A Timeline of the Kraft Heinz Legacy

How did one of the world’s largest and most trusted producers of high quality, great tasting, and nutritious food and beverages come to operate 78 manufacturing and processing facilities, 5,550 ingredient and packaging suppliers, 210 external manufacturers, and 37,000 employees around the globe? Well, it was centuries in the making with one iconic brand acquisition after another.

Almost two centuries ago, chemists John Wheeley Lea and William Henry Perrins invented the original Worcestershire sauce. They were first commissioned by a British Lord to recreate his favorite Indian sauce from his time governing Bengal, India. A barrel of the mixture was forgotten in their cellar for 18 months, which turned out to be the perfect amount of aging—a process which continues to this day.

Memorable ad moment: The sauce was an immediate success with the public, which naturally led to many copycat products. Lea & Perrins’ original advertising did not promote itself, but instead instructed consumers on how to spot fakes.

During the Industrial Revolution in France, mustard-maker Maurice Grey developed a machine to mass produce Dijon and wholegrain mustard. He needed additional financing to get it off the ground and so partnered with fellow Dijon moutardier, Auguste Poupon. Together, they combined their names and began a mustard dynasty.

Memorable ad moment: Throughout the 80’s and 90’s, one advertising campaign helped solidify Grey Poupon's status as a product associated with the wealthy. In the 1981 commercial, a Rolls-Royce pulls up alongside another Rolls-Royce. The passenger in one rolls down the window and asks, "Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?" The other responds, "But of course!", followed by the jar of Grey Poupon being passed between the vehicles.

Despite its name, Philadelphia Cream Cheese was invented in New York State, not Philadelphia. William Lawrence, a dairyman, attempted to make Neufchatel, a tangy, crumblier cheese product that was popular in Europe at the time. He accidentally added an excessive amount of cream and created a richer, more spreadable cheese, which would eventually be called ‘cream cheese’.

Memorable ad moment: Did you know that New York has a local ‘bagel tax’ when you purchase a bagel that’s sliced and schmeared with cream cheese? Philadelphia didn’t believe consumers should have to pay an extra tax to experience their silky-smooth cream cheese, so they created a limited time Tax-Free Bagel that came already stuffed with cream cheese.

Originally marketed as, “catsup,” Heinz Tomato Ketchup was one of the first products created by Henry Heinz and his F&J Heinz Company. It was made from five simple ingredients, including sun-ripened tomatoes. After spotting a shoe company advertising 21 styles of shoe, he was inspired to create our iconic '57 varieties' slogan. Why 57? No one knows for sure. Henry claimed five was his lucky number, and seven was his wife's.

Memorable ad moment: In the 1960s, every radio station was playing the Heinz 57 jingle: 'Heinz 57, Heinz 57. You've a family to feed. Heinz have everything you need. Ready when you are, yes indeed. That's Heinz 57!'

James L. Kraft started a wholesale, door-to-door cheese business in Chicago. Kraft was joined by his four brothers to form J.L. Kraft and Bros. Company in 1909. In 1915, the company had invented pasteurized processed cheese—an innovative product that did not need refrigeration, thus giving a longer shelf life than conventional cheese.

Memorable ad moment: The iconic staple of American cuisine paved the way for many other icons of American pop culture. Oscar winning actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, got his first big break doing a Kraft Singles commercial in the 80’s.

Formed in 2015 through the merger of Kraft Foods Group, Inc. and H.J. Heinz Holding Corporation, The Kraft Heinz Company brings together the most famous and iconic premium brands the world has ever seen under one roof. From our enticing selection of processed and soft cheese to our renowned confection collection to the distinctive flavors of our condiments and sauces, the possibilities to create with Kraft Heinz Ingredients are endless. The start of a great meal begins with the right ingredients. Elevate your dishes with these powerhouse products.