A descendant of the renowned chocolate dynasty has divested his confectionery enterprises, bringing to a close his family’s association with chocolate manufacturing that spanned more than two centuries.
The 40-year-old James Cadbury, whose ancestor established the celebrated chocolate empire, has transferred ownership of Love Cocoa and Hip Chocolate to Made Uncommon, a confectionery collective led by businessman Mr Calum Haggerty.
The transaction, completed for an undisclosed amount, represents the final chapter in the Cadbury family’s direct participation in chocolate production.
The businesses, which had been recording losses, faced challenging market conditions as cocoa prices reached unprecedented levels.
This development means no member of the founding family remains actively engaged in chocolate commerce.
Mr Cadbury acknowledged the difficult trading environment in his announcement, observing that Mr Haggerty’s background as a firefighter “might have helped in the last few years with cocoa prices going through the roof”.
The entrepreneur reflected on his decade-long journey with the brands, saying: “It has been my life for the last decade, full of highs, challenges, and huge learnings.
“I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey.”
He expressed confidence in the new ownership, adding: “I wish the best for Calum Haggerty at Love Cocoa.
Descendant of chocolate dynasty sells final family brands amid soaring cocoa prices
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“He is an amazing entrepreneur from starting his career as a fireman; it probably came in quite handy over the last two years with the cocoa prices going through the roof!”
The cocoa market has experienced dramatic price escalations, creating severe pressure on smaller chocolate manufacturers.
In March, Mr Cadbury described the increases as “terrifying” and cautioned that “a lot of smaller chocolatiers are really on the brink”.
Market data reveals the scale of the crisis, with cocoa prices soaring to exceptional heights over recent years.
The commodity’s value has surged dramatically, reaching levels that have made operations increasingly difficult for independent producers.
Cocoa prices have soared to exceptional heights over recent years
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These market conditions have particularly affected boutique chocolate makers who lack the economies of scale enjoyed by larger corporations.
The price volatility has forced many smaller operators to reassess their business models, with some facing existential threats to their continued trading.
Mr Cadbury established Love Cocoa in 2016, securing initial funding through a £25,000 Virgin Startup loan.
The company achieved revenues of £3.5million by 2022, attracting investment from Mr Richard Koch, who co-founded LEK Consulting and was an early Betfair backer.
Mr Koch acquired a “significant minority” stake in 2023, investing £4.25million in the enterprise.
Despite this capital injection, the company’s most recent financial statements revealed expanding losses alongside a workforce of 16 full-time employees.
Mr Haggerty confirmed his intention to preserve the Love Cocoa brand identity while injecting “fresh energy” into the decade-old B Corp-certified company.
He praised Mr Cadbury’s achievement, describing it as “a design-led, ethically grounded chocolate brand with a clear mission to make delicious chocolate that does good for the people behind it.”
The chocolate dynasty traces its origins to Mr John Cadbury’s establishment of his inaugural shop at 93 Bull Street, Birmingham, in 1824, where he initially sold cocoa and hot chocolate.
The family enterprise eventually grew into a global brand before its £12billion acquisition by American food conglomerate Kraft in 2010.
Mr Cadbury had previously indicated he believed himself to be the sole family member still engaged in chocolate trading
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PAMr Cadbury had previously indicated he believed himself to be the sole family member still engaged in chocolate trading.
Following the sale, he will concentrate on developing other ventures, including Holte, a wellness brand, and Kind Bag, a sustainable accessories enterprise founded by his wife, María Rodríguez.
Kind Bag has secured distribution through prominent retailers including Liberty and John Lewis.
He praised Mr Haggerty’s Edinburgh factory and expressed optimism that the new owner would elevate both brands to greater success.
