Key Stats
Kraft Heinz represents one of the largest food and beverage companies in North America. The company emerged from the 2015 merger of Kraft Foods Group and H.J. Heinz Company.
This union created the world’s fifth-largest food company. Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital orchestrated the deal valued at approximately $62.6 billion.
The company markets iconic brands including Heinz ketchup, Kraft macaroni and cheese, Oscar Mayer meats, and Philadelphia cream cheese. These products reach consumers in more than 40 countries.
Co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh, Kraft Heinz maintains strong positions in condiments, sauces, cheese, and prepared meals. The company focuses on North American markets while expanding globally through strategic initiatives.
Kraft Heinz History
Kraft Heinz Co-founders
Kraft Heinz Marketcap
Kraft Heinz currently maintains a market capitalization of approximately $30 billion. The company’s market value has fluctuated since the 2015 merger.
The initial merger created a company valued at over $95 billion in 2015. Market capitalization declined significantly following challenges in 2019 including brand write-downs and accounting issues.
The company has worked to stabilize its market position through strategic divestitures and operational improvements. Current valuation reflects ongoing transformation efforts and market conditions in the food industry.
Kraft Heinz Acquisitions
Kraft Heinz has pursued strategic acquisitions to expand its product portfolio and geographic reach. The company acquired Cerebos Pacific from Suntory in 2017 for an undisclosed amount. This deal included brands like Saxa salt, Gregg’s, and Bisto.
In 2018, Kraft Heinz launched Springboard Brands as an incubator platform for emerging food companies. The company acquired Primal Kitchen for $200 million in early 2019 as part of this initiative. Primal Kitchen produces better-for-you condiments, sauces, and snacks that complement Kraft Heinz’s core product lines.
The company acquired Assan Foods, a Turkish sauces company, for approximately $100 million in 2021. This purchase strengthened Kraft Heinz’s position in emerging markets. The company also acquired Hemmer, a Brazilian condiments and sauces company, for an undisclosed amount in the same year.
Kraft Heinz completed the acquisition of an 85% stake in Just Spices GmbH in 2022. The German start-up generated approximately €60 million in annual sales. Just Spices produces over 170 products including spice blends, salad dressings, and organic meal solutions.
These acquisitions reflect Kraft Heinz’s strategy to enter faster-growing categories and geographic markets. The company focuses on brands that align with consumer preferences for healthier and more diverse food options. Each acquisition brings specialized expertise while leveraging Kraft Heinz’s distribution network and operational capabilities.
The acquisitions complement organic growth initiatives and help the company adapt to changing consumer tastes. Kraft Heinz evaluates potential targets based on brand strength, growth potential, and strategic fit with existing operations.
Kraft Heinz Revenue
Kraft Heinz generated net sales of $25.8 billion in 2024. The company faced declining revenue trends in recent years.
Revenue decreased 3.0% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Organic net sales declined 2.1% during the same period. The company maintains strong positions in condiments, sauces, and cheese categories.
North America represents the largest revenue contributor for Kraft Heinz. The company generated approximately $4.8 billion in the first quarter of 2024 from North American operations. International markets and emerging regions provide additional growth opportunities.
Kraft Heinz Competitors
Kraft Heinz faces intense competition from major food and beverage companies. The competitive landscape includes both global corporations and regional players.
| Competitor | Headquarters | 2024 Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Nestlé S.A. | Vevey, Switzerland | $92.6 billion |
| PepsiCo | Purchase, NY | $86 billion |
| Unilever | London, UK | $60 billion |
| General Mills | Minneapolis, MN | $20 billion |
| Conagra Brands | Chicago, IL | $12 billion |
| Kellogg Company | Battle Creek, MI | $15 billion |
| Mondelez International | Chicago, IL | $36 billion |
| Danone | Paris, France | $28 billion |
| Hormel Foods | Austin, MN | $12 billion |
| J.M. Smucker | Orrville, OH | $8 billion |
Nestlé competes directly with Kraft Heinz across multiple categories including prepared foods, condiments, and beverages. The Swiss company maintains a broader global footprint and more diverse product portfolio. PepsiCo and Kraft Heinz compete in snacks and convenient food categories.
Companies like Whole Foods Market represent competition from retailers focusing on natural and organic products. Sysco competes in foodservice distribution channels. The competitive environment requires continuous innovation and operational efficiency.
FAQs
When was Kraft Heinz formed?
Kraft Heinz was formed on July 2, 2015, through the merger of Kraft Foods Group and H.J. Heinz Company. Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital orchestrated the $62.6 billion deal.
Who owns Kraft Heinz Company?
Berkshire Hathaway owns approximately 27.5% of Kraft Heinz, making it the largest shareholder. Other major investors include Vanguard, BlackRock, and State Street through institutional holdings.
What brands does Kraft Heinz own?
Kraft Heinz owns over 200 brands including Heinz ketchup, Kraft cheese, Oscar Mayer meats, Philadelphia cream cheese, Maxwell House coffee, and Jell-O desserts across multiple categories.
Where is Kraft Heinz headquartered?
Kraft Heinz maintains dual headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company operates manufacturing facilities and offices in over 40 countries worldwide.
Is Kraft Heinz splitting into two companies?
Kraft Heinz announced in September 2025 plans to split into two separate publicly traded companies by 2026. One will focus on sauces and spreads, the other on grocery staples.