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Topics: Food and Drink
Emma Guinness
Heniz products have been a staple of British supermarkets for decades, but they’re a thing of the past in Tesco.
Now, the supermarket giant has explained why it’s decided to stop selling the likes of Heinz Tomato Ketchup and Heinz Baked Beanz.
A Tesco spokesperson said: “We’re 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.
“With household budgets under increasing pressure, now more than ever we have a responsibility to ensure customers get the best possible value, and we will not pass on unjustifiable price increases to our customers.
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“We’re sorry that this means some products aren’t available right now, but we have plenty of alternatives to choose from and we hope to have this issue resolved soon."
In a nutshell, Heinz products have simply got too expensive as a result of the cost of living crisis.
This comes as inflation in food prices is expected to be as high as 15 percent this summer, as reported by the Guardian.
Tesco explained that they are determined not to ‘not pass on to our customers’ the rising production costs, which they are currently contesting with their manufacturer Kraft Heinz.
The issue was first reported by The Grocer, where it was revealed that Heinz products were disappearing from Tesco’s shelves.
Some of the first products that were reported missing were Baked Beans & Pork Sausages 200g, Salad Cream and Salad Cream Light 605g and Heinz Cream Of Tomato Soup Mug Size 300G.
The outlet also reported steep rises in the cost of Heinz products with a four-pack of Beanz Snap Pots now costing £2.99 instead of £2.50 in Morrisons, and a four-pack of tomato soup increasing by a pound to £3.50 in the store when it was previously £2.50.
Even a simple can of baked beans saw a significant price hike to £1.20 when it was 90p.
Tagging the post #CostOfLivingCrisis, one shopper reacted: “Britain's staple standby foods now no longer available in Major UK Supermarkets.
“Goodbye Heinz Beans, Tomato Soup and Tomato Ketchup!”
A second wrote: “Good for Tesco, the production company Kraft Heinz have gotten greedy so Tesco have pulled the product in an attempt to keep their stores affordable.”
A third said: “As I see Tesco has fallen out with Heinz, it is a good opportunity to remind readers that Branston beans are the best anyway. And cheaper, especially at Iceland."
A Kraft Heinz spokesperson said of the product withdrawals: “We are working closely with Tesco to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. In today’s challenging economic environment - with commodity and production costs rising - many consumers are working within tight budgets.
“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.
“We are confident of a positive resolution with Tesco.”