Hellmann’s to cover Seville cafe repairs after mayo-related arson

A Seville cafe sustained thousands of dollars in damage after a man allegedly set the counter on fire in response to not receiving mayonnaise, in what authorities described as an arson attack. Hellmann’s Spain has offered to cover the repairs, the company said after reviewing the incident and the cafe’s losses.

On Aug. 21, Cafetería Las Postas, in Seville, reported that a customer asked for a couple of packets of mayonnaise for his sandwich. When staff said the shop had run out, the man reportedly left and returned minutes later with gasoline, which he used to douse the counter and ignite a blaze. The fire caused about $11,700 in damage, and no one was hurt, the cafe said. Wild surveillance footage captured patrons and workers fleeing the scene as smoke filled the dining area. The cafe’s owner, José Antonio Caballero, described the moment as terrifying, noting that children were present during the incident.

There were no reported injuries from the blaze, but the alleged arsonist was detained by bystanders before police arrived. He was later arrested and held without bail after sustaining several burns during the incident, according to Euro Weekly News. Spanish authorities ordered the suspect detained pending further proceedings.

Hellmann’s Spain announced its involvement on social media, writing: “Cafetería Las Postas: We’re sorry we weren’t there. From now on, you can count on us. Let us take care of the repairs and make sure your sandwiches never run out of mayonnaise again.” The cafe responded by thanking the brand for its support, a pledge that drew attention in local coverage and on the café’s Instagram posts.

The company’s gesture follows a rare instance of a brand stepping in to help cover physical damages in a case sparked by a dispute over a condiment. While the arson motive appears singular, the episode has raised questions about safety, impulse crimes in public spaces, and how businesses respond to unusual customer-service disputes in the digital age.

The incident, which occurred in Seville on a summer afternoon, has prompted local authorities to emphasize that such acts of violence are treated seriously. The court’s decision to hold the suspect without bail underscores the seriousness with which the case is being treated and highlights the ongoing investigation into the events surrounding the attack.

As the cafe plans repairs, the episode serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a disagreement over a simple item can escalate into costly damage. Analysts note that brands increasingly confront reputational and logistical challenges when responding to unusual incidents tied to consumer service issues, particularly when social media amplifies the story.