Heniz Ketchup fan of the century

Heniz Ketchup fan of the century

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- 12/09/09 -- Toronto native Rachael Czutrin has been crowned as Canada's Heinz Ketchup Fan of the Century. The contest, developed to celebrate Heinz Canada's 100th anniversary, asked consumers to express - in 100 words or less - why they should be named the Canada's Heinz Ketchup Fan of the Century. As usual, Heinz Ketchup fans - 20,668 of them in all - poured their love on thick.

Submissions varied from the nostalgic to the strange as consumers relayed stories of Heinz Ketchup on toast, popcorn, rice, pickles, soup, and even holiday turkey. They kept their ketchup bottles in lockers and glove compartments, gave it as hostess gifts and served it at their weddings. Heinz was delivered by Santa on Christmas morning, went into care packages for those in the military, and reminded other fans of loved ones lost. The iconic bottle even showed up as a tattoo on the arms and legs of four die-hard fans and reportedly accompanied some Ketchup lovers into the great beyond."The overwhelming response to this contest demonstrates that Heinz Ketchup is not just a household name but a brand that resonates strongly in the hearts and minds of Canadians and has for generations," says Joan Patterson, Corporate Affairs Leader, Heinz Canada.

Contest Highlights by the Numbers

Of the 20,668 entrants...

- 454 people carry Heinz Ketchup with them at all times, whether it be in their purse, pocket, or car.

- 115 people had Heinz Ketchup play a role at their wedding (including one Ketchup fountain!).

- 68 people said they craved Heinz Ketchup while pregnant.

- 18 people reported Heinz Ketchup (aka 'Navy Gravy') helped them stomach the food in the military.

- 15 people named their pets after Heinz Ketchup including seven dogs, three cats, two fish, two chinchillas and one rabbit.

- Four people reported Heinz Ketchup was part of a loved one's funeral; two people reported putting a bottle of Ketchup in the deceased's casket.

- Two people claimed they named their children "Heinz" due to their love of the condiment!

Rachael Czutrin - the winner of the Heinz Ketchup Fan of the Century contest and its $25,000 grand prize - was chosen for her utter devotion and loyalty to a

brand for which she has been an unofficial ambassador her whole life. A true Heinz fan, she enjoys Ketchup on a wide variety of foods, not just the typical

French fry, hot dog and hamburger fare. "Some people think it's strange, but I love Heinz Ketchup on pizza."

Heinz Ketchup is something that she just can't do without - she even traded valuable clothing space in her backpack for a bottle of Heinz Ketchup when touring Europe. Her love passion for Heinz is so well known among friends and family that she has received not one, not two, but three 'I put Ketchup on my Ketchup' t-shirts from three different people! According to Rachael, "To me Heinz Ketchup is not a condiment, it's a way of life!"

To read Rachael's and the other finalist entries, visit Heinzitup.com and click the "Promotions" tab. Also available online are hundreds of delicious recipes such as The Great Canadian Heinz Ketchup Cake which was created by Heinz in honour of its 100th anniversary this year.