Colgate-Palmolive Co. is carrying out a review of “all aspects” of its Darlie toothpaste as the company grapples with the racist past of the brand sold in China.
Its current Chinese name still translates to “black person toothpaste”.
The move is the latest in a string of brand reassessments of major international corporations amid a US debate on racial justice and inequality.
The product is owned by Colgate-Palmolive and its partner Hawley & Hazel and its package features a smiling man in a top hat. Its previous name was Darkie, and featured a man in blackface.
“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 said in an email.
Colgate’s statement followed news on Wednesday that PepsiCo Inc was dropping its Aunt Jemima logo, prompting other brands to initiate reviews. (Source: The Straits Times)