A global partnership between Cadbury and Arsenal Football Club has been confirmed in a bid to support more UK local businesses.

The chocolate giant is teaming up with the Little Wonder Café, located opposite the Emirates Stadium, which was forced to temporarily close for the first time in its 100-year history during lockdown.

To support the café, who has since been struggling, Cadbury has bought 500 meal vouchers that will be donated to Arsenal in the community.

Workers will be rewarded for their support locally during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as participants who benefit from programmes offered by the football club.

Cadbury also plans to donate digital sponsorship assets from the partnership to the Little Wonder Café next season, which will include promotion in email newsletters and advertising in matchday programmes.

The first 500 customers to eat at the café following this announcement will receive a complimentary Arsenal branded bar of Cadbury Dairy Milk.

In addition, the chocolate makers will be offering Arsenal fans access to their club through promotions such as Cadbury’s Match and Win.

Running across more than 180 million Cadbury products, fans will have the chance to win millions of club prizes, including hospitality experiences, match tickets and vouchers redeemable in The Armoury gift shop.

“This partnership marks the coming together of three businesses that believe in generosity and the difference we can make together,” says Cadbury global brand director, Samantha Greenwood.

“We are excited that through our sponsorship of Arsenal Football Club, we can make such a difference to the Little Wonder Café, and all together, the Islington area.

“Small businesses play a pivotal cultural and economic role in the recovery of local communities, and the UK as a whole, so we are proud to do our part in supporting them.”

Cadbury, which struck a three-year sponsorship deal with the Premier League in 2017, earlier this month announced a partnership with Arsenal’s rivals Manchester City.

This was aimed initially at celebrating individuals and businesses who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic.