Statement on Chr. Hansen’s withdrawal from partnership with Copenhagen Pride

In common with many global brands, Chr. Hansen marked ‘Pride month’ by swapping their social media brand marques with one that incorporated the rainbow flag, the international symbol of LGBTI+ equality.

Following a backlash from groups opposed to Pride and equality, Chr. Hansen took the decision to switch their brand marques back to the previous versions. As a result, on 20 June Chr. Hansen informed Copenhagen Pride that their employees in Denmark had taken the decision not to participate in the Pride Parade in August. Chr. Hansen asked that their partnership fee be regarded as a donation to Copenhagen Pride.

The CEO of Chr. Hansen, Mauricio Graber, met with Head of Secretariat of Copenhagen Pride, Steve Taylor, who expressed the organisation’s disappointment that Chr. Hansen had capitulated to pressure from far right organisations, and that this was especially disappointing given the company’s status as the most diverse company in Denmark.  

Steve Taylor said that Copenhagen Pride wanted to ensure that Chr. Hansen’s LGBTI+ employees were not excluded from Pride because of their employer’s unwillingness to be a visible supporter of Pride. Employees are invited to participate as members of the public, and if they wish to join as a group, this will be facilitated.  

Copenhagen Pride have also made clear that should the business wish to become a partner again in the future, there will be considerable work to be done to rebuild trust and faith that the partnership is solid and reliable.

Chr. Hansen asked that their partnership fee be regarded as a donation to Copenhagen Pride. Copenhagen Pride will use the funds to help deliver the largest free Pride event in Scandinavia, ensuring as many people can participate as possible. A proportion is also allocated to the Solidarity Fund, supporting LGBTI+ groups globally.

Chr. Hansen is the only partner to have withdrawn from supporting Copenhagen Pride in 2023, and interest in partnering with us has increased by more than 25% this year alone. We are delighted to welcome several new partners this year including Tivoli, Tui, Scandic and Mastercard. When partners Come Together with Copenhagen Pride they show their true values of diversity, equity and inclusion.