Cadbury Loses Royal Warrant After 170 Years of Service

Chocolate maker Cadbury has been removed from the list of companies holding a royal warrant for the first time in 170 years.

The Birmingham-based chocolatier, which first received its royal warrant from Queen Victoria in 1854, was dropped from the prestigious list under King Charles. The decision comes as part of a broader update to the royal warrant list, with several other companies being granted or retained their royal endorsements.

Cadbury’s parent company, Mondelez International, expressed disappointment over the loss, acknowledging its long history with the royal household.

The royal warrant, granted to companies providing goods or services to the monarchy, allows the use of the royal coat of arms on packaging, advertising, and stationery.

The King has now granted royal warrants to 386 businesses, including well-known names such as John Lewis, Heinz, Nestle, and Moet & Chandon. Among the new additions are several food and drink companies, including Weetabix and other chocolate makers like Bendicks and Prestat Ltd.

Earlier this year, the King was urged by the campaign group B4Ukraine to reconsider the royal warrants of companies still operating in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. This pressure led to the removal of the warrants for Mondelez and Unilever, another company criticized for its ongoing presence in Russia.

A Mondelez spokesperson stated: “Whilst we are disappointed to be one of hundreds of other businesses and brands in the UK not to have a new warrant awarded, we are proud of our previous association with the royal household and fully respect the decision.”

Unilever also expressed pride in its long history of supplying the royal family and its recent warrant under Queen Elizabeth II.