It added, We do not make decisions based on petitions.The petition posted on change.org by a high school student claims the names create a narrative of exoticism that perpetuates harmful stereotypes.Other Trader Joe's names cited include Trader Giotto's and Trader Joe San for Italian and Japanese foods.
Uncle Bens rice plans to evolve its brandAfter the petition was launched Trader Joe's issued a statement saying it has been in the process of updating such product labels.
In an email Friday, Friend-Daniel said the company has indeed dropped some names over the years, including Arabian Joe's and Armenian Joe's, and may drop others in the future.
If we find certain product names and-or products are not resonating with customers, we wont hesitate to make changes."
She saw the book and the ride as being filled with racist stereotypes of native savages and white gods that she says Trader Joe's appropriated to sell food and beverages.