King Charles just made major change to Cadbury chocolate after 170 years

We have many beloved food and drink brands in the UK, but when it comes to chocolate it’s Cadbury that’s often a firm favourite.

But it seems the King may not share our love for the iconic company – despite his mother having also been a big fan of Bournville throughout her lifetime.

Charles has ‘stripped’ Cadbury of its Royal Warrant for the first time in 170 years, after it was initially awarded by the late Queen Elizabeth II’s great-great-grandmother, Victoria in 1854.

A Royal Warrant of Appointment is a document that appoints a company or individual the ability to advertise that they supply the Royal Household. As part of this, they are able to use the Royal Arms and ‘By Appointment to…’ label in connection with their business.

It also has a financial benefit, with research by Brand Finance suggesting in 2017 that Royal Warrant holders may earn 5% of their revenue as a result of it. 

King Charles and Queen Camilla issued around 400 Royal Warrants on December 19, which last for up to five years.

The majority of these (386) were renewed warrants that were granted by the late Queen, including Kellogg’s cereal and Moet champagne. Interestingly, one of Cadbury’s main competitors, Nestlé has retained its warrant, as well as Prestat and Benedicks, which is known for its dark mint chocolate.

However, around 100 companies are thought to have lost their warrants, including Cadbury and Unilever which owns brands like Marmite and Hellmann’s.

These unsuccessful brands would have been informed about this change via a letter. While the reasons why they weren’t given the royal seal of approval remain unknown, it’s worth noting that some of the 100 companies may have decided not to reapply for their warrant. Alternatively, they could have gone out of business, or have had their application deferred.

It is thought that the supply of Cadbury products to the royal household has reduced over the last few years. King Charles III is known to eat very healthily, and this is reflected in the Royal Warrant choices for this year, which were more eco-conscious than ever, with a real focus on sustainability.

A spokesperson for Cadbury told the Daily Mail: ‘Ours is a much-loved brand that has been a part of British life for generations and remains the nation’s favourite chocolate. 

‘While 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 to have previously held one and we fully respect the decision.’

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