Heinz Foodservice: Supplier profile

26 September 2008 by
Heinz Foodservice: Supplier profile

Q Describe your business objectives.A By listening to what customers want, we would like to evolve from condiments and ingredients leader to out-and-out innovative culinary solutions leader, with our diverse range of brands a must, back and front of house. We are also investing heavily in the frozen business.

Q What issues currently face your food service customers?A A key issue is gauging how their business fits into the bigger picture, who their customers are, which products they should be investing in and how they can profit from their choices with a competitive edge, especially with the food inflation that is affecting the industry.

They are also having to answer increasing demand from consumers concerned about what they eat from health and ethical standpoints. Research shows a resounding 64% of consumers steer clear of products with a high proportion of artificial ingredients and preservatives.

QHow do you help them address these issues?A Knowing at least 45% of catering and hospitality professionals access the internet six or more times a day for business purposes, we recently introduced Heinzsight, an online resource tool to help caterers grow their businesses more profitably by better understanding their customers.

To help caterers show they respect consumers' desire for healthier products, meanwhile, we have launched the Grown, Not Made campaign, reinforcing the message that our trademark Heinz Tomato Ketchup has "no nasties" such as artificial colours, flavours, preservatives or thickeners. We have also reduced the salt content in our Heinz Beanz, in line with Food Standards Agency guidelines.

By constantly investing in research, we are able to develop innovative formats such as SqueezMe!. We have refreshed our back-of-house condiments and ready-to-use cooking sauces ranges, and are helping caterers capitalise on the under-exploited breakfast market with consumer profiling.

Q What are the questions your customers ask most regularly?A Our customers ask for help with identifying the best products possible for their individual business. As the industry becomes more competitive, they want to know how to make casual dining menus more appealing, more profitable and more successful through merchandising know-how and promotionals.

QWhat do you believe the next big trend in your market will be?AWith competition so fierce in the industry, outstanding customer service is becoming crucial as a point of difference. As a nation, we are getting better at it, according to the UK Customer Service Index, but we can do better, and more organisations are realising that service excellence has a dramatic effect on spend and the bottom line.

Heinz sauces
Heinz sauces

QWhere does the company stand on green issues?A We know that sustainability is key to our future success and are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and protecting natural resources for future generations. From sustainable agriculture and energy-efficient manufacturing processes to eco-friendly packaging initiatives, we are proving that smart business is compatible with environmental stewardship.

We actively endorse WRAP Waste and Resources Action Programme] and our cans are now the lightest on the planet, saving 1,400 tonnes of steel each year through sustainable practices. We have removed external white lacquer from Infant Feeding cans and have adopted a Cycle2Work scheme.

Our key WRAP Courtauld commitments are to deliver reductions in packaging by 2010, identify ways to tackle the problem of food waste, and ensure a significant proportion of packaging materials are made using recyclable materials.

QIn the long term, where's the business going?A We have a three-year strategy to expand into categories such as traditional and ethnic cooking sauces, with more innovative formats and quality products to complement meal occasions.

Although we are engaging with the industry through sponsorship of the likes of the Cateys, Fish & Chip Shop of the Year and the Skills for Chefs Conference, we'd like to do more.

FACTSCompany name: [Heinz FoodserviceAddress: Hayes Park, Hayes, Middlesex UB4 8AL Tel: 0800 575755 Website:www.heinzsight.co.ukArea of operation: Nationwide Products: Condiments and sauces, baked beans, soup, ready-to-use traditional and ethnic-inspired sauces, infant-feedung, and frozen desserts. Market sectors: Premium and quick-serve restaurants; hotels; schools; colleges and universities; pubs and clubs; business and industry; cafés; prisons; hospitals BRAND PORTFOLIO Heinz, HP, Amoy, Lea & Perrins, Daddies, Alveston Kitchens

By Diane Lane

More supplier profilesEnodis UK Foodservice >>

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