"The Legacy of 57: More Than Just Ketchup!" The iconic "57" on Heinz ketchup bottles is not merely a marketing gimmick but rather a nod to the company’s rich history and product variety. Founded by Henry John Heinz in 1869, the Heinz company originally focused on a diverse array of products, including various pickles, sauces, and preserves. In fact, at one point, Heinz boasted an impressive portfolio that included 57 distinct varieties of pickles. This number was cleverly chosen by Heinz as a sy