Kraft Heinz: American Food and Beverage Company
The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the most recognizable names in the food and beverage industry. The American corporation is the fifth-largest food and beverage company in the world, with its products found in households across the United States. Founded in 2015 through the merger of Kraft Foods Group and the H.J. Heinz Company, this west-coast company has become known for its portfolio of American staples such as Oscar Mayer hot dogs, Kraft Mac & Cheese, Jell-O pudding snacks, Velveeta cheese, and of course, Heinz ketchup.
Kraft Heinz’ History
Kraft Heinz has a long and storied history that dates back almost a century. The merger of Kraft Foods Group and H.J. Heinz Company created a powerhouse in the food industry, but each of those two companies had their own history before the merger.
H.J. Heinz Company
The H.J. Heinz Company began in 1869 by Henry J. Heinz. Heinz was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and founded Heinz in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania. The company started as a distributor of horseradish and quickly grew to include pickles, vinegar, baking powder, and other condiments. Today, the H.J. Heinz Company is perhaps best known for its most popular condiment, Heinz ketchup.
Kraft Foods Group
The Kraft Foods Group began in 1903 when James L. Kraft started a cheese trading business in Chicago, Illinois. Kraft’s sons, Robert and John, joined their father’s business and expanded it to selling cheese in stores around the midwestern United States. In 1937, Kraft created the first commercially prepared macaroni and cheese dinner, leading to the creation of the now-iconic Kraft Mac & Cheese. In the following years, Kraft created numerous other popular American staples such as Velveeta cheese, Jell-O pudding snacks, and Oscar Mayer hot dogs.
Kraft Heinz Today
Today, Kraft Heinz is a dominant player in the food and beverage industry. With revenues of over $25 billion in 2019, Kraft Heinz is a leader in food and beverage production. The company maintains a diverse portfolio of over 200 brands that are sold in nearly 200 countries around the world, with some of the most recognizable brands being Heinz, Kraft Mac & Cheese, Cabot cheese, Philadelphia cream cheese, Lunchables frozen meals, and Oscar Mayer hot dogs.
Kraft Heinz’ Mission and Principles
While Kraft Heinz’ success has been due to the strength of their brands, their core principles are what has kept them operating for so long. The company’s mission is to “Make What Matters Delicious” and they have a set of principles that govern the company’s business practices: Quality First, Doing What’s Right, Respect for People, Community Collaboration, and Accountable Leadership.
The company’s Quality First principle ensures that Kraft Heinz maintains the highest standards for all of their products. This applies to the quality of ingredients, product safety, freshness, and anything else that Kraft Heinz puts in their products.
The Doing What’s Right principle means doing what is ethical and the right thing for their customers, the community, and the environment. Kraft Heinz supports sustainable initiatives such as sourcing responsibly, minimizing waste, and reducing their carbon footprint. They are also committed to reducing food insecurity and hunger, and have been a leader in initiatives to break the cycle of poverty.
Kraft Heinz also respects their employees, consumers, and communities through their Respect for People principle. They are committed to providing fair wages and creating a work environment that allows their employees to do their best work. In addition, they are committed to maintaining transparency with their customers and ensuring that they are creating products that responsibly reflect the needs of their customers.
Kraft Heinz’ Community Collaboration principle promotes the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and collaboration with their communities. The company has been heavily involved in a number of programs such as the No Kid Hungry campaign, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the 2 Billion Acts of Good.
Finally, Kraft Heinz is committed to Accountable Leadership that puts the consumer at the heart of every decision. They are committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing, following the highest food safety standards, and promoting transparency throughout their operations.
Kraft Heinz’ Popular Brands
Kraft Heinz’ portfolio of products extends far beyond condiments. Here’s a look at some of the company’s popular brands:
Heinz
The H.J. Heinz Company is perhaps the most iconic brand in Kraft Heinz’ portfolio. Founded in 1869, the company is best known for its signature condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and mayo, as well as its variety of condiments and sauces.
Kraft Mac & Cheese
Kraft Mac & Cheese is one of the world’s most beloved comfort foods. First created in 1937, the now-iconic macaroni and cheese dinner is beloved by kids and adults alike.
Velveeta
Velveeta is a beloved cheese product that has been around since 1928. It was first created as a cheese spread and has since developed into a versatile and beloved cheese product.
Oscar Mayer
Oscar Mayer is a staple of the American pantry. Founded in 1924, the company is best known for its hot dogs and deli meats, as well as its variety of cold cut sandwiches.
Jell-O Pudding Snacks
Jell-O pudding snacks are an American classic. First introduced in 1969, the delicious and convenient snacks have become a staple of American households.
Kraft Heinz has become a global powerhouse in the food and beverage industry, but there is still much more to come from the company. The company is committed to “Make What Matters Delicious” and is always striving to create and innovate new products that will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. With their commitment to quality, sustainability, and responsible leadership, Kraft Heinz is sure to continue to be a leader in the food industry for many years to come.
