Does ‘Pif!, Paff!, Puff!’ mean anything to you?
It might mean something to Swedes, because it’s how Rice Krispies is marketed in their country. But in the UK it’s ‘Snap! Crackle! Pop!’ And in Belgum ‘Poos! Pas!’
It’s just one example of how household brands morph from country to country – sometimes due to language differences or legal requirements, sometimes company takeovers or often just because of local tastes. Here’s how your favourite brands change depending on which country you’re in.
Doritos
In the UK, there are ‘cool original’ Doritos (left), but in the U.S these are known as ‘cool ranch’
Americans love snacking on ‘Cool Ranch’ Doritos. But in the UK they’re known as ‘Cool Doritos’ and in Europe ‘Cool American’.
The reason?
Because ranch dressing is rather less popular outside the US and Europe apparently calls ranch dressing ‘American Sauce’.
Smarties
Smarties in America are sugary tablet sweets similar to ‘love hearts’ that are sold in the UK (left). Of course, for Brits, they are chocolate-y treats (right)
If a Brit asks for Smarties in the US, they would be unlikely to receive a packet of the chocolate confectionery they’re so familiar with.
Instead, Smarties in America are sugary tablet sweets similar to ‘love hearts’ that are sold in the UK.
To add to the confusion the US version of Smarties are known as Rockets in Australia.
Magners Irish Cider
Magners Irish Cider becomes Bulmers Irish Cider in the Republic of Ireland
In the UK this is a popular thirst quencher, but it’s known as Bulmers Irish Cider in the Republic of Ireland.
To keep things baffling, there’s also another cider producer… called Bulmers.
Frosties
Tony gives his cereal the thumbs up – but in the U.S they’re not Frosties, they’re Frosted Flakes
Well, they’re Frosties in the UK, but in America this sugary cereal is called Frosted Flakes.
In Brazil they’re called Sucrilhos and in South Korea they’re called Corn Frost.
Walmart
Walmart has several names around the globe – in the UK it becomes Asda, in Argentina it’s Changomas, South Africa Game Foodco and in Japan – Seiyu. In Brazil and Mexico it’s Sam’s Club (right)
The U.S retail giant goes by the more jovial sounding Sam’s Club in Brazil and Mexico.
In the UK it becomes Asda, in Argentina it’s Changomas, South Africa Game Foodco and in Japan – Seiyu.
Hellmann’s
Brits would have trouble finding their favourite condiment abroad, because overseas it’s known as Best Foods
It’s probably the UK’s favourite condiment.
But Brits would have trouble finding it in a supermarket abroad – because it’s called Best Foods in Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S (but only east of the Rocky Mountains).
KFC
It’s KFC the world over – but in Quebec it’s translated into French and becomes Poulet Frit Kentucky
It’s probably among the most well-known brands in the world, famous for its fried chicken that’s ‘finger lickin’ good’.
And recently for running out of chicken.
But over in Quebec, its language laws require a French translation of trademarks or slogans. So it’s called PRK, or Poulet Frit Kentucky.
Burger King
Burger King is Burger King in most of the Western world – but for Australians it’s Hungry Jack’s
It’s known across the Western world as McDonald’s major rival.
But head to Australia and it’s known as something else – Hungry Jack’s.
This name was chosen by the franchisee, Jack Cowin, after the name Burger King was already taken when the franchise expanded.
Walkers
Walkers is known as Lay’s in Europe, in Egypt Chipsy, in Israel Tapuchips, Vietnam Poca, Colombia Margaritas and in Mexico Sabritas
Brits, get ready for a shock.
Go abroad and your beloved Walkers crisps take on all manner of names.
In Europe it’s Lay’s, in Egypt Chipsy, in Israel Tapuchips, Vietnam Poca, Colombia Margaritas and in Mexico Sabritas.
Source: https://clarendonlondon.com/clarendon-blog/famous-brands/.