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Tag: Heinz

  • Heinz and Heineken Unveil Limited-Edition Combo: Beer Meets Ketchup in Epic 150-Year Brand Collaboration

    Heinz and Heineken Unveil Limited-Edition Combo: Beer Meets Ketchup in Epic 150-Year Brand Collaboration

    Iconic brands Heinz and Heineken have teamed up to release a unique, limited-edition six-pack that combines their popular ketchup and beer products. This creative collaboration is not introducing a new consumption trend, but rather capitalizes on an already established pattern of consumer behaviour.

    Long-standing Consumer Habits Inspire Collaboration

    The pairing of these two beloved products acknowledges how they are often consumed together at various social settings. Be it a casual gathering, a sporting event, a barbecue, or simply during a burger meal, the consumption of Heinz ketchup and Heineken beer is a common occurrence.

    Dana Katz, Director of Integrated Communications at Heineken, stated that this brand pairing has been 150 years in the making. She emphasized that instead of creating a novel habit, this collaboration is a testament to what consumers have been doing for decades.

    The unique concept behind the partnership, according to Katz, emerged from an already existing link between the two brands. She mentioned that the idea didn’t feel like a new creation, but more of a discovery of something which had been hidden in plain sight, going even as far as the similarity in the brand names.

    Rolling Out in Select International Markets

    The exclusive Heinz x Heineken six-pack is set to hit the shelves in a number of selected international markets. These include the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the unique selling proposition of the Heinz x Heineken six-pack?
    The unique selling point of this product is it combines two popular items that are often consumed together, Heinz ketchup and Heineken beer, into one convenient pack.

    Where will the Heinz x Heineken pack be available?
    The pack will be available in selected international markets, including the UK, Ireland, and Canada.

    What inspired the collaboration between Heinz and Heineken?
    The concept emerged from an already existing link between the two brands, recognizing that their products are often consumed together in various social settings.

  • Heinz Unveils Squeezable Leftover Gravy: The Secret Sauce to Level Up Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

    Heinz Unveils Squeezable Leftover Gravy: The Secret Sauce to Level Up Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

    Heinz, the renowned food processing company, has recently unveiled its Leftover Gravy, marking the debut of Homestyle Turkey Gravy in a squeezable format, a first-of-its-kind initiative ideal for enhancing Thanksgiving leftovers.

    During the protracted Thanksgiving celebrations, it is estimated that 94% of Americans craft sandwiches from their leftovers. Half of these sandwich makers regard gravy as a vital ingredient. With these statistics in mind, Heinz Leftover Gravy was conceived. The product takes its cue from the iconic “Moist Maker” sandwich, popularized by a much-loved sitcom from the 1990s, and serves as the perfect addition to next-day sandwiches.

    Jamie Mack, Associate Director of Brand Communications for Heinz US, shed light on the company’s decision to create this innovative product. “Although Heinz Gravy has been a longstanding crowd-pleaser at Thanksgiving feasts, we chose to shift our focus towards the day-after custom – given that leftovers are typically seen as the highlight, and our distinctively rich and creamy gravy only enhances the experience,” Mack explained.

    Heinz’s Leftover Gravy has been well-received on social media, particularly among millennial fans of the sitcom that inspired its creation. The “Moist Maker” sandwich symbolizes the meticulous and heartfelt preparation associated with holiday meals. Heinz is now paying tribute to those enthusiasts who harbor an inexplicable affection for this nostalgic sandwich, offering them the secret to a tasteful day-after sandwich – Heinz Leftover Gravy.

    The introduction of this product aligns seamlessly with Heinz’s ongoing emphasis on gravy during the high-demand holiday season. The company aims to appeal to millennial consumers, a demographic known for reshaping Thanksgiving traditions.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Heinz’s new product?
    Heinz has introduced Leftover Gravy, a squeezable version of Homestyle Turkey Gravy, designed to enhance Thanksgiving leftovers.

    What inspired the creation of Heinz Leftover Gravy?
    The product was inspired by the “Moist Maker” sandwich from a popular ’90s sitcom. It caters to the fact that 94% of Americans use their Thanksgiving leftovers to make sandwiches, with half of them considering gravy a crucial component.

    Who is the target demographic for Heinz Leftover Gravy?
    Heinz Leftover Gravy is aimed at millennial consumers, particularly those who are known to redefine traditional Thanksgiving celebrations.

  • Kraft Heinz Q3: Dipping Sales, Savory Split in 2026 & the Crunch for Iconic Brands

    Kraft Heinz Q3: Dipping Sales, Savory Split in 2026 & the Crunch for Iconic Brands

    Food industry behemoth Kraft Heinz reported a disappointing third quarter with lower than anticipated results. The company attributes the underperformance to persistent cost pressures and diminishing consumer demand, which have compelled a downward revision of its forecast for fiscal year 2025.

    Kraft Heinz, the name behind iconic products like Heinz Ketchup and Kraft Mac & Cheese, recorded global net sales of US$6.24 billion. This represents a decline of 2.3% from the corresponding quarter in the previous year, with organic sales dipping by 2.5%.

    The company’s adjusted operating income fell by 16.9% to US$1.1 billion, marking a significant decrease of nearly 19% from the same period last year.

    CEO’s Statement

    According to Kraft Heinz’s CEO, Carlos Abrams-Rivera, the company’s third quarter performance reflects a slight improvement in their top-line performance compared to the first half of the year.

    Despite this, North America, the company’s largest market, continues to experience challenges as customers scale back on their spending on pantry essentials.

    In this region, the net sales declined by 3.8%, a consequence of a 4.2-point decrease in volume and mix. Contrarily, net sales in international developed markets saw an increase of 1.6%, and emerging markets, including those in Western and Eastern parts, as well as Asia, experienced growth of 3.8%.

    Challenges and Market Positioning

    Daniel Binns, Global CEO of brand consultancy firm Elmwood, highlighted the company’s struggle with volume declines across its famous brands. According to him, the prime challenge lies in maintaining a premium positioning while staying relevant to shifting consumer needs.

    Binns emphasized that legacy brands need to assert their value in visible and relevant ways, be it through innovation, revitalized storytelling, or superior consumer experiences.

    “I believe consumers need to perceive brands as ‘meaningfully different’ to accept premium pricing. Simply being ‘reassuringly expensive’ no longer suffices,” Binns asserted.

    Future Plans

    Going forward, Kraft Heinz confirmed its plan to divide into two publicly traded companies during the latter half of the next year.

    The first entity, Global Taste Elevation Co, will encompass Heinz, Philadelphia, and Kraft Mac & Cheese. The second, North American Grocery Co, will include a curated portfolio of North American staples with three billion-dollar brands – Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles, and Lunchables.

    Abrams-Rivera expressed confidence that this separation would allow each business to better concentrate resources, improve execution, reduce complexity, and foster further efficiencies.

    Binns advanced the view that Kraft Heinz’s planned division could enable the portfolios to follow distinct strategies. The core challenge, however, is that heritage brands must evolve thoughtfully, engaging consumers while maintaining their price premium through real benefits and authentic differentiation rather than merely relying on nostalgia.

    Questions & Answers

    What were the Q3 results for Kraft Heinz?
    The company reported lower than expected results, with global net sales of US$6.24 billion, marking a decline of 2.3% from the same period last year.

    What is Kraft Heinz’s plan for the future?
    Kraft Heinz plans to split into two publicly traded companies during the second half of the coming year.

    What challenges does Kraft Heinz face?
    The key challenge for Kraft Heinz is to maintain the premium positioning of their heritage brands while staying relevant to shifting consumer needs. This involves portraying their brands as ‘meaningfully different’ to justify premium pricing.

  • Kraft Heinz Announces Strategic Split Into Two Independent Companies

    Kraft Heinz Announces Strategic Split Into Two Independent Companies

    The Kraft Heinz Company recently announced its comprehensive strategy to divide its current operations into two independent companies. This decision is aimed at enhancing functionality and reducing operational complexity.

    The Plan for Separation

    The company’s board has given its approval for this plan, which will result in the formation of two separate, publicly traded entities through a tax-free spin-off.

    The first of these entities will be Global Taste Elevation Co. This company will focus on spices and shelf-stable meals, boasting net sales of approximately US$15.4 billion and an adjusted EBITDA of $4 billion in the previous year. Its brand portfolio will include well-known names like Heinz, Philadelphia, and Kraft Mac & Cheese. Notably, sauces, spreads, and seasonings will make up 75% of its sales.

    The second entity, North American Grocery Co, will have net sales of $10.4 billion and an EBITDA of $2.3 billion. This firm will oversee brands such as Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles, and Lunchables.

    Expected Outcomes

    The division is expected to grant each new company greater strategic and operational focus. This will allow them to allocate resources appropriately, streamline operations, and distribute capital based on their individual strategies.

    Miguel Patricio, the board’s executive chair for Kraft Heinz, noted that while their brands are celebrated and iconic, the current structural complexity impedes effective capital allocation and prioritization of initiatives. The split into two companies will enable the unlocking of each brand’s potential, driving improved performance and long-term shareholder value.

    Carlos Abrams-Rivera will maintain his leadership role at Kraft Heinz during the separation, transitioning to become the CEO of North American Grocery Co once the process is complete. Meanwhile, the board is collaborating with an executive search firm to find suitable CEO candidates for Global Taste Elevation Co.

    Kraft Heinz has no plans to relocate its current headquarters. The board has also created a Separation Committee, led by Vice-Chair John Cahill, to supervise the spin-off’s execution.

    The company expects to finalize the separation by the second half of next year. It also anticipates dis-synergies of up to $300 million, with clear opportunities to offset a significant portion of these in the near term.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the two new companies that will be formed from the Kraft Heinz split?
    The two new companies will be Global Taste Elevation Co and North American Grocery Co, each specializing in different areas of the food industry.

    Who will lead North American Grocery Co?
    Carlos Abrams-Rivera, who currently leads Kraft Heinz, will become the CEO of North American Grocery Co once the separation is complete.

    When is the split expected to be finalized?
    The separation is expected to conclude by the second half of next year.

  • Heinz Unveils Novel Fried Chicken Sauce In Partnership With Gami Chicken

    Heinz Unveils Novel Fried Chicken Sauce In Partnership With Gami Chicken

    Heinz has recently launched their novel Fried Chicken Sauce, which is now available in supermarkets and for a brief duration, through a partnership with the popular Korean fried chicken outlet, Gami Chicken.

    A New Addition to the Condiment Aisle

    The newly introduced sauce is characterized by its bold, creamy, sweet, and spicy flavor, specially crafted to enhance the taste of fried chicken. This addition to the condiment selection is expected to bring a distinctive flavor profile to the dining table.

    Partnership with Gami Chicken

    In conjunction with the sauce’s debut, Heinz established a collaboration with Gami Chicken restaurants in Victoria, NSW, SA, and WA. For a limited period, patrons have the option to order a combo meal that includes boneless fried chicken, chips, and the new Heinz Fried Chicken Sauce.

    Jun Lee, the founder of Gami Chicken, spoke highly of the latest product. In his words, the new sauce from Heinz was a standout in a saturated market and has been a pleasant surprise in taste and quality. Lee also expressed his excitement to be involved in a launch that celebrates bold and delicious flavors.

    Availability and Pricing

    Heinz Fried Chicken Sauce retails for an RRP of $4.80 for a 295ml bottle and is currently available at Coles. The distribution of the product will broaden to include Woolworths and Metcash stores from September 29 onwards.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the flavour profile of the new Heinz Fried Chicken Sauce?
    The sauce has a unique combination of bold, creamy, sweet, and spicy flavours.

    Where can consumers find Heinz’s new Fried Chicken Sauce?
    The sauce is currently available at Coles and will soon be distributed to Woolworths and Metcash stores from September 29.

    What does the limited-time partnership with Gami Chicken entail?
    As part of the partnership, for a limited time, customers at Gami Chicken restaurants can order a combo meal that includes boneless fried chicken, chips, and the new Heinz Fried Chicken Sauce.

  • Heinz And Smoothie King Launch Groundbreaking Tomato Ketchup-based Smoothie In Select Us Markets

    Heinz And Smoothie King Launch Groundbreaking Tomato Ketchup-based Smoothie In Select Us Markets

    In an unexpected partnership, famed condiment producer Heinz and beverage giant Smoothie King have come together to introduce a pioneering concept in the beverage industry – a smoothie that is based on ketchup. Drawing inspiration from the viral internet conundrum, ‘If tomatoes are a fruit, can ketchup be seen as a smoothie?’, this unique, limited-edition creation has been christened the Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie.

    A Savoury-Sweet Blend

    This one-of-a-kind smoothie is a blend of Heinz Simply Tomato Ketchup and typical fruit smoothie components like acai sorbet, apple juice, strawberries, and raspberries. The collaboration has resulted in an intriguingly tangy yet sweet beverage that has been described by both companies as an ideal “refreshing summer sip.”

    The Vice President of R&D and product marketing at Smoothie King, Lori Primavera, spoke about the process of creating this innovative smoothie. She said, “After several months of thorough R&D, testing and tasting, we have successfully developed a savoury-sweet blend that honours the versatility of the tomato. Our constant commitment to nutritious ingredients and our Clean Blends promise is evident in every recipe we create, and this daring new blend is no exception!”

    Availability

    The groundbreaking Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie will be available at selected Smoothie King outlets in five US markets. These include Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Miami, and the Greater New York/New Jersey area. Priced at US$5.70, this unique beverage will be on sale as long as stocks last.

    Earlier this year, Heinz had also collaborated with the Philippine milk tea chain Macao Imperial Tea to create ReMix, an innovative blend of tea and condiments.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie?
    The Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie is a unique, limited-edition beverage developed in collaboration between Heinz and Smoothie King. It blends Heinz Simply Tomato Ketchup with classic fruit smoothie ingredients.

    Where can I purchase the Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie?
    The smoothie will be available at select Smoothie King locations across five US markets: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Miami, and the Greater New York/New Jersey area.

    What is the price of the Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie?
    The Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie is priced at US$5.70 and will be available while supplies last.

  • Kraft Heinz Reports $8 Billion Loss Amid Rising Costs And Impairment Charge: A Resilient Sales Performance Amid Turbulence

    Kraft Heinz Reports $8 Billion Loss Amid Rising Costs And Impairment Charge: A Resilient Sales Performance Amid Turbulence

    In the second quarter of 2025, multinational food company Kraft Heinz reported a net loss of $8 billion (AUD$12 billion). This financial downturn was primarily due to a $9.3 billion impairment charge. However, despite significant market challenges, the company’s overall sales exhibited resilience.

    Sales Performance

    Kraft Heinz saw a slight decline in its net sales by 1.9%, dropping to $6.35 billion. Organic sales also fell by 2%, where increased pricing countered a 2.7% volume decrease across various product categories. These categories included cold cuts, coffee, lunchables, frozen snacks, and powdered beverages.

    Operating Loss and Adjusted Income

    Operating income sharply fell into a loss of $8 billion. Similarly, adjusted operating income experienced a 7.5% decrease, landing at $1.3 billion. Kraft Heinz attributed these decreases to rising commodity costs and unfavorable volume and mix. However, these pressures were somewhat alleviated by price increases, reductions in advertising expenditures, and beneficial effects from foreign exchange.

    The company pointed to the impairment charge as the main factor driving their losses. This was largely due to a consistent decrease in share price and market capitalization.

    Strategic Initiatives

    Despite these challenges, Kraft Heinz remains committed to its long-term strategic plans. These include targeted investments in their brands, innovative product development, and improvements in operational efficiency. These initiatives aim to counterbalance the softness in volume and cost inflation.

    Carlos Abrams-Rivera, CEO of Kraft Heinz, commented on the company’s Q2 results, stating, “Our second quarter top-line results reflect this dedication, improving from the first quarter. We are delivering value and driving improvement, underpinned by our Brand Growth System and our Go To Market model.”

    Earlier in the year, it was rumored that Kraft Heinz was considering a spinoff of parts of its grocery division, as it continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences and a general shift away from processed foods.

    Questions & Answers

    What were Kraft Heinz’s net losses in Q2 2025?
    Kraft Heinz reported a net loss of $8 billion (AUD $12 billion) in the second quarter of 2025.

    What factors contributed to the company’s financial downturn?
    The company’s financial downturn was primarily due to a $9.3 billion impairment charge. Other contributors were rising commodity costs and an unfavorable volume and mix.

    What strategic initiatives is Kraft Heinz focusing on to combat these challenges?
    Kraft Heinz is focusing on strategic initiatives like targeted brand investments, product innovation, and operational efficiencies to help counterbalance volume softness and cost inflation.

  • Kraft Heinz is mulling the sale of brands to ‘unlock shareholder value’

    Kraft Heinz is mulling the sale of brands to ‘unlock shareholder value’

    Kraft Heinz, a leading food and beverage corporation, recently disclosed that it’s considering “potential strategic transactions” as a measure to boost shareholder value.

    Strategic Moves for Value Creation

    According to Kraft Heinz’s CEO, Carlos Abrams-Rivera, the company lays significant emphasis on delivering high-quality, great-tasting food to its consumers. This commitment, he believes, is vital to driving sustainable profitability, growth, and value creation.

    Potential Brand Transactions

    While Kraft Heinz is considering strategic transactions, the company has made it clear that it will not offer a timeline for any such potential deals, nor does it guarantee the sale of any of its brands.

    Kraft Heinz is a global powerhouse with more than 80 brands under its belt. In Australia, it owns Greenseas and Golden Circle; in New Zealand, it owns Watties, Cats Prefer Chef, Food in a Minute, and the Good Taste Company. The company hasn’t specified which markets may be targeted for potential brand transactions.

    Board Reorganization

    In related news, Kraft Heinz also announced that Berkshire Hathaway would no longer maintain its seats on the Heinz board, a decision that aligns with its other non-controlled investments. Consequently, Timothy Kenesey and Alicia Knapp have resigned from the Heinz board due to their affiliations with Berkshire Hathaway as executives, reducing the board’s size to 10 members.

    Questions & Answers

    What strategic transactions is Kraft Heinz considering?
    The specifics of the potential strategic transactions that Kraft Heinz is considering have not been disclosed. However, they are aimed at enhancing shareholder value.

    Will Kraft Heinz sell any of its brands?
    As of now, Kraft Heinz has not guaranteed the sale of any of its brands, nor has it provided a timeline for potential transactions.

    Why have Timothy Kenesey and Alicia Knapp stepped down from the Heinz board?
    Timothy Kenesey and Alicia Knapp have resigned from the Heinz board due to their executive associations with Berkshire Hathaway, which has relinquished its seats on the board.

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  • Heinz launches pickle-flavoured ketchup in Australia

    Heinz launches pickle-flavoured ketchup in Australia

    Heinz is making a twist on its classic tomato sauce by introducing a new pickle-flavoured ketchup in Australia.

    The new flavour blends ketchup with dill pickle for a flexible sauce, which the company ensures “to thrill both pickle fans and ketchup lovers nationwide”.

    The new Heinz Pickle Flavoured Ketchup is already available in Coles stores and will be available countrywide at Woolworths and Metcash on October 14 with an RRP of $5.00.

    Last month, Heinz introduced two new mayo flavours – Cheesy Garlic Bread Aioli and Margherita Pizza Mayonnaise – which it describes as “criminally tasty”.

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  • Heinz launches Black Garlic Mayo version for Halloween

    Heinz launches Black Garlic Mayo version for Halloween

    It’s well and truly the scary season, and Heinz’s newest sauce is set to get you in the Halloween mood, one dip at a time. Launching the [Scarily] Good Black Garlic Mayo, Heinz have found a way for you to incorporate all things spooky into all your meals throughout October and maybe even into November, because it’s that good.

    Arriving in three limited-edition collectible designs, the Black Garlic Mayo is rich, tangy and slightly sweet and umami-packed, making it a fang-tastic accompaniment to your dinners. The best part about this jet-black condiment though, is that it’s vegan! It’s safe to say that it’s definitely a treat.

    A Kraft spokesperson said: “We are un-boo-lievably excited for Heinz fans to get their hands on our newest, fang-tastic [Scarily] Good Black Garlic Mayo. This new product is the perfect way to embrace the spooky season, suitable for all audiences, even vampires! Don’t miss out on this limited batch.”

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  • Heinz to test paper-based ketchup bottle for worldwide launch

    Heinz to test paper-based ketchup bottle for worldwide launch

    Pulpex, a packaging technology company co-founded by Diageo, has quickly grown in prominence with several CPGs working with the upstart. PepsiCo, which debuted a prototype of the world’s first fully recyclable paper bottle last year, and Unilever have committed to using Pulpex’s technology in their packaging as founding partners of a consortium of companies.

    For Kraft Heinz, the new bottle type will help in its broader sustainable packaging ambitions. The manufacturer of Velveeta cheese and Oscar Mayer cold cuts has pledged to make all of its packaging globally recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. It also is aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

    A big reason why companies are investing money to improve their packaging is not only to be altruistic but also because consumers are responding through their purchases.

    More than two-thirds of consumers consider it important that the products they buy are in recyclable packaging, according to Trivium Packaging’s 2021 Global Buying Green Report. The report also found 54% take sustainable packaging into consideration when selecting a product.

    It’s a big reason why General Mills’ Nature Valley Crunchy granola bars, for example, moved to fully recyclable plastic wrappers starting last year and PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division introduced a compostable bag for its Off The Eaten Path brand.

    Coca-Cola has introduced bottles made from 100% recycled plastic material, Mars Wrigley has partnered with Danimer Scientific to create biodegradable wrappers for Skittles and Danone’s Evian bottled water brand has unveiled a new recycled plastic (rPET) prototype bottle using technology from Loop Industries. The Evian bottles will first appear at a commercial scale in South Korea in 2022 before debuting elsewhere in the future.

    In many cases, companies are testing out new sustainable technologies before determining whether to roll them out more broadly — a key step to ironing out any glitches and making production cost-effective. Kraft Heinz said it will test the prototype to assess performance before trying it with consumers and then eventually bringing the bottle to market.

    The fact that easily recognizable brands such as Heinz are embracing paper-based packaging adds significant momentum behind the shift.

    “The scope for paper-based packaging is huge, and when global household names like Heinz embrace this type of innovative technology, it’s good news for everyone — consumers and the planet,” said Pulpex CEO Scott Winston.

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  • Kraft Heinz launches frozen vegetarian snacks

    Kraft Heinz launches frozen vegetarian snacks

    Kraft Heinz in collaboration with Oprah Winfrey unveiled a series of new O, That’s Good! Frozen Skillet meals.  This launch is the fourth category from Mealtime Stories, LLC, the joint venture between Kraft Heinz and Oprah Winfrey, which includes refrigerated soups, sides, and frozen pizza.

    The O, That’s Good! brand was inspired by Oprah’s love for nutritious food. The newcomers are said to be comfort foods with a twist of veggies, ready in just 10 minutes. For example, the Chicken Alfredo meal swaps cream in the sauce with pureed cauliflower to bring the fat content down with 35%.

    “Comfort food gets a bad rap, but not anymore. With the new skillets, there’s a twist of veggies in the sauce, but you’d never know the difference,” said Winfrey.

    O, That’s Good! Frozen Skillet Meals (suggested retail price: USD6.99) are available nationwide in six varieties: Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Margherita, Southwest Style Chicken & Penne, Italian Sausage & Rigatoni, Garlic Chicken and Potatoes, and vegetarian-friendly Three Cheese Tortellini. All are made with high-quality ingredients, including antibiotic-free chicken and natural sausage, and have no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes.

    Kraft Heinz will support O, That’s Good! Frozen Skillet Meals with a robust 360-degree marketing campaign, including a new national TV ad featuring Winfrey.

    Along with skillets, O, That’s Good! is extending its pizza line to include three new frozen thin-crust pizza options (USD6.99) with a twist of cauliflower in the crust: BBQ

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  • Kraft Heinz and DKSH expand their strategic partnership to Malaysia

    Kraft Heinz and DKSH expand their strategic partnership to Malaysia

    DKSH Business Unit Consumer Goods, the leading partner for FMCG companies seeking to grow their business in Asia, is expanding its partnership with The Kraft Heinz Company, the fifth-largest food and beverage company in the world, to Malaysia.

    DKSH had a long-lasting relationship with Kraft Foods, dating back to 2001. Since Kraft Foods and Heinz joined forces, DKSH has been supporting the company in Singapore and Hong Kong, which are both key markets in the region.

    The expansion of the partnership to Malaysia is an example of DKSH’s track record and capabilities as pan-Asian services provider for multinational FMCG companies. The strategic decision of Kraft Heinz to appoint DKSH as partner in Malaysia aims at simplifying its operation in the region, by decreasing time spent on distributor management and by moving from a multi-distributor model to one service provider.

    DKSH will provide a full-service solution for Kraft Heinz to accelerate growth for household brands, such as Heinz, ABC, HP Sauce, Lea & Perrin’s and Wattie’s in Malaysia. DKSH’s approach to drive growth is fourfold: First, DKSH will be decreasing Kraft Heinz’s operational complexity in Malaysia, including East Malaysia. Second, it will also improve accessibility by closing distribution gaps in Modern Trade and expanding coverage in General Trade and Food Services. Third, the company will strongly focus on operational excellence and on raising on-shelf availability. Lastly, DKSH will enable effective analysis through data sharing and business intelligence.

    Joao Leitao, Managing Director, SEA, NWA, India and APAC Exports at Kraft Heinz, commented: “We believe the partnership with DKSH will simplify our operation and open new doors for us. Having one partner that provides a full-service solution in multiple markets in the region is a key strategic reason for us the expand our partnership to Malaysia.”

    Terry Seremetis, Global Head, Business Unit Consumer Goods at DKSH, commented: “We are excited to expand our relationship with a leading company like Kraft Heinz, as this is a testament to the strength of our growth platform and will further strengthen our position in the market. We are fully committed to driving the availability and visibility of globally renowned brands like Heinz and regional hero’s like ABC.”

  • Amazon India proposes $500m food venture

    Amazon India proposes $500m food venture

    Amazon India has applied to the government to invest US$500 million in a wholly owned venture that will allow the US eCommerce giant to stock locally produced food items and sell them online.

    If successful, it would become the first foreign retailer to enter the segment.

    Amazon already has an eCommerce marketplace in India, but while 100 per cent overseas capital is permitted for such platforms, they cannot sell products of their own. Last year, the government allowed for 100 per cent foreign investment in the retailing of processed foods made in India.

    Amazon has filed its application with the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), which handles foreign investment in retailing and e­Commerce. The company plans to invest $500 million over five years and could start selling locally produced food items within six months of obtaining approval, says an insider.

    “We are excited by the government’s continued efforts to encourage foreign direct investment in India for a stronger food-supply chain,” says an Amazon spokesperson. “We have sought an approval to invest and partner with the government in achieving this vision.”

    Only Indian grocery delivery companies Big­Basket and Grofers have applied under
    the category, prompting the government to invite companies including CP Foods (Thailand), Heinz, Nestle and Walmart to provide feedback and investment plans.

    This followed the minister for food-processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal visiting London with a team of officials last year to meet representatives of such companies as Cobra Beer, Harrods, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Tesco to drum up support for the policy.

    Amazon’s current online platform is open to Indian-­owned entities, and similar platforms are run by Flipkart, the country’s largest eCommerce company, and Snapdeal.

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