Explore all the latest packaging trends, all at PACK EXPO International
Discover new packaging and processing solutions from 2,500+ exhibitors, all under one roof at PACK EXPO International, Nov. 3 – 6 in Chicago.

Aunt Jemima to be Retired by PepsiCo, Mars and Conagra Follow Suit

The company is retiring the brand imagery and its logo, acknowledging a racial stereotype associated with its origin. The brand will be re-named.

Original

Aunt Jemima is a Quaker Oats brand that started out in 1889 as “the world’s first ready-made mix” by the Pearl Milling Company, and grew to include syrup, frozen waffles, pancakes, and other frozen breakfast products.

PepsiCo acquired the Quaker Oats Company in 2001, and according to news outlets such as NBC News, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and The New York Times, has announced today that it is retiring the Aunt Jemima brand imagery and logo, over the issue of racial stereotypes associated with the brand’s origin and in an effort “toward progress on racial equality.”

CNN reports a statement provided to the news outlet read, "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."

According to the NBC article, “The picture has changed over time, and in recent years Quaker removed the “mammy” kerchief from the character to blunt growing criticism that the brand perpetuated a racist stereotype that dated to the days of slavery.” It also noted that Kristin Kroepfl, vice president and chief marketing officer of Quaker Foods North America, said “the company has worked to "update" the brand to be "appropriate and respectful" but it realized the changes were insufficient.”

These changes come amidst rising concerns over racial disparity and how brands are addressing and updating their packaging to reflect a modern position, such as Land O’Lakes recent re-design, which dropped the Native American “Butter Maiden” from the iconic packaging.

Update: Mars and Conagra both followed suit today as Mars announced they would also re-brand Uncle Ben's rice, while Conagra plans to review the packaging and branding of the Mrs. Butterworth's syrup line.


Check out new technology from 2,500+ packaging & processing suppliers
PACK EXPO International is where you can discuss real-world problems with experts and land on innovative ideas. Discover every new packaging and processing trend, see machinery in action and learn sustainable solutions from experts.
Read More
Check out new technology from 2,500+ packaging & processing suppliers
Special Report: Track & Trace
Discover new tools to approach the supply chain that allow you to leverage your data, see real-time visibility, and forecast future sales. You’ll also learn about KH Hive, an in-house digital demand planning tool that Kraft Heinz created to help the company realize its goals, forecasting sales expectation down to the SKU level, location level, and daily level.
Read More
Special Report: Track & Trace