Heinz serves up lesson in how to lose 3.6 million customers

So Heinz has banned its Deli Mayo TV advert featuring two men sharing a kiss and apologised to the 202 people who complained to the Advertising Standards Committee it was "offensive" , "inappropriate to see two men kissing" and "unsuitable to be seen by children".

Nigel Dickie, director of corporate affairs for Heinz UK, said: "It is our policy to listen to consumers. We recognise that some consumers raised concerns over the content of the ad and this prompted our decision to withdraw it.”

So now Heinz has appeased the 202 offended by the sight of single sex couples, what will it do to calm the 3.6 million-strong UK gay population it has disowned? Besides, how did Heinz know the 202 were more representative of its 'family' image?

Damage limitation or disastrous knee-jerk PR? See what you think: