In the lead up to the highly anticipated theatrical release of Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine”, in U.S. theaters, fans (and even the stars of the movie!) have noticed something special about the signature red and yellow suits of the film’s title characters – they look a lot like another iconic duo: Heinz Ketchup and Mustard. For the first time ever, Heinz announces the release of limited-edition collectibles that let fans accessorize their ketchup and mustard bottles to resemble Deadpool and Wolverine.
Created in collaboration with the film, the collectibles include Deadpool’s signature mask, suit, and most importantly, katanas, made specifically for HEINZ Ketchup bottles. For the mustard lovers, their bottles will feature Wolverine’s iconic claws, suit, mask. As the heroes of barbecue season, Heinz Ketchup and Mustard now have the superhero armor to match their silver screen counterparts.
“After seeing the conversation on social media highlighting the similarities between our two iconic duos – Deadpool & Wolverine and Heinz Ketchup & Mustard – we knew we had to team up with the film,” says Lizzy Goodman, brand communications manager for Heinz U.S. at The Kraft Heinz Company. “Once we made that connection – we couldn’t unsee it – as these similarities go beyond color. One’s sweet, one’s zesty. Everybody has a favorite, but really, they’re better together. And most importantly, whether at the movie theater or a cookout, both duos play starring roles in an epic summer.”
The collectibles celebrate the great lengths fans will go to in order to show their love for both Heinz and the film, including dressing up as life-size HEINZ Ketchup and Mustard Bottles or cosplaying as Deadpool and Wolverine. With this limited-edition release, Heinz turns this behavior on its head, making mealtime even more enjoyable for condiment lovers and superhero afficionados everywhere.
The collectibles release is a part of a larger collaboration between Heinz and Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine”. Inspired by the truth that fans can’t unsee – the similarity between the two iconic duos – the campaign launches with a short film featuring a custom voiceover by Deadpool himself, Ryan Reynolds. The film starts out like a new spot for “Deadpool & Wolverine”, but quickly morphs into an ad for Heinz Ketchup & Mustard. In his classic fourth wall-breaking style, Reynolds (as Deadpool) comes to the shocking realization that he and Wolverine look exactly like HEINZ Ketchup & Mustard bottles.
“I don’t spend much time on the internet,” says Reynolds, actor, writer and producer of “Deadpool & Wolverine”. “When my assistant faxed me a photocopy of a memo (he spelled it ‘meme’ – ugh, assistants amirite?) wherein Deadpool and Wolverine were identified as a Heinz Ketchup and Mustard bottle, respectively, I thought nothing of it and went back to my book and tea. But the faxes kept on coming! So, the idea was hatched to actually partner with Heinz to bring this memo to life. Huzzah!”
The company will release a select number of the “Deadpool & Wolverine”-inspired ketchup and mustard collectibles in the U.S. via social media in the upcoming weeks. Further details on how to get a set will be announced soon, so keep an eye on Instagram.
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The Balsamic Vinegar of Modena & Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Consortia officially bring “The Land of Balsamico,” a collaborative project that unites their shared goals and mission, to the United States. The new venture aims to protect and promote both Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO concurrently. In addition, the two Consortia aspire to explore new market opportunities and continue to establish the image of the beloved Modenese duo at home and abroad.
A masterful interpreter of Italian cuisine, Chef Missy Robbins will serve as the initiative’s chef ambassador. Robbins, who owns and helms celebrated Williamsburg restaurants Lilia and MISI, along with pasta and Italian specialty product line and boutique MISIPASTA, is a natural choice for the role. Her love of Italian culture began when she embarked on an excursion to Northern Italy, where she worked in several kitchens, from family-run rustic trattorias to Michelin-rated restaurants, and grew intimate with the country’s products and cooking. Robbins quickly developed a long-lasting admiration for the simplicity, regional inspiration and innate focus on quality ingredients – including Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
“I am honored to be the chef ambassador for Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO for 2024. I have devoted the last 20 + years of my career to studying the craft of Italian cooking, but more importantly to the protected products that make the cuisine so special and unique. I still remember my first visit to an acetaia, where these products are crafted. You can not understand the ingredient until you see it in full production and learn the history behind it.”
Enrico Corsini, the president of the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Consortium also serves as president of the newly formed entity; Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Consortium President Mariangela Grosoli is vice president.
“This debut project will focus on markets abroad in particular, where these products are greatly copied and imitated,” notes Corsini. “Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is a protagonist of Made in Italy excellence on the world scene, and the United States is one of the countries with the highest export rate for this product; it thus becomes strategic for us to participate in initiatives like this one to increase education and protection around Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.”
Says Grosoli, “The US represents nearly 26 percent of our market, which demonstrates that its consumers appreciate and seek out authentic, Italian products like Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. This is an opportunity to endorse authenticity, to dialogue with others in the industry, and to convey the complexity and preciosity of the world of Balsamico, both from a historical point of view that sees centuries-old traditions at the heart of both PGI and PDO products, as well as an economic one with a market – specifically that of PGI – that produces around 100 million liters of product annually for a global turnover that reaches nearly a billion euros, with an export that exceeds the 90 percent.”
Additional goals of The Land of Balsamico include improving product placement through research and market studies; exploring potential export markets; and increasing marketing opportunities on a national, community, and international level. The Land of Balsamico also hopes to develop initiatives that reinforce economic competitiveness, promoting the online distribution of both Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO.
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Chosen Foods, America’s #1 Avocado Oil and one of few on shelves that is guaranteed to be 100% pure, is certified as a B Corporation (B Corp). This accomplishment reinforces the brand’s commitment to a range of sustainable practices encompassing environmental performance, business standards, governance, community involvement and customer engagement.
To achieve B Corp Certification, companies must undergo a rigorous assessment process and meet a B Impact Assessment score of at least 80. Chosen Foods exceeded the requirements, demonstrating its years-long commitment to and presence of accountability and transparency through its mission-driven business.
“We’re honored to receive this certification as a proof point of our commitment to positively impacting people and our planet,” said Douglas MacFarlane, CEO. “From day one, we’ve been dedicated to building a responsible business through our better-for-you kitchen staples that replace bad fats with good fats from 100 percent pure avocado oil. Becoming B Corp Certified is an exciting milestone in recognition of these efforts and we’re proud to join the growing movement of companies working to create the positive change we need to see in the world.”
Chosen Foods considers the effects of its business and operational decisions on all its stakeholders (not just shareholders) to make a positive, material impact on society and the environment. As part of its business model for good and governing documents, the company has taken several key steps that led to it achieving B Corp Certification. These include:
Chosen Foods is dedicated to offering consumers better-for-you kitchen staples with its 100% pure avocado oil, ensuring the quality and purity of its products. By achieving B Corp status, Chosen Foods is committed to contributing to sustainable and economic system change while delivering products that are better for people and the planet.
Chosen Foods, America’s #1 Avocado Oil and Avocado Oil Spray, is always 100% pure, made with good fats from avocados, has a neutral taste, and is great for high-heat cooking (up to 500°F). Chosen Foods Avocado Oil is a versatile cooking staple and kitchen must-have that is great for general cooking, grilling, baking and more. The brand also makes additional pantry staples made with 100% pure avocado oil including: mayo, salad dressings, dip & drizzle sauces, and chocolate hazelnut spread. Learn more at www.chosenfoods.com/.
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