Heinz launches Sriracha ketchup

NEW YORK -- H.J. Heinz said Monday it is launching a new ketchup flavor that includes the popular red Thai hot sauce Sriracha.

The Pittsburgh-based company said it will start selling a ketchup blended with Sriracha flavor this month. Sriracha's ingredients include chili pepper pasta, garlic, and vinegar. The sauce is named for and patterned after flavors from eastern Thailand.

In recent months Taco Bell and Pizza Hut have announced plans to try dishes that include Sriracha flavoring.

H.J. Heinz Co. is owned by 3G Capital and Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. In recent years the company has started selling ketchups blended with jalapeno pepper flavoring and Tabasco sauce. It also sells mustard, relish, barbecue sauce, and other condiments.