Bournville Bloom

In 1824, in Birmingham, England, a young shopkeeper by the name of John Cadbury began selling drinking chocolate alongside tea, coffee, and groceries to his community. He prepared the cocoa himself using a mortar and pestle, carefully grinding the beans by hand.

John later passed the business to his sons, George and Richard. The brothers embraced new technology and invested in a Dutch cocoa press, which allowed them to remove much of the cocoa butter from the beans. This process produced a smoother, more refined cocoa and eliminated the need for added starches. This was a significant improvement at a time when chocolate adulteration was common across the industry.

In 1866, they released their first “Absolutely Pure, Therefore Best” Cocoa Essence, a bold statement of quality during an era when purity was far from guaranteed.

With a product they believed in, the brothers sought a place to expand. They purchased 14.5 acres of countryside and named it Bournville. The land included a meadow, cottage, and stream. It was especially important to George Cadbury that factory workers could live well, with space, fresh air, and dignity.

Construction began in 1879 on both the factory and 16 homes for employees. Over time, Bournville grew into a model village with parks, playgrounds, sports fields, swimming facilities, and community programs. By 1902, nearly 30% of the company’s capital was devoted to workers’ welfare. Cadbury was among the early companies to offer paid holidays and half-days on Saturdays (there were progressive policies for the time).

Guided by Quaker values, the Cadbury family believed business could be conducted with integrity, kindness, and responsibility.

Now known worldwide, the company celebrated 200 years in 2024. Through the Cadbury Foundation and sustainability initiatives, they continue efforts to support communities and responsibly source cocoa.

After two centuries, it is not hard to understand why their chocolate remains part of so many spring traditions.