Cheer cheese formerly known as Coon hits shelves

Cheer, the cheese brand is formerly known as Coon, has rolled out its range under the new name and packaging across Australian supermarkets.

The company said it aims to launch more products nationally over coming weeks. The new range comes with 10 items, ranging from Tasty Slices, Mozzarella Slices, Colby Block and Tasty Shred.

Earlier this year, parent Saputo announced the change of its Coon cheese brand to Cheer due to suggestions of a racial slur associated with the name. While the old name was often inappropriately used to describe ethnic groups, the cheese was named after Edward William Coon, who patented a unique ripening process that was used to manufacture the original Coon cheese.

“Cheer is the same great cheese that millions of Australians have grown up with and enjoyed for generations,” said Cam Bruce, commercial director at Saputo Dairy Australia. “We look forward to bringing that little bit of happiness to everyone’s day, whether it’s a sliced snack, part of the family dinner or a melty, midnight toastie.”