Heinz: tomato sourcing challenges

Monica Souza, vice president of purchasing and sustainability at Kraft Heinz, plays a critical role: ensuring a steady supply of tomatoes for their flagship product, Heinz ketchup. With 600 million bottles sold worldwide each year, demand is immense. Souza’s responsibilities include managing a complex web of factors, from fluctuating market prices and logistical hurdles to the ever-present challenge of environmental sustainability.

Before joining Kraft Heinz, Souza honed her skills at CPG giants like Mondelez and AB InBev, giving her a broad perspective on the industry. At Kraft Heinz, she serves as the “keeper of the tomatoes,” a title that reflects the importance of this unique ingredient to the company’s success.

 Manuel Vàzquez, CEO of the Conesa Group, and Monica Souza

A significant portion of Souza’s work revolves around sustainable agriculture. She highlights the importance of working closely with farmers, such as the Conesa Group in Spain, with whom Heinz has collaborated for two decades. Together, the two companies have implemented innovative techniques such as cover cropping, where plants are grown specifically to benefit the soil, rather than just for harvest. This approach has produced impressive results, doubling tomato yields in Spain, while improving soil health through increased organic matter and reduced erosion.

Kraft Heinz’s commitment to quality dates back to its founder, Henry J. Heinz, who believed in “mastering the product, from the soil to the table.” This philosophy, more relevant than ever, has led the company to focus on seed development and climate change adaptation. The company has been breeding its own tomato varieties since 1934, recognizing the crucial role of the seed in the final product. Different tomato varieties are needed for different products, from ketchup to soups.

Climate change is a major concern, and Kraft Heinz is actively developing new tomato varieties that can withstand changing conditions. While embracing technologies like AI for harvesting and irrigation, Souza emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human expertise in farming practices. "I don't believe Al and automation will replace the human touch," Souza assures. "The competitive advantage we have from having people on the ground and in the fields is tangible." His team of 90 manages the sourcing of not only tomatoes, but a wide range of products, from pulses and oils to packaging.

Collaboration is key, and Souza’s team works closely with the R&D department to ensure that new product ideas are feasible from a sourcing perspective. Souza and his colleagues pride themselves on being able to source virtually anything for the company, although sometimes time constraints pose a challenge. While his responsibilities are vast, Souza’s heart lies in the fields, where the tomato’s journey begins. She works to increase her team’s presence in the field, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexity of tomato farming and strengthening relationships with farming partners. This hands-on approach reflects her belief that sustainable sourcing requires a deep connection to the land and the people who work it.

Source: foodnavigator.com