Uncle Ben and Mrs. Butterworth Also Changing Brands

 From the same paper as last post.

Uncle Ben's brand of rice and side dishes is also rebranding itself and Mrs. Butterworth's, one of Aunt Jemima's breakfast competitors is expected to take steps as well in these days of BLM.

Shortly after the Aunt Jemima announcement, Mars, which owns Uncle Ben's said they were going to "evolve" the brand.

The image of Uncle Ben, an elderly white-haired black man has been on boxes of rice for more than 70 years.  In 2007, Mars had said there would be no significant changes because  there was "a timeless element to him."

Also on Wednesday, Chicago-based Conagra Brands, which acquired Mrs. Butterworth when it bought Pinnacle Foods in 2018. said it had begun a brand and packaging review of the product line.  Mrs. Butterworth's iconic brown bottles have been on shore shelves since the 1960s.

--Cooter

Quaker Oats Rebranding Aunt Jemima Because of Racial Stereotype

 From the June 18, 2020, Chicago Tribune "Quaker Oats to rebrand Aunt Jemima" by Mary Ellen Podmolik.

The Aunt Jemima brand, which has been on syrup and other Quaker Oats products form over 130 years, is being retired.

Chicago-based Quaker Oats, now a unit of PepsiCo, announced Wednesday June 17, that the company would first be removing the image from packaging and later would change the name.  Of course, this is because of the current wave of BLM  after the death of George Floyd and black awareness sweeping the country.  I just have to wonder why it took Blacks so long to figure out they were offended by these images.

Aunt Jemima's image has been changed over the years, already moving it from the controversial first "slave figure."  A 1968 makeover  replaced a kerchief on her head with a headband.  In 1989, she got a gray-streaked hairstyle without a headband, plus pearl earrings and a white lace collar.  At that time, a tribune executive said it would no longer be changed because "that kind of familiarity and recognition is an invaluable asset."

--Cooter