Aunt Jemima will be removed from packaging for syrup and pancake mix after more than 130 years of existence, according to The Associated Press.
What’s happening:
- Quaker Oats said it will change the name and marketing for Aunt Jemima pancake mix and syrup.
- The company said new packaging will arrive in the forth quarter of 2020, The Associated Press reports.
- The new name will be announced at a later time.
- Kristin Kroepfl of Quaker Foods North America said: “As we work to make progress toward racial equality through several initiatives, we also must take a hard look at our portfolio of brands and ensure they reflect our values and meet our consumers’ expectations. We recognize Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype. While work has been done over the years to update the brand in a manner intended to be appropriate and respectful, we realize those changes are not enough.”
What about Uncle Ben’s rice?
Social media raised questions about another national food brand — Uncle Ben’s rice, which has an image of a black man dressed in a bow tie.
In fact, Mars Inc. said it is evaluating changing the Uncle Ben’s brand image, according to Reuters. The company said it is “evaluating all possibilities” in regards to the brand image.
A spokesperson told Reuters: “As a global brand, we know we have a responsibility to take a stand in helping to put an end to racial bias and injustices. We recognize that one way we can do this is by evolving the Uncle Ben’s brand, including its visual brand identity.”
And what about Mrs. Buttersworth?
Social media also raised questions about the Mrs. Butterworth’s brand, which has bottles in the shape of a matronly woman, known as Mrs. Butterworth.
No reports have suggested that the Mrs. Butterworth might change in the near future.