Bye Bye, No More Eskimo Pie

Genuine Eskimo Pie by Sandra Cohen-Rose and Colin Rose, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0/Original

The latest brand name to get the axe?

Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream announced they would be changing the brand name Eskimo Pie, the ice cream wrapped in dark chocolate, a name that’s lasted for 99 years, but no more.

Dreyer’s said in a statement that they had been considering it for some time.

From NY Post:

“We are committed to being a part of the solution on racial equality, and recognize the term is derogatory,” the company’s head of marketing said in a statement.

“This move is part of a larger review to ensure our company and brands reflect our people values,” the company added.

Along with the name change, the company will alter the treat’s marketing scheme, which traditionally featured a young boy dressed as an Eskimo in a snowy environment.

The owner of the "Eskimo Pie" brand has called the term "derogatory" and now vows to change its name and marketing. "We are committed to being a part of the solution on racial equality," a brand rep says https://t.co/7fDrM4Zm4e pic.twitter.com/fPVNuCcdIx

— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) June 19, 2020

The bar was actually invented by Christian Nelson and Russell Stover, because of Nelson’s experience serving a young boy who couldn’t decide whether he wanted ice cream or candy, so Nelson wondered how he could have both.

Today in 1921: Christian Nelson and Russell Stover agree to market Eskimo Pies. Eskimo Pie Corporation Records, 1921-1996, Archives Center. pic.twitter.com/vFL8yLeHay

— National Museum of American History (@amhistorymuseum) July 13, 2017

This follows brands like Aunt Jemima syrup and Uncle Ben’s saying they would be looking at changing their names or images as well. Cream of Wheat also said they were looking at a change, saying they would be initiating a review.