Heinz is proposing to take the difficult decision to discontinue
its range of Nurture baby milks in the UK so as to focus on growing
and developing its popular range of infant weaning foods and
drinks. The proposal affects the UK market only and is subject to
consultation with affected employees.
Although Heinz has been a minor brand in baby milks with a share
of only about 2 per cent of the market, we are doing all we can to
let parents and carers know as well as working closely with
partners within the NHS. Notification has been sent to NHS
Logistics and our Medical Sales Team will be visiting all key
contacts to personally inform them of the proposed
discontinuation.
We will be working closely with stores to ensure we manage the
proposed discontinuation as carefully as possible and we anticipate
that stocks would be available for a further three to four weeks
once the decision is made. We apologise for any disruption caused
to parents and babies.
For those parents who are using Nurture baby milks they would
need to gradually move to a different formula milk and we are
recommending that feeding choices are discussed with their
Healthcare Professional.
The proposed discontinuation of the Nurture range will include
Heinz Nurture Newborn Milk in 900g cans and 250ml ready to drink
packs, Nurture Hungry Milk in 900g cans and 250ml ready to drink
packs, Nurture Growing Baby Follow-on Milk in 900g cans and 250ml
ready to drink packs, Nurture Gentle Infant Milk and Nurture Gentle
Follow-on Milk in 900g cans, and Nurture Soya Formula in 900g
cans.
Supplies to the NHS of Heinz Nurture Newborn and sterilised
water in 100ml bottles would also be discontinued. We anticipate
that sterilised water stocks would be available until the middle of
April.
Baby foods remain an important part of Heinz globally and in the
UK where Heinz is number one in dry weaning foods and is the number
one home cooking brand and continues to drive successful innovation
with new fingerfoods, Cook at Home sauces and new recipe additions
to the successful Mum's Own range of weaning foods.
The Heinz Nurture range of baby milks would be phased out
gradually over a period of several weeks to allow parents time to
switch to alternative products.
Heinz will be communicating as widely as possible with parents
to alert them to the discontinuation.
For help and information parents and healthcare professionals
can call the Baby Careline on 0800 212991.