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Cheese producers stand firm against boycott attempts, maintaining their products as apolitical

Cheese manufacturer Milram currently faces a significant boycott due to the introduction of new packaging. The company has since issued a response.

Cheese manufacturers stand firm against political pressure, refusing to comply with boycott demands...
Cheese manufacturers stand firm against political pressure, refusing to comply with boycott demands for new packaging

Cheese producers stand firm against boycott attempts, maintaining their products as apolitical

In a recent turn of events, the North German cheese manufacturer Milram is facing a boycott call due to its new limited edition packaging designs. The controversy, centred around perceptions of political propaganda on food packaging, has sparked mixed public reactions, particularly from right-wing and conservative circles [1][4][5].

The limited edition packaging, under the brand value "Community", features designs by three well-known artists. The scenes depicted include loving couples, families on outings, and laughing friends, all aiming to increase attention in supermarkets and target younger audiences [6]. However, the designs, which include themes related to trans identities or diversity, have been at the centre of this dispute [5].

The boycott calls and criticisms against Milram include comments such as "No thanks, Milram. I'll buy your cheese again when you come to your senses", "Eat your trash alone!", "sexual re-education ideologies", and "Never again Milram!" [1][4]. On the other hand, some users have announced they will buy Milram cheese to support the new packaging [1].

Milram, a part of the DMK Group, has rejected accusations that the new packaging promotes a political message, stating that the design reflects society's diversity and is apolitical [3]. The company has also condemned the use of its packaging by certain groups to spread discriminatory and racist content [2].

The debate over Milram's packaging is accompanied by numerous memes making fun of the uproar. Notably, filmmaker Michael "Bully" Herbig has voiced his support for the "woke movement", finding it to be "basically a good thing" [7].

It is essential to clarify that the cheese recall at Rewe, a German supermarket chain, where two people have already died, is not related to Milram's packaging controversy [8].

The controversy has also garnered attention from political figures. The family policy spokesperson of the AfD state parliament in Lower Saxony has expressed disapproval of Milram's new packaging [1][4].

In response to the boycott call, Milram is accompanied by a social media campaign that focuses on digital visibility and interaction with the community [6]. The company aims to engage with consumers and address their concerns, fostering a dialogue about the importance of diversity and inclusion.

References:

  1. The Local
  2. Deutsche Welle
  3. Reuters
  4. Bild
  5. TikTok Videos
  6. Milram Press Release
  7. Michael "Bully" Herbig's Statement
  8. Rewe Recall Statement

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