The incredible reason why Cadbury’s packaging is purple

Cadbury’s has been an integral part of Birmingham’s heritage, ever since the very first store was opened almost 200 years ago.

John Cadbury opened the store at 93 Bull Street, in Birmingham, and sold tea, coffee, cocoa and drinking chocolate. By 1842, he was selling almost 30 varieties of drinking chocolates and cocoa.

The company went from strength to strength and by 1875, Cadbury’s had manufactured the first Cadbury’s Easter egg. By 1897, Richard and George had moved the business to Bournville in south Birmingham and manufactured their first milk chocolate bar.

The Bournville factory is still in use today and Cadbury remains a household name in the UK with its chocolate enjoyed daily throughout the world - whether it be Cadbury’s chocolate bars (in their many variations), Cadbury’s biscuits, or the original Cadbury’s drinking hot chocolate. From Freddos to Dairy Milk, Cadbury is an UK institution that Brummies are proud of.

Why is the now iconic packaging purple?

One aspect of the famous company that many don’t know about is why the colour of its packaging is purple. Its distinctive purple wrapping has been an iconic theme of the company for over 100 years. The purple colour has been used by the company since 1914, when it was actually introduced as a tribute to Queen Victoria.

The company was given a royal warrant in February 1854, which made the confectionery giant the official cocoa and chocolate makers for the monarch. The purple packaging was introduced as a tribute to the Queen, as purple was her favourite colour.