Wattie's Baked Beans

Wattie's Baked Beans are a cornerstone of New Zealand's pantry staples, famously known as "New Zealand's favourite." The brand was founded in 1934 by Sir James Wattie in Hawke's Bay, originally starting as a canning business to utilize local produce. To this day, the product is proudly manufactured in New Zealand, specifically from facilities in Hastings, although it utilizes a mix of imported navy beans and local ingredients like tomato sauce.

Ownership of the brand has transitioned from its local roots to global corporate management. After a merger with Goodman Fielder in the 1980s, the Wattie's group was acquired by the American H.J. Heinz Company in 1992. Following the 2015 merger of Kraft and Heinz, the brand became a key asset of the Kraft Heinz Company. As of early 2026, while Kraft Heinz remains the ultimate owner, there have been significant restructuring announcements regarding its New Zealand manufacturing footprint, though the Wattie's name continues to be synonymous with Kiwi household meals.