You can’t tell the history of mayonnaise without telling the history of Hellmann’s Mayonnaise. At just fourteen, young Richard Hellmann was already fostering a love for food as an apprentice at his local food market in Germany where he was from. But it wasn’t until he moved to New York City that he found true success.
1913
It was here that Richard met his wife Margaret, who just happened to be the daughter of two deli owners. And in 1913, Richard and Margaret realized their dream of setting up shop and the Hellmann’s Delicatessen was born.
1920
The deli that would become our birthplace opened its doors right in the heart of New York City — Columbus Avenue, Manhattan. Richard began creating his now legendary mayonnaise. Jars were filled to the brim with a delicious blend of ingredients picked to create the ultimate creamy texture and taste.
1925
Originally, two versions of the recipe were sold, and to distinguish between them, Hellmann put a blue ribbon around one. He believed his creation was the best mayonnaise ever. And his customers thought so too. The “ribbon” version was in such high demand that Hellmann designed what is today the iconic “Blue Ribbon” label to be placed on larger glass jars.
1927
Postum Foods (later Best Foods) acquired the Hellmann’s brand in 1927. At this time, Hellmann’s was not the only commercial mayo on the market. Out in California, Best Foods had a popular mayonnaise, while Hellmann’s reigned supreme east of the Rocky Mountains. Because Hellmann’s had such a devoted following, Postum Foods decided to keep both brand names. To this day, Best Foods Mayonnaise continues to sell west of the Rockies, while Hellmann’s sells to the east.
1931
Richard Hellmann’s pride and joy, the Hellmann’s Blue Ribbon Mayonnaise became the largest selling mayonnaise in the United States. And thanks to its unmistakable taste and ultra-creamy texture, it is still America’s #1 selling mayo.
EARLY 1960'S
1960'S
Inspired by its incredible success in the United Stated, Hellmann’s went international in the 1960s when they began to advertise in Europe. Hellmann’s incredible taste and creamy texture were now introduced to new parts of the world.
1970'S
Hellmann’s expansion didn’t stop there! In the 1970s the Hellmann’s brand was introduced in five new countries, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia.
1987
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.”
2000
2000
Unilever acquired the Hellmann’s and Best Foods brands in 2000 and they remain members of the Unilever family today!
2014
An innovator of taste and packaging, Hellmann’s launched its now-famous squeeze bottle in 2014. This new bottle makes it easier than ever to dose out your favorite creamy mayonnaise.
2016
To keep up with changing diets in the United States, Hellmann’s launched its Plant Based Dressing & Spread in 2016. A plant-based alternative to the traditional tasty Hellmann’s mayonnaise, this product is free from eggs and gluten, making it the perfect complement to vegan sandwiches, salads and veggies burgers.
2019
Hellmann’s reputation for being delicious spread across the country, making our mayo a staple in American kitchens for generations since. The brand's flagship product, Hellmann's® Real Mayonnaise, is the best-selling mayonnaise in the United States, thanks to its unmistakable taste.
2020
In 2020, Hellmann’s transitioned to 100% food-safe PCR plastic squeeze bottle packaging. PCR, or post-consumer resin, is made from recycled plastic that is recycled into a resin and used to create new packaging, reducing the amount of plastic waste.
2021
This year marks a major milestone for Hellmann’s with the launch of our very first Big Game commercial! Building on the challenge of food waste around the Big Game, Hellmann’s comes up with an idea to show how you can use mayo magic to transform random ingredients into delicious dishes. Meet the Fairy Godmayo – a magical character that shows us that with a little help from Hellmann’s your fridge is a store of infinite possibilities.
2022
Hellmann’s expanded its mayonnaise flavors with the introduction of new Spicy Mayonnaise in 2022 followed by the launch of Garlic Aioli, Chipotle Mayonnaise, Italian herb & Garlic Mayonnaise, and Chili Lime Mayonnaise. Made with real, simple ingredients, these new condiments add bold flavor to wraps, sandwiches, burgers, dips and more.
2024
Hellmann’s kicks off a new season with an integrated fall football campaign, combining the worlds of football and mayonnaise to encourage people to elevate their game day with Hellmann's products. The launch season debut was centered around Mayotivations, an all-out, mayo-fueled campaign starring Tennessee Titans QB Will Levis. With quirky, football-inspired wisdom and a nostalgic ‘80s blockbuster vibe, Levis served up the ultimate game-day hype.
2025
Hellmann’s celebrates it’s 5th year of participating in the Big Game! This year, Hellmann’s Big Game commercial reunites Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal – along with a cameo from Sydney Sweeney – in a hilarious recreation of the Katz’s Deli scene from the hit 80’s rom-com. This creative remake shows how the deliciously creamy flavor of Hellmann’s can make an ordinary sandwich extraordinarily mind-blowing.
2025
Hellmann’s launched an addition to the flavored mayonnaise product line with the Chicken Tender Style Dips. This launch brings a delightful twist to the classic ranch flavor, perfectly tailored for chicken tenders and other favorite snacks. Among the new offerings are three delectable flavors: Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Tender Mayonnaise Style Dip, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tender Mayonnaise Style Dip, and Spicy Ranch Chicken Tender Mayonnaise Style Dip. Whether you're hosting a party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, Hellmann’s Chicken Tender Ranch Dips are set to become a must-have in your pantry, making every bite more enjoyable.
More stories from the spread
Easy Ways to Reduce Food Waste
In the U.S., 35% of food goes to waste. Together we can make small changes to help eliminate food waste!
