Who Owns Philadelphia?
Philadelphia cream cheese is owned by Kraft Heinz Company, a publicly traded American multinational food corporation. The brand was created in 1872 and has been part of the Kraft portfolio for decades. Kraft Heinz is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Parent Company
Kraft Heinz Company
Founded
1872
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Who Owns Philadelphia?
- Parent Company: Kraft Heinz Company
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NASDAQ: KHC
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | Kraft Heinz Company | Wholly owned |
History of Philadelphia
- Founded: 1872
- Founders: William Lawrence
Philadelphia cream cheese was created in 1872 by William Lawrence, a dairyman from Chester, New York. Lawrence accidentally developed a method for producing cream cheese while attempting to recreate the French cheese Neufchatel.
The brand name "Philadelphia" was adopted in 1880 because the city of Philadelphia was associated with high-quality food products at the time. The name stuck, even though the cheese was never manufactured in Philadelphia.
Kraft Foods acquired the Philadelphia brand in 1928 when it purchased the Phenix Cheese Company. Under Kraft's ownership, Philadelphia became the best-selling cream cheese brand in the United States and expanded internationally.
When Kraft Foods merged with H.J. Heinz in 2015 to form Kraft Heinz, Philadelphia became part of the combined company's portfolio. The brand generates over $1 billion in annual revenue and is sold in more than 90 countries.
About Kraft Heinz Company
Kraft Heinz operates through multiple segments including North America, International, and various product categories. The company generates approximately $26 billion in annual revenue and sells products in nearly 200 countries. In 2025, North America accounted for $18.6 billion in sales, while international developed markets contributed $3.5 billion and emerging markets added $2.8 billion.
The company's portfolio includes some of America's most iconic food brands spanning condiments, cheese, meals, meats, coffee, and beverages. Kraft Heinz maintains a vast manufacturing network with dozens of production facilities worldwide, enabling efficient distribution and local market adaptation.
Under CEO Steve Cahillane's leadership, Kraft Heinz has implemented a "Taste Elevation" strategy focused on improving product quality, investing in innovation, and strengthening brand marketing. The company's 2026 $600 million investment plan targets marketing, sales, R&D, and product superiority initiatives to drive profitable growth.
Kraft Heinz's business model benefits from strong brand recognition, extensive distribution networks, and economies of scale in manufacturing and procurement. The company's global presence allows it to leverage cross-market synergies and adapt products to local tastes while maintaining consistent quality standards across all operations.
The company faces challenges including changing consumer preferences toward healthier and more natural foods, intense competition from private label brands, and inflationary pressures on input costs. However, Kraft Heinz's strong cash generation capabilities and iconic brand portfolio provide resilience and flexibility to navigate these challenges while pursuing growth opportunities in emerging markets and product innovation.
- Founded: 2015
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NASDAQ: KHC
Where Is Philadelphia Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia
Philadelphia Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Backed by Kraft Heinz's extensive distribution and retail relationships
- +Strong brand recognition spanning over 150 years
- +Significant marketing and R&D resources
- +Global presence in over 90 countries
- +Diversified product line including spreads, cooking cream, and snack formats
Considerations
- -Kraft Heinz has faced criticism for aggressive cost-cutting strategies
- -Parent company wrote down $15.4 billion in brand value in 2019
- -Health-conscious consumers may seek lower-fat alternatives
- -Competition from private-label and artisanal cream cheese brands
- -Corporate cost optimization may affect ingredient sourcing
Frequently Asked Questions About Philadelphia
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchases
Philadelphia on AmazonCompetitors to Philadelphia
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unilever | USA | 1978 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Unilever | United States | 1919 | Mass Market | North America | Male | |
| Unilever | Netherlands | 1870 | Mass Market | Europe | All Genders | |
| Unilever | United Kingdom | 1869 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Nestle | Switzerland | 1927 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Unilever | USA | 1913 | Mass Market | North America | Male |
Learn More About Competitors
Ben & Jerry's
Owned by Unilever plc
American ice cream company known for unique flavors and social activism, owned by Unilever.
Best Foods
Owned by Unilever plc
American mayonnaise and condiment brand owned by Unilever, known as Hellmann's east of the Rocky Mountains.
Bovril
Owned by Unilever plc
Heritage British beef extract brand owned by Unilever, invented in 1870 and known as a drink, flavoring, and spread with significant cultural history.
Brooke Bond
Owned by Unilever plc
British tea brand owned by Unilever, known for Red Label and PG Tips tea products.
Gerber
Owned by Nestlé
Baby food and nutrition brand owned by Nestlé, providing infant nutrition products.
Hellmann's
Owned by Unilever plc
American mayonnaise and condiment brand owned by Unilever, known as Best Foods west of the Rocky Mountains.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Philadelphia competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Kraft Heinz Company Stock Information
Jobs at Kraft Heinz Company
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