Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese

Philadelphia Cream Cheese is the world’s most iconic brand of cream cheese, a product that was actually born from a happy accident. In 1872, dairyman William Lawrence of Chester, New York, attempted to replicate the French Neufchâtel cheese but inadvertently added too much cream to the process. This resulted in a richer, smoother, and more spreadable cheese. By 1880, Lawrence partnered with distributor Alvah Reynolds, who branded the product 'Philadelphia' because the city was then synonymous with premier dairy quality, despite the cheese being produced in New York.

Today, the brand's ownership reflects a complex corporate history. In the United States and Canada, the brand is owned by The Kraft Heinz Company. Internationally, including across Europe and Australia, the rights are held by Mondelēz International. This split occurred following the 2012 spin-off of Kraft Foods' snack division into Mondelēz. As of early 2026, the brand remains a dominant global leader, with Kraft Heinz maintaining its stake in North America while Mondelēz manages the brand’s expansion in other global markets.

Manufacturing is distributed globally to ensure freshness. In the United States, a primary production hub remains in Lowville, New York, continuing a tradition that spans over a century. In Europe, a significant portion of production occurs in facilities such as the mega-plant in Bad Fallingbostel, Germany, which serves as a major export hub for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.