With so much pressure on the company from the markets, it is fair to ask why when all the other, seemingly strong companies, succumbed, Cadbury Schweppes bucked the trend. The record in the company is one that most people recognise. We were voted on at least one occasion the most admired British company. We certainly have always come, if not top, then number two in the food and beverage area in terms of management strength. Secondly, the nature of the confectionery and beverages market is so competitive that if you're going to succeed, you've got to stay right at the top of your game.
Brand strength is as important as management strength.
We were only going to succeed if our brands succeeded. Although Sir Dominic retired from Cadbury last year on his sixtieth birthday and has moved on to other things, you can't help but feel that the ties have not been broken. Despite protestations that he is out of the 'Plc world', he nonetheless still cares very much about the company where he spent 36 years of his life. Being a member of one of the famous dynasties of British business would guarantee a job for life for most people. The young Dominic Cadbury did not see it in those terms, nor did his family.