If there is one thing that is constant in the world around us, it’s the fact that things change. Some of the changes are to be expected, others come that completely take us by surprise.
One of the changes that is about to take place is something that comes from Quaker Oats, owend by PepsiCo. They own the brand Aunt Jemima, which has been in the stores and on our tables for many years. They are now rebranding as Pearl Milling Co., including a new logo and packaging for their pancake mixes and syrup.
According to the company, the rebranding takes place as a result of “racial stereotype”.
It was originally announced in June of 2020, and it affects a number of products that are in the stores, including the pancake mix and syrups, grits, and cornmeal. Until June 2021, you can still find the Aunt Jemima name on the shelves, but the character image will be missing.
We’ve heard a lot about rebranding in recent months. Many people feel as if it is long overdue, and it was preceded by other brands, such as Mrs. Butterworth, Uncle Ben’s, Cream of Wheat, and they even renamed Eskimo Pies!
You might also appreciate knowing that this isn’t the first time Aunt Jemima has been rebranded. The original image showed Aunt Jemima, based on a Civil War-era slave from Kentucky named Nancy Green wearing a bandanna and a big smile. The image was redone in 1989, although it still faced criticism from many consumers.
It will be interesting to see where this goes next.