Kroger Addresses Backlash Over ‘Free @ Last’ Juneteenth Cakes: ‘Highly Disappointed’

Kroger Responds to Criticism Regarding Juneteenth Cakes

Supermarket chain Kroger faced backlash after a shopper in Georgia raised concerns about the desserts sold in their stores to commemorate Juneteenth, a significant day in American history. Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, marks the moment when the last enslaved African Americans were informed of their freedom in 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. President Joe Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021. Kroger came under fire when a TikTok video shared by user @blaq.monalisa showcased the lacklustre designs of the frosted cookie cakes being offered by the bakery for the occasion.

The viral video captured the upset shopper’s criticism as she highlighted the unimpressive decorations on the cakes, including simplistic slogans like “Free @ Last” and generic “Congratulations” decals. She expressed her disappointment in the store’s lack of effort in honouring Juneteenth, particularly compared to their usual decorative standards. The video quickly gained traction on social media, garnering over 10.6 million views and sparking a wave of comments echoing the sentiment of let-down and dismay towards Kroger’s offerings.

Kroger responded to the public outcry by acknowledging the inconsistency of the desserts with their quality standards and stated that the products had been promptly removed. A spokesperson for the supermarket chain emphasised that the displayed cakes and cookies did not align with the company’s guidelines and apologised for the oversight. The statement assured customers that the issue had been addressed internally with the store teams and the customer who initially brought attention to the matter.

The online community’s reaction to the incident varied, with some users finding humour in the situation despite its sensitive nature. One user described the cake’s message of “Free @ Last” as “diabolical,” while another admitted to chuckling at the inadvertent irony. Despite the mixed responses, many voiced their disappointment with Kroger’s approach to celebrating Juneteenth, suggesting that ignoring the occasion entirely may have been a better choice than presenting subpar desserts that missed the mark.

Following the public outcry and swift action taken by Kroger to remove the controversial items, the original TikTok creator revisited the store to provide an update. In a subsequent video, she revealed that the offending cookies were no longer on display, thanks to the community’s collective response. However, she expressed lingering disappointment that the store had not replaced the items with more appropriate Juneteenth-themed treats, noting instead the availability of pre-packaged desserts designed for the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations.

In conclusion, the incident involving Kroger’s Juneteenth cakes serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and due diligence in commemorating significant historical events. While unintentional missteps can occur, prompt acknowledgment and corrective action, as demonstrated by Kroger, are crucial in mitigating the impact of such oversights. Moving forward, heightened awareness and inclusivity in all aspects of business practices can help foster a more respectful and considerate environment for all customers.