Trader Joes, a national chain of American neighborhood grocery stores which began in our very own Pasadena, has taken an international influence. This store has pulled tourists from all around the world to taste its authentic burst of flavors from their packaged soup dumplings, chili and lime rolled tortilla chips, and mac and cheese bites. However, despite the popular demand, some items have created issues internationally. For example, the famous 'Everything But the Bagel seasoning' which includes poppyseeds, has been banned in South Korea for fear they show up as positives on a drug test. In general, products from Trader Joe's have become so popular with international tourists that even a major Asian airport is getting involved.
Julie Averbach reflects on how Trader Joe's became a global sensation, calling it the "Disneyland of American Grocery Stores". It's not just the taste that appeals to the customers, but the eye-catching packaging that draws them in. For Peruvian Maria Silva who spent her college years in the U.S., describes Trader Joe's as being a crucial part of her American experience. From purchasing the house-hold needs to bringing gifts back to family, their items are versatile. A Trader Joe's grocery store run is also recognizable by their bags which artistically showcase the different states/cities they are located in.
The first store, opened by Joe Coulombe in Pasadena, was inspired by his global travels and wished to make the then-difficult-to-acquire ingredients more available in the US. Today, there are over 500 stores across the U.S.
Just as Trader Joe's loves to vary their artistic styles, they sometimes change their store names on the packaging to match the country from where it originated. Therefore, the product names become part of the brand. Mexcian foods like salsa are sold under the in-house "Trader Jose's" label, Chinese items like dumplings under "Trader Ming's", and Italian foods like rissotto under "Trader Giotto's". While some find these names fun, others disagree. In 2020, an online petition called the names racist and asked for them to be removed. Therefore, while most are gone now, many still remain on the packagings.
My favorite Trader Joe items:
Garlicky Pasta
Dried green Mango
Everything but the Bagel Seasoning
Comments