The Kraft takeover of Cadbury could mean some of our favourite Kiwi sweets get the axe.
Business pundits are saying Kraft will be looking for improvements in profitability and productivity so Cadbury's uniquely Kiwi products — including Moro Bars, Pebbles, Perky Nanas, Snowballs, Eskimos, Jet Planes, Marshmallow Eggs and Fruit Bursts — could be under threat.
Otago University senior marketing lecturer Dr Ben Wooliscroft told the New Zealand Herald that people had a strong relationship with their favourite treats, which would potentially be jeopardised.
"These products are a part of us, part of our culture. They belong to us as much as the company,” he said.
It is feared the Cadbury factory in Dunedin could also close.
A spokesman for Cadbury New Zealand told media it was business as usual.
However he was unable to say for sure what would happen when Kraft took over.
The Cadbury board yesterday accepted a US$19.6 billion (NZ$26.6 billion) takeover bid from the American giant Kraft Foods — however other multi-national confectioners have until next week to outbid Kraft.
Once the takeover has been completed it will create the world's largest confectionary group.
Will it be a national tragedy if Eskimos and Jet Planes disappear off our shelves? Have your say below.
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