McDonald’s cuts Heinz ketchup ties after 40 years

Heinzsight is always 20/20.

When Heinz hired former CEO of rival fast-food chain Burger King, McDonalds lost its taste for the condiment king.

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Now, those who relish the famed ketchup will soon have to go somewhere besides McDonalds to find the celebrated condiment after Bernardo Hees, the former CEO of Burger King, was hired in June to lead Heinz.

“As a result of recent management changes at Heinz, we have decided to transition our business to other suppliers at this time,” the Golden Arches said in a statement. “We have spoken to Heinz and plan to work together to ensure a smooth and orderly transition.”

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A Heinz spokesman told the Daily News that they do not comment on business matters as a matter of policy, but added: “All our foodservice customers globally remain valuable to the Company and are an important part of what has made the H.J. Heinz Company what it is today. We continue to operate respecting every customer while upholding the high level of confidentiality and business ethics that the H.J. Heinz Company has built with our business partners over the years.”

Hees became CEO in June, after the company was bought by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital, which also ownes significant shares in Burger King.

Seth Perlman/AP

The fast-food giant said in a statement Friday that it is cutting ties with condiment company Heinz after 40 years due to management changes there.

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While the news comes as a shock to condiment lovers across the country, it would seem as the transition doesn’t put that big of a squeeze on Heinz lovers. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Heinz-branded ketchup is currently served only in two major U.S. markets – Pittsburgh and Minneapolis.

But many overseas McDonald’s had served Heinz with its fare.

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The rest of the country dips their fries into unbranded ketchup from dispensers, or “fancy ketchup” packets.

The severing of Heinz could mean good news for condiment rival Hunt’s, the second-largest ketchup producer in the country.

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Meanwhile, those who want to have it their way can still head over to Burger King – the “other” burger chain still serves Heinz ketchup at about 80% of its U.S. stores.

With News Wire Services

bstebner@nydailynews.com