Beanman: NZ's First Superhero Touches Down

An enormous 3.5m high Baked Beans can touched down early this morning in Auckland’s Aotea Square, leaving commuters wondering if the country is about to be taken over by hundreds of the little orange pods. Never fear New Zealand, this bumper-sized Baked Beans spaceship belongs to the country’s first superhero - Beanman.

Beanman is a new character from New Zealand icon company Wattie’s who will appear in television ads from this Sunday night (17 April). In the ads, Beanman helps people out in sticky situations by giving them Wattie’s Baked Beans – nature’s superfood. Wattie’s describe baked beans as nature’s superfood because they are 99% fat free, high in fibre, a source of iron and high in protein.

The public got their first chance to meet the unlikely superhero when he cruised into Aotea Square at midday, after doing a spot of Auckland sightseeing. But they didn’t get to see Beanman leap tall buildings in a single bound, instead he was doing what de does best, handing out samples of his favourite food.

Beanman cruised in overnight from his alleged home planet of Legumulon, wearing his favourite teal lycra suit – complete with undies over the top, a signature “B” on his chest, orange cape and boots. His most valued weapon is his trusty can opener and of course, Wattie’s Baked Beans. Beanman knows we can all be empowered by nature’s superfood, so he gives Wattie’s Baked Beans to people so they can then help themselves. After all, who needs a superhero when you have superfood?

According to Beanman, Wattie’s Baked Beans have been the powerhouse of New Zealand for generation upon generation, giving Kiwis the energy that has helped make the country what it is today.

“Who am I to mess with that? But I did feel it was time to visit and make sure all New Zealanders were aware of the true benefits of nature’s super food,” says Beanman.

“I might not have telekinesis like the Greatest American Hero, but at least I know that when I eat Baked Beans I’ll have sustained energy throughout the day which I can use to help people help themselves.” he says.

Wattie’s Baked Beans and the tomato sauce they are cooked in are a great source of folate and protein. One serving of Wattie’s Baked Beans (210g), which are 99 percent fat free, contain a quarter of the daily folate needs of the average (non-pregnant) adult. Beans also contain complex carbohydrates and provide an important source of Dietary Fibre, ideal for healthy and active bodies.

One of Wattie’s cornerstone products, Wattie’s Baked Beans are dear to the nation’s hearts. New Zealand is the third highest baked bean consuming country in the world behind Ireland and the U.K., with Kiwis consuming 2.3kg each per year*. That makes New Zealanders even more full of beans than Australians, who eat 1.9kg each per year.

A specially-created Beanman website at www.beanman.co.nz will be live from Monday 18 April. People will be able to watch the two new television ads, see outtakes from the commercials, read about where Beanman has come from and download some delicious baked beans recipes.

*Ash, R. (2005). Top 10 of Everything 2005. Dorling Kindersley.

Visit these websites for more interesting facts about beans and their nutritional benefits:

www.watties.co.nz/html/health_nutrition/beans/home.asp
www.lycopene.org
www.americanbean.org

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