate, which he prepared himself using a mortar and pestle. By 1842 he is selling 16 sorts of drinking chocolate and eleven varieties of cocoas. His brother Benjamin joins the firm in 1847 when Cadbury Briothers becomes the family business.
In the 1860s, the Cadbury brothers introduce a new process to produce a much more palatable Cocoa Essence - the forerunner of the cocoa we know today. The plentiful supply of cocoa butter remaining after the cocoa is pressed makes it possible to produce a wider variety of eating chocolate.
Having outgrown the Bridge Street factory, the Cadbury Brothers move their manufacturing operations in 1879 to establish the ground-breaking Bournville factory and village, about four miles south of Birmingham. Adjoining a railway and the Worcester canal, it links with the Bristol docks where the cocoa beans arrive; and is also situated between two main roads with a good water supply - all essential facilities for a factory site. The first milk chocolate is made in 1899.
In 1871 Adams New York chewing gum goes on sale in drug stores for a penny apiece. Adams Sons and Company is founded by Thomas Adams, the "father" of chewing gum, in 1876 and in 1899 Adams creates a leading American chewing gum franchise by merging the six largest and best-known chewing gum manufacturers. Also in 1899 a New York drug store manager invents Dentyne - the name is derived by combining the words "dental" and "hygiene".
Halls Cough Tablets are developed in 1893 by the Hall Brothers, a British company.