Who Owns Cheez-It?

• Parent Company: Mars, Incorporated
• Ownership Type: Wholly owned
• Acquisition Year: 2025
• Company Type: Publicly Traded

• Founded: 1921
• Founders: Green & Green Company
• Acquired by Mars, Incorporated: 2025

• Founded: 1911
• Headquarters: McLean, Virginia, USA
• Company Type: Publicly Traded
• Revenue: approximately $50 billion (FY2024, estimated)
• Employees: Over 150,000

Visit Mars, Incorporated website

• Headquarters: McLean, Virginia, USA
• Manufacturing / Operations: United States

Cheez-It operates under Mars, Incorporated's comprehensive Sustainable in a Generation Plan, which guides the company's approach to environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing, and social responsibility. Mars launched this multi-billion dollar sustainability initiative in 2017 and continues to make significant progress toward its ambitious goals.

Sustainable Packaging: Cheez-It benefits from Mars' sustainable packaging initiatives, which include developing packaging that is reusable, recyclable, or compostable. As of 2023, 61% of Mars packaging is designed to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable, up from 57% in 2022. The company is working toward 100% sustainable packaging by 2025, though this target may be extended. Mars has also increased its use of post-consumer recycled content across packaging.

Climate Action: Mars has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and is expanding its use of renewable energy across operations. Cheez-It manufacturing facilities are included in Mars' efforts to reduce carbon footprint and transition to renewable energy sources. The company follows a science-based approach to climate action in support of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Responsible Sourcing: As part of Mars' portfolio, Cheez-It ingredients are sourced through Mars' responsible sourcing programs. The company is working to transform how it sources raw materials to ensure every part of operations and extended supply chains help people and the planet thrive. This includes efforts related to palm oil, cocoa, and other key ingredients.

Water Reduction: Mars has set goals to reduce water usage in its value chain, aiming to reduce the gap to sustainable water usage by 50% from 2015 to 2025. As of 2024, the company has achieved a 36% reduction in the gap to sustainable water use since 2015. Cheez-It manufacturing processes follow these water efficiency standards.

Deforestation Prevention: Mars is accelerating efforts to stop deforestation in its supply chains. The company has implemented policies and partnerships to ensure raw materials are sourced without contributing to deforestation, particularly for ingredients like palm oil and cocoa that may be used in Cheez-It products.

Ethical Business Practices: Mars operates under its Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom — which guide all business decisions. Cheez-It benefits from this ethical framework that ensures responsible business practices, fair labor standards, and integrity in all operations.

Cheez-It has achieved recognition as a leading cracker brand in the competitive snack food market, though specific industry awards are not extensively documented. The brand's recognition primarily comes from its market leadership, consumer popularity, and successful brand positioning over its century-long history.

Market Leadership Recognition: Cheez-It is recognized as one of the best-selling cracker brands in the United States, generating over $1 billion in annual retail sales. The brand holds a leading position in the cheese cracker category, demonstrating sustained consumer preference and market dominance.

Brand Heritage Recognition: With over 100 years of history since its creation in 1921, Cheez-It has earned recognition as a heritage brand in the American snack food industry. The brand's longevity and continued relevance demonstrate exceptional brand resilience and adaptation to changing consumer preferences.

Acquisition Validation: The inclusion of Cheez-It in Mars' $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova validates the brand's significant value and market position. Mars' decision to acquire Kellanova specifically to gain iconic brands like Cheez-It reflects the brand's recognized strength and potential for continued growth.

Consumer Preference Awards: While specific formal awards are not extensively documented, Cheez-It has received recognition in consumer preference surveys and taste tests conducted by food publications and consumer research organizations. The brand's distinctive cheese flavor and crunchy texture have been acknowledged as distinguishing characteristics in the cracker category.

Innovation Recognition: Cheez-It has been recognized for product innovation within the cracker category, including the introduction of various flavor varieties and product formats that have expanded the brand's appeal to different consumer segments and usage occasions.

Cheez-It maintains a relatively clean operational record with no major product recalls or significant public controversies documented in recent years. The brand operates in the highly regulated food manufacturing sector where safety standards and quality control are critical for maintaining consumer trust and market access.

Product Safety Record: Cheez-It has maintained a strong product safety record with no documented major recalls or widespread safety issues. The brand benefits from Mars' comprehensive quality control and safety protocols that ensure product safety and quality across all manufacturing facilities.

Quality Control Standards: As part of Mars' portfolio, Cheez-It manufacturing follows strict food safety and quality standards. The company maintains comprehensive testing and quality assurance processes to prevent contamination and ensure consistent product quality.

Regulatory Compliance: Cheez-It operates under strict regulatory compliance requirements for food products in multiple markets. The brand maintains compliance with applicable food safety regulations, labeling requirements, and quality standards set by agencies such as the FDA in the United States.

Nutritional Considerations: Like many snack products, Cheez-It has faced some consumer scrutiny regarding nutritional content, particularly sodium levels and processed ingredients. However, these concerns reflect broader industry trends rather than brand-specific controversies or safety issues.

Supply Chain Ethics: Cheez-It benefits from Mars' responsible sourcing programs and supply chain ethics initiatives. The company works to ensure ethical labor practices and environmental standards throughout its supply chain, though specific issues related to Cheez-It ingredients are not extensively documented.

Competition and Market Pressure: Cheez-It operates in a highly competitive snack market, but has maintained strong market position through brand loyalty and product quality. The brand faces ongoing competitive pressure but this represents normal market dynamics rather than controversies.

Environmental Impact: Like all packaged food products, Cheez-It faces scrutiny regarding packaging waste and environmental impact. However, the brand benefits from Mars' comprehensive sustainability initiatives and packaging reduction targets.