THANASI Foods Launches All-new BIGS® - Heinz® Salt & Vinegar Flavored Sunflower Seeds

BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- THANASI Foods LLC, the revolutionary developer and supplier of branded snack foods, is proud to announce the addition of BIGS® - Heinz® Salt & Vinegar flavored sunflower seeds to the BIGS line.    

Heinz North America, a division of H.J. Heinz Company, L.P., is the leading producer of malt vinegar in the United States, distributing vinegar to foodservice and retail establishments worldwide. 

BIGS^® Sunflower Seeds, which launched in the U.S. in April 2009, features jumbo-size, fire-roasted sunflower seeds and an award winning product line-up made with America's favorite co-branded flavors. BIGS remains the fastest growing brand of sunflower seeds in the United States and Canada. 

"It's evident through strong salt & vinegar flavored chip and other salty snack sales that consumer demand for salt and vinegar flavored foods is high," said Justin Havlick, THANASI Foods President and Founder. "More importantly, salt & vinegar is the number one requested BIGS sunflower seed flavor from our loyal and fast-growing fan base and we're proud to answer their hungry request with a Heinz vinegar flavored seed." 

"Heinz's legacy in the vinegar category and deep-seated American heritage makes for a great collaboration," said Havlick. 

"BIGS is an obvious licensing partnership for us given their significant and sustained product growth and the great momentum behind the brand," said Richard Donahue, H.J. Heinz Company Brand Manager. "We've got a winning combination here and the Heinz team is excited about it."

The BIGS® - Heinz® Salt & Vinegar Sunflower Seeds will be available in October 2012 for distributors and retailers in the U.S. and will ship in 5.35 oz., resealable bags available in 12-count cases, 12-count clip-strips, and BIGS variety pack display configurations. This new item joins the BIGS line-up of award winning Sunflower Seeds including:

• BIGS - Hidden Valley^® Ranch
• BIGS - Vlasic® Dill Pickle
• BIGS - Bacon Salt® Sizzlin' Bacon
• BIGS - FRANK'S® REDHOT® Buffalo Wing
• BIGS - Sea Salt & Black Pepper
• BIGS - Salted & Roasted Original

Given solid consumer appetite and demand, the BIGS® - Heinz® Salt & Vinegar Sunflower Seeds will be an essential addition to retailers carrying the BIGS line today. Currently, BIGS can be purchased in more than 50,000 retail outlets in channels such as c-stores, grocery, club, drug, military, concessions, specialty, and sports venues throughout the U.S. and Canada. 

Marketing support will include a national sampling and events tour, retail promotions, on-pack couponing, sports marketing, Minor League Baseball team partnerships, grassroots individual and team sponsorship and social activity. 

About THANASI FOODS
THANASI Foods LLC is a privately held and family-owned, Boulder, Colorado-based developer, manufacturer, and supplier of household branded foods. Established in 2004, THANASI Foods' award-winning BIGS® and DUKE'S® brands can be found in over 50,000 U.S. retail locations today with growing share. The Company's BIGS and DUKE'S products are uniquely flavoured with consumer's favorite co-brand ingredients including: Hidden Valley® Ranch, Jim Beam®, FRANK'S® REDHOT®, Vlasic®, STUBB'S®, Bacon Salt® and Kikkoman®.

About HEINZ
H.J. Heinz Company, offering "Good Food Every Day"™ is one of the world's leading marketers and producers of healthy, convenient and affordable foods specializing in ketchup, sauces, meals, soups, snacks and infant nutrition. Heinz provides superior quality, taste and nutrition for all eating occasions whether in the home, restaurants, the office or "on-the-go."  Heinz is a global family of leading branded products, including Heinz® Ketchup, sauces, soups, beans, pasta and infant foods (representing over one third of Heinz's total sales), Ore-Ida® potato products, Weight Watchers® Smart Ones® entrees, T.G.I. Friday's® snacks, and Plasmon infant nutrition.  Heinz is famous for its iconic brands on six continents, showcased by Heinz® Ketchup, The World's Favorite Ketchup®. 

SOURCE THANASI Foods LLC