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{{Short description|Brand of mustard originating in France}}
{{for|the album by [[Doap Nixon]]|Gray Poupon}}
{{Redirect|Gray Poupon|the album|Gray Poupon (album){{!}}''Gray Poupon'' (album)}}
{{infobox brand
{{infobox brand
| logo =
| name = Grey Poupon
| name = Grey Poupon
| image = [[File:Grey Poupon mustard.JPG|250px|Grey Poupon mustard jar]]
| logo = Grey poupon logo.png
| logo_size = 150
⚫
| type = [[Mustard (condiment)|Mustard]]
| image = Grey Poupon mustard.JPG
⚫
| currentowner = [[Kraft Heinz]]<br />[[Associated British Foods]] (UK)
| image_size = 200
⚫
| type = [[mustard (condiment)|Mustard]]
⚫
| currentowner = [[Kraft Heinz]] (World)<br />[[Associated British Foods]] (UK)
| producedby = [[Kraft Foods]]
| origin = [[Dijon]], [[France]]
| origin = [[Dijon]], [[France]]
| introduced = 1866
| introduced = {{start date and age|1866}}
| discontinued =
| discontinued =
| related =
| related =
| markets = Worldwide
| markets = Worldwide
| previousowners = Grey Poupon<br>[[Heublein Inc.]]<br>[[RJR Nabisco]]<br>[[Kraft Foods]]<br />
| previousowners = {{collapsible list|
* Grey Poupon
* [[Heublein Inc.]]
* [[RJR Nabisco]]
* [[Kraft Foods]]
[[Maille (company)|Maille]]<br>[[Unilever]] (UK)
* [[Maille (company)|Maille]]
* [[Unilever]] (UK)
}}
| trademarkregistrations =
| trademarkregistrations =
| ambassador =
| ambassador =
| tagline =
| tagline =
| website =
| website = {{url|https://greypouponmustard.co.uk/|greypouponmustard.co.uk}}
}}
}}
'''Grey Poupon''' is a brand of [[Mustard (condiment)#Whole-grain mustard|whole-grain mustard]] and [[Dijon mustard]] which originated in [[Dijon]], [[France]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X9dh7guWreAC&q=Auguste+Poupon&pg=PA60|title=Bare Barging in Burgundy|work=google.com|isbn=9781892123404|last1=Kloman|first1=Erasmus H.|year=2001}}</ref>
'''Grey Poupon''' is a brand of [[Dijon mustard]] which originated in [[Dijon]], France.<ref>{{cite book|url=|title=Bare Barging in Burgundy|isbn=9781892123404|last1=Kloman|first1=Erasmus H.|year=2001|publisher=Capital Books }}</ref>


The U.S. rights to the brand were acquired by the [[Heublein Inc.|Heublein Company]], later passing on to [[Kraft Foods]]. Grey Poupon became popular in the United States in the late 1970s and 1980s as American tastes broadened from conventional [[American yellow mustard]]s.
The U.S. rights to the brand were acquired by the [[Heublein Inc.|Heublein Company]], later passing on to [[Kraft Foods]]. Grey Poupon became popular in the United States in the late 1970s and 1980s as American tastes broadened from conventional [[American yellow mustard]]s, aided in large part by a memorable advertising campaign emphasizing the product's association with luxury.


Like other Dijon mustards, Grey Poupon contains a small amount of [[white wine]]. The American version is made with brown [[mustard seed]] grown in [[Canada]].<ref name=remmick>{{cite book|last=Remnick|first=David|title=Secret Ingredients: The New Yorker Book of Food and Drink|year=2009|publisher=Modern Library Inc|isbn=978-0812976410|page=365|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DWzqgi6lcroC&q=grey+poupon+mustard+company&pg=PA365}}</ref> <!-- ** I've looked and can't see any citation for the following which anyway doesn't belong in the lead** and wine from [[upstate New York]] produced under the supervision of a [[rabbi]] to ensure the product is [[kosher]].{{citation needed|date=January 2013}}-->
Like other Dijon mustards, Grey Poupon contains a small amount of [[white wine]]. The American version is made with brown [[mustard seed]] grown in [[Canada]].<ref name=remmick>{{cite book|last=Remnick|first=David|title=Secret Ingredients: The New Yorker Book of Food and Drink|year=2009|publisher=Modern Library Inc|isbn=978-0812976410|page=365|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DWzqgi6lcroC&q=grey+poupon+mustard+company&pg=PA365}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[File:No 3905 Cover-inside, Grey Poupon.jpg|thumb|1918 French advertisement]]
[[File:No 3905 Cover-inside, Grey Poupon.jpg|thumb|left|1918 French advertisement]]

Maurice Grey (b. [[Urcy]], 1816; d. 1897),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.academie-sabl-dijon.org/celebration/naissance-de-maurice-grey-moutardier/ |title=-1816 ● Naissance de Maurice Grey, moutardier |work=[[French Academy of Sciences|Académie des sciences]] |language=fr|access-date=August 28, 2019}}</ref> who was winning medals for his Dijon mustard machine in 1855, in 1860 was awarded a Royal Appointment for developing a machine that dramatically increased the speed of production of mustard. However, needing financing, which he obtained in 1866 from Auguste Poupon, another Dijon mustard manufacturer, the Grey–Poupon partnership produced their first mustard around 1866 in [[Dijon]], [[France]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dwf1YYxQmRsC&q=Auguste+Poupon&pg=PA144 |title=The Name's Familiar II|author=Lee, Laura |isbn=9781455609178}}</ref>
Maurice Grey (b. [[Urcy]], France, 1816; d. 1897),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.academie-sabl-dijon.org/celebration/naissance-de-maurice-grey-moutardier/ |title=-1816 ● Naissance de Maurice Grey, moutardier |work=[[French Academy of Sciences|Académie des sciences]] |language=fr|access-date=August 28, 2019}}</ref> was awarded a Royal Appointment in 1860 for developing a machine that dramatically increased the speed of production of mustard. However, needing financing, which he obtained in 1866 from Auguste Poupon, another Dijon mustard manufacturer, the Grey–Poupon partnership produced their first mustard around 1866 in [[Dijon]], [[France]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dwf1YYxQmRsC&q=Auguste+Poupon&pg=PA144 |title=The Name's Familiar II|author=Lee, Laura |year=2001 |publisher=Pelican |isbn=9781455609178}}</ref>


In 1946, the [[Heublein|Heublein Company]] bought the American rights from the original company.<ref name=yvinad>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Wm8_AAAAIBAJ&pg=453%2C4709574 |work=Youngstown Vindicator |location=(Ohio) |agency=(advertisement) |title=Grey Poupon |date=September 28, 1956 |page=4}}</ref>
In 1946, the [[Heublein|Heublein Company]] bought the American rights from the original company.<ref name=yvinad>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Wm8_AAAAIBAJ&pg=453%2C4709574 |work=Youngstown Vindicator |location=(Ohio) |agency=(advertisement) |title=Grey Poupon |date=September 28, 1956 |page=4}}</ref>
Line 36: Line 47:
In 2000, Amora-Maille was acquired by [[Unilever]] and UK trademark rights to Grey Poupon were assumed by it until 2005 when the rights were sold to G Costa & Company Limited, a subsidiary of [[Associated British Foods]]. In 2008, Associated British Foods folded G Costa into AB World Foods.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Search for a trade mark - Intellectual Property Office|url=https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmcase/page/Results/1/UK00001076315|access-date=2021-01-19|website=trademarks.ipo.gov.uk|language=en}}</ref>
In 2000, Amora-Maille was acquired by [[Unilever]] and UK trademark rights to Grey Poupon were assumed by it until 2005 when the rights were sold to G Costa & Company Limited, a subsidiary of [[Associated British Foods]]. In 2008, Associated British Foods folded G Costa into AB World Foods.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Search for a trade mark - Intellectual Property Office|url=https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmcase/page/Results/1/UK00001076315|access-date=2021-01-19|website=trademarks.ipo.gov.uk|language=en}}</ref>


Grey Poupon Dijon and wholegrain mustard are still produced in France for the European markets.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grey Poupon - Brand of Premium French Dijon and Wholegrain Mustard|url=https://greypouponuk.com/|access-date=2021-01-20|website=Grey Poupon UK|language=en-US}}</ref> Production of Grey Poupon for the American market moved to [[Holland, Michigan]] from [[Pennsylvania]] following Kraft Heinz's expansion of its 120-year-old Holland production facility.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2016/05/18/pardon-me-grey-poupons-move-mich-add-jobs/84552164/|title=Pardon me: Grey Poupon's move to Mich. will add jobs|website=Detroit Free Press|access-date=2016-05-20}}</ref>
Grey Poupon Dijon and wholegrain mustard are still produced in France for the European markets.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grey Poupon - Brand of Premium French Dijon and Wholegrain Mustard|url=https://greypouponuk.com/|access-date=2021-01-20|website=Grey Poupon UK|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-01-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128044015/https://greypouponuk.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Production of Grey Poupon for the American market moved to [[Holland, Michigan]], from [[Pennsylvania]] following Kraft Heinz's expansion of its 120-year-old Holland production facility.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2016/05/18/pardon-me-grey-poupons-move-mich-add-jobs/84552164/|title=Pardon me: Grey Poupon's move to Mich. will add jobs|website=Detroit Free Press|access-date=2016-05-20}}</ref>


==Marketing==
==Marketing==
===Advertising===
===Advertising===
Heublein increased the visibility and name recognition of their mustard brand with a 1980s commercial pointing out that "one can enjoy the finer things of life with white wine mustard without paying high prices", in which a [[Rolls-Royce (car)|Rolls-Royce]] pulls up alongside another Rolls-Royce, and a passenger in one asks "Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?" The other responds, "But of course!" The closing shot is of the Grey Poupon jar being passed between the vehicles. In one variation, the characters are on the [[Orient Express]].<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvrfLaAHQVo |date=November 16, 2015 |medium=Commercial |title=Grey Poupon - Train (1984, USA) |work=The Hall of Advertising |access-date=August 16, 2019}}</ref>
Heublein increased the visibility and name recognition of their mustard brand with a 1980s commercial pointing out that "one can enjoy the finer things of life with white wine mustard without paying high prices", in which a [[Rolls-Royce (car)|Rolls-Royce]] pulls up alongside another Rolls-Royce, and a passenger in one asks "Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?" The other responds, "But of course!" The closing shot is of the Grey Poupon jar being passed between the vehicles. In one variation, the characters are on the [[Orient Express]].<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvrfLaAHQVo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/NvrfLaAHQVo |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|date=November 16, 2015 |medium=Commercial |title=Grey Poupon - Train (1984, USA) |work=The Hall of Advertising |access-date=August 16, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


The commercial spawned a number of variations, often comedic; a 1991 version features [[Ian Richardson]] asking [[Paul Eddington]] if he has any Grey Poupon, to which Eddington replies, "But of course", then motions for his driver to speed away. It is implied that they are playing the roles of the fictitious British Prime Ministers [[Francis Urquhart]] and [[Jim Hacker]], respectively.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://vimeo.com/259099883 |last=Zuccarello |first=Francis |medium=Commercial |date=2018 |title=Grey Poupon "Son Of Rolls" :30 |work=[[Vimeo]]|access-date=August 16, 2019}}</ref><ref name="remembered">{{cite book|author=Mail, Sharon|location= Leicester|publisher= Troubadour Publishing|date= 2009 |isbn= 978-1-84876-184-1|title=We Could Possibly Comment: Ian Richardson Remembered}}</ref> Another commercial included the introduction of a plastic squeeze bottle, wherein the bottle makes a flatulent noise, much to the mortification of the driver.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLR9JvMAiYo |medium=Commercial |date=January 8, 2009 |title=Grey Poupon Squeeze |work=Smart Advertising |access-date=August 16, 2019}}</ref>
The commercial spawned a number of variations, often comedic; a 1991 version features [[Ian Richardson]] asking [[Paul Eddington]] if he has any Grey Poupon, to which Eddington replies, "But of course", then motions for his driver to speed away. It is implied that they are playing the roles of the fictitious British Prime Ministers [[Francis Urquhart]] (from [[House of Cards (British TV series)|''House of Cards'']]) and [[Jim Hacker]] (from ''[[Yes, Prime Minister]]''), respectively.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://vimeo.com/259099883 |last=Zuccarello |first=Francis |medium=Commercial |date=2018 |title=Grey Poupon "Son Of Rolls" :30 |work=[[Vimeo]]|access-date=August 16, 2019}}</ref><ref name="remembered">{{cite book|author=Mail, Sharon|location= Leicester|publisher= Troubadour Publishing|date= 2009 |isbn= 978-1-84876-184-1|title=We Could Possibly Comment: Ian Richardson Remembered}}</ref> Another commercial included the introduction of a plastic squeeze bottle, wherein the bottle makes a flatulent noise, much to the mortification of the driver.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLR9JvMAiYo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/hLR9JvMAiYo |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|medium=Commercial |date=January 8, 2009 |title=Grey Poupon Squeeze |work=Smart Advertising |access-date=August 16, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


The advertising campaign helped solidify Grey Poupon's status as a product associated with the wealthy; in 1992, Grey Poupon had the strongest correlation between a person's income and whether or not they used the product.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thetakeout.com/study-if-you-favor-jif-peanut-butter-over-skippy-you-1827553957|last=Ihnat |first=Gwen |date=July 12, 2018|title=Study: If you favor Jif peanut butter over Skippy, you're probably a conservative|work=[[G/O Media|The Takeout]]|access-date=August 10, 2019}}</ref>
The advertising campaign helped solidify Grey Poupon's status as a product associated with the wealthy; in 1992, Grey Poupon had the strongest correlation between a person's income and whether or not they used the product.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thetakeout.com/study-if-you-favor-jif-peanut-butter-over-skippy-you-1827553957|last=Ihnat |first=Gwen |date=July 12, 2018|title=Study: If you favor Jif peanut butter over Skippy, you're probably a conservative|work=[[G/O Media|The Takeout]]|access-date=August 10, 2019}}</ref>


In 2013, Grey Poupon created a new advertisement, playing upon the 1980s commercial, displaying a duel between the driver who took the Grey Poupon Jar (played by British actor Frazer Douglas) being chased down by the mustard's original owner (played by American actor Rod McCary).<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LncrDxZ2Cg |date=February 20, 2013 |title=Grey Poupon's 'Pardon Me' Ads to Return: Mustard Company Brings Back Popular Campaign |work=[[ABC news]] |access-date=August 16, 2019}}</ref> The spot was nominated for an Emmy for best commercial.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/ads-up-for-emmy-for-best-commercial-2013-7|title=Ads Up For Emmy For Best Commercial - Business Insider|date=18 July 2013|work=Business Insider}}</ref>
In 2013, Grey Poupon created a new advertisement, playing upon the 1980s commercial, displaying a duel between the driver who took the Grey Poupon jar (played by British actor Frazer Douglas) being chased down by the mustard's original owner (played by American actor Rod McCary).<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LncrDxZ2Cg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/0LncrDxZ2Cg |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|date=February 20, 2013 |title=Grey Poupon's 'Pardon Me' Ads to Return: Mustard Company Brings Back Popular Campaign |work=[[ABC news]] |access-date=August 16, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The spot was nominated for an Emmy for best commercial.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/ads-up-for-emmy-for-best-commercial-2013-7|title=Ads Up For Emmy For Best Commercial - Business Insider|date=18 July 2013|work=Business Insider}}</ref>


===Brand extensions===
===Brand extensions===
In 2007, Grey Poupon/Kraft company introduced three new specialty mustards: a coarse-ground mustard with whole mustard seeds, a spicy brown mustard with diced yellow [[onion]]s, and a [[honey]] mustard with clover honey and spices.
In 2007, Kraft introduced three new specialty mustards under the Grey Poupon brand: a coarse-ground mustard with whole mustard seeds, a spicy brown mustard with diced yellow [[onion]]s, and a [[honey]] mustard with clover honey and spices. Only the coarse ground version remains in production.


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
The "Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?" commercials have been parodied in many films and TV shows, including ''[[Wayne's World (film)|Wayne's World]]'' (1992), ''[[Married... with Children]]''{{'}}s "Old Insurance Dodge", ''[[WWE SmackDown]]'' and [[Family Guy]]'s "[[Blue Harvest (Family Guy)|Blue Harvest]]" (September 23, 2007). The question was asked by [[Michael J. Fox]]'s character, while preparing to eat a frog dog in the film ''[[The Hard Way (1991 film)|The Hard Way]]'' (1991) and by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] character (Joost Michael de Witt) in the [[Emilio Estevez]]'s film ''[[The Way (2010 film)|The Way]]'' (2010). The line was also mentioned in a deleted scene from ''[[The Office (American TV series)|The Office]]'', said by character [[Andy Bernard]].{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}
The "Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?" commercials have been parodied in many films and TV shows, including ''[[Wayne's World (film)|Wayne's World]]'' (1992), ''[[Married... with Children]]''{{'}}s "Old Insurance Dodge", ''[[WWE SmackDown]]'' and [[Family Guy]]'s "[[Blue Harvest (Family Guy)|Blue Harvest]]" (September 23, 2007). The question was asked by [[Michael J. Fox]]'s character, while preparing to eat a frog dog in the film ''[[The Hard Way (1991 film)|The Hard Way]]'' (1991), by [[Little Richard]] in ''[[The Naked Truth (1992 film)|The Naked Truth]]'', and by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] character (Joost Michael de Witt) in [[Emilio Estevez]]'s film ''[[The Way (2010 film)|The Way]]'' (2010). The line was also mentioned in a deleted scene from ''[[The Office (American TV series)|The Office]]'', said by character [[Andy Bernard]].{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

The Grey Poupon trade is also mentioned in the [[Direct-to-video]] [[Futurama]] film ''[[Bender's Big Score]]'' (2007) and in episode 20 season 1 ("Randall Without a Cause") of the ''[[Parker Lewis Can't Lose]]'' TV series.


In her semi-autobiographical 1983 novel [[Heartburn (novel)|''Heartburn'']], [[Nora Ephron]]'s protagonist describes the recipe for an ideal vinaigrette as "mix two tablespoons of Grey Poupon mustard with two tablespoons good redwine vinegar. Then, whisking constantly with a fork, slowly add six tablespoons olive oil, until the vinaigrette is thick and creamy; this makes a very strong vinaigrette that is perfect for salad greens like arugula and watercress and endive."<ref>{{cite book |last=Ephron |first=Nora |date=1983 |title=Heartburn |publisher=William Heinemann |page=178 |isbn=978-1-84408-517-0}}</ref>
In the [[Aerosmith]] song "[[Eat the Rich (Aerosmith song)|Eat the Rich]]," [[Steven Tyler]] sings (at the rich) to "Take that Grey Poupon, my friend, and shove it up your ass."


The Grey Poupon name has appeared frequently in hip-hop and rap lyrics since 1992, when [[Das EFX]] mentioned the brand on their song "East Coast". Artists such as [[MF Doom|MF DOOM]],<ref>{{Citation|title=Viktor Vaughn – Raedawn|url=https://genius.com/Viktor-vaughn-raedawn-lyrics|language=en|access-date=2021-01-28}}</ref> [[Kanye West]], [[Big Sean]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/2016/10/13/grey-poupon-mustard-hip-hop/ |last=Campbell |first= Graeme |date=13 October 2016 |title=Here's Why Rappers Love Rhyming About Grey Poupon Mustard |work=[[Highsnobiety]] |access-date=8 September 2019}}</ref> [[Jay Z]], [[Kendrick Lamar]],<ref>{{Citation|last=KendrickLamarVEVO|title=Kendrick Lamar - HUMBLE.|date=30 March 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvTRZJ-4EyI|access-date=31 March 2017}}</ref> and [[T-Pain]] reference Grey Poupon on their songs because the brand is easy to rhyme and it is a quick metaphor for the status of style, luxury, and class.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vox.com/videos/2016/10/12/13250360/grey-poupon-in-hip-hop |title=How Grey Poupon became hip-hop's favorite condiment |author1=Caswell, Estelle |author2=Frostenson, Sarah |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=12 October 2016 |access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref>
The Grey Poupon name has appeared frequently in hip-hop and rap lyrics since 1992, when [[Das EFX]] mentioned the brand on their song "East Coast". Artists such as [[MF Doom|MF DOOM]],<ref>{{Citation|title=Viktor Vaughn – Raedawn|url=https://genius.com/Viktor-vaughn-raedawn-lyrics|language=en|access-date=2021-01-28}}</ref> [[Kanye West]], [[Eminem]], [[Big Sean]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/2016/10/13/grey-poupon-mustard-hip-hop/ |last=Campbell |first= Graeme |date=13 October 2016 |title=Here's Why Rappers Love Rhyming About Grey Poupon Mustard |work=[[Highsnobiety]] |access-date=8 September 2019}}</ref> [[Jay Z]], [[Kendrick Lamar]],<ref>{{Citation|last=KendrickLamarVEVO|title=Kendrick Lamar - HUMBLE.|date=30 March 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvTRZJ-4EyI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/tvTRZJ-4EyI |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=31 March 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and [[T-Pain]] have all referenced Grey Poupon in their song lyrics. According to rapper [[Open Mike Eagle]], the prevalence of these references is attributable to how convenient it is to create a rhyme with the brand name as well as how strongly the product is associated with class, style, and luxury.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vox.com/videos/2016/10/12/13250360/grey-poupon-in-hip-hop |title=How Grey Poupon became hip-hop's favorite condiment |author1=Caswell, Estelle |author2=Frostenson, Sarah |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=12 October 2016 |access-date=9 July 2021}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 70: Line 79:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{official website}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130831143822/http://gladwell.com/the-ketchup-conundrum/ Malcolm Gladwell article describing the brand's rise in the U.S.A.]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130831143822/http://gladwell.com/the-ketchup-conundrum/ Malcolm Gladwell article describing the brand's rise in the U.S.A.]
* [[YouTube]] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_pGT8Q_tjk video of the advertisement]


{{Kraft Foods Group}}
{{Kraft Foods Group}}

Latest revision as of 21:46, 13 February 2024

"Gray Poupon" redirects here. For the album, see Gray Poupon (album).
Grey Poupon
Product typeMustard
OwnerKraft Heinz (World)
Associated British Foods (UK)
Produced byKraft Foods
CountryDijon, France
Introduced1866; 158 years ago (1866)
MarketsWorldwide
Previous owners
List
Websitegreypouponmustard.co.uk

Grey Poupon is a brand of Dijon mustard which originated in Dijon, France.[1]

The U.S. rights to the brand were acquired by the Heublein Company, later passing on to Kraft Foods. Grey Poupon became popular in the United States in the late 1970s and 1980s as American tastes broadened from conventional American yellow mustards, aided in large part by a memorable advertising campaign emphasizing the product's association with luxury.

Like other Dijon mustards, Grey Poupon contains a small amount of white wine. The American version is made with brown mustard seed grown in Canada.[2]

History[edit]

1918 French advertisement

Maurice Grey (b. Urcy, France, 1816; d. 1897),[3] was awarded a Royal Appointment in 1860 for developing a machine that dramatically increased the speed of production of mustard. However, needing financing, which he obtained in 1866 from Auguste Poupon, another Dijon mustard manufacturer, the Grey–Poupon partnership produced their first mustard around 1866 in Dijon, France.[4]

In 1946, the Heublein Company bought the American rights from the original company.[5]

In 1970, the directors of Grey Poupon and of another Dijon mustard firm, André Ricard, having earlier bought the popular Maille-label, formed a conglomerate called S.E.G.M.A. Maille. Soon afterwards, the new company decided to phase out the Grey Poupon label in France.

In America, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company acquired Heublein in 1982[6] and merged it with Nabisco in 1985 to form RJR Nabisco. In 1999, Kraft Foods acquired Nabisco, including the Grey Poupon brand.

In 2000, Amora-Maille was acquired by Unilever and UK trademark rights to Grey Poupon were assumed by it until 2005 when the rights were sold to G Costa & Company Limited, a subsidiary of Associated British Foods. In 2008, Associated British Foods folded G Costa into AB World Foods.[7]

Grey Poupon Dijon and wholegrain mustard are still produced in France for the European markets.[8] Production of Grey Poupon for the American market moved to Holland, Michigan, from Pennsylvania following Kraft Heinz's expansion of its 120-year-old Holland production facility.[9]

Marketing[edit]

Advertising[edit]

Heublein increased the visibility and name recognition of their mustard brand with a 1980s commercial pointing out that "one can enjoy the finer things of life with white wine mustard without paying high prices", in which a Rolls-Royce pulls up alongside another Rolls-Royce, and a passenger in one asks "Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?" The other responds, "But of course!" The closing shot is of the Grey Poupon jar being passed between the vehicles. In one variation, the characters are on the Orient Express.[10]

The commercial spawned a number of variations, often comedic; a 1991 version features Ian Richardson asking Paul Eddington if he has any Grey Poupon, to which Eddington replies, "But of course", then motions for his driver to speed away. It is implied that they are playing the roles of the fictitious British Prime Ministers Francis Urquhart (from House of Cards) and Jim Hacker (from Yes, Prime Minister), respectively.[11][12] Another commercial included the introduction of a plastic squeeze bottle, wherein the bottle makes a flatulent noise, much to the mortification of the driver.[13]

The advertising campaign helped solidify Grey Poupon's status as a product associated with the wealthy; in 1992, Grey Poupon had the strongest correlation between a person's income and whether or not they used the product.[14]

In 2013, Grey Poupon created a new advertisement, playing upon the 1980s commercial, displaying a duel between the driver who took the Grey Poupon jar (played by British actor Frazer Douglas) being chased down by the mustard's original owner (played by American actor Rod McCary).[15] The spot was nominated for an Emmy for best commercial.[16]

Brand extensions[edit]

In 2007, Kraft introduced three new specialty mustards under the Grey Poupon brand: a coarse-ground mustard with whole mustard seeds, a spicy brown mustard with diced yellow onions, and a honey mustard with clover honey and spices. Only the coarse ground version remains in production.

In popular culture[edit]

The "Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?" commercials have been parodied in many films and TV shows, including Wayne's World (1992), Married... with Children's "Old Insurance Dodge", WWE SmackDown and Family Guy's "Blue Harvest" (September 23, 2007). The question was asked by Michael J. Fox's character, while preparing to eat a frog dog in the film The Hard Way (1991), by Little Richard in The Naked Truth, and by the Dutch character (Joost Michael de Witt) in Emilio Estevez's film The Way (2010). The line was also mentioned in a deleted scene from The Office, said by character Andy Bernard.[citation needed]

In her semi-autobiographical 1983 novel Heartburn, Nora Ephron's protagonist describes the recipe for an ideal vinaigrette as "mix two tablespoons of Grey Poupon mustard with two tablespoons good redwine vinegar. Then, whisking constantly with a fork, slowly add six tablespoons olive oil, until the vinaigrette is thick and creamy; this makes a very strong vinaigrette that is perfect for salad greens like arugula and watercress and endive."[17]

The Grey Poupon name has appeared frequently in hip-hop and rap lyrics since 1992, when Das EFX mentioned the brand on their song "East Coast". Artists such as MF DOOM,[18] Kanye West, Eminem, Big Sean,[19] Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar,[20] and T-Pain have all referenced Grey Poupon in their song lyrics. According to rapper Open Mike Eagle, the prevalence of these references is attributable to how convenient it is to create a rhyme with the brand name as well as how strongly the product is associated with class, style, and luxury.[21]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Kloman, Erasmus H. (2001). Bare Barging in Burgundy. Capital Books. ISBN 9781892123404.
  2. ^ Remnick, David (2009). Secret Ingredients: The New Yorker Book of Food and Drink. Modern Library Inc. p. 365. ISBN 978-0812976410.
  3. ^ "-1816 ● Naissance de Maurice Grey, moutardier". Académie des sciences (in French). Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  4. ^ Lee, Laura (2001). The Name's Familiar II. Pelican. ISBN 9781455609178.
  5. ^ "Grey Poupon". Youngstown Vindicator. (Ohio). (advertisement). September 28, 1956. p. 4.
  6. ^ "R.J. REYNOLDS WINS HEUBLEIN". The New York Times. 1982-07-30. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  7. ^ "Search for a trade mark - Intellectual Property Office". trademarks.ipo.gov.uk. Retrieved 2021-01-19.
  8. ^ "Grey Poupon - Brand of Premium French Dijon and Wholegrain Mustard". Grey Poupon UK. Archived from the original on 2021-01-28. Retrieved 2021-01-20.
  9. ^ "Pardon me: Grey Poupon's move to Mich. will add jobs". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2016-05-20.
  10. ^ Grey Poupon - Train (1984, USA). The Hall of Advertising (Commercial). November 16, 2015. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  11. ^ Zuccarello, Francis (2018). Grey Poupon "Son Of Rolls" :30. Vimeo (Commercial). Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  12. ^ Mail, Sharon (2009). We Could Possibly Comment: Ian Richardson Remembered. Leicester: Troubadour Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84876-184-1.
  13. ^ Grey Poupon Squeeze. Smart Advertising (Commercial). January 8, 2009. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  14. ^ Ihnat, Gwen (July 12, 2018). "Study: If you favor Jif peanut butter over Skippy, you're probably a conservative". The Takeout. Retrieved August 10, 2019.
  15. ^ Grey Poupon's 'Pardon Me' Ads to Return: Mustard Company Brings Back Popular Campaign. ABC news. February 20, 2013. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  16. ^ "Ads Up For Emmy For Best Commercial - Business Insider". Business Insider. 18 July 2013.
  17. ^ Ephron, Nora (1983). Heartburn. William Heinemann. p. 178. ISBN 978-1-84408-517-0.
  18. ^ Viktor Vaughn – Raedawn, retrieved 2021-01-28
  19. ^ Campbell, Graeme (13 October 2016). "Here's Why Rappers Love Rhyming About Grey Poupon Mustard". Highsnobiety. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
  20. ^ KendrickLamarVEVO (30 March 2017), Kendrick Lamar - HUMBLE., archived from the original on 2021-12-21, retrieved 31 March 2017
  21. ^ Caswell, Estelle; Frostenson, Sarah (12 October 2016). "How Grey Poupon became hip-hop's favorite condiment". Vox Media. Retrieved 9 July 2021.

External links[edit]

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