Kraft Heinz CEO Bernardo Hees believes the company doesn't need to make any acquisition deals in the near term, but notes that the firm is always on the lookout for companies that could elevate its portfolio and market position in the US and abroad. "We're looking for something where 2+2 is more than 4," Hees says.
Kraft Heinz now has "the strongest innovation pipeline" in its brief history as a combined company, CEO Bernardo Hees says. To bring its innovations to life, the firm is focused on new products as well as partnerships and in-store activity.
Kraft Heinz plans to boost its presence in a wider range of retail channels, including club stores, foodservice, convenience stores, e-commerce and dollar stores, said CEO Bernardo Hees. "Those are channels that we normally don't have all the data, but they're growing at a faster pace than retailers," Hees said.
Kraft Heinz CEO Bernardo Hees foresees sales trending upward later this year. One reason Hees is confident in the company's growth is that it has "by far the strongest innovation pipeline" since Kraft and Heinz merged three years ago, he said.
Kraft Heinz is continuing to launch new innovations, such as the line debuting later this year that was developed in partnership with Oprah Winfrey, but the company also continues to seek potential acquisitions, said CEO Bernardo Hees. "We definitely like brands that cannot only be in a specific market, but can be traveling and can be creative platforms," he said.
Kraft Heinz aims to grow through innovation this year, with particular focus on its Heinz, Kraft and Planters brands, said CEO Bernardo Hees. In addition, the company plans to capitalize on growth prospects in five key categories: condiments and sauces, cheese, meals, nuts and baby food, Hees noted.