<PAGE>
                                                                               .
                                                                               .
                                                                               .

                                                                      EXHIBIT 12

                  H. J. HEINZ FINANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

               COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                First
                                                               Quarter
                                                                Ended
                                                               --------
                                                               July 28,
(in thousands)                                                   2004
--------------                                                 --------
<S>                                                            <C>
Fixed Charges:
  Interest expense*.........................................   $ 34,880
  Interest component of rental expense......................      1,501
                                                               --------
     Total fixed charges....................................   $ 36,381
                                                               --------
Earnings:
  Income before income taxes and minority interest..........     90,577
  Add: Interest expense*....................................     34,880
  Add: Interest component of rental expense.................      1,501
                                                               --------
     Earnings as adjusted...................................   $126,958
                                                               --------
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges........................       3.49
                                                               ========
</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>
                                                                First
                                                               Quarter
                                                                Ended
                                                               --------
                                                               July 28,
(in thousands)                                                   2004
--------------                                                 --------
<S>                                                            <C>
Fixed Charges:
  Interest expense*.........................................   $ 54,884
  Capitalized interest......................................         --
  Interest component of rental expense......................      7,438
                                                               --------
     Total fixed charges....................................   $ 62,322
                                                               --------
Earnings:
  Income from continuing operations before income taxes.....   $286,586
  Add: Interest expense*....................................     54,884
  Add: Interest component of rental expense.................      7,438
  Add: Amortization of capitalized interest.................        508
                                                               --------
     Earnings as adjusted...................................   $349,416
                                                               --------
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges........................       5.61
                                                               ========
</Table>

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