USA: H.J. Heinz Company raises quarterly dividend for a record 33rd consecutive year

The board of directors of H.J. Heinz Company (NYSE: HNZ) today raised the quarterly dividend on the company's common stock to 39 1/4 cents from 36 3/4 cents, a 6.8 percent increase, for an indicated annual rate of $1.57 per share. This is the 33rd consecutive year for an increased dividend.The dividend will be paid on October 10, 2000 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 22, 2000.In addition, the board declared a quarterly dividend of 42 1/2 cents per share on the Third Cumulative Preferred Stock, $1.70 First Series, payable October 1, 2000 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 22, 2000.ABOUT HEINZ: With sales over US$9 billion, H. J. Heinz Company is one of the world's leading marketers of branded foods to supermarkets and away-from- home eating establishments. Its 50 companies operate in some 200 countries, offering more than 57 hundred varieties. Among the company's famous brands are Heinz, StarKist, Ore-Ida, 9-Lives, Weight Watchers, Wattie's, Plasmon, Farley's, Smart Ones, The Budget Gourmet, Linda McCartney, San Marco, Go Ahead!, Bagel Bites, John West, Petit Navire, Boston Market, Skippy, Kibbles 'n Bits, Pounce, Wagwells, Orlando, ABC, Olivine and Pudliszki. Information on Heinz is available at