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What the 57 in heinz 57 really indicates
Heinz 57 is a shortened form of a historical advertising slogan "57 Varieties" by the H. J. Heinz Company located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It has come to mean anything that is made from a large number of parts or origins. It was developed from the marketing campaign that told consumers about the numerous products available from the Heinz company.
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Henry J. Heinz introduced the marketing slogan "57 Varieties" in 1869. He later claimed he was inspired by an advertisement he saw while riding an elevated train in New York City (a shoe store boasting "21 styles"). The reason for "57" is unclear. Heinz said he chose "5" because it was his lucky number and the number "7" was his wife's lucky number. However, Heinz also said the number "7" was selected specifically because of the "psychological influence of that figure and of its enduring significance to people of all ages". Whatever the reasons, Heinz wanted the company to advertise the greatest number of choices of canned and bottled foods for sale. In fact by 1892, four years before the slogan was created, the Heinz company was already selling more than 60 products.
The first product to be promoted under the new "57 varieties" slogan was prepared horseradish. By 1940, the term "Heinz 57" had become so synonymous with the company the name was used to market a steak sauce.