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                                                                      EXHIBIT 12

                  H. J. HEINZ FINANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

               COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                  Nine
                                                                 Months
                                                                  Ended
                                                               -----------
                                                               January 28,
(in thousands)                                                    2004
--------------                                                 -----------
<S>                                                            <C>
Fixed Charges:
  Interest expense*.........................................   $  105,298
  Interest component of rental expense......................        6,271
                                                               ----------
     Total fixed charges....................................   $  111,569
                                                               ----------
Earnings:
  Income from continuing operations before income taxes and
     minority interest......................................      302,971
  Add: Interest expense*....................................      105,298
  Add: Interest component of rental expense.................        6,271
                                                               ----------
     Earnings as adjusted...................................   $  414,540
                                                               ----------
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges........................         3.72
                                                               ==========
</Table>

---------------
* Interest expense includes amortization of debt expense and any discount or
  premium relating to indebtedness.

                      H. J. HEINZ COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

               COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                  Nine
                                                                 Months
                                                                  Ended
                                                               -----------
                                                               January 28,
(in thousands)                                                    2004
--------------                                                 -----------
<S>                                                            <C>
Fixed Charges:
  Interest expense*.........................................   $  164,796
  Capitalized interest......................................           --
  Interest component of rental expense......................       24,891
                                                               ----------
     Total fixed charges....................................   $  189,687
                                                               ----------
Earnings:
  Income from continuing operations before income taxes and
     cumulative effect of change in accounting principle....   $  874,106
  Add: Interest expense*....................................      164,796
  Add: Interest component of rental expense.................       24,891
  Add: Amortization of capitalized interest.................        1,409
                                                               ----------
     Earnings as adjusted...................................   $1,065,202
                                                               ----------
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges........................         5.62
                                                               ==========
</Table>

---------------
* Interest expense includes amortization of debt expense and any discount or
  premium relating to indebtedness.