MUNICH — A German bakery chain is hoping to turn a sweet profit by selling NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden-themed treats that pay homage to the U.S. fugitive many here regard as a hero.
The former NSA contractor became an instant celebrity in German when he leaked details of extensive U.S. surveillance programs, including revelations of U.S. programs targeting Washington’s European allies.
It wasn’t long before a bakery chain in Dusseldorf began marketing a new line of delicacies such as “Spy Ring” doughnuts, “Snowdy” rolls, “Insider” muffins and “Facebrot” bread, the German magazine Der Spiegel reports.
The “Spy Ring” doughnuts may be the tastiest treat of the bunch. They include vanilla filling and are covered with white frosting and dark brown stripes that resemble prison bars.
The “Snowdy” rolls, nicknamed after Mr. Snowden, are covered with pumpkin seeds.
“We launched the products this week,” master baker Frank Westerhorstmann, managing director of the Stadtbackerei chain of 20 bakeries in the western city of Düsseldorf, told Der Spiegel, noting the bakery had once marketed President Obama-themed “Yes We Can” goodies. “The customers find it funny and it helps sales.”
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Mr. Snowden’s celebrity has become a campaign issue for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has faced criticism from opponents for not criticizing the U.S. spy programs more fiercely ahead of national elections this fall.
Ms. Merkel denied Mr. Snowden’s request for asylum in Germany, even though polls said that many Germans supported the idea. Mr. Snowden was recently granted temporary asylum in Russia.
• Tim Devaney can be reached at tdevaney@washingtontimes.com.
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