The H.J. Heinz Company, founded in 1869 by Henry John Heinz in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, began as a producer of horseradish and quickly expanded into a broad range of condiments and preserved foods including ketchup, pickles, vinegar, and apple butter[1][2][4]. After an initial business failure during the Panic of 1873, Heinz reorganized with family partners in 1876, introducing tomato ketchup that same year, which became one of its signature products[1][2]. By the early 20th century, Heinz had grown into the largest producer of pickles, vinegar, and ketchup in the United States, with a workforce exceeding 6,000 and 25 factories across the country and internationally[1][4]. Heinz was a pioneer in food safety and quality, advocating for the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and implementing hygienic production methods that earned consumer trust[1][2]. The company also adopted progressive employee welfare policies, offering amenities such as roof gardens, libraries, and dining rooms[1]. Under successive family leadership—Henry Heinz followed by his son Howard and grandson Jack Heinz—the company expanded globally, establishing factories and offices in Europe and around the world, serving over 200 countries by the late 20th century[1][3]. The company’s iconic branding includes the “57 Varieties” slogan, devised in 1896, despite then producing over 60 products, symbolizing its diverse offerings and marketing ingenuity[4]. Heinz also achieved notable success in the UK with products like Heinz Baked Beans, Cream of Tomato Soup, and Salad Cream, which became staples despite economic hardships and wartime shortages in the 20th century[5]. Today, Heinz operates as a flagship division of the Kraft Heinz Company, formed by the 2015 merger of H.J. Heinz Holding Corporation and Kraft Foods Group, continuing it