In a novel marketing move, Heinz has introduced a limited edition "upside down" baked beans can, priced at £1.40. This innovative product, labeled "Beanz Meanz Upside Down," aims to encourage consumers to store their cans with the ring pull facing downwards for easier emptying.
A recent survey conducted by Heinz among 2,000 Britons revealed intriguing insights into bean consumption habits. Over 40% of respondents consume baked beans at least once weekly, while a quarter prefer their beans cold straight from the tin. Surprisingly, nearly 90% of consumers reported difficulties in emptying the entire contents of a bean can.
Professor Charles Spence, a food psychologist from the University of Oxford, explained the science behind the upside-down storage method. He stated, "When stored upside down, the beans don't settle at the 'bottom' of the tin, making it easier to enjoy every last bean." This simple hack could revolutionize how consumers interact with this staple food item.
Heinz, founded in 1869 by Henry John Heinz, has a long history of innovation in the food industry. The company introduced its famous "57 Varieties" slogan in 1896, despite producing more than 60 products at the time. Interestingly, Heinz baked beans were first sold in the UK in 1886 and quickly became a household favorite.
The popularity of Heinz baked beans has grown significantly over the years. Today, the company produces over 1.5 million cans daily in the UK alone. The Wigan factory, responsible for this massive production, is the largest food processing plant in Europe.
Alessandra de Dreuille, Heinz's director of meals, expressed hope that the upside-down label would raise awareness of this storage hack, encouraging consumers to continue the practice even after the limited edition release ends.
Consumer reactions to the new cans have been mixed. While some social media users praised the innovation, others suggested alternative methods for emptying cans completely. One user commented, "Get your fork in there and scrape it out. You can't afford to let a single bean go to waste the way things are right now."
This latest campaign is not Heinz's first foray into innovative marketing. The company claims one of its executives invented the classic beans on toast combination in 1927. More recently, Heinz stirred controversy by launching a "tinned carbonara," which drew criticism from Italian chefs.
It's worth noting that Heinz baked beans have undergone several changes over the years. The company introduced a reduced sugar and salt version in 2010, catering to health-conscious consumers. Despite these modifications, the original recipe has remained largely unchanged since 1895.
The cost of living crisis has impacted Heinz products, with the price of a standard 415g can rising twice in less than a year to £1.40. The company attributed these increases to higher production costs.
As Heinz continues to innovate and adapt to consumer needs, it's clear that the humble baked bean remains a significant part of British culinary culture. With over 70% market share in the UK and exports to more than 60 countries worldwide, Heinz baked beans have truly become a global phenomenon.
[[Professor Charles Spence, food psychologist at the University of Oxford]]
"Caused by the cylindrical shape and narrow opening of Heinz Beanz tins, the beans become trapped in unreachable angles, only made more difficult due to the thick sauce. However, when stored upside down, the beans don't settle at the 'bottom' of the tin, making it easier to enjoy every last bean."