America's Favorite Ketchup(R) Introduces Its First-Ever, Dual-Function Ketchup Packet, Reduces Sodium by 15 Percent and Extends Lifestyle Line with Sugar-Based Products PITTSBURGH, Feb 04, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Whether you're a dipper, a squeezer, or a health-minded ketchup lover, Heinz is giving everyone more ways to enjoy America's Favorite Ketchup. Today, Heinz announced three ketchup innovations in response to consumer demand: Heinz Dip & Squeeze(TM), with a breakthrough dual-function ketchup package for the foodservice industry that promises to make eating on-the-go more fun and convenient; a reduction in sodium across its base ketchup line to support consumers' desire for lower-sodium products; and the launch of Simply Heinz(TM) Tomato Ketchup, made with sugar, for the retail market.
"For more than a century, product and packaging innovation based on a thorough understanding of what consumers want has been a critical part of the great success of Heinz Ketchup," said William R. Johnson, H.J. Heinz Company Chairman, President and CEO. "Heinz Ketchup's Dip & Squeeze product is just the latest milestone in our long history of packaging innovation. From the first plastic ketchup bottle to Top-Down(TM) and Fridge Door Fit(TM), Heinz continues to lead the industry in ketchup packaging innovation."
To Dip or Squeeze?
A true packaging breakthrough, the Heinz Dip & Squeeze dual-function package gives ketchup lovers two ways to enjoy Heinz Ketchup: either peel back the lid for easy dipping, or tear off the tip to squeeze onto favorite foods. The new package holds three times as much Heinz Ketchup as the traditional packet.(1)
That means more ketchup when it's wanted and where it's wanted with less mess and a better overall dining experience. Now, busy Americans have a portable, clean and versatile package that makes it easier and more fun to dip or squeeze Heinz Ketchup no matter where they are.
"Americans love Heinz Ketchup, and now the Dip & Squeeze product makes it easier and more fun for them to enjoy it on-the-go," said Dave Ciesinski, Vice President of Heinz Ketchup. "From dipping nuggets and fries to squeezing ketchup on hamburgers or eggs, the Heinz Dip & Squeeze product gives consumers more flexibility, so they can have fun and enjoy eating Heinz Ketchup on whatever and wherever they want."
The new Heinz Dip & Squeeze product marks the first ketchup packet makeover for the foodservice industry in 42 years. In the past, on-the-go eaters have struggled to open multiple ketchup packets while worrying about making a mess.
More Choices
Heinz also is extending its range of lifestyle-driven products available in retail to include Simply Heinz Tomato Ketchup, which is made with sugar, instead of high fructose corn sweetener. The product will be available in 32-oz. and 15-oz. ketchup bottles beginning in March. This new addition extends Heinz Ketchup's range of lifestyle products, which also includes Heinz(R) Organic Ketchup, Heinz(R) Hot & Spicy Ketchup, Heinz(R) No Salt Added Ketchup and Heinz(R) Reduced Sugar Ketchup. As the leading ketchup producer in the U.S., Heinz is passionate about providing its consumers with choices that fit a diverse array of lifestyles and dietary needs.
Now with Lower Sodium
To help in the effort to reduce consumers' sodium intake, Heinz will reduce sodium by 15 percent in its core line of ketchup beginning this summer.
"As the largest producer of ketchup in the U.S., Heinz is dedicated to meeting the growing consumer demand for better-for-you products, particularly with lower sodium," said Idamarie Laquatra, Director of Global Nutrition, Heinz. "Heinz Ketchup is proud to provide consumers with lower sodium ketchup with the great taste that Americans expect."
This reduction in sodium will make Heinz Ketchup the lowest-sodium, nationally available ketchup in the U.S. So, whether people are on the go, eating out or at home, they will be enjoying the same great taste of Heinz Ketchup they love, with less sodium.
Sharing the Love
To give America's ketchup lovers a place to express their love of ketchup, Heinz Ketchup is launching a Facebook fan page,
www.facebook.com/HeinzKetchup. The destination is a place for enthusiasts to share stories, videos, photos -- anything and everything related to Heinz Ketchup. Fans of the Heinz Ketchup Facebook page also will be the first to receive exclusive news on new products and innovations, including the latest details on the launch of Heinz Dip & Squeeze.
Notes to Editors
Heinz Dip & Squeeze is rolling out nationwide and will be available at quick service restaurants nationwide by the end of 2010. Images and b-roll are available upon request.
Simply Heinz Tomato Ketchup will be rolling out nationwide beginning in March and will be available at all major retailers by May. Images available upon request.
For more information on Heinz Ketchup, please visit
www.heinzketchup.com or check out our Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/HeinzKetchup.
