Cadbury, a beloved chocolate brand, has unexpectedly lost its Royal Warrant after 170 years, citing disappointment.
- King Charles III awarded new warrants to nearly 400 companies, while Cadbury’s was withdrawn.
- Campaigns urging the removal of warrants from companies active in Russia influenced this decision.
- Mondelez, Cadbury’s parent company, expressed respect for the decision despite their disappointment.
- Other brands, such as John Lewis and Kellogg’s, received recognition this year.
Cadbury, a staple name in the chocolate industry, has been stripped of its prestigious Royal Warrant, a mark of recognition it had held since 1854. This significant change came about when King Charles III awarded Royal Warrants to nearly 400 firms last week, but Cadbury’s was not among them. The loss was reported in a list published by Buckingham Palace’s Royal Warrant Holders Association.
According to reports from Sky News, Cadbury’s parent company, Mondelez, was named by campaign group B4Ukraine, which appealed to King Charles to revoke the Royal Warrants from companies still operating in Russia, in light of the ongoing conflict following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
A Mondelez International spokesperson shared their sentiments with the media, stating, “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.” The acknowledgment of the decision, despite disappointment, reflects the company’s stance on the matter.
In contrast, companies like John Lewis, Bacardi-Martini, Kellogg’s, and Weetabix were among those granted new Royal Warrants. Executive director of John Lewis, Peter Ruis, proudly mentioned that the warrant highlights their commitment to excellent customer service and high-quality products. This recognition extended to 386 other firms, some of which had also enjoyed the honor under Queen Elizabeth II.
The loss of the Royal Warrant marks a shift in recognition for Cadbury amid the current global business climate.
