Whataburger to Launch 'Fancy Ketchup' in Grocery Stores Whataburger to Launch 'Fancy Ketchup' in Grocery Stores

[Photo: Whataburger Ketchup]

Attention, Texans/fans of Texas-based burger chain Whataburger: soon, you'll be able to buy Whataburger condiments in grocery stores. Whataburger is somewhat famous for their "Fancy Ketchup" — well, as famous as anyone can be for ketchup, anyway — and will sell bottles of the stuff alongside their Spicy Ketchup and Original Mustard at the Texas grocery store chain HEB. They're also going to sell "Whatafries," "a potato chip version of the French fry." Some people might just call those potato chips, but sure, Whatafries it is. All of these will be available sometime this summer. Below, Whatapressrelease.

The press release. >>>

[Photo: HEB / Facebook]

Whataburger Enters Retail Market with its Popular Condiments at H-E-B April 23, 2013 San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO — Apr. 23, 2013 — 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 another Texas favorite," 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)

· Whataburger Enters Retail Market with its Popular Condiments at H-E-B [Whataburger]
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