Development of a Kiwi favourite

May 19, 2006

Wattie's confirms its development of a Kiwi favourite

Wattie's has confirmed that after many months of research and development it is soon to launch a toasted sandwich product.

Marketing Director Mike Pretty says: "Yes, Wattie's is planning a launch in the second half of this year. We obviously hope that it will become a Kiwi favourite.

"We have been overwhelmed by the interest. As Kiwis, we've been getting on with the job of delivering another exciting new product, and there is great excitement about it in the UK.

"It is a natural development for Wattie's, as every New Zealander has had a toasted sandwich - from the traditional sandwich iron to the electric toastie maker of today.

"The challenges have been getting the home-made taste and keeping the filling in the sandwich. For the latter, we're using special NZ-developed technology to seal the sandwich. This is a patented process.

"There will be a range of flavours, all Kiwi favourites such as baked beans, cheese and corn. With beans, for example, the Wattie's recipe is a Kiwi favourite with 27 million cans consumed per year. We are always looking for new ways to get more of this "superfood" into the diet. The Beanman campaign has driven sales growth of 8%-plus. We are hoping toasties will do the same.

"All you will need is a toaster and 60 seconds for a tasty Wattie's toastie snack.

"The invention is targeted for launch later this year, as the research and development phase is being completed and commercial production gets into swing. If successful here, we'd be delighted to see the UK taking advantage of the product."

"It is not the first time Wattie's has developed a product of world-wide interest. Another has been Steamfresh vegetables, a microwave-ready product.

"We have a reputation for coming up with new ideas and giving consumers new food options, which is very much the Wattie's legacy."

ENDS

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