Ketchup Price Comparison

Ketchup Price Comparison

By James R. Covart

Sometimes it's the little things that add up. Have you noticed the price of ketchup lately, particularly Heinz Ketchup? Over the last year or so, we have noticed that the price of Heinz Ketchup has increased significantly. HSG’s members are currently paying in the $19-20 range for Heinz Ketchup in 14 oz. glass bottles (still the most popular size we order). Many independents are paying much more.

After a little research, I found that several of the national and regional chains are paying in the $16-16.50 range for the same case of 14 oz. bottles. Heinz often has contracts with chains. Trips to the wholesale clubs found them selling the same item in the $16-16.50 range.

Why are independents paying so much more than chains for Heinz Ketchup? I am not sure. The increased cost of freight has been the most frequent reason offered. Does it really cost less to ship a case of ketchup to a local distributor for delivery to a chain restaurant than it does to ship a case of ketchup to the same distributor for delivery to an independent operation?

As you can see from the spreadsheet that we have put together, buying ketchup in bulk packaging is less than half the per ounce cost of buying bottled ketchup.

Here are some things that you can do to control ketchup costs:

Consider alternatives to putting branded bottles of ketchup on your tables. Ketchup can be served in either plastic or paper soufflé cups, which are reasonably priced and come in many sizes. A two ounce black plastic soufflé cup makes a nice presentation and costs less than a penny and a half each.
If you are refilling bottles (usually considered an unsanitary practice) try out different bottle styles. While the 12 oz. wide mouth bottles are convenient, they are also the most expensive to buy. Buying ketchup in the 114 oz. plastic jugs and using a pump (should be free from Heinz or other ketchup packer) works pretty well.
Take a look at the per ounce cost for the different bottle styles and sizes. The new upside down style bottles may look great but the cost per ounce is higher than the traditional 14 oz. tall glass bottles and the tops don’t come off for “marrying” or refilling.
If you choose to keep the Heinz branded bottle on your tables, ask Heinz for an advertising allowance. You may or may not get it, but you won’t know if you don’t ask.
Consider using other brands of ketchup. While Heinz may be the most well known brand of ketchup, there are other good products out there that are priced more reasonably.

Updated 6/21/06

Hospitality Services Group

Heinz Ketchup Cost Comparison

1. Choose the COLUMN for the product that your are currently using. (G through P)

2. Choose the ROW for the alternative product you are considering. (16 through 25)

3. The intersection is your EQUIVALENT savings (or increase) per case.

Calculate Potential Savings

Equivalent Savings (Increase)

$0.00

Cases Used per Week

Annual Savings

Jun-05

24/12 OZ.

30/16 OZ.

24/14 OZ.

2/192 OZ.

1/384 OZ.

6/114 OZ.

PACK

OZ. PER

CASE

PER OZ.

WIDE MOUTH

UPSIDE DN.

RED SQZ.

CLEAR SQZ.

GLASS

POUCH

VOL PAK

POUCH

JUG

#10 CAN

ITEM DESCRIPTION

NO.

OZ.

CASE

PRICE

COST

288 OZ.

480 OZ.

336 OZ.

384 OZ.

684 OZ.

#10 CAN

114

684

$20.88

$0.0305

$15.71

$18.35

$11.16

$12.99

$10.24

$4.71

$3.28

-$1.74

$0.00

PLASTIC JUGS

114

684

$21.25

$0.0311

$15.55

$18.09

$10.98

$12.81

$10.06

$4.50

$3.07

-$2.11

$0.00

-$0.37

POUCH PACKS

114

684

$19.14

$0.0280

$16.44

$19.57

$12.02

$13.85

$11.10

$5.68

$4.25

$0.00

$2.11

$1.74

VOL-PAK

384

$15.00

$0.0391

$13.25

$14.25

$8.30

$10.13

$7.38

$1.43

$0.00

-$7.58

-$5.47

-$5.84

DISPENSER POUCHES

192

384

$16.43

$0.0428

$12.18

$12.46

$7.04

$8.87

$6.12

$0.00

-$1.43

-$10.13

-$8.02

-$8.39

TALL GLASS BOTTLES

336

$20.50

$0.0610

$6.93

$3.71

$0.92

$2.75

$0.00

-$7.00

-$8.43

-$22.59

-$20.48

-$20.85

CLEAR SQUEEZE BOTTLES

336

$23.25

$0.0692

$4.57

-$0.21

-$1.83

$0.00

-$2.75

-$10.14

-$11.57

-$28.19

-$26.08

-$26.45

RED SQUEEZE BOTTLES

336

$21.42

$0.0638

$6.14

$2.40

$0.00

$1.83

-$0.92

-$8.05

-$9.48

-$24.47

-$22.36

-$22.73

UPSIDE-DOWN BOTTLES

480

$33.00

$0.0688

$4.70

$0.00

-$1.68

$0.15

-$2.60

-$9.97

-$11.40

-$27.89

-$25.78

-$26.15

WIDE MOUTH BOTTLES

288

$24.50

$0.0851

$0.00

-$7.83

-$7.16

-$5.33

-$8.08

-$16.24

-$17.67

-$39.05

-$36.94

-$37.31