Clarification Regarding June 28 Press Release.

PITTSBURGH -- Following yesterday's press release by Heinz, CBRL Group, Inc. contacted Heinz and stated that, notwithstanding newspaper reports to the contrary, CBRL Group, as it announced on January 24, 2006, independently began a strategic review in the fall of 2005 and, on its own, subsequently implemented initiatives resulting from that review.

In its June 28th press release, Heinz correctly referred to Nelson Peltz's acquiring a 4.9 percent interest in CBRL Group and subsequently selling his entire stake at a likely substantial profit. These facts regarding Mr. Peltz's trades and his short-term investments in CBRL are verified by 13-F filings with the SEC and financial industry reports.

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On June 15, 2006, Heinz filed a preliminary proxy statement in connection with its 2006 annual meeting of shareholders. Prior to the annual meeting, Heinz will furnish a definitive proxy statement to its shareholders, together with a WHITE proxy card. Heinz shareholders are strongly advised to read Heinz's proxy statement as it contains important information. Shareholders may obtain Heinz's preliminary proxy statement, any amendments or supplements to the proxy statement and other documents filed by Heinz with the Securities and Exchange Commission for free at the Internet website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Copies of the definitive proxy statement and any amendments and supplements to the definitive proxy statement will also be available for free at Heinz's Internet website at www.heinz.com or by writing to H. J. Heinz Company, World Headquarters, 600 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219. In addition, copies of Heinz's proxy materials may be requested by contacting our proxy solicitor, MacKenzie Partners, Inc. at [phone] toll-free or by email at [e-mail]. Detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of individuals who are participants in the solicitation of proxies of Heinz's shareholders is available in Heinz's preliminary proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15, 2006.

ABOUT HEINZ: H.J. Heinz Company, offering "Good Food, Every Day(TM)," is one of the world's leading marketers and producers of branded foods in ketchup and condiments; meals & snacks; and infant foods. Heinz delights consumers in every outlet, from supermarkets to restaurants to convenience stores and kiosks. Heinz is a global family of leading brands, including Heinz(R) Ketchup, sauces, soups, beans, pasta and infant foods (representing nearly one-third of total sales or close to $3 billion), HP(R) and Lea & Perrins(R), Ore-Ida(R) french fries and roasted potatoes, Boston Market(R) and Smart Ones(R) meals, and Plasmon(R) baby food. Heinz has leading brands in six core developed geographies and five developing geographies. Information on Heinz is available at www.heinz.com/news.