That alone demonstrates how successful the idea was.
Think about that for a moment.
A marketing decision made generations ago is still creating curiosity today.
Someone can pick up a ketchup bottle in the modern world and ask the same question people have asked for decades:
“Why does it say 57?”
And now you know.
So, What Does 57 Mean?
The short answer is:
The “57” comes from Heinz’s famous “57 Varieties” slogan.
It was not meant to indicate that Heinz ketchup comes in exactly 57 varieties.
Instead, the number was chosen as a memorable marketing phrase associated with the company’s broad range of products.
Eventually, “57” became one of Heinz’s most recognizable trademarks and was incorporated into the branding of its ketchup bottles.
So the next time someone looks at the bottle and asks what the number means, you have an answer.
And if you happen to be sitting at the dinner table with family, you might even start a conversation about it.
