Red Ripper (confectionery)

Red Ripper (formerly Redskins or Red Skins) are a red, raspberry-flavoured chewy confectionery manufactured in New Zealand by Nestlé under their Allen's brand.

The confectionery is sold as elongated bars which are individually twist-wrapped in paper, weighing approximately 10 grams each. Although smaller sizes exist. Multi-packs and Red Ripper lollipops are also available.

Branding controversy

Over time 'Redskin' became a derogatory slang term for Native Americans and First Nations Canadians.[1][2]

In 1996, a complaint was made to the New Zealand Advertising Standards Complaints Board about a Redskins advertisement aired on New Zealand television. The advertisement featured comedian Mark Wright dressed in American Indian clothing and assuming an accent. A mock drumbeat featured on the soundtrack. Despite protest from Nestlé New Zealand that the advertisement was inoffensive, the Board upheld the complaint.[3]

Red Skin packaging formerly featured a photo of a Native American wearing a traditional headdress. This was replaced in the late 1990s by a more neutral red character.

In June 2020, along with Chicos, Nestlé announced that the name will be changed to represent the inclusive nature of modern society. The company said the decision was made to ensure "nothing we do marginalises our friends, neighbours and colleagues". The statement added "these names have overtones which are out of step with Nestle's values, which are rooted in respect." [4][5] The announcement of a name change occurred in the wake of widespread name changes following the George Floyd protests.[6] On 16 November 2020, Nestlé announced that the new name for Red Skins would be Red Ripper. Packaging bearing the new name would be available in stores in early 2021.[7] However, rebranding has been controversial as ‘Red Ripper’ was a Soviet serial killer.[8]

See also

References
  1. "Red Skins and Chicos sweets to be renamed, with Nestlé calling brands 'out of step'". the Guardian. 2020-06-23. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  2. Singhal, Pallavi (2020-06-23). "Nestle to change names of 'Red Skins' and 'Chicos' lollies". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  3. Kennedy, E. 'Complaints board upholds ruling against sweets ad', The Dominion, 1 July 1996.
  4. "Red Skins and Chicos lollies are about to get a rebrand". www.abc.net.au. 2020-06-23. Retrieved 2020-06-27.
  5. "Redskins, Chicos to be renamed". NewsComAu. 2020-06-23. Retrieved 2020-06-27.
  6. McDonald, Matt (2020-06-23). "Lollies to undergo name change because of offensive overtones". myGC.com.au. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  7. "Allen's settles on new names for two of its famous lollies". www.abc.net.au. 2020-11-16. Archived from the original on 2020-11-16. Retrieved 2020-11-16.
  8. https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/food/redskins-rebranding-accidentally-names-lolly-after-notorious-serial-killer-c-1598105
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