H.J. Heinz to highlight benefits of Lycopene and Beans at 2005 ADA FNCE

19/10/05 H.J. Heinz Company experts will "Spill the Beans" ... about beans and tomatoes, including discussions on the latest findings in lycopene research, and will provide updated information about the importance of beans in the diet, in light of the recently revised USDA Food Pyramid. This veritable cornucopia of nutritional information will be presented during the 2005 American Dietetic Association Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (ADA FNCE) in St. Louis., Oct. 23 through 25, 2005, at the America's Center.

Heinz is the industry leader in lycopene education and information, and the world's largest producer of processed tomato products. Lycopene is the antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red color - and is most easily absorbed from processed tomato products.

ADA attendees will have the opportunity to learn how easy it is to incorporate more lycopene into their diet through a variety of activities Heinz has planned for the Conference:

-- Heinz will host a cooking demonstration on Sunday, Oct. 23 from 12 to 1 p.m., with Heinz Executive Chef Alan McDonald joined by H.J. Heinz Company's Director of Global Nutrition Ida Laquatra, Ph.D., R.D.

-- Heinz will be distributing copies of the newly-printed second edition of the popular book, Unlock the Power of Lycopene, REDefining Your Diet with Lycopene and Tomatoes. The book provides in-depth information about tomatoes and lycopene, sharing research results pointing to the potential health benefits of tomato products, especially in the areas of men's health, and includes a number of meal plans that make meeting the government guidelines for a healthy diet easy and delicious. The book is available at www.knowledgeinanutshell.com, and by phone at 1-800-NUTSHELL.

-- Media attending the conference are invited to enjoy a lycopene-rich luncheon on Monday, Oct. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. They will hear from Heinz experts who will provide remarks about lycopene and related ongoing research; recent news on beans as an often overlooked nutritional resource; how dining away from home can still be a healthy experience; and how making small changes in a diet can significantly affect a person's overall health in a positive way.

-- In addition to the media luncheon, culinary demonstration and book distribution, Heinz will serve up a variety of processed tomato product samples at its booth, including Heinz(R) No Salt Added Ketchup, Heinz(R) One Carb Ketchup, Classico(R) Pasta Sauce, as well as some of the tasty treats from its Weight Watchers(R) Smart Ones(R) line of products. Visitors will also be able to gather recipes, nutritional information and other lycopene-related information.

The H.J. Heinz Company, offering "Good Food, Every Day(TM)," is one of the world's leading marketers and producers of branded foods in ketchup, condiments, sauces, meals, soups, seafood, snacks, and infant foods. Heinz satisfies hungry consumers in every outlet, from supermarkets to restaurants to convenience stores and kiosks. Heinz is a global family of leading brands, including Heinz(R) Ketchup, sauces, soups, beans, pasta and infant foods (representing nearly one-third of total sales or close to $3 billion), HP(R) and Lea & Perrins(R), Ore-Ida(R) french fries and roasted potatoes, Boston Market(R) and SmartOnes(R) meals, and Plasmon(R) baby food. Heinz's 50 companies have number-one or number-two brands in 200 countries, showcased by Heinz(R) Ketchup, The World's Favorite Ketchup(TM).