The company, which makes many products used on Hispanic cuisine, but whose following extends well outside of that range, is facing a swift backlash after its CEO praised President
Goya was founded in
“We all truly blessed, at the same time, to have have a leader like
Almost immediately, #BoycottGoya, #GoyaFoods and #Goyaway began trending on social media platforms like Twitter, with scorn coming seemingly from all directions, including some big political names.
That backlash was answered by those who support Trump showing how any brand, whether they make clothing or, as Goya does, beans, olive oil and adobo, faces potential danger ahead of what may become a highly contentious election.
Those pushing for a boycott of Goya products cited history of derogatory comments and harsh policies toward Hispanics, most notably, the administration's policy of separating immigrant families at the
Former presidential candidate
Rep.
But the backlash was broad, with people posting videos of Goya products being dumped out or donated.
Goya did not immediately comment.
“It’s just a shame that people make everything so politicized, including food,” Conway said.
Yet the potential danger for companies became clear almost from the first day of the Trump administration. A public statement, political donations, or support, can bring a torrent of unwanted publicity.
In 2017, the CEO
In a full-page advertisement in
The company also said it opposes the Trump administration's travel policies.
Last year, the luxury gym Equinox and indoor cycling studio
Some business leaders quickly followed Frazier’s lead, including the CEOs of
Demographic changes and the massive
According to the
Trump has been working hard recently to court Latino voters, who could swing the vote in states such as
Many of those that came to Goya's defense Friday pointed out Goya's history of community service.
In March and April this year, Goya donated over 300,000 pounds of food, or about 270,000 meals, to food banks and other organizations as part of its pandemic relief effort. The company said it also donated more 20,000 protective masks. Last month, Goya showed up with thousands of pounds of food to families in the
Goya lists 2,500 products, from seasonings and cooking oils, to beans and other Latin American staples as well as frozen products and snacks. Their offerings are ubiquitous in grocery stores across the
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AP reporter
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