BROADFORD’S Nestlé factory joined in nationwide celebrations on Wednesday as the iconic Allen’s Lollies brand celebrated its 130th birthday.
The Allen’s brand is owned by Nestlé and has been produced by the more than 200 Broadford factory workers since 1982.
The factory produces more than 19,000 tonnes of lollies in Broadford every year, from Allen’s classics such as Snakes Alive and Party Mix, to the divisive Black Cats.
The factory makes about 240 million Allen’s Snakes Alive each year – enough to wrap right around the world – and enough Party Mix to decorate more than 12 million birthday cakes.
Broadford factory manager Axel Castillion said COVID-19 restrictions meant workers were unable to host an in-person celebration, but the Allen’s 130th anniversary had been a special one nonetheless.
“Unfortunately COVID has not allowed us to celebrate how we would like, but it was nice seeing people so proud. Some of them have been working here for many years,” he said.
“Knowing that under the difficult circumstances of COVID we’re bringing smiles to people’s faces is something good.”
Mr Castillion said Allen’s had launched two new product lines – Party Faves and Pinata Party – to celebrate the anniversary.
He said Nestlé had also launched an Allen’s Party Cake Book, free with the purchase of any three Allen’s or Bakers’ Choice products in a single transaction at participating Coles supermarkets.
Mr Castillion said the new lines were looking like hits.
“We’ve loved being able to sample them,” he said.
“We hope they’re going to do really well with them and we’ve gotten some good feedback already.”
Well done everyone