Last week, South African mayonnaise lovers were saddened to hear that a favourite cult brand will no longer be available on local supermarket shelves. Hellmann’s – the iconic American mayo that stands for quality and creaminess will be discontinued by Unilever, the multinational consumer goods company that imports the product to South Africa.
The mayonnaise was first made in New York by Richard Hellman in 1905 and today can be found in fridges across the globe. The Food24 team was in shock and disbelief to hear that it soon won’t be available in South Africa with comments like:
“This is devastating news!”
“Hellmann’s is the only mayo I actually like.”
“WTF!”
“Now we’ll have to make our own – but I’m first stocking up.”
“Well, this sucks.”
“This is not OK.”
Prominent food blogger, Sam Linsell took to Twitter to share her disappointment:
Heard the devastating news that @HellmannsZA is to be discontinued in South Africa due to low consumer demand and retailers delisting it (which they probably did because of inconsistent supply due to oil shortages). I’m mortified 😫🥹😨😟 https://t.co/omeERyTScx
— Sam Linsell 🍑🍋🥒🍅 (@drizzleanddip) January 28, 2023
Why is it being discontinued?
Janine Van Rooyen, Southern Africa Nutrition Business Unit Lead at Unilever told Food24: “Unilever South Africa Pty Limited. currently imports Hellmann’s Original 789g and 394g from Unilever’s affiliates in the United States of America. Due to high inflationary importing costs, we will regretfully be discontinuing Hellmann’s until further notice.”
Those who buy Hellmann’s and love it for its depth of flavour and texture will have to find another mayo to pop into their trolleys and if you do see a few last bottles lurking on the shelves – nab them while you still can!
Remember that one time we blind-tasted 8 different brands of mayo? Click here to be reminded who won.