Cadbury Loses Royal Warrant After 170 Years

Background

London-based chocolate firm Cadbury has been a beloved brand in the UK for generations. However, in a surprise move, the company has lost its royal warrant for the first time in 170 years. This decision comes after King Charles III’s first review of the coveted list since becoming monarch.

Reasons Behind the Decision

Campaign group B4Ukraine earlier this year urged the king to remove companies “still operating in Russia” following its invasion of Ukraine. The group singled out Mondelez International, which owns Cadbury, as well as Bacardi, Nestle, and Unilever, the maker of the UK’s hate-it-or-love-it breakfast spread, Marmite.

New List of Royal Warrant Holders

Cadbury was among 100 firms, including Unilever, missing from a new list of 386 royal warrant holders. However, Bacardi and Nestle retained their warrants. Not all those absent from the latest list were necessarily actively removed, and instead may have ceased trading or not applied.

History of Royal Warrants

The review of royal warrants follows Charles’ accession to the throne in September 2022 on the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. Warrant holders receive “the right to display the appropriate royal arms on their product, packaging, stationery, advertising, premises, and vehicles.” This is regarded as a guarantee of quality and can sway some customers to choose a particular firm’s goods or services.

Cadbury’s Response

A spokesperson for Mondelez, the parent company of Cadbury, said that Cadbury had been “a part of British life for generations” and remained the “nation’s favourite chocolate.” While they are disappointed to no longer hold a royal warrant, they are proud to have previously held one and fully respect the decision.

Unilever’s Response

A Unilever spokesperson said that the company is proud of the long royal association of its brands, but that the granting of warrants is “a matter for the royal household.” Buckingham Palace does not give reasons or comment on decisions about royal warrants.

Conclusion

Cadbury’s loss of its royal warrant is a significant development in the company’s history. While the decision may be disappointing, it is a reflection of the changing times and the need for companies to adapt to new circumstances. As the company moves forward, it will be interesting to see how it responds to this new challenge.

FAQs

Q: What is a royal warrant?
A: A royal warrant is a guarantee of quality that allows a company to display the royal arms on its products and packaging.

Q: How long has Cadbury held a royal warrant?
A: Cadbury has held a royal warrant for 170 years, since it was first awarded by Queen Victoria in 1854.

Q: Why did Cadbury lose its royal warrant?
A: Cadbury lost its royal warrant due to its parent company, Mondelez International, still operating in Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Q: Will Cadbury apply for a new royal warrant?
A: The company has not commented on whether it will apply for a new royal warrant.