Egads! A confectionery tradition dating back to the height of the Victorian Era has fallen. Cadbury’s has been dropped from the Royal Warrants list by King Charles. And it appears it’s all about politics. And the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine…
There was a time when ‘a box of Cadbury’s’ was a sure sign of true love when bestowed by a British beau on his lady love. But the brand was as much beloved by the front-line British troops in both World Wars as part of their daily field ration. And it’s long been a year-end Holiday tradition to have a box in the house for family nibbling and entertaning…
Some history…
Cadbury’s has been a sentinel name in British brands around the world since it was first gifted with royal endorsement in 1854 by Queen Victoria. It was also reportedly a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II. But her son, King Charles III, has been doing some housecleaning on the Warrants List since he as-cended the throne in 2022. And the reason, though a bit obscure, is no secret.
Cadbury’s – an icon of British confectionery history – has been through a number of ownership changes over the past decade or so. Recently, the King has been beseeched by political and other lobbyists demanding he demote Cadbury’s, since it was revealed that the brand is now owned by Mondelēz International.
According to The Guardian, “Cadbury, which was founded in 1824 in Bournville, Birmingham, was the subject of a campaign calling on King Charles to distance himself from the firm as Mondelēz Inter-national continues to operate under Vladimir Putin.”
“We urge the royal family to stand in solidarity with Ukraine by demonstrating that companies con-tributing to the suffering and devastation in Ukraine will not be bestowed with the privilege and honour of holding a royal warrant,” the B4Ukraine campaign wrote to the King, the Telegraph reported last June.
An ancient and venerable tradition
“Royal warrants have been awarded since the 15th century and give formal recognition that a com-pany or individual supplies products or services to the royal household.” The Guardian continues. “Each warrant is granted for up to five years at a time. The King first issued warrants in 1980, when he was Prince of Wales.”
Buckingham Palace told reporters it does not comment on individual Royal Warrants. Nor does it officially disclose the reasons for adding or removing companies from the list.
Cadbury is among more than 100 brands whose royal warrants have been withdrawn, thus far, during King Charles’ reign.
My take
Certainly, this is a blow to Cadbury’s, which could be excused for not having seen the move coming. But the plucky confectioner is not hanging it’s head low, nor apologising for anything.
Mondelēz International said, in a statement: “Cadbury is a much-loved brand that has been a part of British life for generations, and remains the nation’s favourite chocolate. […] Whilst we are disap-pointed 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.”
For me, as a consumer, the bottom line remains that nothing about Cadbury’s chocolates themselves has changed. Especially their silky smooth milk chocolate and bold, fruity boxed chocolates fillings. That box of Cadbury’s remains on my Christmas list…
And congratulations to Cadbury in this, its 200th Anniversary year!
~Maggie J.