Mrs H.S Ball’s: The story behind the legendary chutney
The Ball family legacy lives on through Mrs H.S. Ball's Chutney, a beloved South African brand with a rich history and a taste that's hard to beat.
In the heart of South African cuisine lies a condiment that has become an integral part of the nation's identity - Mrs H.S. Ball's Chutney.
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According to BusinessTech, this beloved brand has been a staple in South African kitchens for generations and its history is as rich as its flavour. The story of Mrs Ball's Chutney is one of family tradition, innovation and perseverance.
The origins of the recipe are shrouded in mystery, with differing accounts of how it came to be. According to the official Mrs Ball's website, the recipe was obtained from an Indian chef aboard the SS Quanza, which shipwrecked off South Africa's coast in 1872.
However, some critics argue that this story may be embellished. Regardless of its true origins, the recipe was perfected by Amelia Alice Elizabeth Adkins, who married Herbert Saddleton Ball and took her mother's chutney recipe with her to Johannesburg.
Amelia began making chutney for her family and friends during World War I and its popularity soon led her to turn it into a business. She sold it at church bazaars, and by 1918, she was selling an average of 24 bottles a day.
Her husband, HS Ball, would take a few bottles by train into Cape Town every day to sell, which is how he met businessman Fred Metter. Metter saw the potential of the chutney and partnered with the Balls to take the business to the next level.
Under Metter's guidance, the brand flourished. He designed the iconic octagonal jar, oval label and Ball family crest, which have become synonymous with the brand.
The factory was relocated several times, each time to larger premises, eventually settling in Diep River. Metter's marketing efforts paid off, and sales increased significantly. The product range expanded beyond the original recipe to include Hot Chutney, Peach Chutney, and more.
The Ball family played a significant role in the business, with many family members working in the factory. Desmond Ball, Amelia's great-grandson, used to work in the factory during the holidays and later became a key figure in keeping the family tradition alive.
Despite the brand's success, the family eventually sold the business to large food conglomerates, including Brooke Bond Oxo and Unilever Foods. Today, Mrs Ball's is owned by Tiger Brands, which acquired the business in 2012 for R475 million.
The brand continues to be made locally and is exported to several countries, including the UK, Germany, New Zealand and Australia.
Mrs Ball's owes its success not only to its original taste but also to sharp marketing.
The brand targets families and proudly South African consumers, often collaborating with local brands like Simba Chips. Desmond Ball, who still lives near Fish Hoek, has been determined to keep the family tradition alive. He started manufacturing his own chutney, Amelia's Chutney, using the old family recipe and sells it at local markets.
The story of Mrs H.S. Ball's Chutney is a testament to the power of family tradition, innovation and perseverance.
From its humble beginnings to its current status as a South African icon, the brand continues to bring flavour and joy to families across the country.
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