Diet Coke — Coca-Cola Light in Europe
The word "diet" is not equivalent to "lighter in calories" in other parts of the world. More appropriately, it is called "Coca-Cola Light." The company also uses a different sweetener blend for each country, based on consumer preference.
Mac and Cheese — Kraft Dinner in Canada
In Canada, Kraft Mac 'N' Cheese is called Kraft Dinner. While it's still cheese and pasta, even across the borders, the American version has bigger noodles and a cheesier sauce.
T.J. Maxx — T.K. Maxx in the U.K.
In order to avoid confusion with another retail chain, TJ Hughes, the American T.J. Maxx was subtly changed to T.K. Maxx when it crossed the Pacific.
Cocoa Krispies — Choco Krispies in Mexico and Coco Pops in the UK
Elves Snap, Crackle, and Pop, who mascot American Rice Krispies cereal, are replaced by Commando Melvin in Mexico and a monkey named Coco in England.
KFC — PFK in Quebec, Canada
In Quebec, Canada, KFC is PFK. Because the province has strict language laws, the English "Kentucky Fried Chicken" is required to have a French equivalent. Thus KFC is "Poulet Frit Kentucky," or PFK for short.
Mr. Clean — Meister Proper in Germany, Monsieur Propre in France and Belgium, Don Limpio in Spain
He may look the same everywhere else, but Mr. Clean has many aliases overseas.
Burger King — Hungry Jack's in Australia
When Burger King expanded to Australia, the American brand's name was already taken. Australian franchisee Jack Cowin took this opportunity to rename the company on his turf, choosing to call it Hungry Jack's, after himself.
Milky Way — Mars bar in Europe
Forrest Mars, one of the pioneers of the chocolate company Mars, INC., took the American Milky Way to the European market and introduced it as the "Mars bar."
The company then introduced the 3 Musketeers candy bar to the British, but as "Milky Way."
Budweiser — Czechvar in the Czech Republic
The American Anheuser-Busch InBev and Czech Budweiser Budvar Brewery have fought over the Budweiser trademark for more than a generation now. The American Budweiser is referred to as Bud in Europe, whereas the Czech version is referred to as Czechvar in the United States and Canada.
Axe — Lynx in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and China
Because of trademark issues, Axe had to be rebranded when it first launched in Europe. Now the men's product line is referred to as Lynx in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and China.
