Wattie's Garden Peas

Wattie's is one of New Zealand's most iconic food brands, founded by Sir James Wattie in 1934 in Hastings. Originally established to prevent waste from local fruit orchards during the Depression, the company eventually expanded into canning and freezing a wide variety of produce, including their famous garden peas. Today, the peas are primarily grown in the fertile Canterbury Plains of New Zealand and processed quickly to maintain freshness.

While the brand remains deeply rooted in New Zealands cultural identity, its ownership has transitioned through major international mergers. In 1992, H.J. Heinz Company acquired Wattie's, and following the 2015 merger between Kraft and Heinz, the brand became a part of the Kraft Heinz global portfolio. The brand continues to operate as a leading food supplier in Australasia under the stewardship of this multinational giant.