Aussie classic lollies Redskins and Chicos lollies to be RENAMED to avoid ‘marginalising’ consumers
- Nestle says Redskins and Chicos lollies will be renamed as they are offensive
- The company will rename the lollies so they don’t ‘marginalise’ their consumers
- Nestle have yet to decide on the new names, but said they ‘will move quickly’
Classic Australian lollies Redskins and Chicos are set to be renamed so they don’t ‘marginalise’ consumers, Allens has announced.
The decision was made by the brand’s parent company, Nestle, because a redskin is a slang term for Native Americans in the U.S., where it it considered offensive, while chico, which is Spanish for ‘boy’, is also used in a derogatory way.
‘This decision acknowledges the need to ensure that nothing we do marginalises our friends, neighbours and colleagues,’ the company said in a statement.
‘These names have overtones which are out of step with Nestlé’s values, which are rooted in respect.’
Redskins (above) have been enjoyed by children for decades in Australia and New Zealand
The company has yet to announce new names for the classics, which Australian and New Zealand kids have been enjoying for decades.
Nestle said they ‘will move quickly’ to change the lolly names.
Allen’s Lollies released a similar statement on Tuesday.
‘At Allen’s we are about creating smiles,’ the statement reads.
‘Today we announced that we will change the name of Red Skins and Chicos lollies.
‘This decision acknowledges the need to keep creating smiles, ensuring that nothing we do marginalises our friends, neighbours and colleagues, or is out of step with our values.
‘We haven’t finalised the new names, but we’ll keep you posted. We appreciate the comments we have received on the need for change.’
Black Lives Matter protests around the world have launched a wealth of popular products and businesses to change their names to prevent offending customers.
Comedian Josh Thomas called for Coon cheese to be renamed because of its historical use as a racist slur, while indigenous activists called for the state of Victoria to be renamed because the state is named after British Empire ruler Queen Victoria.
Generations of Australian kids have also enjoyed Chicos, above, for their chocolaty taste – unaware the term was considered offensive to those of Latin-American descent.