In the world of food, some stories transcend the confines of the kitchen to reflect the changing tides of society. One such tale is that of Saputo’s Cheer Cheese. Once known as “Coon Cheese,” this iconic Australian dairy product found itself entangled in a web of controversy due to its name’s unfortunate historical associations. Read on for the story behind the name change.
The history of Coon Cheese
The story of Coon Cheese begins with Fred Walker in 1931. Inspired by James L. Kraft’s method of making processed cheese, Fred started making a similar cheese in his South Melbourne facility. Operating under licence from Kraft Foods, Fred Walker produced and marketed a processed cheese product that he decided to call Red Coon.
Over the years, the ownership of this brand has been passed on from Kraft-Walker to Lion Dairy, Warrnambool Cheese and eventually Saputo Inc.
Who is Saputo?
Saputo Inc. is a Canadian dairy company that has grown to become one of the largest dairy processors in the world. Founded in 1954 by the Saputo family in Montreal, Quebec, the company started as a small cheese business and gradually expanded through acquisitions and strategic growth initiatives.
Over the years, Saputo has diversified its product portfolio to include a wide range of dairy products, catering to both retail and foodservice markets.
With operations spanning across North America, South America, Europe and Australia, Saputo has a significant global presence. The company operates numerous dairy processing plants and distribution centres, ensuring a steady supply of dairy products to consumers worldwide.
Why was the cheese named Coon?
“Coon Cheese” was a well-known cheese brand in Australia that was ubiquitous in supermarkets and other grocery stores . According to former parent company Kraft Foods, the cheese was named after Edward William Coon.
Edward Coon was an American cheesemaker in Philadelphia in the 1920’s. He developed and patented a cheesemaking procedure that did not require pasteurisation to make safe cheese. But, this is where things get interesting. The process used to make “Coon Cheese” by Kraft has nothing to do with Edward Coon’s technology.
Ongoing controversy over the name
Moreover, the brand had faced controversy for many years due to its name being considered a racial slur. The term “coon” has been historically used as a derogatory and offensive racial epithet against people of African descent. And historical records show this to be the case both in America and Australia.
The debate over the name intensified over time, with many individuals and advocacy groups calling for a name change, arguing that it was inappropriate and offensive. Protests, petitions, and discussions on social media platforms further amplified the issue.
2020: A new name
The controversy prompted Saputo Inc. to conduct a review of the brand name and its association with racial connotations. In mid-2020, the company announced its decision to retire the “Coon” brand name.
This move came as a response to the growing public pressure and to address concerns about racial insensitivity.
In February 2021, it was announced that the cheese brand would be renamed “Cheer Cheese.” The new name aims to reflect a more positive and inclusive image for the product. The change was seen as a significant step towards rectifying a longstanding issue surrounding the brand’s name and its association with racial slurs.
What type of cheese is Cheer Cheese?
Historically, the “Coon Cheese” brand produced a variety of cheeses, including Cheddar cheese, Tasty cheese, and other processed cheese products.
The current range of products sold under the Cheer brand include Tasty Cheese, Colby, Mozzarella, Aussie Jack and Vintage. Due to the manufacturing processes employed, the company is no longer allowed to use the name Cheddar for their products.
Moreover, you can buy Cheer Cheese in slices, shreds and blocks. As always, our tip is to buy the block version and slice or grate it yourself. This results in better freshness and fewer additives in the food you end up consuming.
Conclusion: A more inclusive name
In this journey through the history of Cheer Cheese, we have witnessed a significant transformation brought about by the winds of change and the power of inclusivity. Once known as “Coon Cheese”, this beloved Australian dairy brand faced decades of controversy due to its name’s racial connotations.
However, in response to growing concerns and a shifting societal landscape, the company decided to embark on a new path, embracing a more inclusive future.
With the unveiling of “Cheer Cheese”, a breath of fresh air swept through the dairy industry. Saputo showcased its commitment to respecting diverse perspectives and creating a positive, inclusive image for their product.
What are your thoughts on this change? How about the overall societal changes we’re seeing around the world? Leave us a comment below.
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!