Pizza Hut, the well-loved international pizza chain, has become the latest target of a boycott campaign. The hashtag #BoycottPizzaHut quickly gained traction on social media platforms due to the brand’s Israeli franchises providing free meals to military bases in the country.
In response to the boycott, some individuals have voiced their opposition, deeming it unreasonable to blacklist a food-delivery chain based on personal political views. They have even launched the hashtag SupportPizzaHut to show their solidarity.
Notably, this is not the first time Pizza Hut has faced calls for a boycott. Previously, an advertisement posted by its Israeli branch sparked widespread criticism for allegedly mocking Palestinian hunger strikers. This incident also led to social media-driven boycotts and received extensive condemnation.
Yum Brands, the parent company of Pizza Hut, has been involved in Israeli startups, which has raised ethical concerns within geopolitical contexts. Pizza Hut’s presence in an occupied East Jerusalem colony co-owned by Africa Israel Group, known for building settlements in Palestinian territories, has also drawn scrutiny in the past.
While Yum Brands’ investment in Israeli startups demonstrates its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, it also raises important questions about corporate involvement in regions marked by geopolitical conflicts. This presents a challenging and delicate balance for brands to navigate in the long term.