The Woman Behind Duke's® Mayo

If you’ve ever tasted Duke’s^® Mayo, you know it’s more than just a condiment – it’s a Southern staple with a rich history that dates back over a century. But how did this humble mayonnaise become such a beloved icon? Let’s dive into the fascinating story of Duke’s Mayo.

From a Kitchen in Greenville

It all began in 1917 in Greenville, South Carolina, when Eugenia Duke started making sandwiches to sell to World War I soldiers stationed at nearby Camp Sevier for 10 cents each. Her sandwiches were an instant hit, but it wasn’t just the fresh ingredients or the homemade bread that won over the troops. It was her unique mayonnaise that set her sandwiches apart. Unlike other mayonnaises of the time, Duke’s had a tangy flavor and creamy texture that made it unforgettable. In 1918, she sold her 11,000th sandwich and purchased her first delivery truck to deliver to local stores, marking the beginning of her mayonnaise empire.

The Modest Entrepreneur

Eugenia Duke was a remarkable figure in downtown Greenville, known for her active role in women’s rights and her status as a socialite. She was a familiar presence at parties and events, always adorned in big hats and a string of pearls. Her business savvy was clear in her 1920 partnership with the Ottaray Hotel, where she set up shop to host women’s tea parties and sell her sandwiches. Influential women of Greenville would gather to sip tea and savor finger sandwiches made with Duke’s Mayonnaise.

Duke’s influence contributed to the push for the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. Despite her thriving sandwich business, Duke remained modest, listing her occupation as “none” on the 1920 census, the same year she finally gained the right to vote.

The Birth of a Mayo Empire

Realizing she had something special, Eugenia Duke decided to start selling her mayonnaise by the jar. She began with a small-scale operation, mixing and bottling her mayonnaise in her kitchen. Word of mouth quickly spread, and soon, she was struggling to keep up with demand. By 1923, Duke’s Mayo had become so popular that Eugenia sold her sandwich business to focus solely on mayonnaise production and opened her production facility on her property as her first official plant operation. By 1929, Duke’s demand had become too much to handle on her own, so Eugenia sold her mayonnaise business to C.F. Sauer Company and stayed on as their chief salesperson.

Continued Success

Eugenia Duke’s determination and entrepreneurial spirit were key to her success. She was a hands-on businesswoman who insisted on maintaining the quality of her product, even as her business grew. Her insistence on using only the best ingredients and sticking to her original recipe paid off. By the 1930s, Duke’s Mayo had become a household name throughout the South, and Eugenia Duke had cemented her place as a mayonnaise tycoon nationally.

A Southern Tradition

Today, Duke’s Mayo is still made according to Eugenia Duke’s original recipe, and it remains a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. Its distinctive tangy flavor makes it a key ingredient in many Southern dishes, from deviled eggs to pimento cheese. But beyond its culinary uses, Duke’s Mayo has become a symbol of Southern hospitality and tradition.

The Legacy Lives On

Eugenia Duke’s legacy lives on through the brand she created. Duke’s Mayo is more than just a condiment; it’s a piece of Southern heritage. Its continued popularity is a testament to Eugenia Duke’s vision and the quality of her product, a legacy beyond her time. So next time you spread Duke’s Mayo on your sandwich, you’re not just enjoying a delicious condiment – you’re tasting a piece of history.

References: The Fascinating History Behind Duke’s Mayo | Duke’s History | Worth The Whisk: How The Woman Behind Duke’s Mayo Became A Tycoon