When Toby Smith walks into a classroom for parent career talks, he knows he's about to become the most popular dad in the room. As the managing director of Cadbury Australia, Smith has embraced what many would consider a dream job - being the real-life Willy Wonka for Australian schoolchildren.
The Coolest Dad at School
With three sons of his own, Smith frequently finds himself invited to share his career journey with wide-eyed students. "I'm certainly one of the cooler dads," he admits with a laugh. "Coming to school and talking about Cadbury or helping out fills my heart. It's part of why I love my job."
Smith doesn't take his role as the face of Australia's favourite chocolate brand lightly. He acknowledges the special connection Australians have with Cadbury and the responsibility that comes with maintaining that relationship.
Two Decades of Chocolate Evolution
Smith's journey with Cadbury began 20 years ago when he started in sales before taking on the top job last year. During his tenure, he's witnessed the chocolate landscape transform dramatically.
"Australia has been exporting their ideas around the world more and more in the last decade," Smith notes, reflecting on the global influence of Australian chocolate preferences.
He's watched the rise of popular varieties like Marvellous Creations and Caramilk, alongside less successful experiments such as Cadbury with CC's. "Every year we try and bring out new flavours and they create amazing dinner table conversations," he says. "Someone loves their products and then across the table, someone hates the same product - but it gets a conversation going."
Australia's Sweet Tooth Dominance
The numbers speak volumes about Australia's love affair with Cadbury. The brand commands an impressive almost 50 per cent share of the nation's chocolate market, a testament to its enduring popularity.
But Cadbury's appeal isn't limited to Australian shores. The company has successfully captured tastebuds internationally, with strong markets in South Africa, Canada and Malaysia among other countries.
The economic impact extends far beyond the chocolate itself. Cadbury supports more than 6000 Australian jobs across various sectors including dairy farmers, cane growers, and factory workers located primarily in Tasmania and Victoria.
For Smith, the role transcends business metrics. It's about maintaining that special connection with Australian consumers while embracing the joy that comes with being the nation's chocolate ambassador - both in the boardroom and at parent-teacher nights.
