Heinz in Time
1880s: Heinz lands on Australian shores
The story of Heinz in Australia began in the 1880s when American miners working in the goldfields introduced the taste of Heinz products to Australians for the first time.
1935: Heinz begins production in Australia
Given the company’s origins, it was only fitting that bottled horseradish was the first product out of the company’s original site in Richmond, Victoria. The next product to roll off the line was baked beans in tomato sauce, quickly followed by canned spaghetti.
1942: Heinz swings behind the war effort
With WWII causing a global shortage of tin, Heinz had to stop supplying canned goods to Australian shoppers. However, the company was able to get enough tinplate to supply nearly 12 million cans of tomato juice, Irish stew, beans, spaghetti, soups, and potatoes to the armed forces.
1950s-1960s: Boom times for Heinz
After the austerity of war, Australians fell in love with Heinz products all over again and, by 1956, production had increased to 12,600 tonnes with 28 baby food varieties and 51 other products being made.
1970s: Heinz tackles a weighty issue
In this decade, Heinz established itself as a leader in the nutrition and wellness revolution through the acquisition of Greenseas Seafood and the license for Weight Watchers®.
1980-1990s: Healthy growth for all
During these decades, Heinz continued to grow and prosper with an ambitious program of organic growth and acquisitions, including Wattie’s, New Zealand’s leading food brand.
In 1999, Heinz Australia launched the Heinz Infant Feeding Advisory Service (HIFAS), a team of dieticians and nurses who work to promote good health for infants through the nationwide network of maternal and child healthcare centres.
2000s: Sweet success
In 2007, Heinz acquired the license for Cottee’s jams, spreads, toppings, jellies and puddings, Rose's jams and Golden Circle, including the Original Juice Company and Popper Juice brands, which were acquired in 2008.
Heinz today
Heinz Australia today is a $1 billion food and beverage company with six manufacturing facilities, around 1600 staff and a reputation for quality brands and products that all Australians know and love.
