Cadbury Loses Royal Warrant After 170 Years

Cadbury, the iconic British chocolate brand, has lost its Royal Warrant of Appointment after holding it for 170 years. The decision, which was announced in a recent list by the Royal Warrant Holders Association, marks the end of a long-standing relationship between Cadbury and the British Royal Family, dating back to 1854.

What is the Royal Warrant?

The Royal Warrant is a prestigious mark of recognition granted to companies that have regularly supplied goods or services to the Royal Household for a minimum of five years. The award is typically seen as a prestigious honor, reflecting a company’s trusted service to the British monarchy.

Context Behind the Loss

Cadbury’s loss of the Royal Warrant follows a campaign led by the group B4Ukraine, which called on King Charles III to strip warrants from companies operating in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. Mondelez, Cadbury’s parent company, was named in the campaign. As part of this initiative, companies with ties to Russia were urged to lose their royal recognition, which likely played a role in the withdrawal of Cadbury’s warrant.

Cadbury’s Response

A spokesperson for Mondelez International expressed disappointment at the loss of the Royal Warrant but stated respect for the decision. The spokesperson added: “We are proud to have previously held one, and we fully respect the decision.”

Other Companies Impacted

Other major companies have also had their Royal Warrants withdrawn, while new companies received the honor. Some notable names that did receive Royal Warrants include:

• John Lewis (160 years of service)
• Bacardi-Martini
• Kellogg’s
• Weetabix
• Tiptree jam maker Wilkin & Sons
• John Ross, supplier of Ryvita

In total, 386 companies that had previously held the Royal Warrant under Queen Elizabeth II were affected, with some seeing their recognition renewed under King Charles III.

Implications of the Decision

The Royal Warrant is a significant branding tool, offering companies the opportunity to advertise their connection to the Royal Family. Losing this recognition can affect a company’s market position, particularly in the UK, where the Royal Warrant is a symbol of quality and trust. However, Mondelez continues to express pride in its long history and commitment to high-quality products despite the loss.