Who owns Kraft Cheese Company? This question has intrigued many cheese enthusiasts and business watchers alike. Kraft Cheese, a well-known brand in the dairy industry, has a rich history and a complex ownership structure that has evolved over the years.
Kraft Cheese Company was originally founded in 1903 as the Joseph Kraft Cheese Company in Chicago, Illinois. The company was named after its founder, Joseph Kraft, who was a pioneer in the processed cheese industry. Over time, the company expanded its operations and product line, becoming a leading player in the cheese market.
In 1988, Kraft Cheese was acquired by Philip Morris Companies, Inc., a global tobacco company. This acquisition marked the beginning of a new era for Kraft Cheese, as it became part of a larger corporation with diverse interests. Philip Morris Companies, later renamed Altria Group Inc., continued to own Kraft Cheese until 2000 when it spun off the food and beverage division into a separate company, known as Kraft Foods Inc.
Kraft Foods Inc. was a publicly traded company that operated in various segments, including cheese, snacks, and grocery products. The company continued to grow and acquire other brands, solidifying its position as a major player in the food industry. However, in 2012, Kraft Foods Inc. underwent a major restructuring, splitting into two separate companies: Kraft Foods Group, Inc., and Mondelez International, Inc.
Kraft Foods Group, Inc. retained the Kraft brand and focused on North American operations, including cheese products. Mondelez International, on the other hand, became a global company with a focus on snacks and confectionery products. As a result of this restructuring, Kraft Cheese became a part of Mondelez International.
Today, Mondelez International is a multinational confectionery, food, and beverage company with headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois. It owns a variety of well-known brands, including Cadbury, Oreo, and, of course, Kraft Cheese. Mondelez International has a diverse portfolio of products and operates in more than 80 countries, making it one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world.
In conclusion, Kraft Cheese Company is currently owned by Mondelez International, a global leader in the food and beverage industry. The company’s journey from its humble beginnings in Chicago to becoming a part of a multinational giant is a testament to the power of innovation and strategic growth in the food industry.
