…in the UK, anyway.
Yes folks, on 1 September 1910, Heinz tomato soup went on sale in the UK for the first time at the very upmarket Fortnum & Mason.
(As an aside, interesting how many items that are today staples, started out as “luxury” goods…the power of the free enterprise system at work!)
“Heinz tomato soup: 100 years old”
(Not sure if that is really the best headline, even for a tinned soup!)
Have to say, tomato soup was never my favourite (although my father loved the stuff)…
…much preferred vegetable and “Scotch Broth” was a particular childhood delight.
The Heinz company was established long before 1910, of course. According to the company website, it was established in 1869, although according to my copy of “This Day In Business History” the modern company (The H.J. Heinz Co.) was incorporated on July 27, 1900.
It was the third food-processing and marketing firm that Henry John Heinz had organised. The first went bust and it was the second (set up with brother John and cousin Frederick) that became hugely successful.
One of the great business icons of our time and a noteworthy anniversary.