Key Stats
Who owns Kraft Heinz is a common question among investors tracking legacy food companies. The Kraft Heinz Company is publicly traded, but ownership is highly concentrated among large institutional shareholders. Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital together hold a controlling economic stake, while major asset managers hold the remainder.
Outside of ownership, Kraft Heinz continues to reshape its business. The company is actively reviewing its portfolio, investing in automation and AI-driven manufacturing, and evaluating a potential grocery spin-off to refocus on higher-margin condiments and sauces.
Who owns Kraft Heinz?
Kraft Heinz is not owned by a single individual or family. It operates as a public company listed on NASDAQ under the ticker KHC. Ownership is dominated by long-term institutional investors rather than retail shareholders.
Public company ownership structure
More than 80% of Kraft Heinz shares are held by institutions. This structure gives asset managers and strategic investors substantial voting power over board decisions, executive compensation, and long-term strategy.
Control without full majority
While no shareholder holds more than 50% outright, the combined influence of Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital effectively shapes corporate direction. Their stakes give them decisive leverage in shareholder votes and strategic reviews.
Largest shareholders of Kraft Heinz
Berkshire Hathaway
Berkshire Hathaway is the largest shareholder, holding approximately 27.5% of Kraft Heinz. The investment dates back to the 2015 merger, when Berkshire partnered with 3G Capital to form the company.
Although Berkshire exited board representation in 2025, its ownership remains economically powerful. The stake reflects a long-term value position rather than active operational control.
3G Capital
3G Capital owns around 23.9% of Kraft Heinz. The firm engineered the Kraft–Heinz merger and implemented aggressive cost controls in the early years following the deal.
While 3G no longer holds board seats, its ownership ensures continued influence over efficiency targets, margin discipline, and portfolio decisions.
The Vanguard Group
Vanguard controls roughly 8.6% of Kraft Heinz shares. As a passive investor, Vanguard influences the company primarily through proxy voting and governance standards rather than activism.
BlackRock
BlackRock holds close to 7.9% of outstanding shares. Its role centers on board accountability, disclosure practices, and long-term risk management rather than direct strategic involvement.
State Street Global Advisors
State Street owns approximately 3.9% of the company. Despite a smaller stake, its voting power remains meaningful in executive pay and governance matters.
Other institutional shareholders
Additional ownership is spread across firms such as Geode Capital Management, Invesco, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, and value-focused funds. Insider ownership outside of 3G-linked entities remains limited.
History of Kraft Heinz co-founders
Henry J. Heinz and the Heinz legacy
Henry J. Heinz founded H. J. Heinz Company in 1869. He built the business on quality control, transparent labeling, and early food safety practices. Heinz Tomato Ketchup became a global staple long before the Kraft merger.
The Heinz family gradually diluted ownership as the company expanded globally and transitioned into a public corporation.
James L. Kraft and Kraft Foods
James L. Kraft launched his cheese business in 1903, selling product directly to customers in Chicago. His innovation in processed cheese extended shelf life and enabled national distribution.
Kraft Foods expanded through acquisitions and eventually became part of Philip Morris before returning to independence.
The 2015 merger
The Kraft Heinz Company was formed in 2015 through the merger of Kraft Foods Group and H. J. Heinz. The deal combined iconic brands under a single corporate structure backed by private equity and long-term capital.
Who is on the board of directors for Kraft Heinz?
Executive leadership representation
The board includes senior executives such as CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera, who brings operational and brand-building experience across global consumer packaged goods companies.
Finance and investment expertise
Several directors have backgrounds in finance, private equity, and institutional investing. This expertise supports capital allocation decisions, debt management, and shareholder return strategies.
Consumer and operations experience
Board members with food, retail, and supply-chain backgrounds provide insight into manufacturing efficiency, pricing strategy, and evolving consumer behavior.
Governance and oversight focus
Following past accounting and brand write-down issues, the board has increased emphasis on compliance, internal controls, and long-term brand stewardship.
Financial overview of Kraft Heinz
Kraft Heinz ended fiscal 2024 with approximately $25.8 billion in net sales. While revenue has softened, the company continues to generate strong free cash flow and maintain dividend payouts.
Revenue trend (USD billions)
Related Kraft Heinz company history
Kraft Heinz’s evolution mirrors other major food conglomerates such as Nestlé company history, Mondelez International background, Unilever ownership structure, PepsiCo corporate history, and Coca-Cola company ownership.
FAQs
Who owns Kraft Heinz?
Kraft Heinz is publicly traded and primarily owned by institutional investors, led by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital.
Is Kraft Heinz family-owned?
No. Neither the Heinz nor Kraft families retain ownership control of the company today.
Does Warren Buffett own Kraft Heinz?
Warren Buffett’s company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns about 27.5% of Kraft Heinz shares.
Who controls Kraft Heinz?
No single owner controls Kraft Heinz, but Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital together exert dominant influence.
Is Kraft Heinz planning a split?
The company is evaluating strategic options, including a possible grocery business spin-off, but no final decision has been announced.
