Heinz, Cadbury and Coca-Cola among 800 firms forced to change packaging after Queen’s death

Heinz is set to change the design of its iconic ketchup bottles in the wake of the Queen’s death.

The firm is among 800 food and drink brands that must now remove the Royal Warrant from products after the prestigious label became void following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Cadbury, Coca-Cola, Fortnum & Mason and Waitrose, and brands such as Twinings tea and Bollinger champagne, are among those that advertise the late monarch’s coveted coat of arms in stores and on packaging.

Firms will need to reapply for Royal Warrant

According to the Royal Warrant Holders Association (RWHA), warrants became void when the Queen died, meaning firms will need to reapply to use the royal coat of arms.

Its website states: “The Royal Household will review Warrant grants upon a change of the reigning Sovereign.”

However, it adds that “the company or individual may continue to use the Royal Arms in connection with the business for up to two years, provided there is no significant change within the company concerned”.

The distinctive image of the royal coat of arms depicts the lion of England, unicorn of Scotland and a shield divided into four quarters followed by the words “by appointment to Her Majesty the Queen”.

Firms are eligible for a Royal Warrant if they supply products or services on a regular and ongoing basis to Royal Households for at least five years, out of the past seven and that they have an appropriate environmental and sustainability policy and action plan.

There are approximately 875 Royal Warrants at any one time, held by around 800 companies or individuals, but it changes almost monthly, with 30 being granted each year, and 30 being withdrawn.

A Royal Warrant is usually granted for up to five years and reviewed in the year before it is due to expire so that a decision can be made as to whether it should be renewed for another period of up to five years.

A Heinz spokeswoman said: “It’s been our highest honour to supply The Royal Households with Heinz products since 1951, and we sincerely hope to be able to continue doing so for many years to come.

“However, at this time, our thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family. Everyone at Heinz is deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and we offer our sincerest condolences. We are so grateful for the extraordinary service Her Majesty gave to the nation.”

Kellogg’s director Paul Wheeler told the BBC the firm held a Royal Warrant for the entirity of the Queen’s reign.

He said: “Nowadays, the Royals get their cereal from us through their normal grocery supplier,”

Mr Wheeler added that it has been a privilege to hold the Warrant for the Queen’s entire reign and part of that of her father King George VI too.

Other brands and food and drink firms who were granted warrants by the late Queen Elizabeth II include Premier Foods, Unilever, British Sugar, Britvic, Martini, Dubonnet, Johnnie Walker, The Famous Grouse owner Matthew Gloag & Son, Gordon’s and Pimm’s.