[UPDATED] No Berry’s Christmas to all: bakery bans writing ‘Merry Christmas’, ‘Xmas’ on festive cakes

KUALA LUMPUR – Employees of local patisserie Berry’s Cake House are barred from writing “Merry Christmas” or “Xmas” on its upcoming Christmas Festival Celebration cakes.

This was verified by one of its staff members, who said they would instead be providing customers with “Season’s Greetings” card toppers.

However, the employee was not informed of the reason behind this confounding decision, which was only introduced this year.

Berry’s Christmas-themed cakes are expected to be launched next week.

According to a notice circulated online, the bakery’s employees are prohibited from incorporating “Christmas”, or its variations, to decorate their seasonal cakes – even upon the customer requests.

The notice, dated December 14, said it was because the bakery currently holds the halal certificate and must adhere to the requirements set by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).

“To be informed, for this coming ‘Christmas Festival Celebration’, we are strictly not allowed to write the words ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Xmas’ on any cakes, even (those) requested by the customer.

“You may (use) our provided ‘Season’s Greetings’ wishes card topper to replace and (be put on) display on the cakes.

“The reason is that we are holding the Halal certificate. We should be fully (supportive) and meet all the halal requirements, rules, and regulations by Jakim,” the notice read.

The notice was sent to several of Berry’s outlets in Putra Heights, Bandar Puchong Utama, SS2 Petaling Jaya, IOI Boulevard, and an unidentified “SR” location.

First opened in 1994, Berry’s currently has 10 outlets in the Klang Valley. – December 16, 2023