The start of

Something good

When Paul founded Newman’s Own in 1982 it was one of the first food companies to focus on high-quality ingredients you could find in your own kitchen.

What started as a bit of a lark with his friend A.E. Hotchner—giving his friends homemade dressing in old wine bottles—became a new opportunity to expand his philanthropic efforts and help even more people. They turned a profit selling salad dressing that first year, and did something truly radical when they decided to “give it all away” to good causes

Paul Newman’s approach of giving away 100% of profits was still a unique concept, but he believed it was just the right thing to do.

Paul Newman’s Philanthropic Legacy

Meet Paul Newman, our founder.
Irreverent. Innovative. Radical. The salad dressing philanthropist.

It was a cold December day in 1982 when Paul Newman prepared his first serious batch of salad dressing inside a derelict barn. His mission was to bottle enough dressing for his family to distribute around the neighbourhood as homemade Christmas gifts.

Paul already had a reputation as a salad dressing connoisseur among friends. When dining out, he would always request ingredients from the chef to make his own dressing, much to the bemusement of fellow diners. His passion wasn’t simply about taste; it was also about using the finest ingredients.
Throughout his lifetime, Paul continued this commitment. When Paul died in 2008, he gifted the food company to Newman’s Own Foundation, which carries on the legacy of giving.

1992

A significant milestone

A significant milestone was reached, with over US$50 million donated to charity in the company’s first decade.
A significant milestone was reached, with over US$50 million donated to charity in the company’s first decade.

1997

expanded globally

By this time, Newman’s Own products had expanded globally, with distribution to countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
By this time, Newman’s Own products had expanded globally, with distribution to countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

2005

Newman’s Own Foundation

The Foundation was established to carry on Paul Newman’s philanthropic legacy. Today, the Foundation continues Paul Newman’s commitment to use all the money that it receives—100% of the profits and royalties—from the sale of Newman’s Own products in service of its mission: to nourish and transform the lives of children who face adversity.
The Foundation was established to carry on Paul Newman’s philanthropic legacy. Today, the Foundation continues Paul Newman’s commitment to use all the money that it receives—100% of the profits and royalties—from the sale of Newman’s Own products in service of its mission: to nourish and transform the lives of children who face adversity.

2008

Paul Newman’s life

On September 26, Paul Newman’s life and legacy are recognized upon his passing, honoring the actor, race car driver, and philanthropist who helped make the world a better place.

The SeriousFun Children’s Network brand was launched, uniting Paul Newman’s global family of camps, which have served over 384,700 kids since 1988.

2012

SeriousFun Children’s Network

The SeriousFun Children’s Network brand was launched, uniting Paul Newman’s global family of camps, which have delivered 2 million camp experiences and counting.
The SeriousFun Children’s Network brand was launched, uniting Paul Newman’s global family of camps, which have delivered 2 million camp experiences and counting.

2017

celebrated 35 years

Newman’s Own celebrated 35 years of giving it all away in the US with worldwide donations exceeding US$500 million.
Newman’s Own celebrated 35 years of giving it all away in the US with worldwide donations exceeding US$500 million.

2022

celebrated 40 years

Newman’s Own celebrates 40 years and US$600 million donated to great causes. The Foundation refocuses its mission and efforts on Paul’s early vision to help children who face adversity.
Newman’s Own celebrates 40 years and US$600 million donated to great causes. The Foundation refocuses its mission and efforts on Paul’s early vision to help children who face adversity.
Load More

Our Values

Continuing the commitment

Paul Newman was passionate about bringing joy to children. Our work today honors his commitment to improving children’s lives.

Common Purpose

We treasure the virtuous circle of Newman’s Own.

Freedom to Dream

We treasure the virtuous circle of Newman’s Own.

Trust & Respect

We treasure the virtuous circle of Newman’s Own.

Quality

We treasure the virtuous circle of Newman’s Own.

Serious Fun

We treasure the virtuous circle of Newman’s Own.

THE HISTORY

The Unofficial Story of Paul Newman

A Lifetime of Radical Good

Paul Newman was born and raised in Ohio by parents who owned a successful sporting goods store. He enlisted in the Navy and completed his military service as a radioman/gunner in the Pacific during World War II. Seeing his father’s business ethic during the Great Depression, and experiencing the war, fueled his desire to help others in need.

 

In 1958, Paul made his acting debut on Broadway in “Picnic,” where he also met his future wife, Joanne Woodward. After years of acting and being recognized for his achievements on screen and stage, including an Oscar for Best Actor in “The Color of Money,” Paul started a successful race car driving career. He went on to win second place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s oldest endurance race event.

Read More
Products
Recipe
Our Founder
Charity
Contact Us

Follow us on social