For the first time in 170 years, Cadbury, the iconic chocolate maker from Birmingham, has lost its royal warrant.
The royal endorsement, originally granted by Queen Victoria in 1854, has been stripped under King Charles’s reign. Mondelez International, Cadbury’s U.S.-based parent company, expressed disappointment at the decision but acknowledged the monarch’s authority in these matters.
The loss of the warrant, renewed every five years for companies supplying goods or services to the monarchy, marks a significant change for the brand, which had proudly displayed the royal coat of arms for over a century, reported BBC.
The King has carried forward the royal endorsement tradition by awarding warrants to 386 companies, many of which were previously recognized by Queen Elizabeth II. These include household names such as John Lewis, Heinz, and Nestlé. Several food and beverage brands like Moët & Chandon, Weetabix, and luxury chocolatiers Bendicks and Prestat Ltd. remain on the list.
However, Cadbury, alongside consumer goods giant Unilever, has been omitted in the latest update, fueling debates over the criteria for receiving such prestigious recognition.
Holding a royal warrant has long been considered a badge of honor, allowing companies to display the royal coat of arms on their products and marketing materials. This endorsement is more than just symbolic; it brings significant commercial advantages, boosting consumer trust and adding prestige to the brand.
Losing this privilege could mean a substantial financial burden for Cadbury, as it must now repackage products to remove any reference to its royal association. The impact on the brand’s reputation in the UK and internationally remains uncertain.
Campaign group B4Ukraine had earlier urged King Charles to reconsider warrants for companies operating in Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Mondelez International was specifically called out for continuing its business in Russia. The group’s advocacy may have influenced the monarch’s decision to exclude Cadbury from the updated list. While no official link has been confirmed, the timing of the decision has sparked speculation about the factors guiding the King’s selections and the role of ethical considerations in granting royal warrants.
Mondelez expressed pride in Cadbury’s long-standing royal connection, emphasizing the company’s historic role in serving the royal household. Despite this setback, the brand remains committed to its legacy and values.
Similarly, Unilever, another company that lost its warrant, highlighted its long history of supplying goods to the monarchy and the honor of its past recognition. Both companies have refrained from criticizing the decision, focusing instead on their continued contributions to the UK market and economy.