The Co-op Group is preparing its latest product line – a gender-neutral gingerbread person – as part of its drive for more inclusion and diversity.
The retailer is now asking members to suggest a fitting name for the product, which will include special seasonal releases, giving it “a distinctively Christmassy look for December and something rather spooky around Halloween”.
It adds: “We’ll need a name that works for any time of year and is gender neutral. Our Food team will create a shortlist of the ones they think will best fit the bill and we’ll be back to ask you to vote for your favourite next month.”
A spokesperson added: “Inclusion and diversity lie at the heart of the Co-op’s values and we’re looking to create a character which can be used to celebrate different occasions through the year and will appeal to all our customers.
“We’ve got some great ideas for what the new characters might look like and we’re pleased our first one is already famous.”
This is not the first time the Group has turned to its members for help in naming and designing products. Over the past three years it has sought input on dozens of products – including pizzas, wine and beer.
Contributions from members range from tasting sessions to writing descriptions on the labels for beer bottles.
