1 in 3 Canadians will be separated from their loved ones this holiday season, according to Kraft Peanut Butter

TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2017

TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - The holidays are a special time of year for friends and family to come together, but according to a new survey commissioned by Kraft Peanut Butter, more than 1 in 3 Canadians (37%) will be apart from their family during the holidays. Distance is the main reason many will be separated from their families this holiday season (59%), followed by finances (23%).

"Kraft Peanut Butter wants to help Canadians stick together – even when they're physically apart – and there's no better way to do that, than with the power of a bear hug," says Nina Patel, Marketing Director of Brand Build for Kraft Heinz Canada. "Our iconic Crunchy and Smoothie bears have been beloved for generations by Canadians and represent togetherness and that familiar sense of comfort that our loved ones bring."

To bring Canadians together, Kraft Peanut Butter created larger-than-life versions of Crunchy and Smoothie, placing them in Vancouver and Toronto so loved ones could send virtual hugs from one city to another. For Canadians coast to coast, Kraft Peanut Butter has also introduced Wi-Fi-enabled Crunchy and Smoothie bears. A virtual hug is sent using Wi-Fi technology, lighting up Crunchy and Smoothie's bowties to let friends and family know a hug has come their way.

Visit kraftbearhugs.com to learn more about the campaign and find out how to win a pair of BearHug Bears.

About Kraft Heinz:

The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ: KHC) is the fifth-largest food and beverage company in the world. A globally trusted producer of delicious foods, The Kraft Heinz Company provides high quality, great taste and nutrition for all eating occasions whether at home, in restaurants or on the go. The Company's iconic brands include Kraft, Heinz, ABC, Capri Sun, Classico, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Lunchables, MaxwellHouse, Ore-Ida, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Planters, Plasmon, Quero, Smart Ones and Velveeta. The Kraft Heinz Company is dedicated to the sustainable health of our people, our planet and our Company. For more information, visit www.kraftheinzcompany.com.