Heinz is celebrating its 150th year in 2019, which sounds about right until you try to imagine the presence of ketchup in the 19th century.

Perhaps this is why the brand is underlining its heritage (it introduced ketchup in 1876) in an ad that celebrates ‘150 years of clean plates’. We see a bird’s-eye view of series of plates through the ages, all featuring ketchup. Foods, fashions and props offer a clue as to the era (from 1870s’ meat and mead to the present day’s pretentiously stacked-up chips, via a 1980s prawn-based atrocity).

It casually highlights the versatility of the red stuff; an impressive level of detail rewards repeat viewings; and the music is appropriately jolly. We’re looking forward to further servings of Heinz history.

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