Three new heart-healthy, no-salt-added varieties

Consumers will get the best of both worlds when they buy their preferred Hunt's brand of canned tomatoes in new no-salt-added varieties: the great fresh taste they enjoy, and a lower sodium profile for healthier eating. The launch of three new items on September 13 will address today's key consumer concern to reduce sodium intake.

They are: Hunt's 100% Natural Diced No Salt Added Tomatoes, in both original flavor or seasoned with basil, garlic and oregano; and Hunt's 100% Natural No Salt Added Whole Plum Tomatoes. All packages bear a Heart Healthy logo to convey the better-for-you message.

ConAgra Foods introduces these items to satisfy the 52% of consumers monitoring their sodium intake*, and to be ahead of U.S. Department of Agriculture dietary guidelines for sodium reduction, due in December. Within the canned diced tomatoes segment, the no-salt-added sub-segment led sales growth, up 36% this past year.** ConAgra Foods suggests a doubling of no-salt-added shelf space in order to meet demand.

*Source: Mintel, 2009.
**Source: SymphonyIRI, FDMx, 52 weeks ended March 28, 2010.

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Hunt's Crash Kitchen Tour

Hunt's is continuing to crash into America's kitchens and supermarkets with Chef George Duran to show consumers that switching to Hunt's will enhance the quality and freshness of the meals they serve their families. Duran's mission is to "personally show everyone the difference between other canned tomatoes and Hunt's tomatoes" through a new integrated, multi-media campaign beginning in September.

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Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient; driving basket ring and meal solution opportunities.

• Canned tomatoes consumers shop the entire store¹
• Average basket ring for:²
  • Pasta Sauce - $91.12
  • Canned Tomatoes - $83.75

¹ IRI S3 Panel Data — Total US FDMx — 52 Weeks End 12/27/2009
² NPD Group 2 Years Ending May 2008; IRI FDMx, Current Weeks Ending 8/02/2009

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