Celebrate National Mustard Day!

National Mustard Day – August 7, 2010

Fun Facts

• Americans use more mustard than any other country in the world

• In the United States, mustard sales are $300 million annually

• There are more than 5,200 different mustards at the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin

• Some police officers used to refer to pickpocketers as “mustard chuckers” because they would squirt mustard on strangers and pick their pockets while they offered to help clean up the mess

• In 1980, the now-famous “Pardon me” television campaign from Grey Poupon began

• America’s Mustard College is called “POUPON U” and is headquartered at the National Mustard Museum

• Originally, mustard was known for its perceived medicinal purposes such as muscular relief and to help “cure” toothaches. It also was believed to stimulate appetite and digestion, help clear sinuses, and increase blood circulation

• The saying, “Can’t cut the mustard” means that one can’t live up to a challenge

• In 1850, Monsieur Grey (of Grey Poupon) invented the first automatic mustard machine operated by steam.  Until that time, mustard had been made by primitive manual processes

• National Mustard Day is celebrated on the first Saturday of each August at The National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin

Grey Poupon Historical Facts

1777 — Monsieur Grey – who had developed a secret recipe for a strong mustard made with white wine – forms a partnership with Monsieur Poupon, who supplied the financial backing to manufacture the product in Dijon, France.

1850 — Monsieur Grey invents the first automatic mustard machine operated by steam.

1855 — In August, the automatic mustard machine invention won Monsieur Grey two medals of honor from the Dijon Academy of Arts, Sciences and Letters. Until that time, mustard had been made by primitive manual processes.

1946 — The secret Grey Poupon recipe is purchased by Heublein, Inc. and production and distribution begins in the United States.

1980 — The now-famous “Pardon me” television campaign begins late in the year.

1995 — Grey Poupon Dijon mustard now comes in a squeezable bottle.  A variation on the “Pardon me” television campaign introduces the new package.

1996 — Grey Poupon Deli mustard is introduced.

2000 — The Grey Poupon mustard line becomes part of Kraft Foods after it acquires Nabisco.

2002 — Grey Poupon Mild & Creamy Dijon mustard is introduced.

2007 — Grey Poupon introduces three new varieties in the traditional 8-ounce jar: Harvest Coarse Ground, Hearty Spicy Brown and Savory Honey.