Since the Blockout list went viral, many have become aware of which celebrities and global brands they should boycott. It’s also advisable for local brands to avoid associating themselves with these public figures or even collaborating with a boycotted brand. Unfortunately, one Malaysian company did not get the memo.
Earlier this week, ZUS Coffee teased fans about a possible giveaway collaboration with popular sports attire brand Adidas. They even posted an Instagram Reel of their drinks being served at a recent Adidas event. Unfortunately for the beverage company, Adidas is one of the global brands listed in the BDS boycott list so you can guess why many were outraged by this.
Since posting the photos and videos on socials, netizens have been calling ZUS Coffee out for collaborating with Adidas and urged everyone to boycott the local brand. The company quickly deleted their posts and issued an official statement earlier today (Thursday, 16th May) to clarify that they are not in fact collaborating with Adidas and that it was just a one-off thing.
“We hear you, and we should have known better. We heard your concerns about our involvement at a recent sports-fashion event. This was a one-off activity, where we were signed up to sell our coffee for the enjoyment of fellow Malaysians. We wish to make it clear that it was not a collaboration. ZUS Coffee will never knowingly associate ourselves with war and unequivocally condemns any act of violence towards humanity. We are sorry and humbly apologise for the oversight,” the coffee chain wrote.
Sadly for the coffee chain, not everyone is forgiving. Those on Instagram were more understanding and advised ZUS Coffee to ensure that the same mistake would not happen again. Unfortunately, those on Twitter aren’t willing to let it slide just yet.
While it’s unlikely ZUS Coffee will be added to the BDS boycott list, there’s no guarantee that this damage control is enough to regain their customers’ trust.
