Whataburger Enters Retail Market with Its Popular Condiments at H-E-B

Today, at the Whataburger Family Convention, a biannual gathering of more than 2,000 Whataburger attendees, CEO Preston Atkinson announced Whataburger will launch into retail sales for the first time by bottling its popular line of condiments — Fancy Ketchup, Spicy Ketchup and Original Mustard — making them available exclusively at all Texas and Mexico H-E-B stores this summer. H-E-B will also add a new product based on Whataburger’s iconic brand called Whatafries.

H-E-B will carry both of Whataburger’s ketchup varieties, Fancy Ketchup and Spicy Ketchup, in 20-ounce bottles and its Original Mustard in 16-ounce bottles with labeling that reads, “Bottled by Popular Demand,” “Wake Up Your Taste Buds” and “The True Taste of a Whataburger.” Whataburger’s Original Mustard is a one-of-a-kind recipe that was first spread on a Whataburger in the 1950s, and its Fancy Ketchup — with a recipe that proves not all ketchups are created equal — has been a customer favorite for years. Bottled condiments will not be available for purchase at Whataburger restaurants at this time.

“H-E-B aisles are about to include more Texas favorites,” said Atkinson. “Our condiments have become nearly as popular as our famous burgers, and with so much customer demand to get their hands on our special ketchup and mustard in larger quantities, it was only logical to bottle them up and make them available first through such a well-respected retailer like H-E-B.”

H-E-B is also launching a new, unique product called “Whatafries” that leverages Whataburger’s legendary brand. The H-E-B product is a potato chip version of the French fry, cut from real potatoes and available in a 7.4-ounce bag. These crispy, delicious French fries are ready to eat straight from the bag. Original Flavor H-E-B Whatafries will debut this summer on the snack aisle exclusively at H-E-B stores.

“Working together is a natural fit for H-E-B and Whataburger,” said H-E-B Group Vice President of Grocery Procurement Reade Ahrens. “Both H-E-B and Whataburger are Texas institutions that have been serving customers for decades, we’re both headquartered in San Antonio and have roots in Corpus Christi, and both our companies are committed to delivering everyday, quality products that families have come to expect.”

“Venturing into the retail segment is very exciting for us at Whataburger because it gives us the opportunity to serve our loyal customers in a whole new way,” said Senior Vice President of Whataburger Retail Dino Del Nano. “We look forward to developing this new area of the Whataburger business and seeing our products on H-E-B shelves this summer.”

Atkinson also announced Whataburger’s unique Spicy Ketchup would become a permanent condiment at all of its 740+ restaurants across its 10-state service area. After introducing the red jalapeño-infused condiment in January 2012 to kick up the popular Fancy Ketchup recipe with some spice, it was an instant hit among customers.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT WHATABURGER’S CONDIMENTS:
(content provided directly from Whataburger’s Facebook and Twitter feeds)

Y’all really need to bottle your condiments. I need this to happen. The drive-thru workers always look at me sideways when I ask for massive amounts of ketchup…
– David M., Houston

Whataburger spicy ketchup in a bottle and sold in local grocery stores would be a hit $$$
– Laura L., Laguna Vista, Texas

(to Comedian Jim Gaffigan) Whataburger is the best! Especially their fancy ketchup! You are welcome.
– Angela R., Austin

“One of the best things about Texas is @Whataburger. Even the mustard there tastes better.”
@JHelmsSmith aka Jackson Helms Smith (Camera Operator at ESPN)

ABOUT WHATABURGER:

Whataburger has focused on its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950 when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dobson gave his restaurant a name he hoped to hear customers say every time they took a bite of his made-to-order burgers:

“What a burger!” Within the first week, people lined up around the block for his 25 cent, all-American beef burgers served on five-inch buns. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 740 locations in 10 states with sales of more than $1 billion annually. Visit www.whataburger.com for more information on the company or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/whataburger.

ABOUT H-E-B:

H-E-B, with sales of more than $19.4 billion, operates more than 350 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrated its 105th anniversary in 2010. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at everyday low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 80,000 Partners and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities.

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