An image of a rainbow themed Oreo
cookie supporting Gay Pride on the brand's Facebook page has
attracted thousands of comments.
The simple message of support includes
a chocolate Oreo cookie filled with six layers of rainbow-colored
icing along with the caption, “June 25 | PRIDE.”
The graphic drew more than 52,000
shares and 177,000 likes in 24 hours, sparking an online debate which
translates into free adverting for Kraft Foods, the parent company of
Nabisco, which introduced America's best-selling cookie in 1912.
“We are excited to illustrate what is
making history today in a fun and playful way,” Basil T. Maglaris,
associate director of corporate affairs for Kraft, told The
Washington Post. “Kraft Foods has a proud history of
celebrating diversity and inclusiveness. We feel the OREO ad is a
fun reflection of our values. There has been a lot of buzz about the
image, and it shows how relevant OREO is to people even after 100
years.”
The overwhelming response to the gay
Oreo image has been supportive. However, some commenters said they
would abandon the brand over the move.
In recent months, social conservatives
have criticized Starbucks,
JCPenney,
the GAP,
General
Mills and Target
for supporting gay rights.