From a two-man band selling homegrown horseradish to a major multinational with leading brands in over 50 countries, the history of Heinz is one of innovation, inspiration and hard work.

The story of Heinz in Australia began in the 1880s when American miners working in the goldfields introduced the taste of Heinz products to Australians for the first time.

Given the company’s origins, it was only fitting that bottled horseradish was the first product out of the company’s original site in Richmond, Victoria. The next product to roll off the line was baked beans in tomato sauce, quickly followed by canned spaghetti.

With WWII causing a global shortage of tin, Heinz had to stop supplying canned goods to Australian shoppers. However, the company was able to get enough tinplate to supply nearly 12 million cans of tomato juice, Irish stew, beans, spaghetti, soups, and potatoes to the armed forces.

After the austerity of war, Australians fell in love with Heinz products all over again and, by 1956, production had increased to 12,600 tonnes with 28 baby food varieties and 51 other products being made.

In this decade, Heinz established itself as a leader in the nutrition and wellness revolution through the acquisition of Greenseas Seafood and the license for Weight Watchers®.

During these decades, Heinz continued to grow and prosper with an ambitious program of organic growth and acquisitions, including Wattie’s, New Zealand’s leading food brand. In 1989, Heinz Australia launched the Heinz Infant Feeding Advisory Service (HIFAS), a team of dietitians and nurses who work to promote good health for infants through the nationwide network of maternal and child healthcare centres.

In 2007, Heinz acquired the license for Cottee’s jams, spreads, toppings, jellies and puddings, Rose's jams and Golden Circle, including the Original Juice Company and Popper Juice brands, which were acquired in 2008.

In 2015, Heinz merged with global food company Kraft Foods Group, becoming Kraft Heinz.

Today Kraft Heinz turns over $1.2 billion in Australia, with four manufacturing facilities, more than 900 staff, and a reputation for quality brands and products that Australians know and love.