Kraft Heinz and TGI Fridays have announced an exclusive, perpetual extension of an existing licensing deal where Kraft Heinz makes TGI Fridays branded frozen appetizers for retail sales across North America.
The companies have had a successful licensing partnership since 2001. With the new arangements, which supersedes a licensing deal signed in 2015, Kraft Heinz will continue to develop and sell TGI Fridays frozen appetizers and snacks and look for innovative ways to improve the products with high quality ingredients, new flavors and varieties.
“The TGI Fridays brand is an important part of our frozen food portfolio and is a growth driver for our business across North America,” said Pedro Navio, president of Kraft Heinz’s North America Zone operations. “This new agreement aligns with our strategy to accelerate growth in categories where we can create more value for shoppers. We’re proud to offer restaurant quality frozen appetizers and snacks under the TGI Fridays brand.”
The strength and success of the relationship over the last 23 years has been the strong collaboration between the parties to develop high quality products that bring the flavors and atmosphere of a TGI Fridays restaurant into consumers’ kitchens. Looking ahead, Kraft Heinz and TGI Fridays will continue their focus on bringing new innovations into the market that are inspired by the restaurant experience.
“As the world’s first casual bar and grill, TGI Fridays is a beloved and iconic global brand that’s known for innovative and craveable foods, especially our world famous appetizers,” said Weldon Spangler, TGI Fridays chief executive officer. “This licensing agreement with Kraft Heinz will help extend that ‘Fridays Feeling’ to consumers at retail with TGI Fridays restaurant quality frozen appetizers and snacks.”
There are currently 25 varieties of TGI Fridays branded frozen appetizers available at grocery stores, including Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Potato Skins, Poppers, Spinach and Artichoke Cheese Dip, Buffalo Style Boneless Chicken Bites, Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce and several others.
