It's official. Aunt Jemima products will now be branded as Pearl Milling Company starting in June.
This isn't unexpected news, but the company is unsure how the public will react. On February 1st, PepsiCo purchased the brand name and trademark for Pearl Milling Company after years of criticism surrounding its now-former name, Aunt Jemima. Because Aunt Jemima was seen as a racist stereotype, some people are excited that the company kicked off Black History Month with this major change. Others, however, are not so welcoming to the new brand.
It won't be hard to recognize the famous brand as the only thing that's changing is the name. Same logo. Same design. Same taste!
If you're wondering where the name "Pearl Milling Company" came from, they created the original pancake mix back in 1888 -- a little history lesson for you.
"This name is a nod to where our delicious products began before becoming a family-favorite breakfast staple," PepsiCo said of its new Pearl Milling Company branding. "While the Aunt Jemima brand was updated over the years in a manner intended to remove racial stereotypes, it has not progressed enough to appropriately reflect the dignity, respect and warmth that we stand for today."