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Heinz Receives Highest Investment Analyst Score in Ranking of 50 Most Environmentally and Socially Responsible U.S. Companies

Posted on: Thursday, 12 April 2007, 15:00 CDT

H. J. Heinz Company (NYSE:HNZ) received the highest score from investment analysts in The LOHAS Index™ 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 http://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:

sales, earnings, and volume growth,

general economic, political, and industry conditions,

competitive conditions, which affect, among other things, customer preferences and the pricing of products, production, energy and raw material costs,

the ability to identify and anticipate and respond through innovation to consumer trends,

the need for product recalls,

the ability to maintain favorable supplier relationships,

currency valuations and interest rate fluctuations,

changes in credit ratings,

the ability to identify and complete and the timing, pricing and success of acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures and other strategic initiatives,

approval of acquisitions and divestitures by competition authorities, and satisfaction of other legal requirements,

the ability to successfully complete cost reduction programs,

the voting results on shareholder proposals, including the proposed amendments to require majority voting,

the ability to limit disruptions to the business resulting from the emphasis on three core categories and potential divestitures,

the ability to effectively integrate acquired businesses, new product and packaging innovations,

product mix,

the effectiveness of advertising, marketing, and promotional programs,

the ability to maintain sales growth while reducing any spending on advertising, marketing and promotional programs,

supply chain efficiency,

cash flow initiatives,

risks inherent in litigation, including tax litigation, and international operations, particularly the performance of business in hyperinflationary environments,

changes in estimates in critical accounting judgments and changes in laws and regulations, including tax laws,

the success of tax planning strategies,

the possibility of increased pension expense and contributions and other people-related costs,

the possibility of an impairment in Heinz's investments,

the potential adverse impact of natural disasters, such as flooding in Indonesia, and

the ability to implement new information systems; and

other factors described in "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Relevant to Forward-Looking Information" in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2006.

The forward-looking statements are and will be based on management's then current views and assumptions regarding future events and speak only as of their dates. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by the securities laws.

ABOUT HEINZ: H. J. Heinz Company, offering "Good Food Every Day"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 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.

Source: Business Wire

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