Have you ever looked up and seen a flock of geese in full flight?

The V-shaped formation of these animals, as they soar above the continents, is one of the most recognizable images in the natural world. The symmetry of the flock and the sheer scale of the task these majestic creatures undertake every year, makes the annual migration both beautiful and impressive in equal measure.

Geese were first chosen to be the Hellmann logo because the birds are featured on the family crest. Our company is family-owned and run and we believe the geese represent the link between the company and the values we bring to the workplace.

The geese are more than just a symbol of our ideals and history; they also provide us with some valuable lessons.

The shape of the flock is often seen as a thing of beauty, but the famous “V” is actually a phenomenal display of science and cooperation, too. The formation is ingeniously aerodynamic: as the lead goose flaps its wings, it creates pockets of air with lower resistance; each goose behind flies through these pockets, saving precious energy in the process. Repeated millions of times over the course of the journey, this efficiency allows the flock to fly further – so much further that without each other it would be impossible to reach the destination. No goose could complete the migration alone, but working together, they do it every year!

This act of cooperation is paired with an ability to adapt to the minute changes in conditions. The birds alter their position in the formation, constantly fine-tuning it to create the optimal shape for the specific altitude, wind direction and speed. While the geese make these adjustments through intuition, we at Hellmann develop and implement information and communication systems which are designed to make cooperation and efficiency just as instinctive.

We can learn even more from the way geese interact on the ground. Geese display lasting dedication by returning to the same place year after year and by choosing one partner to stay with forever. Like them, we believe in the idea of loyalty, and know the rewards that come from long term relationships. That is why we actively seek to build similarly beneficial and long-lasting bonds with our staff and customers.

These beautiful birds have been the symbol of Hellmann for decades now, and with their iconic status as one of Mother Nature’s most ­­experienced travellers, we feel like our feathered friends have accompanied us on our own successful journey from a one-man delivery service to a global logistics provider.

And just as the geese understand the value of working together and staying with the same partner year after year, we know that when you work with Hellmann you will benefit from doing business with us time and time again.