Donovan said that the best way to counter any perception of being embraced by extremist groups is for brands to avoid even mentioning the people or groups that are trying to use their products. The company issued forceful statements distancing itself from white supremacists. Late last year, the hate website Daily Stormer referred to New Balance as the “official shoes of white people” after a company vice president made a flattering comment about then-candidate Donald J. In many cases, though, these extremists and other members of the far-right will latch onto brands that are already stirring controversy as a way to ride the wave of publicity. We will continue to reinforce that Tiki Brand products are to be enjoyed by friends and family outdoors in a loving environment.” Mark Werner, vice president of marketing at Lamplight Farms, issued an addendum to the statement that read: “The feedback that we have received from the public regarding our earlier statement has been very positive. “Our products are designed to enhance backyard gatherings and to help family and friends connect with each other at home in their yard.”
“We do not support their message or the use of our products in this way,” it said. Tiki, which is owned by the Wisconsin-based Lamplight Farms, denounced the white nationalists in a Facebook post on Aug. Those innocuous bamboo beacons, produced by Tiki Brand, a 60-year-old company, and known primarily for their presence at family barbecues, poolside cabanas, lush resort grounds and Pacific-island themed restaurants, were now lighting the way for racists. Lee, many could not help noticing the product illuminating the faces twisted into sneers of hate: Tiki torches. As the images streamed out of Charlottesville, Va., this month showing white nationalists protesting the removal of a statue of Robert E.