A sad day, no doubt for British industry. Cadbury’s is off to get decimated and absorbed by Kraft; who will rationalise the Cadbury’s bunny, downsize the British Curly Wurley and smash the face of the Phil Collins Gorilla in.
While few are likely to be aware of the economic and social history of the company, most will make an emotional connection with company through its advertising and products. It’s often difficult to separate the two.
And while I’ve compiled a list of some of those most famous adverts below, I’ve included a paragraph by a friend on the passing of the company as we know it.
And that’s it. The last of the great philanthropic British companies – such as Rowntree’s, Terry’s, Dorman Long, Lever Brothers and the Great Western Railway – which helped to ameliorate the worst excesses of capitalism in this country and raised the living standards of the working and lower middle classes, has gone.
This is a genuinely sad day, and not just for those who like chocolate which tastes like chocolate.
So, there you go. Another British institution off to the great chocolate factory in the sky, not via a glass elevator but the rough and tumble of globalised industrial markets.
At least we’ll always have that fit bird in the Flake ad.
Cadbury’s flake advert
Cadbury’s Wispa advert
Featuring the wonderful Ruth Madoc and Simon Cadell.
Cadbury’s Fudge advert
Inspiring rude take-offs in playgrounds since the 80s