The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the largest global food and beverage manufacturers, operating in the non-cyclical consumer sector, within the food processing industry.
The company was formed in 2015 through the merger of giants Kraft Foods and HJ Heinz, making it the fifth-largest company in the sector globally and the third-largest in the United States.
With a diverse portfolio, Kraft Heinz markets its products under widely recognized brands such as Kraft, Heinz, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Velveeta, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Quero, Classico, among others. Its products span categories including condiments and sauces, cheeses and dairy, frozen foods, meats, and seafood.
The company distributes its products through both proprietary channels and independent distributors, serving supermarkets, convenience stores, wholesalers, pharmacies, and restaurants. Additionally, it supplies to institutions such as hospitals, hotels, and government agencies.
Kraft Heinz operates on a global scale, with strong presence in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. The company seeks to expand its footprint in emerging markets and strengthen its position in strategic countries, adopting innovation and adapting to local consumer preferences.
Key market factors that influence Kraft Heinz include consumer trends, agricultural input costs, currency fluctuations, and food regulations. Furthermore, the company has been investing in healthier and more sustainable alternatives, keeping up with changes in consumer habits.
With approximately 37,000 employees, Kraft Heinz operates through a network of factories, distribution centers, and offices in various countries. Its business model involves the production, distribution, and direct and indirect sales of its products, seeking operational efficiency and innovation in the food sector.
Kraft Heinz is listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker KHC
History and founding of The Kraft Heinz Company
The Kraft Heinz Company was created in 2015 in the United States through the merger of Kraft Foods Group and HJ Heinz Company. The merger was approved by both shareholders and regulatory agencies, resulting in the formation of one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world.
Kraft’s origins date back to 1909, when James L. Kraft, a Canadian immigrant, founded a small cheese business in Chicago. Within a few years, the company expanded its product line, and by 1930, it held 40% of the cheese market in the United States.
Throughout the 20th century, Kraft expanded beyond dairy, adding products like macaroni and cheese, caramels, and margarine. In 1988, Kraft was acquired by Philip Morris, solidifying its role in the food industry until the eventual merger with Heinz.
The story of Heinz goes back even further, to 1869, when Henry John Heinz, the son of a German immigrant, founded the HJ Heinz Company in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania. The company’s first product was horseradish packed in transparent glass, followed by the iconic Heinz Ketchup, launched in 1876. Over the 20th century, Heinz expanded globally, acquiring various brands and establishing itself as a leader in the industry.
In 2013, Heinz was acquired by a consortium led by Berkshire Hathaway, headed by Warren Buffett, and 3G Capital, which later facilitated the merger with Kraft. The deal, valued at $23 billion, resulted in the creation of The Kraft Heinz Company, combining the strength of two of the world’s most iconic brands.
Between 2020 and 2024, Kraft Heinz has focused on modernizing its operations, innovating healthier and more sustainable foods, and expanding into emerging markets. It has also adapted to new consumer trends, such as plant-based products and reformulated classic recipes.
Kraft Heinz remains one of the global giants in the food sector, with a strong international presence and a portfolio of iconic brands that are part of the daily lives of millions of consumers worldwide.
Additional Information
The Company The Kraft Heinz Company (United States), is listed on Nasdaq with a market cap of $ 29.94 Billions, having an equity of $ 41.58 Billions.
With a total of 37.000 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Consumer/Non-Cyclical and categorized in industry of Food Processing.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 25.16 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ -4.37 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of -6.86, a P/BV ratio of 0.72 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of KHC was at 6.33%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker KHC.