Hellmann’s ketchup proves it tastes better than the best – With a bold River Thames launch
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London, UK – 9 October 2025 – There’s a new ketchup in town, and it tastes better than the best. Hellmann’s has unveiled its new 4.8kg back-of-house ketchup, which outperformed a leading competitor in independent blind taste tests, with 62% of consumers preferring its distinctive, balanced flavour*. To celebrate, the brand hosted an exclusive dining experience on the River Thames to bring its taste and chef-friendly design to life.
On board a fully branded boat styled with red touches, from tableware to flags, forty guests, including key customers, leading foodservice influencers such as LagomChef, SpudBros and Paul Foster, media and Unilever employees set sail for a three-hour cruise past some of London’s most iconic landmarks.
The afternoon blended premium dining with playful touches, beginning with a signature Bloody Mary and live saxophone music as the boat set sail.
The highlight was a three-course menu curated by Chef Thom Bateman, where Hellmann’s Ketchup was cleverly woven into each dish. Its naturally velvety texture and balanced tomato flavour allowed it to enhance dishes without overpowering them. From poached lobster salad with ketchup Marie Rose, to tomato risotto, Korean glazed salmon, and even a red velvet cake enriched with ketchup, the menu challenged expectations of what ketchup can achieve in the hands of a chef. Bateman revealed the ingredient at the end, underlining its versatility and depth of flavour.
Hellmann’s Ketchup delivers a deep, rich texture and gourmet, homemade feel. This full-bodied profile makes it exceptional both as a classic dip and as a versatile ingredient for sauces, marinades and dressings.
- This showcase highlighted why Hellmann’s Ketchup is set to challenge foodservice expectations:
- Preferred by 62% of consumers over a leading competitor in a blind taste test*
- No allergens to declare**
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Gluten and lactose free
- 35% less sugar than the closest competitor
- Professional chef-friendly format – easy to store, pour and prep during busy service
With its bold flavour and chef-friendly design, Hellmann’s Ketchup proved it’s a product that works just as hard as the professionals who use it.
*vs UK food service best selling ketchup, 62% of 445 consumers agree, UK based taste study by N2O Ltd – March 2025.
For more information see Unileverfoodsolutionsunileverfoodsolutions.co.uk/product/hellmanns-tomato-ketchup-jerry-can-4-8kg-1-EN-1247001.html
**This product does not contain allergenic ingredients which require declaration under EU regulation 1169/2001
Press release:
Unilever