INDUSTRY SPEAKS
Cara Liebrock -
managing director
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,
COMMITTED TO
SNACKING RIGHT
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.
“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.”
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