Replies to post #265 on Kraft Heinz Company (KHC)

[FUNMAN]

WOW, KHC is really trying to kick "innovation-ass" The keep announcing new stuff.


This is a whole new product line.


Kraft Heinz debuts new ancient grains-centric brand



CHICAGO — The Kraft Heinz Co. is homing in on ancient grains with the launch of Amazing Grains, a new brand of convenient mini meals made with ancient grain ingredients.


https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/14630-kraft-heinz-debuts-new-ancient-grains-centric-brand


10.04.2019
By Rebekah Schouten



“Amazing Grains was inspired for consumers looking for convenient meals made with high quality, nourishing ingredients that taste delicious,” Kelsey Courser, associate director of White Space Platforms for Kraft Heinz, told Food Business News. “We were inspired to create an amazing brand that doesn’t force the consumer to sacrifice on their needs. Amazing Grains is also an inspiring brand for consumers to eat well and do amazing things for their friends, family and communities.”


Containing 6 to 10 grams of protein per product, Amazing Grains’ portfolio includes Overnight Oats and Fusion Grain Bowls, both of which are Non-GMO Project verified.


Amazing Grains Overnight Oats contain a combination of fruits, spices and an ancient grain blend consisting of whole grain oats, whole grain barley, whole grain quinoa, whole grain red wheat and flax. Consumers add milk and refrigerate for a convenient breakfast the next morning, and each cup contains 290 to 330 calories when prepared with 2% milk. Varieties include mocha almond, cranberry maple, and blueberry apple with probiotics.


Amazing Grains Fusion Grain Bowls feature vegetables, sauces and ancient grains, including barley, red quinoa and millet. Each bowl contains 280 to 330 calories and 8 to 10 grams of protein. Varieties include chipotle, featuring chipotle sauce, rice, tomato, onions, black beans and corn; ginger teriyaki, featuring teriyaki sauce, rice, onions, red peppers and broccoli; lemon herb, featuring lemon herb sauce, rice, tomato, zucchini and green bell peppers; and margherita, featuring margherita sauce, rice, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli, onions and red bell peppers.


“Thanks to evolving consumer demands, Kraft Heinz has continued to expand its existing portfolio with better-for-you products that don’t sacrifice convenience or taste,” Ms. Courser said. “Amazing Grains uses high quality ingredients that consumers have come to expect and trust from all Kraft Heinz products, all in a convenient cup for a nourishing meal with at least 6 to 10 grams of protein per serving.”



The overnight oats have a suggested retail price of $1.99 per cup, and the bowls have a suggested retail price of $2.99 each. Amazing Grains are available at grocery stores, including Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee and Publix.



Additionally, Kraft Heinz is testing Amazing Grains Mug Muffins “in small markets to gather consumer learnings,” Ms. Courser said. The muffins boast 7 grams of protein per microwavable cup and come in apple cinnamon and spiced banana varieties.

[FUNMAN]

Kraft Heinz merger not mixing well

WOW, this is an ugly article. I wonder if some of the necessary changes to turnaround the company are already underway and if they will be measurable in the next Q, or if it's going to take longer?

If longer, I assume there will be more opportunities to buy KHC at lower prices.

By: Joe Napsha
Sunday, October 6, 2019 12:01 a.m.

https://triblive.com/local/regional/kraft-heinz-merger-not-mixing-well/

The Pittsburgh-based company that Henry John Heinz started in the late 1800s ended up in a merger with the former Kraft Foods, with the result leaving a bad taste in the mouths of investors and stockholders.

Kraft Heinz Co. was formed in July 2015 amid hopes of generating more profits by joining two food and beverage production giants with diverse product lines. The growing pains have not gone away. Global sales in 2018 slipped to $26.2 billion and the company posted a net loss of $10.2 billion. When Kraft and Heinz were operating separately, the two companies generated a total of about $28 billion in annual revenues.

The company took a $15.4 billon write-down in February, reflecting a drop in the value of the company’s assets. Net income for the first six months of the year plunged to $852 million, down from $1.75 billion for the first six month of 2018. Sales took a dive as well, falling to $12.3 billion for the first half of the year, from $12.9 billion for the same period in 2018.

As if that was not bad enough, the Securities and Exchange Commission subpoeanaed Kraft Heinz in October 2018 over its accounting practices related to its procurement procedures, according to the company’s annual report for 2018. An internal investigation also found financial misstatements regarding supplier contracts, according to the annual report. The company had to restate quarterly financial reports from April 2017 through September 2018.

Christopher Growe, a managing director of the investment bank Stifel Nicolaus, has rated Kraft Heinz stock as a “hold” based on expectations on continuing uncertainty and a weaker near-term outlook as the company tries to restore profitable growth to its business.

In a report issued in September, Growe believes the company might have to sell some of its assets or cut its dividend. Spending on marketing is so low that it is an indication of a company not investing sufficiently in its brands, which leads to lackluster growth.

As the company undergoes its strategic review, Monica Aggarwal, managing director for Fitch Ratings, expects Kraft Heinz will highlight the brands and businesses it will invest in while potentially identifying assets that are non-core to the business.

“This could include a large legacy brand that either requires significant investments to stabilize or could be sold at a reasonable multiple to help deleverage the balance sheet,” Aggarwal said.

Fitch has revised its ratings outlook for Kraft Heinz from stable to negative. That reflects the uncertainty around the company’s future strategy and the amount debt, given the deterioration in Kraft Heinz’s financial performance.

Heinz had remained in control of its own destiny until June 2013, when Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital, a New York-based global investment firm, acquired H.J. Heinz in a $23.3 billion deal. It was a sweet deal for Heinz shareholders, who were paid a 19% premium to the record-high price of their Heinz stock.

Not content with Heinz as a stand-alone firm, Buffett and 3G Capital teamed up again to complete the merger of Heinz and Kraft Food Groups, forming the third-largest food company in the United States with about 200 brands.

By the time Buffett bought Heinz, the company no longer produced food in the Pittsburgh area. It had sold its North Side plant to competitor Del Monte Foods in 2002.

Kraft Heinz has 38,000 employees globally, but the company did not reveal how many remain in the Pittsburgh offices. The company does not break down employment by location, said Michael Mullen, a Kraft Heinz spokesman.

Joe Napsha is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joe at 724-836-5252, [e-mail] or via Twitter .

[FUNMAN]

The Pioneer Woman Brings a Taste of the Ranch to the Frozen Aisle With Breakfasts, Sides and Appetizers
1 hr ago


https://www.thedailytimes.com/business/the-pioneer-woman-brings-a-taste-of-the-ranch-to/article_e73c037c-1fbd-50a8-aeb5-0053b64baf23.html


PITTSBURGH & CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 8, 2019--


The Pioneer Woman, in collaboration with Kraft Heinz, is adding new frozen breakfasts, sides and appetizers to her namesake food line. Whether it’s a hectic weekday morning or a gathering with loved ones, Ree Drummond’s favorite family recipes are now available to make in your own kitchen … and the best part is, they’re ready in minutes (but taste like they took hours to make!).


This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191008005036/en/


The Pioneer Woman Frozen Breakfasts, Sides and Appetizers Line (Photo: Business Wire)


“I love spending time in the kitchen with my family. While I always would love to make every single meal from scratch, with our hectic schedules, it’s not always possible,” said Ree Drummond, creator of The Pioneer Woman. “My new line of frozen breakfasts, sides and appetizers is perfect for families like ours who want flavorful options they feel good about serving and eating, without having to do all the prep work.”


The Pioneer Woman ’s new frozen range (SRP: $5.99) comes in an assortment of sizes and flavors, so there’s something for everyone:


* The Pioneer Woman Frozen Breakfast offerings include poppable Chorizo Egg Bites, Roasted Vegetable Egg Bites and Cowgirl Quiche.


* The Pioneer Woman Frozen Sides include hearty comfort food favorites like Green Bean Casserole, Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, Country Corn Casserole, Fancy Mac & Cheese and Sweet Potato and Kale Casserole.


* The Pioneer Woman Frozen Appetizers include Goat Cheese Bites with Marinara, Zucchini Chips with Sweet & Sour Sauce and Toasted Sausage Ravioli with Marinara, all easily shareable with family and friends.


* Earlier this year, The Pioneer Woman introduced her new line of dressings and sauces. From Apple Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce and Spicy Southwestern Ranch, to Rustic Bolognese and Garden Vegetable Pasta Sauce, families can now craft a delicious assortment of Ree’s signature dishes in their own home.


To learn more about The Pioneer Woman offerings and where to buy, visit thepioneerwoman.com and follow on Twitter ( @thepioneerwoman ) and Facebook.com/thepioneerwoman.

About The Pioneer Woman

Ree Drummond is the creator of the popular, award-winning " The Pioneer Woman " website, a New York Times best-selling cookbook author and the host of her own show on the Food Network. Since launching her career in 2006, Drummond has grown her brand into a dynamic and successful company, all while being a wife and mother to four kids and a lovable pack of dogs on her ranch outside of Pawhuska, Oklahoma. For more information on The Pioneer Woman products/licensing, contact [e-mail]; media inquiries, contact Kelly, [e-mail].


View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191008005036/en/


CONTACT: Lynne Galia


847-646-4396

[e-mail] Higgins


312-577-1773


[e-mail]


KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA ILLINOIS PENNSYLVANIA


INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENTERTAINMENT RETAIL CELEBRITY SUPERMARKET FOOD/BEVERAGE


SOURCE: The Kraft Heinz Company


Copyright Business Wire 2019.


PUB: 10/08/2019 09:00 AM/DISC: 10/08/2019 09:01 AM


http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191008005036/en


Copyright Business Wire 2019.

[FUNMAN]

NICE JOB - Around the World To Fight Hunger: Kraft Heinz Employees To Pack One Million Meals in 24 Hours
October 9, 2019 at 9:48 AM EDT

http://ir.kraftheinzcompany.com/news-releases/news-release-details/around-world-fight-hunger-kraft-heinz-employees-pack-one-million

PITTSBURGH & CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 2019-- This World Food Day, October 16, Kraft Heinz will hold a 24-hour global meal-packing relay race in partnership with Rise Against Hunger, an international hunger relief non-profit organization. Starting in Sydney and ending in Chicago, 15 Kraft Heinz offices and factories around the world will join together to pack over one million meals destined for children and families in need. Employees from Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States will participate.

Kraft Heinz CEO Miguel Patricio said, “As one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, Kraft Heinz is committed to doing our part to end global hunger. We partner with local, national and international organizations and promote employee volunteerism to give back. This employee-led initiative to pack one million meals in 24 hours speaks to our commitment as a company and individually as members of our communities to help eliminate food insecurity.”

Each meal includes micronutrient powders containing 23 essential vitamins and minerals – developed by Kraft Heinz food science and nutrition experts – as well as rice, soy, and vegetables. Each serving of micronutrients provides an entire day’s worth of nutrition for healthy growth and development, and has been proven effective in preventing and treating iron-deficiency anemia and other vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

About The Kraft Heinz Company

For 150 years, we have produced some of the world’s most beloved products at The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ: KHC). Our Vision is To Be the Best Food Company, Growing a Better World. We are one of the largest global food and beverage companies, with 2018 net sales of approximately $26 billion. Our portfolio is a diverse mix of iconic and emerging brands. As the guardians of these brands and the creators of innovative new products, we are dedicated to the sustainable health of our people and our planet. To learn more, visit http://www.kraftheinzcompany.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Rise Against Hunger

Rise Against Hunger, an international hunger relief organization, aims to show the world that it is, in fact, possible to end hunger by the year 2030. With 28 U.S. locations and five international offices, the organization is committed to nourishing lives, providing emergency aid, empowering communities and growing the hunger movement. Rise Against Hunger has facilitated volunteer meal packaging of nearly 500 million meals to be distributed to countries around the world.



View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191009005476/en/

Source: The Kraft Heinz Company

Lynne Galia
847-646-4396
[e-mail]