H.J. Heinz Foods UK Limited - The Heinz Beanz Book

Served on toast, spooned over a jacket potato or playing a starring role in a tasty cooked breakfast, theres no doubt that Heinz Beanz are a very special food. Comforting, delicious, saucy and fun, Heinz take the bean from humble to hero. And so we decided it was time to pay homage to the baked bean in all its beany glory with this collection of fantastic recipes, accompanied by spoonfuls of fun facts about the secrets behind the nations favourite beans.

Whether you want to add extra flavour to a veggie stew or recreate the iconic Beanz Pizza, the recipes in this book will show you dozens of new and fun ways to use Heinz Beanz in your kitchen, while the amazing stories and vintage ads will take you on a tasty trip down memory lane.

So pull up a chair, pop on the kettle, and lets dive in.

In 1869, the 25-year-old Henry John Heinz started bottling and selling horseradish sauce made according to his mothers recipe. Although this business didnt last, by 1876 Henry had teamed up with his brother John and cousin Frederick, and the trio were selling tomato ketchup.

In 1886, Henry started selling his products in the UK, too, and the Heinz repertoire quickly expanded to include a huge range of delicious foods, including pickles, mustards, preserves and, in 1895, baked beans.

By 1901, Heinz Baked Beans were being exported to the UK, and were originally sold in Fortnum & Mason as a delicacy costing 9d per can (2.15 in todays money). They quickly became a national favourite, and in 1928 the first can of British-manufactured Heinz Baked Beans was produced in the new Heinz factory in Harlesden, London.

During the Second World War, when food shortages hit and rationing became necessary, the Ministry of Food declared Heinz Baked Beans an essential food. We couldnt agree more!

Heinz was granted the Royal Warrant in 1951, an honour the company still holds today, and 1959 saw the opening of a new Heinz factory in Kitt Green, Wigan, the largest food factory in Europe.

In 2004, Heinz changed the spelling to Heinz Baked Beanz in honour of the classic 1960s advertising slogan Beanz Meanz Heinz and a few years later, in 2008, the name was simplified to Heinz Beanz. The beans that we all know and love, however, have stayed the same, and a staggering 1.5 million cans are sold in the UK every day.

Henry John Heinz starts his business selling bottles of horseradish sauce.

Heinz Tomato Ketchup launches in the US.

Heinz products are launched in the UK and sold at Fortnum & Mason.

Canned baked beans are first produced by the Heinz company in Pittsburgh.

Heinz Baked Beans are exported to the UK and quickly become a firm favourite.

The first can of British-manufactured Heinz Baked Beans is produced at the Heinz factory in Harlesden, London.

The Ministry of Food declares Heinz Baked Beans an essential food as part of rationing in the Second World War.

Heinz is granted the Royal Warrant.

The first Heinz TV advert airs on ITV.

A new Heinz factory is opened in Kitt Green, Wigan, becoming the largest food factory in Europe. It remains one of the biggest today and produces more than 1 billion cans every year.

The now iconic Beanz Meanz Heinz slogan is created.

Heinz celebrates 100 successful years in the UK.

Heinz Baked Beans are now exported to 60 countries worldwide.

Heinz changes the name to Heinz Baked Beanz, adopting the z spelling in honour of the famous Beanz Meanz Heinz slogan.

Heinz launches a new Mean Beanz range, with Mexican, Sweet Chilli and Smoky BBQ flavours.

The name changes once more, to Heinz Beanz: simple and delicious, just like the beans!