The Cadbury Factory waterfront parklands in Hobart, Tasmania, are receiving a makeover, as Australian chocolate consumption continues to drop. The $150 million attraction is set to open in 2027, with Cadbury acting as brand partner.
With the rise of health-conscious eating behaviour, chocolate sales are dropping. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australians chocolate consumption was down by 5.7 per cent in 2023-24.
The Cadbury Factory has had its doors closed to the public for almost a decade, offering significant tourism potential for Tasmania. Prior to 2015, the Cadbury Factory ran regular tours of its facilities, before shutting them down for health reasons.
There were plans in the works to create a visitor centre, with $16 million promised by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott during his 2013 election campaign, but Cadbury turned down the money after failing to meet certain requirements.
Tourism investor, Simon Currant and Associates, has stepped up to revive the plan, with a 95 per cent privately funded project aiming to be “a celebration of chocolate on a scale never before seen”.
The Chocolate Experience at Cadbury (CEC) is set to open in 2027, featuring locations such as Chocolate Central, the Premium Chocolate Studio, Build Your Own Bar, and Masterclass, and the Chocolate Lounge. The company stated the Immersive Chocolate Tour will bring Cadbury’s 100-year Tasmanian heritage to life, through the Cacao Forest, Chocolate Lab, Factory Control Room, Taste Kitchen and Emporium.
In partnership with Navigators, operators of the MONA ferries, two new purpose-built ferries will transport more than 80 per cent of visitors from Hobart to the new Claremont terminal and landscaped walkways in 30 minutes.
The attraction is forecast to welcome 550,000 visitors and inject $120 million into Tasmania’s economy annually, as well as creating more than 300 jobs during construction and 200 ongoing roles.
Tasmanian architecture firm Cumulus Studio, together with MONA enterprise, Art Processors, have shaped the creative direction of the project. The team stated the design takes cues from the adjacent Cadbury Factory, reimagining its pipes, machines, and conveyor belts into a hyperreal chocolate world – sounding very Willy Wonka.
Plans for the project were initially brought to media attention in March 2024, with Currant stating that it had been in the works for 15 years. Information released at the time stated the CEC would feature the world’s largest chocolate fountain, and would be completed by 2026.
The latest information has stated construction will begin in early 2026. It remains to be seen whether the build will continue to be delayed or will arrive on schedule.
Mondelēz International president of Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, Toby Smith, said: “Given the significant community benefits this project delivers, we’re excited to be on-board as the brand partner, helping to create a lasting tourism and economic legacy for the state”.
It should be noted that Cadbury’s involvement is only through a brand license and land lease at the Claremont factory, and it seems the Chocolate Experience will not involve viewing the chocolate production process.
