United States ketchup maker HJ Heinz Co is considering making further purchases in New Zealand, Bloomberg news agency reported today.
The Pittsburgh-based company that already owns Wattie's in New Zealand, bought Cottee's and Rose's jams and toppings from Cadbury Plc last year.
"We're always looking for similar opportunities in both countries or tied into larger corporate deals," Mike Milone, head of Heinz Australia and New Zealand, said today at an analyst meeting in New York.
"The recent Cottee's acquisition provided entry into a new segment. It added $US50 million ($NZ65 million) in sales." The two countries contribute 9 percent to Heinz's global revenue.
Two years ago, Heinz sold New Zealand poultry company Tegel Foods for around $250m.
It bought the Tegel business in 1992 as part of its purchase of Goodman Fielder, which also included Wattie's and Tip Top Ice Cream.
At the time, Heinz said it remained committed to the New Zealand market.
Heinz Wattie's was the leading food manufacturer in New Zealand, and its flagship range, Wattie's, was the country's most recognised grocery brand, it said.
