Is Kellogg's on the Boycott List and Why?

The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement is a global campaign that seeks to apply pressure on Israel to address its policies towards Palestinians. It calls on individuals and organisations to boycott products and companies perceived to support or benefit from actions affecting Palestinian rights. 

This has led to scrutiny of major global brands like Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and Subway, as well as companies like Kellogg's, which owns a range of popular products. Kellogg’s is a household name known for brands like Pringles, Frosted Flakes, Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, and Pop-Tarts. But is Kellogg’s on the BDS boycott list, and if so, why? 

In this blog, we’ll delve into the reasons behind the association, the connection between Kellogg's and the BDS movement, and how consumer actions and sentiment have shaped the discussion around its products.

Introduction to the BDS Movement

The BDS movement started in 2005 when Palestinian civil society organisations called for a boycott of Israeli products. The campaign was launched in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, to pressure Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories, grant equal rights to Palestinians, and allow Palestinian refugees the right to return to their land.

The BDS movement has since gained significant traction worldwide, with various countries and individuals participating. Supporters of BDS argue that boycotting companies that profit from Israeli policies is a peaceful and non-violent way to bring attention to the issue.

Learn more about the BDS movement and what it stands for in our previous blog.

Is Kellogg’s on the Boycott List?

Kellogg’s is not officially on the BDS boycott list, but it has faced criticism from pro-Palestinian groups for its ties to Israel. As a result, it has been included on several local and independent boycott lists.

The company has been accused of indirectly supporting Israeli policies through its business operations in Israel. While Kellogg’s does not manufacture products directly in Israel, its commercial activities in the country have drawn criticism. Activists have also pointed to its connections with companies that profit from Israel’s military actions and policies.

Additionally, Kellogg’s is owned in part by investment firms like BlackRock and The Vanguard Group. BlackRock has invested over $33 billion in companies involved in Israel’s military occupation, settlement expansion, and the siege of Gaza. It is also the largest shareholder in Bank Hapoalim, Israel’s biggest bank, which finances illegal settlements. Similarly, The Vanguard Group has investments linked to Israel’s settlement activities. These associations have led to growing calls to boycott Kellogg’s products, including Pringles.

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Kellogg’s Business Operations in Israel

Kellogg's has a notable presence in Israel, primarily through its product distribution and market activities. The company has sold its popular products, including cereals and snacks, in Israel for many years. While Kellogg's does not operate manufacturing plants in the country, it works with local distributors to ensure the availability of its products on the Israeli market.

Furthermore, Kellogg's has demonstrated an interest in the Israeli business landscape through educational initiatives. The Kellogg School of Management established the Crown Family Israel Center for Innovation (ICI) to connect students and faculty with Israeli businesses and institutions. The centre focuses on fostering collaboration and learning about the Israeli economy and its vibrant technology sector.

Kellogg’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has not been overtly political. However, because of its business dealings in Israel and partnerships with Israeli companies, it has become a part of certain boycott calls. 

Consumer Boycotts Targeting Kellog’s Brands 

Kellogg's owns a variety of well-known brands, including Pringles, Frosted Flakes, Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, and Pop-Tarts. While neither Kellogg's nor its individual brands are officially listed by the BDS movement, some pro-Palestinian groups have targeted them in localized boycott campaigns due to perceived indirect support of Israeli policies.

These campaigns have gained momentum through social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, where activists use hashtags such as #BoycottKelloggs to raise awareness and encourage consumers to avoid purchasing Kellogg's products. This grassroots activism has been particularly influential in regions with strong pro-Palestinian sentiments, including parts of the Middle East and Europe.

These developments highlight the growing influence of consumer activism in shaping corporate reputations and sales. Some consumers have made the conscious decision to avoid Kellogg’s due to the company’s perceived ties to Israel. This has contributed to a growing sense of awareness around the brands that are allegedly supporting Israeli policies.

Financial and Reputational Impact on Kellogg’s

The impact of the BDS movement on Kellogg’s is a complex issue. While Kellogg’s has not openly commented on the boycott, it is clear that the company’s business dealings with Israeli entities have led to reputational damage in certain regions.

For Kellogg’s, the boycott has not yet had a catastrophic financial impact globally, but it has certainly affected the brand’s image in certain markets. In regions like Singapore and Malaysia, Kellogg’s products have faced reduced sales. Some retailers in the region have stopped selling or have pulled Kellogg’s products from their shelves in response to consumer demand.

In terms of global sales, the boycott's impact has been less pronounced. However, the boycotts have made their presence felt, particularly in countries where consumer attitudes towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are more polarised. In such regions, Kellogg’s has had to navigate public relations challenges, balancing the need to maintain a positive image with the desire to avoid taking a strong political stance.

The Role of Social Media and Public Opinion

Social media has become a powerful tool for shaping public opinion, especially in movements like BDS. While Kellogg's and its brands are not officially on the BDS boycott list, pro-Palestinian activists have leveraged online platforms to organise campaigns urging consumers to avoid products linked to Israel. Hashtags such as #BoycottKelloggs have gained traction, highlighting the company’s business connections with Israeli entities.

These campaigns have garnered support in certain circles, particularly in regions with strong pro-Palestinian sentiments. However, it’s important to note that not all consumers agree with the boycott. Some argue that targeting companies like Kellogg's, which are not directly involved in the conflict, is unfair. Despite this divide, discussions about Kellogg's and its association with Israeli businesses are likely to persist as the Israel-Palestine issue continues to draw international attention.

Conclusion

While Kellogg’s has not openly supported Israeli policies, its connections with Israeli companies, have led to calls for boycotting Kellogg’s products among Palestinian activists.

Although these calls have not caused a major financial impact on Kellogg’s, the company’s reputation, particularly in regions such as the Middle East, has been affected. As consumer awareness continues to grow, more brands are likely to face scrutiny over their relationships with companies in politically sensitive regions.

For consumers, choosing whether to support or boycott brands like Pringles is a personal decision influenced by their values and perspectives on the Israel-Palestine conflict. For companies like Kellogg’s, balancing business interests with social responsibility will remain a challenging task moving forward.

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