Root beer brand A&W has poked fun at M&M’s after the chocolate brand announced that it had paused its ‘spokecandies’ branding and replaced them with US comedian Maya Rudolph.
The apparent backtrack from M&M’s came after a rebrand of its cartoon characters caused backlash across the globe. Fox News’ Tucker Carlson dubbed the rebrand as “Woke M&M’s” and criticised the brand for making the cartoon characters “less sexy”.
In response to the backlash, the chocolate giant announced via an online statement that it had put an “indefinite pause” on the ‘spokescandies’, and that it was “proud to introduce a spokesperson America can agree on: the beloved Maya Rudolph.”
A message from M&M'S. pic.twitter.com/EMucEBTd9o
— M&M'S (@mmschocolate) January 23, 2023
AW Restaurants decided to capatilise on the traction M&M’s was receiving by posting a lookalike announcement on Twitter, writing that it too was considering the re-evaluation of its mascot.
The root beer brand recognised that Rooty the Great Root Bear’s lack of pants can be “polarizing”.
“Therefore, we have decided that Root will wear jeans going forward,” A&W added. “Not to worry though: he will remain out official spokesbear. We are confident Root will continue to champion good food and good times for many years to come … now in denim.”
A message from A&W. pic.twitter.com/WGdF12TSyg
— A&W Restaurants (@awrestaurants) January 24, 2023
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Many Twitter users have praised the satirical social media activation, with one user humorously writing: “A&W you’ve always been there for me, so now I will be there for you and will wear pants in solidarity.”
We’re in this together.
— A&W Restaurants (@awrestaurants) January 25, 2023
