Lifestyle • Food
2020-06-17T11:50:18+00:00

Quaker Oats to remove Aunt Jemima brand, in effort to "make progress toward racial equality"

Quaker Oats to remove Aunt Jemima brand, in effort to "make progress toward racial equality"
1951 ad for Aunt Jemima - America's Best-Loved Pancakes Credit: Aunt Jemima / Public domain

In a statement on Wednesday, Quaker Oats announced the rebranding of their syrup and pancake mix brand as they recognised the image of Aunt Jemima as a racial stereotype. Aunt Jemima products feature an illustration of a black woman, first depicted as a minstrel and later as a "mammy" wearing a kerchief which was eventually removed.

Vice president and chief marketing officer Kristin Kroepfl said in a press release: "We recognize Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype. 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."

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Card reviewed by: @ericof