Fans of mayonnaise in South Africa were dismayed to learn last week that a popular cult brand was being phased out of distribution in the country. Unilever, a worldwide consumer products business, has decided to stop importing Hellmann’s, the classic American mayonnaise that has come to represent quality and smoothness, into South Africa.
Mayonnaise, created by New Yorker Richard Hellman in 1905, is now a pantry staple in countries all over the world. Team Food24’s reaction to learning it would soon be unavailable in South Africa included 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.”
Popular culinary blogger Sam Linsell expressed her dismay on Twitter:
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 Hellmann’s Mayo Being Discontinued?
Food24 spoke with Unilever’s Southern Africa Nutrition Business Unit Lead, Janine Van Rooyen, who said that the company presently imports Hellmann’s Original 789g and 394g from the company’s U.S. affiliates. We regret to inform you that Hellmann’s will be discontinued until further notice due to rising inflationary import costs.
Those who have come to rely on Hellmann’s for its distinctive flavor and creamy texture will have to look elsewhere for mayonnaise; if you happen to come across any remaining bottles, snap them up quickly!
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