Press Release – Heinz Wattie’s
Today, Heinz Wattie’s Limited announced proposed changes to certain areas of its New Zealand business as part of the company’s shift to focus on its long-term strategy.
After careful consideration, the company is proposing to discontinue sale and production of frozen vegetables and Gregg’s coffee, as well as dips sold primarily under Mediterranean, Just Hummus and Good Taste Company brands. These products would be phased out over the course of the year.
The proposal would result in the closure of three manufacturing facilities located in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. Packing would also cease at the associated frozen lines in King Street, Hastings.
Approximately 350 roles are expected to be impacted as a result of the proposed site closures and other changes across the business. The final number would be confirmed following consultation and consideration of redeployment opportunities.
Heinz Wattie’s Managing Director, Andrew Donegan, said: “We are deeply aware of the impact this would have on our people, their families, our growers and suppliers, and the communities we have been part of for many years. These are people who have helped build this business over decades, and our priority now is supporting them.”
“The decision to start this process was not taken lightly. Numerous alternatives and options were explored before reaching this phase. It is a necessary step to position our company for the future.” Donegan adds.
Over recent years, the manufacturing environment in New Zealand has become increasingly difficult. Globally high inflation and various industry challenges have all placed ongoing pressure on the commercial performance of the business.
The business will continue to work closely with employees, union representatives, growers, suppliers, retail partners and other local stakeholders throughout the consultation period.
ABOUT HEINZ WATTIE’S
A subsidiary of The Kraft Heinz Company, Heinz Wattie’s is a major food producer with a proud New Zealand heritage. Founded by Sir James Wattie in 1934, Wattie’s is home to the nation’s favourite tomato sauce, baked beans, spaghetti and a wide range of fruit and vegetable products and meals enjoyed by millions of Kiwis up and down the country. Learn more about New Zealand’s best-loved food brand, by visiting www.watties.co.nz
Notes:
Proposed changes to Heinz Wattie’s Limited NZ
What is being proposed by Heinz Wattie’s
Changes to the business operations in New Zealand
Discontinuance of sales over the course of the year of the following products:
Wattie’s frozen vegetables
Gregg’s coffee
Dips sold under Mediterranean, Just Hummus and Good Taste Company (La Bonne Cuisine) brands
Potential manufacturing & producer impact
The phased closure of the following sites:
Auckland – producing under La Bonne Cuisine
Dunedin – producing under Gregg’s and Cerebos coffee
Christchurch – producing Wattie’s frozen vegetables
Packing at the associated frozen lines in King St, Hastings
Producers would include:
Pea and other vegetable growers
Approximately 220 growers in the Canterbury region and surrounding areas servicing the Christchurch site
Key reasons for the proposed changes
To enable the business to remain sustainable in a challenging environment
To manage the impact of global inflation and industry challenges such as high input and logistics costs, imported products and the cost-of-living crisis which have placed ongoing pressure on the commercial performance of the business and the above manufacturing sites.
Employee information
Approximately 350 roles will be potentially impacted across the sites and businesses, most of which are full-time positions.
The consultation process takes place between 11 March 2026 and will conclude on 25 March 2026.
The consultation process will include the review of redeployment opportunities
Further redeployment opportunities will be investigated throughout the course of the year in line with the phased site closures.
Generous redundancy packages, career transition and outplacement services, counselling and wellbeing support will be offered to employees.
Other facts
Manufacturing operations in Hawke’s Bay will continue with Wattie’s employing a significant number of people across New Zealand.
Presence in 11 categories across the country.
A portfolio of more than 800 SKUs (individual product items) manufactured in New Zealand.
Export to multiple markets including Australia, Japan and the Pacific Islands.
Partnerships with growers for crops such as tomatoes, peaches, corn and beetroot.
Wattie’s products are a staple with one or more found in most New Zealand households.
The company will continue to invest in operations, marketing and research and development, to strengthen its resilience and secure long-term growth.
Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz
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