Cry Uncle: Ben’s Original arriving in stores
Rebranded rice products part of firm’s ‘journey’
An iconic rice brand is hitting shelves with a new name and revamped packaging.
The first Ben’s Original products are now available at retailers throughout the country in the place of Uncle Ben’s rice, parent company Mars Food announced Wednesday.
The official debut of Ben’s Original comes almost a year after Mars announced in June 2020 that it planned to overhaul imaging in the wake of calls for racial equity following the death of George Floyd. The new name was unveiled in September.
Ben’s was the second in a series of rebranding announcements and came hours after Quaker Oats said it would retire the Aunt Jemima name and image from syrup and pancake mixes’ packaging because it is “based on a racial stereotype.” That day, Mrs. Butterworth’s and Cream of Wheat also said changes were coming.
After decades of criticism for how the products have perpetuated racial stereotypes, experts, historians and some consumers consider the moves long overdue. Companies have faced increasing pressure to boost diversity efforts and combat racism since Floyd’s death. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of Floyd’s murder last month.
Since the 1940s, the rice boxes have featured a white-haired Black man, sometimes with a bow tie, an image that critics have said evokes servitude. Mars has said the face was modeled after a Chicago maitre d’ named Frank Brown.
The new packaging no longer has a face but still features an orange background with a similar blue font. Some Uncle Ben’s products will remain on store shelves until they sell out, the brand confirmed to USA TODAY.
“Getting to this point on our brand evolution journey has been the result of our continuing commitment to listen to consumers ... But it is just another marker on our journey,” Denis Yarotskiy, Mars Food North America regional president, said in a statement. “We recognize we have much more work to do as we bring our new brand purpose to life to offer everyone a seat at the table; we remain committed to delivering this ambition.”