Heinz set to expand business in China

US-based food company H. J. Heinz Co is determined to further its investment and expand business in China, a top company manager said.

"We see significant investment in China for long-term development by finishing a new soy sauce factory in Shanghai," said Hein Schumacher, president of Heinz Greater China.

Schumacher was speaking at an international symposium on maternal and infant nutrition in Guangzhou, capital city of South China's Guangdong province.

Schumacher said the new factory in Shanghai, with investment of more than 400 million yuan ($64 million), will provide a stronger foundation for Heinz to accelerate its sauces and condiments business in China.

He said construction has also started on a new baby food factory for the company in Foshan, Guangdong.

Heinz's net income from continuing operations in the second quarter increased by more than 22%, with strong growth in emerging markets including China, company sources said.

The company's Master soy sauce has become one of its top 15 brands since Heinz acquired Foodstar two years ago.

"In China, our sauces, ketchup and condiment businesses delivered strong growth of about 20%, driven by the momentum of diversified brands," Schumacher said.

The other two core businesses of Heinz China — infant nutrition and frozen food — also delivered steady results, the company said.