On a recent trip to Cadbury World in Birmingham, BTEC Business students at Kingston College had the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of one of the UK’s most iconic chocolate brands. The visit was both educational and enjoyable, offering a perfect blend of business insight and interactive fun.
Investigative Business Talk
One of the key highlights of the trip was the business talk delivered by a Cadbury representative. It was tailored specifically for Business students and gave them valuable insight into the company's marketing strategies, operations and USP. The speaker explained how Cadbury positions its products, how they respond to competition and how customer needs drive innovation. The talk also included examples of real-life promotional campaigns, which directly linked to units the students have been studying, such as Marketing, Exploring Business and Innovation.
Chocolate-Making Experience
After the talk, they got hands-on with the chocolate-making demonstration, which was both fun and informative. Watching the chocolatiers at work and seeing how the chocolate is tempered and moulded gave the students a real sense of the craftsmanship involved. Some students even had a go at piping chocolate, which added a creative element to the day.
Interactive Zones and Attractions
They also explored various interactive zones, including the 4D Chocolate Adventure, where they experienced a virtual rollercoaster ride with Cadbury characters – a hit with everyone! The Bournville Experience gave them a deep dive into Cadbury's history and its roots in innovative business practices, including how the Quaker values of its founders influenced the company's development.
Overall Experience
Overall, the trip to Cadbury World was engaging, informative and well-suited to the BTEC Business course. It brought classroom theory to life and helped the students understand how a large business operates in the real world. The mix of business education and enjoyable activities kept everyone interested throughout the day. They left with a better understanding of how marketing, production, segmentation and branding work together to create a successful business – and, of course, with some delicious chocolates too!
