In a significant shift in its longstanding relationship with the British monarchy, chocolate maker Cadbury has lost its royal warrant after an impressive 170 years. This marks the first time in the company’s history that it has been removed from the prestigious list of royal warrant holders.
A Historic Association
Cadbury, known for its rich history and iconic chocolate products, received its first royal warrant from Queen Victoria in 1854 as a manufacturer of chocolate and cocoa. This endorsement symbolized the company’s quality and commitment to excellence. However, under King Charles III, Cadbury will no longer hold this royal endorsement.
Mondelez International, the US-based parent company of Cadbury, expressed disappointment at the loss of the royal warrant. Cadbury spokesperson said, “Whilst we are disappointed to be one of hundreds of other businesses and brands in the UK to not have a new warrant awarded, we are proud to have previously held one, and we fully respect the decision.”
Changes Under King Charles III
King Charles III has granted royal warrants to 386 companies that previously held warrants from Queen Elizabeth II. Among the new list of warrant holders are well-known brands like John Lewis, Heinz, and Nestlé. The royal warrant signifies that a company provides goods or services to the monarchy and is granted for up to five years.
The new list includes many food and drink suppliers, such as Moët & Chandon, Weetabix, and chocolate makers Bendicks and Prestat Ltd. Companies holding the royal warrant can proudly display the royal coat of arms on their packaging, advertising, and stationery, serving as a mark of quality.
Political Pressures and Controversies
Earlier this year, King Charles received requests from the campaign group B4Ukraine to revoke warrants from companies that continue to operate in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. This pressure influenced the decision regarding Cadbury and its parent company, Mondelez, which, alongside Unilever, was stripped of its royal endorsement.
Unilever also expressed pride in its long history of supplying the royal household and recently held a warrant from Queen Elizabeth II.
Economic Impact of Losing the Royal Warrant
Prof. David Bailey from Birmingham Business School highlighted the potential economic impact of Cadbury losing its royal warrant. He noted that the brand would incur costs to remove the royal endorsement from all packaging, emphasizing that a royal warrant serves as a “seal of approval” that brings substantial benefits to the UK economy. He questioned the purpose of a royal warrant if it does not support British jobs and production.
Cadbury’s Legacy and Future
Cadbury celebrated its 200th anniversary earlier this year, tracing its roots back to March 4, 1824, when founder John Cadbury opened a grocer’s shop in Birmingham selling cocoa and drinking chocolate. The company expanded significantly under the leadership of his sons, culminating in the construction of the Bournville factory, which became the world’s largest cocoa manufacturer.
In a controversial takeover in 2010, the brand was acquired by Kraft Foods, and it later became part of the Mondelez division in 2012. As Cadbury moves forward without its royal warrant, the company remains a beloved name in chocolate, continuing to navigate the challenges of the modern market while honoring its rich history.
