Cadbury Chocolates, Candy & Cane Sugar

I was saddened today to see that Kraft has made a hostile takeover bid for Cadbury and their delicious chocolates and candy.  I know that shareholder pressure and financial gain will ultimately dictate whether Kraft are successful in their bid. So far, it seems Cadbury has resisted them.  It would be a great pity if Kraft were actually able to succeed in a takeover in the future.

That reason is simple: Cane Sugar.  Yes, it would seem that anything American food and beverage companies can get their hands on they will eventually change from cane sugar to high fructose corn syrup and where applicable, they will introduce the cheap E102 (yellow #5) as the yellow colorant in the candy.  Cheaper to make, more profits they'd argue.  I'd say that Cadbury's vision, and I quote, in part, "the biggest and best" and their commitment to taste and flavor, may not last if this substitute for cane sugar takes over.

High Fructose Corn Syrup has a decidedly different, sickly sweet taste and is no match for cane sugar.  I go out of my way to buy Cadbury and frequent the International Food store on a regular basis to buy chocolate bars and candy made with cane sugar.

If I were the marketing arm of Cadbury I'd tout the cane sugar over anything else. If you believe you are "the biggest and the best" then it is worth standing up for what makes it a superior product, namely, regular cane sugar.

Update on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 11:50AM by [Pamela McMonagle]

It appears that Kraft now has a contender in the form of Hersheys.  I have written to the Chairman of Cadburys to resist their bids but I may be a lone voice unless others who feel the same way do the same.

Update on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 8:35AM by [Pamela McMonagle]

So far Cadbury has rejected Kraft's offers.  Hopefully they will continue to do so and hopefully the shareholders will side with Cadbury's Chairman, Roger Car and reject Kraft's offer.  It's my hope that these companies care more about the chocolate, than how their bottom line is going to look to their shareholders. At this time Hershey is quiet - in the discourse about Hershey's interest,  someone said that Cadbury in America was made by Hersheys anyway ....... yes, but under licence to Cadbury which means - it's made according to Cadbury standards.   Again, hopefully, Hershley will remain quiet.

Update on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 6:14PM by [Pamela McMonagle]

As you may have heard, Cadbury's shareholders and Cadbury's Chairman, Roger Carr have caved and sold out to Kraft.   All I can say is that Cadbury's shareholders seem to have preferred the numbers in their bank accounts to the chocolate that Cadbury makes.  One is left wondering if there are any true chocolate lover in Cadbury's midst.  There are no guarantees that Cadbury Chocolate will remain, as they are, one of a kind, mouthwatering Chocolate. It's a sad, sad  day for Cadbury Chocolate Lovers.

Update on Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 12:51PM by [Pamela McMonagle]

I recently read in an article written in the New York Times that Kraft have removed High Fructose Corn Syrup from some of their salad dressings and replaced it with regular sugar.  Cane sugar.  I was really pleased to hear this. 

Update on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at 11:59PM by [Pamela McMonagle]

I would like to add Pepsi to my list of companies who have introduced “throwback” soda made with cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.  Thank you Pepsi!  Cane Sugar at last!  It brings out the real taste of Pepsi.  Not that sickly sweet corn syrup stuff.  What a delight to drink.  I was drinking Coca Cola from Mexico because I prefer cane sugar but now there is Pepsi Throwback.  Thank you Pepsi!