McDonalds Needs a New Ketchup Maker (2024)

McDonalds will end its 40-year, ketchup-based relationship with Heinz, the company announced on Friday, because Heinz's new CEO, Bernardo Hees, is the former CEO of Burger King.

This article is from the archive of our partner McDonalds Needs a New Ketchup Maker (1).

McDonalds will end its 40-year, ketchup-based relationship with Heinz, the company announced on Friday, because Heinz's new CEO, Bernardo Hees, is the former CEO of Burger King. He's also still on Burger King's board of directors. Now McDonaldsis currently looking for a new ketchup maker to partner with once it phases Heinz out of its stores. Heinz supplies ketchup to both McDonalds (for now!) and Burger King, and to Wendy’s and Chick-fil-A. For McDonalds, at least, it seems that the new Burger King connection at Heinz was one step too far. McDonalds has taken a stand on ketchup.

Except most Americans will not be able to appreciate McDonalds's bravery: the company only uses branded Heinz ketchup packets in two U.S. markets. Those are Pittsburgh, where Heinz is based, and Minneapolis.Most other Americans squeeze generic packets of "Fancy Ketchup" onto their fries. That's because McDonalds split with the company once before, in the 1970s, as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette explains:

The Pittsburgh company had 90 percent of the business supplying ketchup and pickles to the fast-growing chain, according to author John F. Love's 1986 book, "McDonald's: Behind the Arches."

After Heinz couldn't meet McDonald's need for ketchup as a result of a tomato shortage, the restaurant chain took most of its business elsewhere.

The change will, however, be noticed internationally, where McDonalds uses Heinz more often. Of course, McDonalds could take an even bolder stance and use this opportunity to do away with ketchup, the least of the condiments, altogether.

This article is from the archive of our partner The Wire.

McDonalds Needs a New Ketchup Maker (2024)

FAQs

Who makes McDonald's ketchup now? ›

Ketchup. That's right, McDonald's ketchup tastes different — and some may say, better — than what you get at the store. And, no, it's not just Heinz ketchup masquerading in a McDonald's packet. McDonald's actually makes its own ketchup.

Why does McDonald's not use Heinz ketchup? ›

In 1973, a tomato shortage hit Heinz hard, and the company decided its glass bottle business would take priority over bulk accounts. Needless to say, McDonald's' executives weren't happy with this and abruptly ended the exclusive agreement.

When did McDonald's stop using fancy ketchup? ›

Couldn't McDonald's just partner up with Heinz and have a limitless amount of Heinz's famous ketchup? Truth be told, Heinz and McDonald's were business partners up until 2013, when McDonald's dropped the condiment mogul to focus on preparing its own brand of ketchup.

What kind of ketchup does McDonald's use? ›

until a former Burger King executive became the CEO of Heinz. Today, McDonald's actually makes its own ketchup from these ingredients: tomato concentrate from red ripe tomatoes, distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, salt and natural flavors.

Who makes Wendy's ketchup? ›

He's also still on Burger King's board of directors. Now McDonalds is currently looking for a new ketchup maker to partner with once it phases Heinz out of its stores. Heinz supplies ketchup to both McDonalds (for now!) and Burger King, and to Wendy's and Chick-fil-A.

Why does McDonald's charge for ketchup? ›

The reason is that a significant proportion of our restaurants are owned by franchisees who set their own prices - some charge for extra sauces if they are not part of a meal option.

Does Chick Fil A use Heinz ketchup? ›

Chick-fil-A is the first restaurant partner to carry Dip & Squeeze Ketchup nationwide. Heinz Ketchup fans have been eagerly awaiting their chance to try Dip & Squeeze Ketchup since it was unveiled in 2010.

Who makes McDonald's fries? ›

McCain Foods make McDonald's French fries to our gold standard specifications, which means that they are not quite the same McCain fries you find in the freezer section of your grocery store. Our cooking process is also different from how you might cook fries at home.

Does Disney use Heinz ketchup? ›

Currently, Heinz is the brand of choice for ketchup at Walt Disney World! Of course, there is always a slight chance this could change, so if you're really worried It might be a good idea to throw a few small packets of ketchup into your bags - and you might need them at the airport or while traveling!

What is the rarest ketchup in the world? ›

Heinz believes the incredible price tag set a world record for the most expensive bottle of ketchup. The bottles are called "Ed Sheeran x Heinz Tomato Ketchup, Tattoo Edition," and only 150 are in circulation. Each one is signed by Sheeran himself and comes in a novelty speaker box.

What is the oldest ketchup? ›

American horticulturist James Mease created the first known recipe for tomato ketchup in 1812. His version of sauce included brandy but lacked regular vinegar and sugar. Soon, many tomato-based ketchup recipes appeared in Europe and the USA.

When was ketchup banned in France? ›

In 2011, France banned the tomato condiment from school cafeterias in order to preserve French cuisine.

What is the most popular ketchup in America? ›

The List: Best Ketchup: Top 5 Brands, According To Flavor Experts
  • Heinz Tomato Ketchup. Heinz Tomato Ketchup sets the standard against which all other ketchup brands are measured. ...
  • Hunt's Ketchup. ...
  • Trader Joe's Organic Ketchup. ...
  • Annie's Organic Ketchup. ...
  • Sir Kensington's Classic Ketchup.
Jun 1, 2023

What is difference between ketchup and catsup? ›

You can actually call the substance by either name, as there's no difference between ketchup and catsup. They're just two different terms for the same thing. Ketchup has been around a long time. The name probably comes from ke-chiap (sometimes written ke-tsiap), which was a pickled fish sauce popular in China.

What brand of ketchup does Popeyes use? ›

G Hughes 367g Ketchup — Popeye's Suppléments.

Does Mcdonalds use special ketchup? ›

McDonald used to use Heinz as their ketchup for four decades until a former Burger King executive became a CEO of Heinz. After that, they have started using their own new ketchup. The ingredients used to make the new McDonald ketchup are: tomato concentrate.

Does McDonald's use different ketchup recipe? ›

As for specifics, McDonald's ketchup and its old Heinz have three differences in ingredients. McDonald's newest ketchup omits the onion powder and spice found in Heinz and adds a bit of water. Altogether, it consists of tomato concentrate, distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, water, salt, and natural flavor.

What brand of ketchup does Burger King use? ›

Heinz - Burger King - Tomato Ketchup - 600 x 20g - Best Before it's Gone Ltd.

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