Cadbury has launched a new initiative to make a stand against racism and other forms of intolerance, via Ogilvy Melbourne.

The inspiration came from years of managing hate-fuelled sentiment on the brand’s Facebook page.

Late last year, Cadbury made the decision to create a visual expression to respond to all those negative comments in a unique and impactful way.

Together with eight designers, an anthropologist and project manager from different cultural backgrounds, Cadbury’s Symbol For All, has been created for any person, organisation or company to customise and use to express their support for a more respectful and culturally inclusive society.

The result is a symbol designed to transcend all languages, cultures and faiths.

Ogilvy Melbourne creative directors, Sharon Condy & Josh Murrell said: “We wanted to show what Cadbury truly stands for by creating a universal symbol of unity.

“By responding to all the negative commentary with a positive solution, we can shine a light on inclusivity and encourage others to do the same.”

Ogilvy Melbourne executive creative director, David Ponce de Leon added: “As we looked into this project we realised there’s a symbol for almost everything and everybody.

“But there wasn’t a Symbol For All.

“As more and more things set out to divide in this world, we found no better way to demonstrate the world should truly be for everyone.

“Our symbol is a solution, a response and a brand statement, all rolled into one.”

Symbol For All was originally intended to be shared via Cadbury’s Facebook page on Harmony Day (21 March), the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

However, in consultation with the appropriate organisations in both Australia and New Zealand, the decision was made to delay out of respect following the terror attacks.

Mondelēz International’s director of marketing, Chocolate, Paul Chatfield said: “Every single day, Cadbury’s Australian Facebook page is flooded with hateful messages and comments that have nothing to do with chocolate and everything to do racist sentiment.

“As an iconic brand in Australia, we have a voice and a responsibility to lead by example, which has been the impetus for the creation of this symbol.

“By responding to these comments with positivity, we’re demonstrating an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and encouraging others to find the “glass and half in everyone”.”

Chatfield concluded: “We invite anyone who wants to show their support for a diverse and inclusive Australia to join us in sharing the symbol by downloading it, customising it and sharing it on their own channels.”

Anthropologist, Dr Marilyn Metta, said it was humbling to be a part of a project with such positive intention.

Metta said: “I know that all of the designers and experts involved in this project share the sentiment that it was an honour to be engaged in an initiative that exists to create a positive impact on our broader community.

“It was a saddening shock to everyone that on the second day into the project the Christchurch terror attack unfolded.

“From that moment on we had, even more, resolve to find a visual symbol that would show that there’s more that unites us than sets us apart.”

Throughout the design process, Cadbury also consulted with a range of organisations which support and advocate for a diverse and inclusive Australia, including The Australian Multicultural Foundation and Inclusive Australia.

Credits:

Mondelez

Paul Chatfield – Marketing Director, Chocolate, ANZ

Anthony Ho –  Associate Director, Brand Equity, Chocolate & Biscuits, ANZ

Amanda Bronesky – Senior Brand Manager, Chocolate

Ben Wicks – Director, Global Brand Equity, Cadbury

Mie-Leng Wong – Head of Global Brands, Cadbury Halls & Tang

Ogilvy Melbourne

Rebecca Matlioski – Copywriter

Ben Ryding – Art Director

Sharon Condy, Josh Murrell – Creative Directors

David Ponce de Leon – Executive Creative Director

Andrew Vohmann – Senior Digital Designer

Gavin MacMillan, Michael McEwan – Managing Directors

Virginia Pracht – Head of Strategy

Danielle Chapman – Group Account Director

Bianca Kerr – Account Director

Oliver Corcoran – Social Community Manager

Bridget Pringle – Digital Producer

Susannah George – Head of Film and Content

Alana Teasdale – Senior Broadcast/Content Producer

Fee Townshend – Director Curve Comms

Symbol Designers

Bradley Pinkerton – Designer

Bibi Barba – Visual Artist

Noor Sleiman – Designer

Melissa Robinson-Cole -Visual Artist

Abdul Abdullah – Visual Artist

Joris Van Imhoff – Designer

Joy Li – Designer

Pin Athwal – Designer

Gareth Procter – Project Manager

Marilyn Metta – Anthropologist