The Eskimo Pie, a beloved chocolate-coated ice cream treat, has been a staple in American dessert culture for nearly a century. However, in recent years, the brand has undergone a significant transformation, leaving many wondering: what is an Eskimo Pie called now? In this article, we will delve into the history of the Eskimo Pie, explore the reasons behind the name change, and uncover the new identity of this iconic frozen dessert.
A Brief History of the Eskimo Pie
The Eskimo Pie was first introduced in 1920 by Christian Kent Nelson, a high school teacher from Iowa, and his business partner, Russell Stover. The innovative treat consisted of a scoop of ice cream coated in a layer of chocolate, creating a unique and delicious flavor combination. The name “Eskimo Pie” was chosen to evoke the idea of a cold, icy treat, and the brand quickly gained popularity across the United States.
The Rise of the Eskimo Pie Empire
Throughout the 20th century, the Eskimo Pie became a cultural phenomenon, with the brand expanding its product line to include various flavors and sizes. The treat was often associated with nostalgia and childhood memories, and its popularity endured for generations. However, as societal values and cultural sensitivities evolved, the brand faced criticism for its name, which was deemed culturally insensitive and outdated.
Cultural Sensitivity and the Path to Rebranding
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to reexamine and rebrand products that perpetuate cultural stereotypes or insensitive language. The Eskimo Pie, with its name referencing the Inuit people, was no exception. The term “Eskimo” is considered outdated and pejorative by many Inuit communities, who prefer to be referred to by their specific tribal names or as Inupiat. In response to these concerns, the company behind the Eskimo Pie, Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, announced plans to rebrand the product.
The New Name: Edy’s Pie
In 2020, Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream revealed that the Eskimo Pie would be rebranded as Edy’s Pie. The new name honors Joseph Edy, one of the company’s founders, and marks a significant shift away from the culturally insensitive language of the past. The rebranding effort aims to create a more inclusive and respectful brand identity, while maintaining the same delicious and iconic ice cream treat that fans have come to love.
A Smooth Transition: Preserving the Legacy
The transition from Eskimo Pie to Edy’s Pie has been designed to be seamless, with the company ensuring that the same high-quality ingredients and manufacturing processes remain in place. The new name and branding will be rolled out across all product lines, packaging, and marketing materials, providing a consistent and recognizable identity for the brand. By preserving the legacy of the Eskimo Pie while adopting a more culturally sensitive name, Edy’s Pie aims to appeal to both longtime fans and new customers.
A New Era for a Beloved Treat
The rebranding of the Eskimo Pie to Edy’s Pie represents a significant step forward for the company, as it acknowledges and addresses the cultural concerns surrounding the original name. As the brand moves forward under its new identity, it is poised to continue its legacy as a beloved American dessert, while also embracing a more inclusive and respectful approach to its branding and marketing efforts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Eskimo Pie, now known as Edy’s Pie, has undergone a significant transformation in response to cultural sensitivities and concerns. By adopting a new name that honors one of its founders, the company has created a more inclusive and respectful brand identity, while preserving the same delicious and iconic ice cream treat that fans have come to love. As Edy’s Pie looks to the future, it is clear that the brand is committed to quality, innovation, and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that this beloved treat will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
To provide a clearer understanding of the rebranding process and its significance, let us examine the key events and factors that have contributed to the name change:
- The original name, “Eskimo Pie,” was deemed culturally insensitive and outdated, referencing the Inuit people in a way that was no longer acceptable.
- The company, Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, announced plans to rebrand the product in response to growing concerns and criticisms.
- The new name, “Edy’s Pie,” honors Joseph Edy, one of the company’s founders, and marks a significant shift away from culturally insensitive language.
- The rebranding effort aims to create a more inclusive and respectful brand identity, while maintaining the same high-quality ingredients and manufacturing processes.
As Edy’s Pie moves forward, it is essential to recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect in branding and marketing efforts. By embracing a more inclusive approach, companies can create a positive and lasting impact on their customers and the wider community. In the case of Edy’s Pie, the rebranding process has not only addressed cultural concerns but has also ensured the continuation of a beloved American dessert, now with a name that is both respectful and memorable.
What is an Eskimo Pie?
An Eskimo Pie is a chocolate-covered vanilla ice cream bar that has been a beloved treat for many years. It was invented in the 1920s by Christian Kent Nelson, an ice cream shop owner in Iowa, who began dipping ice cream bars in chocolate to create a unique and delicious dessert. The name “Eskimo Pie” was chosen because Nelson thought the Inuit people, also known as Eskimos, would be a fitting symbol for a cold and creamy treat. The dessert quickly gained popularity and became a staple in many American households.
The Eskimo Pie was originally made with a simple recipe that consisted of vanilla ice cream, chocolate coating, and a stick for handling. Over the years, the recipe has remained largely unchanged, although some variations have been introduced, such as different flavors and mix-ins. Despite the changes, the classic Eskimo Pie remains a favorite among many people, and its iconic status has endured for generations. The treat’s enduring popularity is a testament to its unique combination of creamy ice cream and rich, velvety chocolate, which has become a beloved classic in American dessert culture.
Why was the name Eskimo Pie changed?
The name “Eskimo Pie” was changed in recent years due to concerns over cultural sensitivity and the potential for the name to be perceived as derogatory or insensitive. The term “Eskimo” is considered outdated and is no longer used in many parts of the world, as it is seen as a colonial-era term that does not reflect the diversity and complexity of the Inuit cultures. In response to these concerns, the manufacturer of the dessert decided to rebrand the product with a new name that would be more respectful and inclusive.
The new name for the dessert is intended to reflect the treat’s heritage and tradition while also acknowledging the need for greater cultural sensitivity. By changing the name, the manufacturer hopes to promote a more positive and respectful attitude towards the Inuit cultures and to avoid any potential offense or controversy. The name change is seen as a positive step towards greater inclusivity and respect, and it reflects the evolving values and attitudes of society towards cultural sensitivity and diversity. The new name is expected to be phased in over time, with the classic recipe and packaging remaining largely unchanged.
What is the new name for Eskimo Pie?
The new name for Eskimo Pie is Edy’s Pie, which is intended to evoke the classic dessert’s heritage and tradition while also acknowledging the need for a more modern and inclusive name. The name “Edy’s” is a reference to Joseph Edy, one of the founders of the company that originally manufactured the dessert, and it is seen as a way to connect the treat’s past and present. The new name is expected to be rolled out across all packaging and marketing materials, although the classic recipe and ingredients will remain unchanged.
The introduction of the new name is seen as a positive step towards rebranding the dessert and promoting a more positive and respectful attitude towards cultural diversity. By choosing a name that reflects the treat’s heritage and tradition, the manufacturer hopes to appeal to both long-time fans of the dessert and new customers who are looking for a unique and delicious treat. The new name is expected to be well-received by consumers, who are likely to appreciate the combination of classic ingredients and modern branding. Overall, the new name is a positive development for the beloved dessert, and it is expected to help the treat remain a favorite for generations to come.
Will the recipe for Eskimo Pie change?
The recipe for Eskimo Pie is not expected to change, despite the name change. The classic dessert has remained largely unchanged over the years, and its unique combination of creamy ice cream and rich, velvety chocolate has become a beloved classic in American dessert culture. The manufacturer has confirmed that the recipe will remain the same, with the same high-quality ingredients and careful manufacturing process that has always been used to make the dessert.
The decision to keep the recipe unchanged is seen as a positive move by fans of the dessert, who appreciate the classic taste and texture of the Eskimo Pie. By maintaining the same recipe, the manufacturer can ensure that the dessert remains true to its heritage and tradition, while also acknowledging the need for a more modern and inclusive name. The combination of a classic recipe and modern branding is expected to be a winning formula for the dessert, and it is likely to appeal to both long-time fans and new customers who are looking for a unique and delicious treat.
How will the name change affect the brand’s image?
The name change is expected to have a positive impact on the brand’s image, as it reflects a more modern and inclusive attitude towards cultural diversity. By acknowledging the potential for the original name to be perceived as insensitive or derogatory, the manufacturer is demonstrating a commitment to cultural sensitivity and respect. The new name is seen as a way to rebrand the dessert and promote a more positive and respectful attitude towards the Inuit cultures.
The name change is also expected to appeal to younger consumers who are looking for brands that reflect their values and attitudes towards cultural diversity and inclusivity. By choosing a name that is more modern and respectful, the manufacturer is hoping to attract a new generation of fans who will appreciate the classic dessert’s unique combination of creamy ice cream and rich, velvety chocolate. Overall, the name change is seen as a positive development for the brand, and it is expected to help the dessert remain a beloved treat for generations to come.
What other brands have undergone similar name changes?
Several other brands have undergone similar name changes in recent years, as companies seek to rebrand themselves and promote a more positive and respectful attitude towards cultural diversity. One example is the Aunt Jemima brand, which has announced plans to rebrand itself as Pearl Milling Company, in response to concerns over the original name and logo being perceived as racist or insensitive. Another example is the Land O’Lakes brand, which has removed the image of a Native American woman from its packaging, in response to concerns over cultural appropriation and stereotyping.
These name changes reflect a broader trend towards greater cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in branding and marketing, as companies seek to promote a more positive and respectful attitude towards diversity and inclusivity. By acknowledging the potential for certain names or images to be perceived as insensitive or derogatory, companies can demonstrate a commitment to cultural sensitivity and respect, and promote a more positive and inclusive brand image. The name change for Eskimo Pie is seen as part of this broader trend, and it reflects the manufacturer’s commitment to promoting a more positive and respectful attitude towards cultural diversity.