By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Heinz and Kate Spade New York have just unveiled a limited edition collection handbags and apparel, just in time for summer.
As backyard grills heat up this season, Heinz and Kate Spade are adding a little spice with a delicious new global partnership, brokered by Kraft Heinz exclusive licensing agency, Brand Central.
Since its launch in 1993 with a collection of six essential handbags, Kate Spade New York has always stood for color, wit, optimism, and femininity. Today, it is a global lifestyle brand delivering seasonal collections of handbags, ready-to-wear, jewelry, footwear, gifts, home décor and more. Kate Spade New York is part of the Tapestry house of brands.
For this collection, Kate Spade is working with Kraft Heinz, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, with approximately $27 billion in annual sales, and the collection features the product that perhaps defines Heinz more than any other; the world’s most popular ketchup brand. In the US alone, more than 197 million people reported using Heinz Ketchup in 2020, according to research by Statista, and more than all other ketchup brands combined.
The partners say the collection is “drawing inspiration from each brand’s signature DNA,” combining Kate Spade New York’s highly crafted handbag design and HEINZ’s beloved iconography and unmistakable ketchup red color for a one of a kind capsule collection that is both tasteful … and tasty. For example, one of the bags looks exactly like the classic Heinz Ketchup packet you would get at takeout.
“At Kate Spade New York, we believe in exploring the journey of self-expression through style in fun, unexpected ways,” says SVP and Head of Design Jennifer Lyu. “It’s the thoughtful details that bring this collection with Heinz to life, from the embellishments on the tee and the way our 3D ketchup bag looks just like that classic red and white packet.
“The playful designs are perfect for all of summer’s special moments, capturing the spirit of the season,” Lyu adds. “I’m excited for customers across generations to experience a little piece of the magic we created with Heinz.”
Megan Lang, Head of Global Heinz Brand Communications and Creativity, says the collection is designed to add a dash of style and wit to everyday summer routines, and features playful accessories with the iconography of the unmistakable red condiment across totes, pouches, small leather goods, ready to wear tees, footwear, keychains, phone cases and more.
“With this new line of ‘condiment couture,’ we’re excited to partner with the iconic kate spade new york brand to pay homage to the beloved Heinz brand,” Lang says. “Kate Spade New York shares many values with Heinz—from creating products of the highest quality that are expertly crafted by masters and leave no detail untouched, to exhibiting true devotion to our fans.
“In return, both brands have incredibly loyal fan bases that transcend generations. At Heinz, we love to celebrate the unique and unconventional ways our fans show their love for us, and this collection is the perfect opportunity to do so.”
The limited-edition collection will be available for purchase at select Kate Spade New York stores and online at katespade.com in global markets including China, Europe, Japan, North America and Southeast Asia. The collection will also be available at select wholesale locations. All items retail between $45 and $398 USD.
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