cheryl
Administrator
Staff member
Trader Joe’s Now Rejects Criticism of International Food Names - She Knows
With racial justice issues coming to the forefront in recent months, Trader Joe’s has received considerable criticism for the names of its internationally themed products that have stereotypical names. Initially, the retailer said that it would be changing its contested names, such as ‘Trader José’ and Trader Ming’s’ for its beer and Chinese-inspired products, respectively. The company admitted that the names, which were supposed to pay homage to ethnic origins, ‘may now have the opposite effect,’ according to a Trader Joe’s press release. However, now the beloved grocery chain is having second thoughts and rejected its reaction to the backlash, according to a report from the New York Times.
“Following were inaccurate reports that the petition prompted us to take action. We want to be clear: We disagree that any of these labels are racist. We do not make decisions based on petitions,” the company said in a statement issued on July 24.
However, to avoid further criticism, Trader Joe’s explained how they remain open to re-evaluating the matter at a later time. “We make decisions based on what customers purchase, as well as the feedback we receive from our customers and crew members. If we feel there is [a] need for change, we do not hesitate to take action.”
With racial justice issues coming to the forefront in recent months, Trader Joe’s has received considerable criticism for the names of its internationally themed products that have stereotypical names. Initially, the retailer said that it would be changing its contested names, such as ‘Trader José’ and Trader Ming’s’ for its beer and Chinese-inspired products, respectively. The company admitted that the names, which were supposed to pay homage to ethnic origins, ‘may now have the opposite effect,’ according to a Trader Joe’s press release. However, now the beloved grocery chain is having second thoughts and rejected its reaction to the backlash, according to a report from the New York Times.
“Following were inaccurate reports that the petition prompted us to take action. We want to be clear: We disagree that any of these labels are racist. We do not make decisions based on petitions,” the company said in a statement issued on July 24.
However, to avoid further criticism, Trader Joe’s explained how they remain open to re-evaluating the matter at a later time. “We make decisions based on what customers purchase, as well as the feedback we receive from our customers and crew members. If we feel there is [a] need for change, we do not hesitate to take action.”