Nestle rebrands ‘racist’ Red Skins, Chicos as Red Rippers and Cheekies

The rebranding of Red Skins and Chicos lollies due to racial overtones will be complete in a matter of months after Nestle announced new names for the Allen’s products.

Customers will find Red Rippers and Cheekies on shelves from early 20201 following the commitment from the confectionery giant to change the names earlier this year.

Nestle general manager confectionery Chris O’Donnell said the lollies themselves would not change and changes to packaging would be simple.

“We hope Australians will support the evolution of these two much-loved lollies,” he said on Monday.

The decision to phase out the names followed a number of similar moves by corporations in the US for products and logos promoting racial stereotypes.

However, news of the name change has not gone down well, with numerous people on social media vowing to boycott the old favourites.

Nestle Facebook followers voiced outrage, blaming it as political correctness gone mad.

“I am offended you changed names because of all the snowflakes that take offence to everything. I will never buy red skins again or Chico’s.

“You have made a rod for your back now so when they become offended but the colour red what will you do?

“Total disgrace giving into such petty things. We have more important issues than names of lollies,” one person wrote.

Another posted: “Why didn't you call them Jack The Ripper both new names are stupid for an old name that we grew up with won't buy them now and now we find that Red Ripper is a serial killer in Russia.”

“They will ALWAYS be REDSKINS & CHIKOS.... You've lost me Nestle, I will buy something else from another supplier just on principle.”

Others, though, were more supportive: “Really cute name changes! Cheekies is 100% a better name!”