King Charles Revokes Royal Authorities for Ben & Jerry's Overlord Unilever and Cadbury Chocolate Creators
Last Friday, Charles unveiled the latest group of warrants during his rule, recognizing these enterprises as royal providers and enabling them to display the Royal Emblem on their product packaging.
However, the list failed to include long-time British chocolatiers Cadbury, who have possessed a warrant since Queen Victoria's reign in the 19th century, or global consumer goods giant Unilever (UL).
No explanation was provided for the discontinuation of the pair's warrants, adhering to royal traditions.
Both Unilever and Cadbury's parent company Mondelez (MDLZ) faced criticism from Ukraine's government for persisting in business with Russia following Moscow's massive invasion in 2022. Charles' decision was made half a year after advocates penned an open letter to the monarch appealing for him to revoke their warrants, although it's unclear if this was the reason for the decision.
The warrant system dates back to the 15th century, representing a means of honoring suppliers of goods and services to British royal houses.
Now more than 500 brands and companies boast warrants, according to the Royal Warrant Holders Association. They are granted for a five-year period at a time, with each warrant being reevaluated in the year leading up to its expiration.
Mondelez released a statement, mentioning: "Though we're disheartened to be among several other UK businesses and brands not given a new warrant, we take pride in previously holding one, and wholeheartedly support the decision."
Unilever, on the other hand, commented: "We're immensely proud of our extended history supplying to the royal household and of the warrants our brands have been granted during this time, most recently by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."
The royal family's site explains that warrants "may not be reinstated if the quality or supply of the product or service is deemed insufficient, according to the relevant Royal Household's perspective."
Charles extended warrants for businesses such as Heinz, Nestle, and John Lewis, while Queen Camilla appointed seven new warrant holders, including hairstylist Jo Hansford and hat designer Philip Treacy.
Activist organization B4Ukraine issued an open petition to Charles in June, urging him to remove companies like Mondelez and Unilever from the royal warrant list. The group claimed "the continued involvement and financial support of these companies in Russia only prolong the brutal conflict against Ukraine."
Unilever confirmed in October that it had completed the sale of its Russian subsidiary to the local manufacturer Arnest Group, consequently departing the country.
Mondelez operates three factories in Russia and continues to sell cookies and snacks there despite protests and demands from staff, investors, and supporters to withdraw. Last year, the company announced it would make its Russian operations 'autonomous,' by establishing an independent supply chain.
Despite Unilever's sale of its Russian subsidiary and Mondelez's continued operations in Russia facing criticism, neither company was included in the latest group of warrants granted by Charles. The Royal Warrant Holders Association now boasts over 500 brands, many of which offer high-quality food products.
