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                                                                      EXHIBIT 12

                  H. J. HEINZ FINANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

               COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                First
                                                               Quarter
                                                                Ended
                                                               --------
                                                               July 30,
(in thousands)                                                   2003
--------------                                                 --------
<S>                                                            <C>
Fixed Charges:
  Interest expense*.........................................   $ 32,201
  Interest component of rental expense......................      3,112
                                                               --------
     Total fixed charges....................................   $ 35,313
                                                               --------
Earnings:
  Income from continuing operations before income taxes and
     minority interest......................................   $ 92,198
  Add: Interest expense*....................................     32,201
  Add: Interest component of rental expense.................      3,112
                                                               --------
     Earnings as adjusted...................................   $127,511
                                                               --------
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges........................       3.61
                                                               ========
</Table>

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* 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 30,
(in thousands)                                                   2003
--------------                                                 --------
<S>                                                            <C>
Fixed Charges:
  Interest expense*.........................................   $ 52,843
  Capitalized interest......................................         --
  Interest component of rental expense......................      7,293
                                                               --------
     Total fixed charges....................................   $ 60,766
                                                               --------
Earnings:
  Income from continuing operations before income taxes and
     cumulative effect of change in accounting principle....   $285,625
  Add: Interest expense*....................................     52,843
  Add: Interest component of rental expense.................      7,923
  Add: Amortization of capitalized interest.................        458
                                                               --------
     Earnings as adjusted...................................   $346,849
                                                               --------
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges........................       5.71
                                                               ========
</Table>

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