Heinz seeking to gain leading position in lucrative ready-made foods sector

After acquiring majority stakes in three leading domestic food processors Zaklad Przemyslu Owocowo-Warzywnego (ZPOW), Zaklad Koncentratow Spozywczych (ZKS) and Pudliszki, U.S.-based food products giant Heinz has consolidated its holdings under the Pudulszki name and this year is looking to become the leader in Poland's lucrative ready-made foods segment with 30% market share. Heinz acquired the three companies through its subsidiary CEP Pudliszky Holding BV, and in January of this year they began operating under the Pudliszki S.A. name. According to the firm's representatives, the merger of the three, financed entirely with Heinz capital, will shore up newly-created Pudliszki's position on the domestic market and allow it to diversify its products, increasing company sales. (Puls Biznesu, p.12) A.Z.