The company, established in 1881 by Abram Lyle, has long been Britain's top golden syrup brand. Its packaging, featuring an illustration inspired by the Bible's Lion and the Bees story, has always depicted a deceased lion surrounded by a swarm of bees. However, customers have recently taken notice of the image and criticized the logo as "disturbing," prompting calls for a packaging overhaul.
While the brand has updated the packaging for its plastic products, it has opted to maintain its traditional packaging for tinned products. Robert Bargery, Executive Director of the Royal Fine Art Commission Trust, remarked, "A successful brand with a solid reputation probably has more to lose than gain by opting for a new logo. The revamped lion lacks the clarity of the original design, which clearly depicts a lion."
During a discussion about the logo change on GB News, host Eamonn Holmes confessed that he had never noticed the depiction of the deceased lion on the packaging. Cohost Isabel Webster echoed this sentiment, stating, "I knew there was a lion on it, but I never paid attention to the details." Commentator Fraser Myers explained the biblical inspiration behind the logo, referencing the Samson and Delilah story and citing the quote "out of the strong came forth sweetness" found on the original packaging.
While Myers acknowledged that the original logo was "a bit grim," he lamented the sudden change to a "cute lion" in response to backlash, stating, "It now looks like any other company."
Eamonn interjected, "But it's so small, hardly noticeable."
Commentator Scarlett MccGwire expressed outrage at the decision, arguing, "But why change it? There was nothing wrong with it. It's been that way for decades, and no one would even notice if they changed it. It's just absurd."
Social media users on Reddit also voiced their anger over the altered logo. One user commented, "Lyle's packaging is possibly the world's oldest continuously used packaging, remaining largely unchanged since 1885, so it would be a shame if they altered it."
Another user admitted to never noticing the original logo on the packaging, exclaiming, "There's a dead lion on the front of the golden syrup? How did I not notice this for 33 years?"
A third Reddit user called for the reinstatement of the original logo, stating, "I always wondered why they had a dead lion with bees buzzing around it as a logo. They definitely need to bring it back. This new design looks like the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz after getting his courage and a new haircut."
James Whiteley, Brand Director for Lyle’s Golden Syrup, defended the redesign, stating, "We're excited to unveil a fresh redesign for the Lyle’s Golden Syrup brand. For over a century and a half, Lyle’s has added flavor and enjoyment to breakfast tables and family meals, bringing a delightful touch of golden magic to any occasion. While we will continue to honor our original branding with the heritage tin, brands must evolve with the times and meet current consumer needs. Our modern design makes Lyle’s more accessible to consumers, while still evoking a sense of nostalgia and authenticity."
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Lyle's Golden Syrup's logo change highlights the delicate balance brands must strike between tradition and innovation to maintain consumer loyalty and brand identity.
arthur scargill
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