No offence: Red Skins lollies to become Red Rippers
Instead of Red Skins and Chicos, lolly lovers will find Red Rippers and Cheekies on the shelves in a matter of months in Australia.
Confectionery giant Nestle will rename its Red Skins and Chicos lollies.
The rebranding of Red Skins and Chicos lollies due to racial overtones will be complete in a matter of months after owner Nestle announced new names for the Allen’s products.
Customers will find Red Rippers and Cheekies on shelves from early 20201 following the commitment from the confectionery giant to change the names earlier this year.
Redskin is a derogatory name for Native Americans, while the Chicos, chocolate-flavoured jelly babies, could cause offence among people of Latin American descent.
Nestle general manager confectionery Chris O’Donnell said the lollies themselves would not change and changes to packaging would be simple.
“We hope Australians will support the evolution of these two much-loved lollies,” he said on Monday.
“Nestle has an unwavering commitment to upholding respect for our friends, neighbours and colleagues.”
The decision to phase out the names followed a number of similar moves by corporations in the US for products and logos promoting racial stereotypes.
-AAP
