A Sweet Mission: Doing Good Through Chocolate   

 Tony’s Chocolonely, a company dedicated to making the chocolate industry 100% slave-free, sought to create a new chocolate factory that would immerse visitors in a magical chocolate adventure while raising awareness of the challenges within the cocoa industry. The company’s aim was to inspire visitors to join Tony’s mission to transform the industry and make a positive impact. Our challenge was to design an engaging and educational experience that balanced the whimsical nature of a chocolate factory with the serious message of social responsibility. 

Balancing Fun with Social Responsibility  

 Storyland Studios collaborated with Tony’s Chocolonely to create an attraction concept that would captivate visitors from start to finish. The factory tour begins with guests boarding Tony’s Chocolonely boat in the North Sea Canal, leading them into a world filled with the enticing aroma of chocolate. The walking tour allows guests to observe active factory machinery and chocolate production, providing an exciting and immersive experience. 

 In a powerful twist, the tour transitions to confront the harsh realities of the cocoa industry. The magical factory setting gives way to an Ivory Coast cocoa farm, where guests meet the farmers and families behind the chocolate. This immersive experience educates visitors on the bean-to-bar process and highlights Tony’s mission: “Crazy about chocolate, serious about people.” 

 The journey continues with Tony’s Factory Express, a unique rollercoaster that shrinks guests to the size of a cocoa bean, taking them through the factory along an assembly line montage. It culminates with a launch out of the iconic smokestack, symbolising Tony’s mission of global impact. Finally, guests tour the Impact Gallery, where they engage in a multi-sensory exploration of the chocolate world, learning how they can contribute to improving the industry—and changing lives.  

Driving Social Impact Through Immersive Storytelling 

 The project successfully combined entertainment with a powerful message, allowing visitors to experience the joy of chocolate while gaining a deeper understanding of the industry’s challenges. By the end of the tour, guests are inspired to take action and “be a Tony,” joining the mission to create positive change in the cocoa industry. This project exemplifies the power of storytelling and design in driving social impact, aligning perfectly with Tony’s Chocolonely’s vision. To learn more, visit Tonyschocolonely.com.