Published 04-12-07
Submitted by H. J. Heinz Company
PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 12, 2007--H. J. Heinz Company (NYSE:HNZ) received the highest score from investment analysts in The LOHAS Index(TM) ranking of the 50 most environmentally and socially responsible U.S. companies. The index noted that Heinz performed "especially well in diversity, community and employee relations."
The LOHAS Index is a sustainability index measuring consumer and investment analyst perspectives of U.S. companies' sustainability efforts compiled by the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), a market research firm. Using independent investment research firm KLD Research & Analytics' PASS™ (Portfolio Advisor's Screening Service) database, NMI selected for analysis the largest and most recognized companies on the Russell 3000® stock index.
While Heinz ranked No. 1 in the investment score, it ranked 19th when the analyst and consumer scores were combined because of low consumer awareness of Heinz's CSR initiatives. The researchers interpreted this score as a reason for Heinz to be more proactive in communicating its CSR activities. As a result, Heinz is committed to increasing its stakeholder engagement and is preparing to issue its second CSR report later this year.
"We are pleased that investment analysts recognize Heinz's genuine commitment to corporate responsibility, a responsibility shared by all our employees, management and directors," said Ted Smyth, Chief Administrative Officer at Heinz. "Heinz is fully committed to the creation of a more sustainable world by developing nutritious, safe and healthy food products in a way that safeguards the environment. Heinz also is a leading partner in a major global initiative to eradicate the scourge of micronutrient deficiencies suffered by children in developing economies."
For more information on Heinz's commitment to corporate social responsibility and to download the Heinz 2005 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, please visit www.heinz.com/community.aspx.
Information about The LOHAS Index is available at www.nmisolutions.com/lohasd_lohasindex.html
SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "will," "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates" or similar expressions and include our expectations as to future revenue growth, earnings, capital expenditures and other spending, as well as anticipated reductions in spending. These forward-looking statements reflect management's view of future events and financial performance. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which may be beyond Heinz's control, and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from such statements include, but are not limited to:
ABOUT HEINZ: H. J. Heinz Company, offering "Good Food Every Day"™ is one of the world's leading marketers and producers of nutritious foods in ketchup, condiments, sauces, meals, soups, snacks and infant foods. Heinz provides superior quality, taste and nutrition to people eating at home, at restaurants, at the office and "on-the-go." Heinz is a global family of leading brands, including Heinz® ketchup, sauces, soups, beans, pasta and infant foods (representing nearly one-third of total sales or close to $3 billion), Ore-Ida® potato products,
Weight Watchers® Smart Ones® entrees, Boston Market® meals,
T.G.I. Friday's® snacks, and Plasmon infant nutrition. Heinz has number-one or number-two brands on five continents, showcased by Heinz® ketchup, The World's Favorite Ketchup®. Information on Heinz is available at www.heinz.com.
Copyright Business Wire 2007
ABOUT HEINZ: H. J. Heinz Company, offering “Good Food Every Dayâ€TM is one of the world’s leading marketers and producers of nutritious foods in ketchup, condiments, sauces, meals, soups, snacks and infant foods. Heinz provides superior quality, taste and nutrition to people eating at home, at restaurants, at the office and “on-the-go.†Heinz is a global family of leading branded products, including Heinz® ketchup, sauces, soups, beans, pasta and infant foods (representing over one third of Heinz’s total sales), Ore-Ida® potato products, Weight Watchers® Smart Ones® entrees, Boston Market® meals, T.G.I. Friday’s® snacks, and Plasmon infant nutrition. Heinz has number-one or number-two brands on five continents, showcased by Heinz® ketchup, The World’s Favorite Ketchup®. Information on Heinz is available at www.heinz.com.
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