Heinz and Tesco call off price war: Food giant’s baked beans, ketchup and salad cream set to return to supermarket’s shelves as they reach an agreement after stand-off over ‘unjustifiable’ price rises

• Food war had broken out between Tesco and Heinz over product prices
• Kraft Heinz had paused its supply to popular supermarket chain Tesco
• Many items were unavailable online including the family favourite Heinz Beanz
• Tesco said it ‘will not pass on unjustifiable price increases’ to its customers

Peace in a war between baked beans giant Heinz and supermarket chain Tesco has been finally brokered – bringing relief to fans of the former’s tomato-based products.

At the end of June tins from the famous foodmaker were stripped from shelves after a trade dispute over price increases.

The unusual stand-off was sparked because Tesco said it would not ‘pass on unjustifiable price increases’ to its customers.

But this afternoon the pair said fleets of lorries loaded up with tins of baked beans and soup would be motoring their way to stores.

The convoy of vans were set to power down the motorways and roads of Britain to bring the favourites back into stock once more. 

A joint statement declared: ‘Tesco and Heinz are pleased to have reached an agreement that will see the full range of Heinz products return to Tesco shelves and online, continuing to offer our customers great value on the nation’s favourite Heinz varieties.

‘Lorries full of Heinz products including Heinz Tomato Ketchup and Heinz Beanz will hit the road shortly, and Tesco colleagues will be working hard to ensure shelves are filled again over the coming days.

Bristol: Tesco had accused the company of trying to impose unjust price rises that they are refusing to pass on to customers

CAMBRIDGE: A solitary can of baked beans on a Tesco shelf as customers couldn’t get their favourites in a row with Heinz over price

‘With British summertime finally here, Tesco shoppers will be able to get all the essentials they need for their perfect summer salad or barbecue, including the Heinz varieties they know and love. It’s great to be back together.’    

It is believed that Kraft Heinz, the manufacturer of Heinz goods, has paused supply to the retailer, meaning that many beloved products are not available at the moment. 

According to The Grocer magazine, the family favourites that had been unavailable on the retailer’s website include: Beanz 4x415g; Sticky Barbecue Sauce 500g; Salad Cream 605g; Baked Beans & Pork Sausages 200g; Beanz No Added Sugar 4x415g; Snap Pots 4x200g; Beanz No Added Sugar 200g; Chicken Noodle Soup 400g. 

A Tesco spokesperson told The Grocer at the time that the retailer was ‘laser-focused’ on keeping the cost of the weekly shop in check, offering customers great value through our combination of Aldi Price Match, Low Everyday Prices and Clubcard Prices’. 

Data from retail research experts Assosia has revealed the spike in Heinz prices in June at the big four supermarkets as Tesco try to negotiate

It is believed that Kraft Heinz, the manufacturer of Heinz goods, had paused supply to Tesco following a trade dispute over prices.

A Kraft Heinz spokesman also suggested price had been at the heart of the issue. 

He said that in today’s ‘challenging economic environment – with commodity and production costs rising – many consumers are working within tight budgets’.

He added: ‘We always look at how we can provide value through price, size and packs so consumers can enjoy the products they love and trust at a price point that works within their budgets, without compromising on quality.’ 

Kraft Heinz said it was ‘working closely with Tesco to resolve the situation as quickly as possible’ and was ‘confident in a positive resolution’ 

Source: Read Full Article