Dutch chocolate company Tony’s Chocolonely has offered up a sneak peak of its new “mega factory” in Zaandam, a small city just outside Amsterdam, and it looks incredible. Not only will it serve as a basis for more of the company’s delicious, fairtrade bars to be made and sold, but it will also welcome up to 500,000 visitors a year, many of whom will likely be keen to ride the factory’s roller coaster! (And, you know, eat a lot of chocolate!)
Tony's Chocolonely
- It’s basically like Willy Wonka’s factory come to life! Seriously, Tony’s Chocolonely’s new factory seems like something out of Roald Dahl’s beloved novel (and one of my favorite movies – only the 1971 version, clearly). The company has been dreaming of building this factory (and its roller coaster) since 2018 and now it’s finally happening! “There will be a mega chocolate factory that everyone can visit, with a roller coaster. Really. We have been dreaming of it for ages… and it will really happen now,” they wrote on their website.
- The new Tony’s Chocolonely factory is in an awesome location too. It will be built at the Pakhuis ‘De Vrede’, on the IJ / North Sea Canal. Apparently, ‘De Vrede’ was historically used to store grains and seeds and is an “impressive building on the water with a beautiful story.”
- The whole setup sounds really well-planned and great for visitors. The area surrounding the factory, which will actually be split between two buildings, will be a public park. Visitors will be able to watch Tony’s Chocolonely bars being made from start to finish and will learn all about the chocolate’s origins as well as important issues in the cocoa trade.
- The new Tony’s Chocolonely factory won’t open until 2024. After all, greatness takes time to build. “Every year we ultimately want to receive 500,000 chocolate fans. With a ride on the roller coaster through the factory, we hope that visitors are so upset by Tony’s mission that they will participate to realize it,” the company’s statement continued.”Together making 100% slave free the norm in chocolate is leading in everything we do.” They added, “It will be some time before the Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate Circus opens its doors. But we have taken the first step. In a year or 3 it will be there. In the meantime, we will keep you informed.” I can’t wait!
