BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory

Subject: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: John J
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 02:05 PM

On BBC R4 News @ 6pm this evening: Kraft Foods are to close a Cadbury factory with the loss of up to 400 jobs - despite the promises made by Kraft only a week ago that there would be no job losses.

Kraft foods are to move production overseas.

Discuss.

JJ

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 02:12 PM

Reiniscent of when Boddingtons sold out to whichever megabrew they got money from. OK - Bodds lasted a little longer but the result was the same in the end. Sell your soul for money and you can expect the devil to take his due! Remember it was the Cadburys shareholders that sold out for a good deal - Not the Government, not the workers, not even the management. Regardless of what other people will tell you. Shame for those put out of work but not unexpected.

DeG

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 02:14 PM

Slightly different take on it:
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/consumer_goods/article7020884.ece

Cadbury management wasn't shy about cashing in on the rise in stock prices.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 02:16 PM

"It emerged today that Todd Stitzer, the chief executive of Cadbury who will leave within weeks after failing to beat off Kraft's £11.4 billion bid, pocketed £4.6 million through dealings in the company's shares on Monday.

Mr Stitzer, whose departure was announced within 24 hours of American conglomerate Kraft gaining control of Cadbury last week, bought shares under Cadbury's executive share option scheme at £5.03 per share on Monday, before selling them later that day for £8.41 per share.

He still owns shares worth around £6.7 million in the company, and shares worth a further £12.8 million through its bonus scheme.

Mr Stitzer, who spent 27 years working at Cadbury and initiated the restructuring programme which made it an attractive target for Kraft, spoke of his "immense personal sadness" after it became clear that the maker of Dairy Milk would fall to Kraft. "

Wonder if he is sad enough to share his profits with the redundant workers.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 02:24 PM

Not unexpected, the closure. But the alacrity of the decision is almost obscene.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Simon G
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 02:33 PM

The decision is in the hands of the shareholders. Through our pension funds, etc that is many of us. It is our pressure for a high return and a good pension that has led to the sale, the board - we just bribed them to take the heat for us.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Emma B
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 02:37 PM

Not unexpected news at all sadly as as far back as October 2007, Cadbury announced the closure of the Keynsham chocolate factory, formerly part of Fry's.
Between 500 and 700 jobs were affected by this change as production was planned to be transferred to other plants in England and Poland.


'LONDON, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Kraft Foods Inc (KFT.N) said on Tuesday it would not reverse a decision by Cadbury Plc to close a manufacturing plant near Bristol because the British firm's plans were too advanced to change them.'

"In our recent talks with Cadbury senior management, it became clear that it is unrealistic to reverse the closure programme, despite our original intent to do so," Kraft Chief Executive Irene Rosenfeld said in a statement."

Fair comment Sinsull

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 02:47 PM

In 2004, Cadbury had eight plants in England; it seems obvious that consolidation within the company, especially following its merger into Kraft, was inevitable.
Moreover, some of the plants produce products that may overlap Kraft products.
Cadbury itself is the culmination of a number of mergers of formerly independent companies.

One of these companies is Fry's Chocolate, taken over by Cadbury some time ago (marketed in N. Am. as well as UK); this may conflict with the Baker Chocolate operation, wholy owned by and marketed by Kraft in N. Am.

I have been using Frys cocoa powder as well as Baker 70% chocolate in cooking; I hope both products survive.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 03:03 PM

Bastards

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: GUEST,999
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 03:04 PM

So, how many people will

1) stop buying Kraft products?

2) see #1.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 03:24 PM

Why stop buying? Business consolidations are normal in our society.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 03:28 PM

Losing jobs in the Uk seems to be quite normal these days. Bastards

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 03:37 PM

Villan,
Sad but true: if a company does not make a profit, it goes under and everyone loses their jobs. The other option is for everyone to work for a pittance as in China in the 70s and 80s. 100% employment; 95% below the poverty line. With the government controlling all.
So maybe they are bastards for mismanaging and walking away with a handsome sum themselves but not for closing a plant that is losing money.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Folkiedave
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 03:55 PM

Wonder if he is sad enough to share his profits with the redundant workers.

Just saw a whole squadron of farmyard animals flying past in perfect formation.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 03:57 PM

Were they pigs

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Emma B
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 04:10 PM

Before 1914 Frys was one of the largest employers in Bristol
By 1919 the company had merged with Cadbury's chocolate; the Fry's division began the move to Somerdale, Keynsham in 1923.
After 1981 the name Fry's was no longer in use at Somerdale, but the factory was still a major producer of Cadbury's products.

On 3 October 2007, Cadbury announced plans to close the Somerdale plant by 2010 with the loss of some 500 jobs in an effort to 'maintain competitiveness in a global marketplace' and to move production to a sister factory in Poland.

At the time the factory appeared to be profitable and it was suggested that a strong motivational factor was the high real estate value of the land as it was probable that the greenfield site would be re-classified for housing.

May I just observe that there was no outcry or crusade
then about the 500 workforce being 'worried sick' etc....

..... but then that was just the English stuffing the English

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 04:40 PM

Sad news; makes me need.... chocolate.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Mr Happy
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 07:27 AM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8507780.stm

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 07:43 AM

No excuse for them but out of interest. The Cadbury management had intended closing the Bristol site anyway, apparently. The biggest complaint appears to be not so much that it is closing but that Kraft said they would not - and then did! I don't really see that the outcome would have been any different. 400 workers would have been out of work but complaining that a British company had done it rather than an American one.

C'est la vie as they say in Cleckheaton...

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 07:56 AM

It's capitalism.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: melodeonboy
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 10:14 AM

"So, how many people will

1) stop buying Kraft products?"

I don't think I ever started. Do they actually produce anything worth eating?

I don't buy Cadbury's either as there's much better quality chocolate available.

Consumers haven't lost anything, but I do feel sorry for the poor buggers that are losing their jobs.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 10:29 AM

Consumers haven't lost anything

I'm afraid they will though, melodeonboy. Whether you like Cadbury's chocolate or not is irrelevent - There are a lot of people who do and if production ceases they will loose that choice.

Implying that your tastes are somehow better and they will enjoy the chocolate you like more is a bit like telling everyone that they should like folk music. They should of course, but removing the choice is somewhat dictatorial:-)

Cheers

DeG

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 05:15 PM

My daughter is distraught at the thought that Kraft may not sell Cadburys Chocolate as it should be.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 05:21 PM

Amongst may others, including Mrs G, Les. Just beause Cadbury's was not considered the best by some does not mean it is not popular. Just look at Boyzone;-)

DeG

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Emma B
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 05:36 PM

Confectionery giant Cadbury Schweppes bought organic chocolate maker Green & Black's in May 2005 for an estimated price tag of about £20m.

It tastes as good as ever:)

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 07:50 PM

Green & Black's seen in my superdrug. Don't know who holds the North American license. Have to look next time I go.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Cuilionn
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 08:15 PM

For any U.S. citizens who think Cadbury's chocolate and the brand's distinction isn't worth all the fuss: please check the wrapper of whatever so-called "Cadbury's" items you've been eating.

Chocolate sold under the Cadbury's name in the U.S. is actually made by Hershey's. The recipe is quite different from the U.K. recipe-- more chalky and waxy thanks to all the extra stabilizers and fillers. But if you get a chance--quick, before Kraft messes with everything--get your hands on a U.K. Cadbury bar. It is much smoother than most of what we can get in the U.S. and really *IS* worth a fuss.

--Cuilionn, who works part time in a "British Goods" import shop and has done extensive...er..."quality control tests."

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: GUEST,999
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 08:20 PM

Q, I'm aware that restructuring takes place. However, it would be refreshing if companies that do so took care of their workers and not just managerial staff. I've written to Kraft, although the letter will accomplish nothing. I will miss the Aged Cheddar cheese (the one that has no colouring added to it, and Kraft Dinner, both things I like very much. I am not an IWW member, but I do appreciate their efforts. MMV.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 09:05 PM

The Cadbury's workforce was reduced from 11,000 to less than 4,000 over the past few years and, as has been noted above, the company was planning further cuts including the factory closure that has provoked Villan's rancour. It may not be pretty, but that's the capitalist system. There are other ways of running economies - worker control, mutuality, etc - but few of those now raging against Kraft's incursion would ever vote for one. (I would.)

The Cadbury family, which has always been closely involved in the business since buying a chocolate recipe from Sir Hans Sloane nearly 300 years ago, was firmly in the paternalistic tradition that has for some reason characterised the British confectionary industry. At least the model village they established at Bourneville in Birmingham, complete with extensive parkland and latterly even a Serb orthodox church, will live on as part of the legacy.

I would be surprised if Kraft tamper with the recipes used for the UK/Europe markets. The recipes work, and Kraft are in business to make money. And nobody who's tried both Cadbury's and Hershey's could be in any doubt about which is the superior chocolate.

For Sir Hans, incidentally, who more or less invented the stuff, chocolate was just a by-product of his botanical and natural history researches, his persuance of which resulted in a private collection which he donated to the nation at a bargain price and which became the foundation for the British Museum.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 02:02 PM

The only known use for Hershey's chocolate is S'amores, a girl scout tradition. Two graham crackers with a square of chocolate and a hot toasted marshmallow in the middle. Disgustingly sweet.
Dove makes some decent dark chocolate but Hersheys and Nestles do not - at least not to my taste.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: mousethief
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 02:24 PM

The only known use for Hershey's chocolate is S'amores, a girl scout tradition.

You misspelled "boy scout".

O..O
=o=

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Paul Burke
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 03:56 PM

You don't buy any Kraft brands?

Kenco
Maxwell House
Cafe Hag
Terry's chocolates
Toblerone
Cote d'Or
Philadelphia
Dairylea
Jacobs
Nabisco

That's probably not all.

I bet you do. Plenty of potential damage could be caused a boycott though, if only Britons weren't such slaves.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Cuilionn
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 03:58 PM

Oh, I respectfully disagree. Do away with the Hershey's "chocolate" and make your s'mores with a milk chocolate covered McVitie's Digestive Biscuit (i.e. cookie). Worlds better. Trust me.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 04:17 PM

I haven't eaten chocolate for 55 years becuase it gives me very bad migraines, but I make up for it on teh alcohol side.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 04:25 PM

Dime (Daim) bars are apparently made by Kraft. Yum.

Guest999 - as Barenaked Ladies once said: "If I had a million dollars, we wouldn't have to eat Kraft Dinner..."

"But we would!"

"Course we would! We'd just eat more!"

True dat.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 05:19 PM

Other Kraft companies or products- there are over 60, and the Cadbury takeover adds more. Go to the Kraft site and you will find a alphabetical list. A few-
Oreos
Oscar Meyer
Maxwell House
Vegemite
Planters Peanuts
Jello
A1
Ritz
Cadbury's Dairy Milk
Many cheeses and cheese products
California pizza
Cote d'Or chocolate
Dentyne
DiGiorno
Green and Black's chocolate
Gevalia
Grand Mere (French Coffee)
General Foods
Halls
Miracle Whip

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 05:27 PM

If one wished to boycott Cadbury's chocolate and still eat "English - style" chocolate (about which Swiss and Belgians are so rude) what are the UK options?

I am sorry, but Schweppes is the ONLY tonic water.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: mousethief
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 05:55 PM

Miracle whip is evil. The devil's ejaculate.

O..O
=o=

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 06:24 PM

mousethief, I agree, but my wife uses it. So far no little devils.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Leadfingers
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 09:10 PM

Who is surprised ? Kraft did exactly the same when they closed most of York down .
Where does your KitKat and Terry's Orange come from now ?

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: GUEST,999
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 09:15 PM

I prefer Miracle Whip to mayo. However, the Kraft list is huge. My own boycott will take some doing. I like Maxwell House, Miracle Whip, Kraft cheddars, Ritz Crackers, Oreos--if I start smokin' grass again, that'll a tough one to do without.

Damn these companies. I once gave up California and Chilean grapes. The boycotts had been called off for about 10 years before I found out.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 04:12 AM

if only Britons weren't such slaves.

Gasp! You mean the words of 'Rule Brittania' are NOT true then? Oh no!

:D (eG)

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: melodeonboy
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 07:10 AM

"Whether you like Cadbury's chocolate or not is irrelevent - There are a lot of people who do and if production ceases they will loose that choice."

My comments were based on the assumption that, owned by Kraft or not, production of Cadbury's would continue anyway as it's a hugely profitable, internationally-recognised brand, and therefore the choice wouldn't be lost. Anyway, are we assuming that Cadbury's has never taken any other company over and "limited people's choice". What happened to Fry's, for example? Or is Cadbury's somehow sacred?

"Implying that your tastes are somehow better and they will enjoy the chocolate you like more is a bit like telling everyone that they should like folk music."

Do what? I was referring to the quality of the chocolate. It's generally accepted that not all chocolate is of the same quality, as diferent types of chocolate have different ingredients. As most Cadbury's chocolate has high palm oil and sugar content and low cocoa content, it would not be regarded as high quality chocolate. Simples! If people want to eat the stuff, good luck to 'em; that's not my business.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: melodeonboy
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 07:17 AM

By the way, Paul Burke and Q, in answer to your posts, I don't see anything on that list of Kraft products that I buy, apart from Green and Black, which has just been acquired by them, having been taken over by Cadbury's in 2005.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 10:30 AM

Much clearer now, melodonboy. I took the whole quote - Ie I don't buy Cadbury's either as there's much better quality chocolate available.
Consumers haven't lost anything... as meaning that if Cadburys was to cease then the consumers would not have lost anything. Sorry - my mistake but hopefuly you can see how it was a genuine one.

No excuse for Cadburys taking over production of anyone else's product either. I was just as against Robinsons brewery taking over Hartleys (and closing it btw!) as I was of AlliedMegaBrewHausenBuschKirin taking over any of the smaller breweries. Yes, you can still get Boddingtons but it sure as hell isn't the same stuff as was made at Strangeways:-(

Not into chocolate I'm afraid but I suspect that Kraft taking over production of Cadburys will result in some changes to the end product. May not be a bad thing if terms of quality I suppose but if the product changes then surely that may upset the Cadbury lovers. No?

Cheers

DeG

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: melodeonboy
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 11:05 AM

Indeed, David. Especially as I've read (and it may or may not be true) that some American manufacturers use less cocoa in their products than Cadbury's do now!

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 05:45 PM

Hershey's dark chocolate (bars) is far superior to Cadbury, which they have been producing under license. Kraft may reclaim the Cadbury name when the license runs out.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: GUEST,999
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 05:46 PM

Well, I have started my Kraft boycott. (I am doing it just for me because it will make me feel better.)

So far it looks like Mr Kraft owns about 99.687% of the food that's out there.

Today I had a half a lemon and a slice of stale bread.

Any food suggestions of foods that are not owned by Kraft or its subsidiaries most welcome.

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: mousethief
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 07:30 PM

Lettuce. Most fresh produce. Heinz. S&W.

The "health market" brands like Annie's and Organic Garden. Look for a Kraft product that has a direct competitor, and the competitor is likely to be a non-Kraft product (although check it first). Also most store brands / own brands. But again check to be sure.

O..O
=o=

Subject: RE: BS: Kraft Foods to close Cadbury factory
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 08:24 PM

How silly.