Key Stats
Kraft Foods Group manufactured and marketed food and beverage products including convenient meals, cheese, coffee, and grocery items. The company operated through five segments covering beverages, cheese, refrigerated meals, grocery, and international foodservice.
The business offered iconic brands including Maxwell House coffee, Philadelphia cream cheese, Oscar Mayer meats, and Kraft macaroni and cheese. Products reached consumers through retail channels and foodservice establishments across North America.
Kraft Foods Group existed as standalone entity for three years before merging with Heinz to create one of the world’s largest food companies. The merger combined complementary product portfolios and expanded global market reach.
Kraft Foods Group History
James L. Kraft started wholesale door-to-door cheese business in Chicago after immigrating from Canada
J.L. Kraft and Bros. Company formed when James was joined by his four brothers
Company invented pasteurized processed cheese that did not need refrigeration extending shelf life significantly
Thomas H. McInnerney formed National Dairy Products Corporation to consolidate the fragmented ice cream industry
National Dairy acquired Kraft-Phenix Cheese Company becoming largest dairy company in United States
National Dairy changed name to Kraftco Corporation reflecting shift beyond regional milk and ice cream business
Kraft merged with Dart Industries to form Dart & Kraft expanding into non-food consumer products
Philip Morris Companies purchased Kraft for 12.9 billion dollars marking major ownership change
Kraft merged with Philip Morris General Foods unit creating Kraft General Foods with expanded product portfolio
Philip Morris acquired Nabisco Holdings for 18.9 billion dollars and merged company with Kraft Foods
Kraft became independent publicly held company after spin-off from Altria shareholders
Kraft Foods split into two companies with Kraft Foods Group handling North American grocery business
Kraft Foods Group completed merger with Heinz to become The Kraft Heinz Company
Kraft Foods Group Co-founders
Born in Stevensville Ontario in 1874, James L. Kraft immigrated to United States in 1903 and started wholesale cheese business. He invented pasteurized processed cheese and built company that became industry leader.
Founded National Dairy Products Corporation in 1923 to consolidate United States ice cream industry. He convinced Wall Street investment bankers to finance rollup strategy that created largest dairy company.
Kraft Foods Group Revenue
Kraft Foods Group generated steady revenue during its independent operation from 2012 to 2015. The company focused on North American grocery business with strong brand portfolio driving consistent sales performance across multiple product categories.
Kraft Foods Group Marketcap
The company maintained stable market capitalization as publicly traded entity from 2012 to 2015. Market valuation reflected investor confidence in established brand portfolio and North American market position before Heinz merger.
Kraft Foods Group Acquisitions
The acquisition strategy shaped company development over decades before Kraft Foods Group formation. Major purchases included Phenix Cheese Company in 1928 bringing Philadelphia cream cheese brand into portfolio. This acquisition established foundation for cream cheese market leadership.
National Dairy acquired Kraft-Phenix in 1930 combining two major dairy companies. The merger created largest dairy company in United States with 315 million dollars in sales compared to Kraft Phenix 85 million dollars.
Philip Morris purchased Kraft for 12.9 billion dollars in 1988 marking significant ownership change. The 1989 merger with General Mills rival General Foods brought Oscar Mayer meats, Maxwell House coffee, and Jell-O gelatin into combined entity.
Nabisco Holdings acquisition in 2000 for 18.9 billion dollars expanded snack food portfolio significantly. PepsiCo competitor Kraft gained cookies, crackers, and other packaged goods through this major transaction.
The 2007 purchase of Groupe Danone biscuit and cereal division for 7.2 billion dollars strengthened international presence. This acquisition included French biscuit brand Lefèvre-Utile and expanded European market operations.
Kraft Foods Group itself resulted from 2012 split when parent company spun off North American grocery business. The separation created two focused companies with Mondelez International taking international snacks while Kraft Foods Group managed domestic grocery products.
The 2015 merger with Heinz created The Kraft Heinz Company combining complementary product lines. This transaction valued at approximately 46 billion dollars united two food industry giants creating fifth largest food and beverage company globally.
Kraft Foods Group Competitors
The company competed against major food manufacturers in North American market. Key rivals included established brands across multiple product categories from dairy to prepared meals and beverages.
| Competitor | Primary Products | Market Position |
|---|---|---|
| General Mills | Cereals, Snacks, Prepared Foods | Leading North American food company |
| Campbell Soup Company | Soups, Sauces, Beverages | Dominant soup market player |
| Nestlé | Dairy, Beverages, Frozen Foods | Global food industry leader |
| Conagra Brands | Frozen Meals, Snacks, Condiments | Major packaged foods producer |
| Unilever | Foods, Beverages, Personal Care | Multinational consumer goods giant |
| PepsiCo | Beverages, Snacks, Foods | Global food and beverage leader |
| Tyson Foods | Meats, Prepared Foods | Largest meat processor |
| Kellogg Company | Cereals, Snacks, Frozen Foods | Leading cereal manufacturer |
| Hershey Company | Chocolate, Confectionery | Major confectionery producer |
| Hormel Foods | Meats, Refrigerated Foods | Prominent meat products company |
FAQs
When was Kraft Foods Group founded?
Kraft Foods Group was formed in October 2012 through spin-off from Kraft Foods Inc. The company operated independently until merging with Heinz in July 2015.
What products did Kraft Foods Group manufacture?
The company manufactured convenient meals, cheese products, coffee brands, refrigerated meats, and grocery items. Key brands included Maxwell House, Philadelphia cream cheese, and Oscar Mayer.
Who founded the original Kraft company?
James L. Kraft founded the original cheese business in 1903 in Chicago. He was joined by four brothers in 1909 to form J.L. Kraft and Bros. Company.
What happened to Kraft Foods Group?
Kraft Foods Group merged with Heinz in July 2015 to create The Kraft Heinz Company. The merger combined two major food manufacturers into single entity.
What was Kraft Foods Group market position?
The company held strong position in North American grocery market with leading brands across multiple categories. It competed against major food manufacturers including General Mills and Campbell Soup.