At just fourteen, young Richard Hellmann was already fostering a love of food as an apprentice at his local food market. But it wasn’t until he moved to New York that he found true success.

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. 

The deli that would become our birthplace opened its doors right in the very heart of New York: Columbus Avenue, Manhattan. And 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.

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.

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.