Mondelēz New Zealand is one of the largest food companies in New Zealand, steeped in over 100 years of tradition and a portfolio of iconic brands including Cadbury, The Natural Confectionery Co., Pascall, Oreo, Philadelphia, Ritz and BelVita biscuits.
Embedded in their strategy is a commitment to make snacks the right way, doing what is right for the planet and meeting the aspirations of consumers every day. Sustainability programmes make up a significant amount of activity planned for each year and 2020 was no different. The year commenced with the launch of a Cadbury Energy paper packaging trial made from 100% recyclable, sustainably sourced paper as well as a partnership with conservation volunteers to help save New Zealand’s native frogs.
Like many other organisations, however, Mondelēz New Zealand has had to adapt many of its remaining 2020 plans due to COVID-19. What hasn’t changed however, is the business’s ongoing commitment to its people, its sustainability programmes and giving back to the communities in which it operates.
Cara Liebrock – managing director
“As we continue to navigate this global crisis, our priorities remain clear and are underscored by our values. Our first priority is to protect our people – both with our sales and field teams, as well as in our offices,” said Cara Liebrock, managing director, Mondelēz New Zealand.
“We’re making sure that the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of our people are being looked after and that people have what they need – both personally and professionally.”
The business moved swiftly to transition its office teams to home working and develop new ways of working for the field team, including visiting stores outside of operating hours and only within a reps’ geographic location to limit travel. Upon seeing a massive need in the community, the marketing team diverted over $250K worth of product to essential service workers, including Auckland Hospital, Starship Hospital, and Waikato Hospital, as well as to families in need via KidsCan, Salvation Army and Auckland City Mission.
“It was incredibly important to us to find ways to give back to our communities,” Liebrock says. “So while we were working hard to ensure our people were looked after and maintaining business continuity, we were also contributing to families in need and all frontline workers who were working tirelessly to keep us safe.”
Even with these challenging times, Mondelēz New Zealand is intent on maintaining its commitment of empowering people to snack right, support the local community, and emerge stronger from this crisis.
“We don’t know what the future holds, but as long we continue executing with excellence across our supply chain and continue to service our customers and consumers, we believe we will rise from this crisis with resilience and ultimately, be stronger together.”
