Global food producer becomes Chamber patron

The company behind globally-recognised food products such as Heinz, HP Sauce and Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce has become a patron of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

The Kraft Heinz Company is home to a host of world-renowned brands including Heinz, whose products can be found in nine out of 10 homes across the UK.

Founded more than 150 years ago, Heinz remains one of the UK’s most loved and trusted brands, with a classic range of soups, sauces, beans and pasta enjoyed by millions of consumers around the world.

Staying true to its company purpose ‘Let’s Make Life Delicious’, the company has expanded its range to meet changing consumer tastes and needs – including healthier alternatives and plant-based versions of family favourites. 

While Kraft Heinz is a multi-national firm co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh in the United States, it has three UK production plants including one in Telford, Shropshire.  

Anton Hickey (pictured), site manager at the Telford plant, said: “I am so pleased to be joining the Chamber, taking the first step into building strong relationships within the Greater Brimingham area.

“Telford is an extremely important site for the Kraft Heinz network, and a large employer for the area, so opening up opportunities like this is really important to help us grow as a business.

“I am relatively new to this area but have been overwhelmed by the collaboration and ambition from our neighbouring businesses. I really look forward to benefitting from this exciting membership.”

Patronage is the GBCC 's top tier of membership and offers a limited number of companies the opportunity to connect with some of the region’s most influential figures.

The Kraft Heinz Company joins the likes of HS2, National Express, Birmingham Airport, HSBC, the NEC Group, Malmaison/Hotel du Vin and Birmingham’s four major universities in the GBCC’s patronage group.

Henrietta Brealey, CEO of the GBCC, said: “We’re delighted welcome a brand as globally-recognised as The Heinz Kraft Company to our patronage group.

“At the Chamber, we love local and go global. The Kraft Heinz Company embodies this mantra – a major employer in the West Midlands with a vast global footprint and a product range that is enjoyed by millions around the world.

“We look forward to working with them to expand their connections and identify new opportunities within Greater Birmingham.”