Nestlé has confirmed the new names of its Allen’s Red Skins and Chicos, after announcing in June that their names would be changed as they were “out of step with the company’s values”.
The two Allen’s favourites will now be known as Red Ripper and Cheekies and they will appear on shelves in early 2021.
Chris O’Donnell, General Manager Confectionary, said: “Nestlé has an unwavering commitment to upholding respect for our friends, neighbours and colleagues.”
While the names are changing, Nestlé has assured fans the lollies themselves will remain unchanged.
“We will keep pack changes simple to help lolly lovers find their favourites easily.”
The rebrand is the latest in the wake of the global Black Lives Matter movement, which has highlighted racial inequalities and injustices, as well as commercial branding considered out of step with current sentiment.
In October, Peters Ice Cream changed the name of its Eskimo Pie to Polar Pie, following criticism that the term ‘Eskimo’ was considered a racially offensive term for indigenous peoples of Alaska and Arctic regions.
Before that, the Uncle Ben’s brand announced it would remove all imagery and be renamed Ben’s Original, following criticism it reinforced racial stereotypes.
Earlier this year Saputo Dairy Australia also said it would be ‘retiring’ the branding of its Coon Cheese line.