Colgate reviewing Chinese toothpaste brand Darlie amid debate on racial inequality
[LONDON] Colgate-Palmolive on Thursday said it was working to review and evolve its Chinese toothpaste brand, Darlie, the latest in a string of brand reassessments amid a US debate on racial inequality.
Darlie is a Chinese brand owned by Colgate and its joint venture partner Hawley & Hazel. Its package features a smiling man in a top hat. Its previous name was Darkie, and featured a man in blackface.
Its current Chinese name still translates to "black person toothpaste."
"For more than 35 years, we have been working together to evolve the brand, including substantial changes to the name, logo and packaging. We are currently working with our partner to review and further evolve all aspects of the brand, including the brand name," a Colgate spokesman told Reuters in an email.
Colgate's statement followed news on Wednesday that PepsiCo was dropping its Aunt Jemima logo, prompting other brands to initiate reviews.
REUTERS
GET BT IN YOUR INBOX DAILY
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
Consumer & Healthcare
Holiday Inn owner IHG’s Q1 revenue up 2.6%, leisure travel demand remains strong
WSJ moves Asia headquarters from Hong Kong to Singapore
South Korea to slap fines on food suppliers for ‘shrinkflation’
Olam outbids Dreyfus’ sweetened deal for Australia’s Namoi, raises offer to A$0.66 per share
Live Nation’s revenue beats estimates as boom in concerts drive ticket sales
Jim Beam owner bets on canned vodka cocktails to double revenue