When mayo went mainstream: 100 years of Hellman's history rolls out in largest-ever ad campaign (2024)

A lot changes in 100 years, but the key to Hellmann’s success may be that not much has changed for the mayonnaise

Author of the article:

The Associated Press

Published May 15, 20133 minute read

Join the conversation
When mayo went mainstream: 100 years of Hellman's history rolls out in largest-ever ad campaign (1)

Article content

NEW YORK — A lot changes in 100 years, but the key to Hellmann’s success may be that not much has changed for the mayonnaise.

Story continues below

This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

When mayo went mainstream: 100 years of Hellman's history rolls out in largest-ever ad campaign (2)

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

  • Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay, Rex Murphy and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
  • Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account.
  • National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
  • Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
  • Support local journalism.

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ARTICLES

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

  • Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay, Rex Murphy and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events
  • Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account.
  • National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
  • Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
  • Support local journalism.

REGISTER FOR MORE ARTICLES

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
  • Enjoy additional articles per month.
  • Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Don't have an account? Create Account

or

View more offers

To celebrate Hellman’s centennial birthday, owner Unilever is launching a marketing campaign to drum up attention for the country’s top-selling mayonnaise, whose formula remains almost the same as it was a century ago. Media spending is undisclosed, but it’s the largest ever campaign for the brand.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

When mayo went mainstream: 100 years of Hellman's history rolls out in largest-ever ad campaign Back to video

Unilever, a Dutch consumer goods company with brands ranging from Dove soaps to Magnum ice cream, has dubbed the campaign “Bringing the best together.” It includes TV, print and digital ads, a Facebook page and YouTube videos featuring chef Mario Batali cooking up Hellmann’s recipes, a smartphone app and a September event that will include the world’s largest picnic table.

“It’s part of the culinary heritage of America,” said Brian Orlando, Hellmann’s senior marketing director, on the campaign. “After 100 years we decided it was worth going out and revisiting this brand and what it is today.”

Article content

Story continues below

This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

While it may seem as American as Fourth of July picnics, mayonnaise originated in France in the 1700s, when a chef seeking to make a creamy sauce combined oil and egg yolks. People created their own mayonnaise for centuries, whipping up oil, vinegar and eggs. Hellmann’s got its start when a German immigrant, Richard Hellmann, began selling his wife’s version at his deli in New York in 1905. It ld under the Best Foods mayonnaise label west of the Rockies.) The company changed hands several times and is now owned by Unilever, which bought it in 2000.

Today, Americans spend US$1.87-billion on mayonnaise each year, with Hellmann’s capturing a 31.1% share of that, according to research firm Euromonitor International. That jumps to 45.5% if you include the Best Foods brand. Kraft Mayo holds a 23.8% share, while Kraft’s Miracle Whip has 15.6% of the market.

Story continues below

This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Hellmann’s major advantage is that it was first, said John Stanton, a professor of food marketing at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Kraft’s Miracle Whip, which, according to FDA regulations, isn’t technically mayonnaise because it doesn’t contain enough vegetable oil, was introduced in the 1930s.

Kraft Mayo wasn’t launched until 1988.

Hellman’s has tried to diversify its product over the years, introducing fat- and cholesterol-free versions, adding lime juice in 2002 to appeal to Latin Americans, and adding flavours like Mediterranean Garlic, Spicy Buffalo and Southwestern Ranch. But the most popular version by far is the classic version, which consumers prefer because of its simplicity, Stanton said. The company also boasts of the “cage-free” status of the eggs used to make its mayonnaise.

Story continues below

This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

When mayo went mainstream: 100 years of Hellman's history rolls out in largest-ever ad campaign (3)

Marketing has helped the brand name’s popularity as well, with the well-known ad slogan “Bring out the Hellman’s and bring out the best” coined in 1987.

For the latest campaign, Hellmann’s enlisted chef Mario Batali to come up with new twists on Hellmann’s recipes. “We went through 10 decades of recipes,” said Batali. He chose 30 recipes for Hellman’s Facebook page and smartphone app, about half classic recipes and half new ones. His favourites are Chipotle deviled eggs and a dressing for grilled corn on the cob.

TV ads, which start on May 20, show Richard Hellmann’s original deli and will run throughout the summer. Hellmann’s is also hosting an event on Labor Day weekend in New York with what the company says will be the world’s longest picnic table.

Comments

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.

Join the Conversation

  1. Subscriber only. Rex Murphy: Strange and sad days in Canadian democracy

    Subscriber only

  2. Privacy commissioner finds COVID-19 programs largely protected privacy rights
  3. Earth picked up a new moon about 2,100 years ago. Astronomers just found it
  4. Approved for use in Canada, advocates are urging U.S. to ban this common food additive
  5. Conrad Black: Anthony Furey is the only one who can beat Olivia Chow

Shopping essentials

  1. Air conditioners and heat pumps: What to know before you buy in Canada Tips on thermostats, filters, installation and more

    1day ago Shopping Essentials

  2. 2days ago

  3. Story continues below

    This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

  4. Fab Five: Easy, breezy wide-leg styles to scoop up this summer Here are five pairs you’ll want to slip on this summer.

    2days ago

  5. Father’s Day gift guide according to budget Our favourite gifts under $20, $50, $100 and $200

    2days ago Shopping Essentials

  6. Does SPF makeup offer enough sun protection? The more sun protection, the better

    2days ago Shopping Essentials

This Week in Flyers

When mayo went mainstream: 100 years of Hellman's history rolls out in largest-ever ad campaign (2024)

FAQs

When did Hellman's became Best Foods? ›

Hellmann served on the board of General Foods for several years, and over the years, they acquired more companies and merged with others. By 1932, the same company owned Best Foods and Hellmann's. Because Hellmann's had such a devoted following, the owners decided to keep both brand names.

What is the history of Hellman's mayonnaise? ›

Hellmann's got its start when a German immigrant, Richard Hellmann, began selling his wife's version at his deli in New York in 1905. It ld under the Best Foods mayonnaise label west of the Rockies.) The company changed hands several times and is now owned by Unilever, which bought it in 2000.

What is the slogan for Hellmann's mayonnaise? ›

The world's most iconic mayonnaise brand coined two of its most known taglines in 1987 that continue to live on today. Bring out the Hellmann's” and “Bring out the best.”

What is Hellmann's mayonnaise called on the West Coast? ›

Best Foods — a brand owned by Unilever, like Hellmann's — is essentially the Hellmann's of the western United States. More specifically, Best Foods and Hellmann's are brand names for the very same line of mayonnaise products. They've simply retained separate branding since 1932, when Best Foods Inc.

Why does Best Foods mayo taste different? ›

Though nearly identical, some still argue that they taste slightly different (Best Foods supposedly uses a touch more lemon juice). One thing's for certain: One will always be completely and unarguably better than the other.

Who makes best food mayonnaise? ›

Hellmann's — a brand owned by Unilever, like Best Foods — is essentially the Best Foods of the eastern United States. More specifically, Best Foods and Hellmann's are brand names for the very same line of mayonnaise products.

Why does Hellmans mayo taste so good? ›

Part of the appeal of Hellmann's is its inoffensiveness, its lack of off-putting flavors or textural qualities, what Jones calls its "overall approachability." There is no taste of oxidized oil. It's not too sweet or sour.

Who owns Hellmann's mayonnaise now? ›

Hellmann's Mayonnaise, along with dozens of other popular brands, is owned by Unilever. Unilever was formed in 1929 and has grown to become a global consumer goods company with 400 brands under its belt. Some of the top brands Unilever currently owns include: Ben & Jerry's.

Why is Hellman's mayonnaise darker? ›

Our PCR packaging is made from 100% food-safe plastic material and has a slightly darker tint compared to the previous packaging.

What was mayonnaise original name? ›

Antoine Careme, the chef often credited with inventing haute cuisine, liked to call his mayonnaise "magnonnaise," claiming that the word was derived from the French verb manier, which meant "to stir," thanks to the continuous stirring necessary to make a good batch.

Do they have mayonnaise in China? ›

Mayonnaise, a creamy white spread for sandwiches, dips, and salads have been established as a must-have seasoning in China.

What mayo is made in the USA? ›

Duke's Mayonnaise is a condiment created by Eugenia Duke in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1917. Duke's Mayonnaise The former Duke's Mayonnaise factory in Greenville, South Carolina. It is currently known as the Wyche Pavilion.

Why is store bought mayo white? ›

Aita explained how thicker, store-bought mayonnaise usually has more oil in it and is stirred, or aerated, more. Heavy mixing incorporates more air into the condiment, which oxidizes the mayo and creates a whiter color.

What was the first store brand of mayonnaise? ›

Commercial mayonnaise marketed in jars originated in Philadelphia in 1907 when Amelia Schlorer began marketing a mayonnaise recipe originally used in salads sold in her family's grocery store.

What year did Kraft mayonnaise come out? ›

Kraft Mayo
Product typeMayonnaise
OwnerKraft Heinz
Produced byKraft Foods
CountryU.S.
Introduced1930
1 more row

When did Miracle Whip come out? ›

Miracle Whip was introduced by Kraft at the 1933 World's Fair, in Chicago. It was marketed as a less expensive alternative to mayonnaise, and quickly grew wildly popular.

What's the difference between Hellman's and Dukes Mayo? ›

And the main difference, very simply, lies in the aroma. Duke's is tarter, with a more distinctive, almost vinegary, smell. Hellmann's is more neutral. That said, though, someone will immediately claim to prefer the “saltier, more citric” taste of Hellmann's.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Otha Schamberger

Last Updated:

Views: 6271

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Otha Schamberger

Birthday: 1999-08-15

Address: Suite 490 606 Hammes Ferry, Carterhaven, IL 62290

Phone: +8557035444877

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: Fishing, Flying, Jewelry making, Digital arts, Sand art, Parkour, tabletop games

Introduction: My name is Otha Schamberger, I am a vast, good, healthy, cheerful, energetic, gorgeous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.