History of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Cream Cheese, a well-known brand of cream cheese, has a rich history dating back to
1872. It was created by William Lawrence, a dairyman from Chester, New York, who was attempting to
make Neufchâtel, a French cheese. Instead, he accidentally developed a creamier, richer cheese by
adding cream to the recipe. This new creation was named 'Philadelphia' because, at the time, the
city was synonymous with high-quality food products. The product quickly gained popularity, and by
1880, the name Philadelphia Cream Cheese was trademarked.
Over the years, the brand evolved and
expanded under different ownership. In 1928, Kraft Foods acquired Philadelphia Cream Cheese, further
solidifying its place in American households. The brand has continued to innovate, offering various
flavors and formats, such as whipped and spreadable options. Today, Philadelphia Cream Cheese is
owned by Mondelēz International, following Kraft's spin-off of its snack division in 2012. Despite
the changes in ownership, Philadelphia Cream Cheese remains a beloved staple in kitchens around the
world.