Cadbury Honors 200th Anniversary With Chocolate Wrappers Milked From Its Past
By Mikelle Leow, 17 Jan 2024
Image via Cadbury UK
Cadbury is stirring up sweet nostalgia for its 200th anniversary by bringing back historical versions of its beloved Dairy Milk bars. The chocolate giant is releasing seven limited-edition Dairy Milk bars, each wrapped in iconic looks from different eras.
This delightful trip down memory lane, milked in collaboration with the branding agency Bulletproof, celebrates Cadbury’s long-standing heritage in the most aesthetically delectable ways. Reintroducing wrappers from 1915 through 2024, the confectioner is reminding eaters of cherished moments and memories associated with its brand.
Tracing back to its roots, Cadbury’s earliest logos were simple, primarily text-based.
Image via Bulletproof
However, the early 20th century saw a shift to a more stylized appearance, introducing the distinctive cursive script now synonymous with the name. This elegant, flowing iteration conveyed luxury and quality, setting Cadbury apart in the chocolate market.
The most recognizable Cadbury logo, sporting this signature cursive script, made its debut in 1952. Crafted by French artist Georges Auriol, the wordmark underwent refinement while maintaining its sophisticated charm. This design has since become integral to Cadbury’s identity.
Images via Bulletproof
Images via Bulletproof
In 2003, the branding saw a subtle yet significant update. Cadbury’s typography was modernized and simplified for enhanced legibility and adaptability in digital media.
Images via Bulletproof
Cadbury gave its visual identity a significant makeover in 2020. Helmed by Bulletproof, it harked back to a more traditional style, with a thicker and more pronounced cursive script based on William Cadbury’s signature, a nod to the company’s founding family. The logo’s slight tilt added a sense of motion and energy, symbolizing the brand’s dynamic approach to the future.
In a meaningful twist that underscores its theme of nostalgia and memory, Cadbury has pledged £200,000 (US$253,000) to Alzheimer’s Research UK as well as partnered with Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland to support their vital research for a dementia cure. It’s a poignant reminder of the power of memories and the role that familiar brands like Cadbury can play in evoking them.
Its heartwarming campaign extends to a 200th-anniversary film dreamed up by communications agency VCCP honoring Cadbury’s long-standing relationship with Brits. Bespoke out-of-home advertisements, created by talented illustrators, also pay homage to Cadbury Dairy Milk’s famous branding and design, each one reflecting the style of a different era.
Yours for 200 Years ðð«
— VCCP (@VCCP) January 8, 2024
Today we have launched a fully integrated campaign celebrating @CadburyUK’s 200th anniversary and its long-standing relationship with the British public. pic.twitter.com/ngPoT66mOJ
Elise Burditt, senior marketing director at Cadbury, highlights that this anniversary celebration is more than just a milestone. It’s a tribute to the brand’s enduring presence in the lives of the British public and its core values of generosity and kindness.
The campaign is set to roll out across various channels in the UK, ensuring that Cadbury's 200th anniversary is celebrated magnificently, with a warmth that resonates with chocolate lovers of all ages.
[via Dieline, Creative Salon, Packaging Europe, images via various sources]