A famous baby food brand is getting great reviews recently for promoting cultural diversity after making an adopted Hmong baby as its ‘spokesbaby’ of the year.
US baby food brand Gerber chose one-year-old Magnolia Earl from California out of 327,000 other babies who vied for the Gerber Spokesbaby spot. She took over the position of last year’s Spokesbaby, Kairi Yang.
“At a time when we are yearning for connection and unity, Magnolia and her family remind us of the many things that bring us together: our desire to love and be loved, our need to find belonging, and our recognition that family goes way beyond biology,” said Bill Partyka, president and CEO of Gerber.
Baby Magnolia was chosen because she was able to capture the hearts of the judging panel with her joyful expression, playful smile and warm, engaging gaze. Her biological parents are of the Hmong people—an indigenous group residing in Southeast Asia and China.
“Magnolia has brought so much joy to everyone she meets. Her personality is beyond happy and joyful,” said Courtney Earl, Magnolia’s mother. “Adoption is incredibly special to our family’s story. Winning Photo Search is an opportunity to tell Magnolia’s story and shed light on all the beautiful and different ways families are made.”
Baby Magnolia will be featured in all of the company’s social media channels and marketing campaigns throughout the year, in addition to a $25,000 cash prize, $1,000 in Gerber Childrenswear, $1,000 from Walmart and phones with a year of free unlimited service from Verizon.
Launched in 2010, Gerber’s Photo Search was inspired by the countless photos received over the years from parents who see their little ones in Gerber’s iconic baby logo, which features the original Gerber baby, Ann Turner Cook. Photo Search celebrates babies and families from all backgrounds, highlighting the belief that every baby is a Gerber Baby.
Gerber spokeswoman Kelly Schneider said that the contest was more than just “something families would love to look forward to this year”, but also to connect families across North America.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made all of us feel more isolated than ever before, so finding new ways to feel connected has never mattered more.” she said.
InqPOP! Creator Community/ John Zedrick Simeon