Henry John Heinz was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to German immigrant parents, John Henry Heinz and Anna Schmidt Heinz. His upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of agriculture and food preparation, laying the foundation for his future entrepreneurial pursuits.

Even as a young boy, Heinz demonstrated entrepreneurial tendencies. As a teenager, he began selling surplus produce from his family's garden to neighbors. He quickly learned about market demand, pricing strategies, and the importance of building customer relationships. This early experience was crucial in shaping his business acumen.