Since the release of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory in 1971, many have dreamed of visiting an amazing, fun, and whimsical candy factory. Well, now, one chocolate company from Amsterdam will bring those dreams into reality! Read on to discover what will undoubtedly be the coolest candy factory in the world…
Inspired By Willy Wonka
You have probably seen bars from Dutch company Tony’s Chocolonely (above) in specialty supermarkets like Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, and similar stores. Known for their ethical production, colorful packaging, and, of course, delicious chocolate, it’s no surprise to find out that they take some notes from the iconic 1971 film Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. But this is taking it to another level! The company will now open a combined chocolate factory in Amsterdam, complete with a roller coaster and even a boat ride!
The park, known as Tony‘s Chocolonely Chocolate Circus, will include three buildings in total, each showcasing a different part of the chocolate-making process. The roller coaster will go around the main building and even have a loop inside it! And that’s just the beginning of Tony‘s Chocolonely’s plans…
One Amazing Chocolate Factory
“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. Tony’s Chocolonely has found a crazy location on the border of Zaanstad and Amsterdam, on the IJ / North Sea Canal,” Tony‘s Chocolonely wrote in a fantastic announcement, complete with pictures of the design, like the one seen above.
Tony‘s Chocolonely hopes to open their Chocolate Circus in 2024 and it will be able to serve around 500,000 people a year, or 1,400 a day. While its not EuroDisney numbers by any stretch of the imagination, the chocolate factory will certainly be the busiest chocolate factory in the entire world. Meanwhile, Tony‘s Chocolonely is also excited about the prospects of combining a fun and entertaining experience with education!
Ethical Goals
In addition to having a fun chocolate factory, Tony’s Chocolonely also hopes to share their ethical standards with the world. For instance, the company wants to teach people about recycling and making chocolate without slavery. They hope it will be an “a total experience, where you can learn and experience everything about chocolate, the problems in the cocoa industry, and what Tony’s Chocolonely does about it.” Meanwhile, one of the factories will be built from recycling an abandoned warehouse.
They also stated that their chocolate is completely “slave-free” because they pay their farmers a living wage. Furthermore, they use “bean tracker” technology that helps them trace any supply chain the process. After the park opens, the company will completely move its office there, in hopes of making the factory much more than just a tourist attraction.
Of course, guests will be able to enjoy sweet snacks, drinks, and take pictures at the crazily-furnished restaurant to show off on social media. Those who’d want merchandise or a chocolate bar to gift – a big shop will be available for every visitor, too.