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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Amber O'Connor

People are only just finding out why Cadbury's packaging is purple - with royal link

For over 100 years, Cadbury has covered its beloved chocolate in its distinct purple wrappers. Known worldwide, the colour is almost as recognisable as the taste of the brand's confectionery.

Whether you count Dairy Milk, Creme Egg or the Roses box as your favourite, you're probably more than familiar with the chocolatier. But do you know the special reason behind the brand's famous colour?

Cadbury purple was reportedly chosen in tribute to Queen Victoria. As Cadbury's website explains, the brand enjoys a rich history, and it has gone through several iterations since John Cadbury opened a grocer's shop selling cocoa and drinking chocolate, among other products, back in 1824.

Not everyone knows the story behind the chocolatier's success (Getty Images)

Thankfully for those of us with a sweet tooth, it did not take long for his business to expand, and by 1842 he was selling no less than 16 different varieties of drinking chocolate, plus 11 cocoas.

The family continued the business, and John's sons Richard and George took charge in the 1860s. Over the years Cadbury went on to create all sorts of products, including the brand's first Easter egg in 1875.

But it wasn't until 1920 that the Cadbury Dairy Milk range turned purple. When the classic chocolate was launched in 1905, customers would expect a 'continental style parcel wrap' decorated in 'pale mauve with red script.'

Rumour has it the brothers chose Queen Victoria's favourite colour for their branding in tribute to the monarch. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Over 100 years later, the colour is still part of Cadbury's identity.

Chocolate fans may remember the brand's trademark row with Nestle, which saw Nestle win the right to use its competitor's iconic Dairy Milk shade for its own products.

Cadbury lost the legal test case after three judges ruled its distinctive purple packaging could not be registered as a trademark because it lacked 'specificity'.

However, there's no denying just how many people associate the colour with Cadbury, even if other brands use purple shades for their goodies.

Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk

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