Online reactions are mixed after Ferrara Candy Co. rolled out the new look of its Lemonhead candy mascot at the Chicago Sweet and Snacks Expo on Tuesday.
“The New Lemonheads Candy Mascot is Going to Give Your Children Nightmares,” wrote Ashley Burns on the Uproxx website.
The new mascot resembles a sports mascot with a citrus-bulbed head, blue eyes and a tuft of hair. The campaign features the Lemonhead tweeting, playing guitar on the back porch with other 20-somethings and snapping selfies at the Chicago Bean.
“These are horrific and you guys should stop,” wrote a Facebook fan.
According to Ferrara Candy Co. Marketing Director Dawn Sykora, who was interviewed by the Tribune, the nostalgia-inspiring bowtied candy character had to be updated because he “seemed a little dated.” The remake of character made him “grow up” from a child to a character that is supposed to be 22 years old.
The logo and brand were named 56 years ago in Forest Park by the candy company’s founder Nello Ferrara. Nello’s son, Sal, was said to have had a funny-shaped head as a baby.
The company merged with Farley’s and Sathers in 2012. Sal Ferrara stepped down as CEO from the company last February.
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