Heinz

Kraft Heinz Foods Company
	File:2008-05-24 Pittsburgh 014 Penn St, 13th St, Heinz Building (2669437590).jpg Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh in 2008
Formerly	H. J. Heinz Company
Company type	Subsidiary
Traded as	Template:NYSE was (until 2013)
Industry	Food processing
Founded	January 1869; 157 years ago (originally as Heinz Noble & Company); Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Founder	Henry J. Heinz
Fate	Combined with Kraft Foods to establish its subsidiary Kraft Heinz
Successor	Kraft Heinz
Headquarters	One PPG Place, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Area served	Global
Products	Sauces, condiments
Parent	Kraft Heinz
Website	heinz.com

The Kraft Heinz Foods Company, previously recognized as the H. J. Heinz Company and commonly referred to as Heinz, was a prominent American food processing corporation headquartered at One PPG Place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Established by Henry J. Heinz in 1869, the company operated on six continents, distributing its products across more than 200 countries and territories. By 2013, it boasted ownership of 150 brands ranking either first or second globally.

Dominating the U.S. ketchup market with a share exceeding 50%, Heinz also commanded a 46% portion of the frozen potato segment through its Ore-Ida brand as of 2003. The company's enduring "57 Varieties" motto, introduced in 1896, became a central feature of its brand identity.

In February 2013, Berkshire Hathaway alongside Brazilian investment firm 3G Capital acquired Heinz for $23 billion. Subsequently, on March 25, 2015, Kraft declared a merger with Heinz, facilitated by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital. This union resulted in the formation of the Kraft Heinz Company, ranking as the fifth-largest global food corporation. By June 2015, Berkshire Hathaway had increased its ownership stake to a majority position of 52.5% after exercising warrants for additional shares. The merger was completed on July 2, 2015.

Foundation

The company was founded by Henry J. Heinz, an American-born son of German immigrants from the regions of Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse-Kassel. In 1869, he launched Heinz Noble & Company in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, initially selling horseradish prepared from his mother’s recipe. Following bankruptcy in 1875, he partnered with family members to form F & J Heinz, introducing products such as Heinz Tomato Ketchup. By 1888, Henry J. Heinz acquired full control and restructured the business as H. J. Heinz Company. The famous "57 varieties" slogan was developed in 1896 as part of the company’s marketing efforts.

20th century

Incorporated under Pennsylvania law in 1900, Henry J. Heinz remained president until his passing and was an innovator in sanitary food production while advocating for the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. The company expanded internationally by establishing a processing facility in Leamington, Ontario (operating until its closure in 2014). Emphasizing product purity and employee welfare provided the company with a competitive edge.

During World War I, Heinz worked closely with the Food Administration. In England, the company introduced Heinz Salad Cream in 1914. Under Howard Heinz's leadership during the Great Depression, ready-to-eat soups and infant food gained popularity and supported business expansion.

The Pittsburgh headquarters included extensive employee facilities and an auditorium equipped with a pipe organ, showcasing investments in corporate culture. During World War II, CEO H. J. Heinz II ("Jack" Heinz) directed wartime production conversions and postwar growth through acquisitions like Ore-Ida and Starkist Tuna.

In 1959, Frank Armour Jr., becoming the first president and COO outside the founding family, also served as chairman and CEO of Ore-Ida Foods Inc., contributing to corporate diversification.

Tony O'Reilly joined Heinz UK in 1969 and rose to president by 1973, CEO in 1979, and chairman in 1987. His leadership yielded strong financial results; between 1981 and 1991, Heinz achieved an annual return of 28%, surpassing the S&P average.

By the year 2000, consolidation within markets alongside retailer growth such as Walmart’s expansion and private-label competition pressured Heinz’s market position and revenues. The company encountered difficulties adapting to changing U.S. demographics that affected its business model.

O'Reilly resigned in 1998 amid governance conflicts involving pension funds including CalPERS. He was succeeded by William R. Johnson as CEO to guide the company through operational challenges.

21st century

In 2001, Heinz broadened its range of products by purchasing Borden Foods' pasta sauce, dry bouillon, and soup segments, complementing its core expertise in tomato-based products under the leadership of CEO William R. Johnson. Later that year, Heinz also acquired branded goods from Anchor Food Products, which included the Poppers snack line as well as licensing rights for the TGI Fridays frozen food collection.

By 2006, billionaire Nelson Peltz launched a proxy contest that resulted in the addition of two of his nominees, himself included, to Heinz’s Board of Directors, thereby impacting the company's governance. The subsequent year saw Heinz selling off the StarKist and 9Lives brands to Del Monte Foods.

In 2008, Heinz introduced an advertising campaign in the UK promoting "New York Deli Mayo," which was withdrawn following consumer backlash and controversy, igniting discussions around corporate responsibility and brand reputation.

A pivotal event took place in February 2013 when Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital jointly acquired Heinz for $23 billion ($28 billion including debt), marking the largest transaction in the food sector at that time. This transition to private ownership positioned 3G Capital with operational control, appointing Bernardo Hees as CEO. Shortly after this change, Heinz announced a reduction of 600 jobs across North America. The leadership shift also led McDonald’s to terminate its four-decade-long alliance with Heinz.

On March 25, 2015, Kraft Foods Group merged with H.J. Heinz Company—under Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital ownership—to create the Kraft Heinz Company, ranking as the fifth-largest global food and beverage corporation. The merger finalized on July 2, 2015, unifying their worldwide operations under a single corporate entity.

In 2024, Carlos Abrams-Rivera was named CEO of Kraft Heinz Co., reflecting ongoing strategic leadership aimed at driving growth and expanding market presence within the sector.

Brands

ABC
Bull's-Eye
Classico
Complan
Daddies
Devour
Delimex
Diana Sauce
Farex
Greenseas
Heinz
HP Sauce
Jack Daniel's sauces (licensed)
Lea & Perrins
Ore-Ida
Bagel Bites
T.G.I. Friday's (licensed)
Wattie's
Weight Watchers (licensed)
Wyler's

Products

Beanz (flavors include Italian, Lentil Curry, Mexican, Organic, Peri Peri, plus limited editions such as Tikka and Vindaloo)

Dressings

Balsamic with Garlic
Chilli & Lime
Raspberry Balsamic
Zesty Lemon

Pastas

Alphabetti
Beef Ravioli
Hoops (featuring Snap Pots and No Added Sugar options)
Macaroni Cheese
Numberetti
Peppa Pig Pasta Shapes
Various Spaghetti types including Bolognese, Sausages, and Carbonara

Sauces

Mayonnaise varieties: Classic, Light, Garlic & Caramelized Onion, Truffle, Lemon & Black Pepper
Salad Cream selections including reduced fat versions
Barbecue Sauces: Classic, Sticky, Sweet & Spicy, American Style Smokey Baconnaise, Korean Style Sticky
International Flavors: Thai Sweet Chilli and Coconut Lime, Turkish Garlic Sauce
Mustards: Mild Yellow and Honey Yellow
Pickles: Piccalilli and Ploughman's
Sandwich Spreads: Original and Light
Saucy Sauce (a blend of mayo and ketchup)
Tomato Ketchups in various styles including Organic, Fiery Chilli, Jalapeño, Balsamic Vinegar, Roasted Garlic, Sweet Chilli, Firecracker

Soups

The company offers an extensive range of soups, including varieties such as Cream of Tomato (with several versions), Cream of Chicken, Vegetable, Lentil, Oxtail, Mushroom, Beef Broth, and Carrot & Coriander. Their specialty selections feature Mulligatawny and Minestrone. The Eatwell line highlights options like Spiced Butternut Squash & Chickpea, while the convenient Cup and Pot Soups provide multiple flavors tailored to different consumer segments.

United States

The global headquarters were situated in Chicago, Illinois, while the H. J. Heinz division operated out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—the city where the company originated. The company's "keystone" emblem derives from Pennsylvania’s nickname as the "keystone state." In 2001, Heinz Field was named in honor of the company.

The majority of ketchup production took place in Fremont, Ohio, supplemented by additional manufacturing in Muscatine, Iowa. Heinz's pickle manufacturing facility in Holland, Michigan, established in 1897, remains the world’s largest. The Heinz Portion Control division based in Jacksonville, Florida, specializes in producing single-serve packets of ketchup, mustard, dressings, jams, and syrups.

Additional manufacturing sites were distributed across various U.S. cities including Phoenix, Arizona, Chatsworth, California, Irvine, California, San Diego, Fort Myers, Florida, Pocatello, Idaho, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mason, Ohio, and Massillon, Ohio among others.

By the year 2000, seven leading retailers such as Walmart, Albertsons, and Safeway accounted for approximately 50% of Heinz’s total sales volume.

Australia

Heinz Australia’s main office is located in Melbourne. Their product lineup includes canned baked beans famously marketed with the slogan "beanz meanz Heinz," spaghetti, both condensed and ready-to-eat soups, and "Big Red" tomato sauce. The company also distributes the Wattie's brand of canned products manufactured in New Zealand.

In 2008, Heinz revealed plans to acquire the Australian food producer Golden Circle, known for its portfolio exceeding 500 items such as canned fruits and vegetables, juices, and preserves.

In 2011, a corporate restructuring led to the closure of the factory in Girgarre, Victoria and downsizing at facilities in Brisbane and Wagga Wagga, resulting in more than 300 job cuts. Other production plants continued operations in locations like Echuca and Mill Park.

The Girgarre tomato sauce plant ceased operations in January 2012 after seven decades; this closure affected 146 employees. A local consortium attempted to purchase the site to maintain production but was declined by Heinz.

By May 2020, Kraft Heinz was reportedly exploring options to divest the Wattie's and Golden Circle brands to investor Graeme Hart.

Canada

Heinz established its Canadian presence in 1908 by converting a former tobacco factory located in Leamington, Ontario, recognized as Canada’s Tomato Capital. The Leamington plant primarily produces ketchup alongside tomato juice, mustard, vinegar, baby food products, barbecue sauces, canned pasta items, beans, pasta sauces, gravies, and soups. It also serves as a key supplier of single-serve and flexible packaging condiments for Canadian quick-service restaurants. Leamington is noted as the largest tomato-processing region worldwide by acreage and processes over 250,000 tons of tomatoes annually. Heinz Canada’s headquarters are based in North York, Ontario, with additional operations situated in St. Marys, Ontario, Montreal, Quebec, and Calgary, Alberta.

On November 14, 2013, Heinz announced plans to shut down the Leamington facility by May 2014 to consolidate ketchup production within the United States—this decision led to over 800 job losses. A local campaign aimed at preserving the century-old plant gained traction; subsequently in February 2014 Highbury Canco Corporation signed a letter of intent to purchase and operate the facility. By April that year Highbury Canco secured a one-year license allowing tomato processing at Leamington which saved approximately 250 jobs.

Following these developments and public disapproval, competitor French's launched a ketchup brand sourced from Leamington tomatoes that capitalized on Canadian patriotism through its marketing initiatives. This grassroots-supported campaign on social media contributed to Heinz’s market share falling from 84% to 76%, representing a major change within a mature marketplace. The situation further deteriorated in 2018 when Canadian tariffs targeted ketchup produced in the U.S., amid wider trade disputes with the American government. Heinz responded by initiating a public relations effort aimed at protecting its brand reputation during increasing calls for boycotts of U.S.-made goods.

India

In India, Heinz offers two main products: the classic Tomato Ketchup and a Tomato Chili Sauce variant. To meet local flavor preferences, Heinz customizes its offerings specifically for the Indian consumer base. The company broadened its product range by acquiring the former foods division of Glaxo India, incorporating brands such as Complan, Glucon D, Glucon C, Sampriti Ghee, and Nycil. However, in 2019, Heinz divested part of this portfolio, including Complan and Glucon-D, selling them to Zydus Wellness for $627.18 million.

Indonesia

Heinz made its debut in Indonesia in 1999 by purchasing a 65% share in PT. ABC Central Food for $70 million, establishing PT. Heinz ABC Indonesia headquartered in Jakarta. This subsidiary manufactures a variety of sauces, condiments, juices, and syrups. Serving Indonesia’s vast population alongside its expanding economy, PT. Heinz ABC Indonesia stands as Heinz’s largest operation in Asia and ranks among its most significant global enterprises. The company employs approximately 3,000 staff members across three manufacturing plants and eight packaging sites, supported by a comprehensive distribution system covering Java and other regions. Prominent products include Syrup ABC (fruit-flavored syrup), Kecap ABC (sweet soy sauce), and Sambal ABC (spicy chili sauce).

Netherlands

Heinz’s primary sauce production facility for Western Europe is located in Elst, Gelderland. After acquiring HP Foods in 2006, the manufacturing of HP Sauce and Daddies was relocated from Birmingham to Elst, which initially caused supply disruptions and dissatisfaction among UK retailers. To address these issues, Heinz began bottling sauces in Spain while continuing to ship finished goods from Elst. Additionally, the Dutch site produces essential sauces such as mayonnaise and ketchup destined for Southeast Asian markets.

United Kingdom

Heinz established its first office in London in 1896 and opened its initial factory in Peckham by 1905, followed by another facility in Harlesden in 1919. Despite bomb damage during World War II, the Harlesden factory remained operational until 2000. Production activities transitioned to Standish near Wigan in 1946, with the Kitt Green plant commencing operations in 1959. Heinz also maintained a baby food manufacturing site in Kendal focused on products under the Heinz Nurture label.

The company marketed Asian cuisine products under the Amoy brand, which was previously licensed from Ajinomoto Co. In 2018, ownership of Amoy Food was transferred to CITIC Capital Asian Foods Holdings Ltd.

By 2013, the Kitt Green facility was recognized as one of the world’s five largest food production plants, producing over one billion cans annually and holding the distinction of Europe’s largest food factory.

China

In 2013, Sanquan Food—an established Chinese frozen food manufacturer—acquired LongFong Food, a Heinz subsidiary operating within China. Following this transaction, Heinz (China) refocused its efforts on infant nutrition products and sauces targeted at emerging markets such as China itself. The regional management for operations across Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan is handled by Heinz Hong Kong Limited.

New Zealand

In New Zealand and Australia, Heinz manufactures frozen vegetables, mayonnaise, and sauces predominantly marketed under the "Watties" label.

Animal Welfare

Kraft Heinz is dedicated to advancing animal welfare standards throughout its worldwide supply network. Since 2016, the company has targeted sourcing exclusively cage-free eggs on a global scale by 2025; at present, 64% of its total egg procurement complies with this criterion, with all European eggs obtained from free-range hens.

The organization intends to elevate broiler chicken welfare by implementing practices consistent with the European Chicken Commitment—offering increased space, enriched living conditions, and healthier breeds—with a goal to achieve this in the U.S. by 2024 and in Europe by 2026.

Additionally, Kraft Heinz requires pork and dairy suppliers to shift pregnant sows into alternative housing systems and mandates that dairy producers in North America adhere to established animal care protocols.

References

Condon, Richard (1959). The Manchurian Candidate. McGraw-Hill. .
Dienstag, Eleanor Foa (1994). In Good Company: 125 Years at the Heinz Table. Warner Books.

External links