Does Kraft Own Philadelphia Cream Cheese?

The question

is a common query among cheese enthusiasts and culinary aficionados. The answer, of course, is a resounding yes. This ownership is fundamental to the brand's history, a crucial aspect of its marketing, and the source of a rich tapestry of culinary lore. Kraft's connection to Philadelphia cream cheese is so strong that they place their name on the label, a testament to their ownership and control over this beloved product.

Origins and Ownership

The story of Philadelphia cream cheese begins with the T. H. Mahlon Meyer Company, established in 1880 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company was founded by a confectionary salesman named Williamusr N. Goodhew. In 1881, Goodhew noticed the valuable selling space at central Philadelphia markets, which were much sought after by dairy manufacturers. A savvy businessman, he moved his operations to this opportune location, attracted by the low rent and proximity to the market.

In 1880, Goodhew engaged in the sale of Philadelphia’s most popular cream cheese products, and with his patron T. H. Mahlon Meyer, they formed The T. H. Mahlon Meyer Company. The facility was a small building located on Wharton Street where they honoured their dairy producer suppliers. It was this historical connection that led to the name Philadelphia in the cream cheese brand.

Evolution of Ownership

Over time, the ownership of the Philadelphia cream cheese brand changed hands multiple times. The most noteworthy ownership was by the Philadelphia Cream Cheese Company, which acquired the brand in 1905. This was the company that truly laid the groundwork for what we know as Philadelphia cream cheese today.

In the early 2000s, Kraft Foods acquired several major food brands from the Philip Morris Companies, including the Philadelphia cream cheese brand. In 2015, Kraft Foods merged with Heinz to form the Kraft Heinz Company, and as a result, the Philadelphia brand fell under Kraft Heinz's jurisdiction. Today, Kraft Heinz is the proud owner of Philadelphia cream cheese and continues to produce and market it with the iconic name on the label.

Marketing and Market Presence

Kraft's ownership of Philadelphia cream cheese has a significant impact on its marketing and market presence. The brand's name carries a sense of trust and quality, which is essential in the highly competitive dairy market. By owning the Philadelphia brand, Kraft enables the company to control the narrative around the product, maintaining its reputation for excellence.

The presence of the Kraft name on the label gives consumers a sense of brand loyalty and assurance of consistent quality. This is particularly important in the era of online food reviews and product comparisons. The brand not only benefits from Kraft's extensive marketing resources but also from its strong supply chain and distribution network. This enables Kraft to maintain a competitive edge and provide the product to consumers across various retail channels.

Competitors and Market Dynamics

While Philadelphia cream cheese stands as the flagship brand in the market, there are several competitors that offer similar products. Brands like Land O'Lakes and Borden also produce cream cheese that is widely available and often competes directly with Philadelphia. These brands offer alternatives that are often comparable in quality and can be cheaper, making them attractive to price-sensitive consumers.

However, the iconic status of Philadelphia cream cheese is a significant differentiator. Consumers who grew up with the brand or have been long-term users are likely to trust and favor it over alternatives, even if they are slightly more expensive. This consumer loyalty is the result of generations of users who have come to rely on the consistent quality and taste of Philadelphia cream cheese.

Conclusion

The ownership of Philadelphia cream cheese by Kraft Heinz is a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic product and the power of brand identity in the food industry. Despite competition from other brands, the trust and loyalty built over decades have solidified Philadelphia's position as a leader in the cream cheese market. For consumers, the choice is clear: whether it's for luscious bagels, warm scones, or simply to spread on a fresh piece of toast, Philadelphia cream cheese is a taste that cannot be easily matched.