## Overview The Kraft Heinz Company is a global food and beverage powerhouse, recognized as one of the largest in the world—ranked fifth globally and third in North America as of recent years[2]. The company is headquartered in both Chicago and Pittsburgh, reflecting its dual legacy, and operates across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia[2]. Kraft Heinz owns an extensive portfolio of iconic brands, including Heinz Ketchup, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, and Oscar Mayer, among others. Its mission is to deliver high-quality, nutritious, and great-tasting foods for every occasion, while also driving innovation and sustainability in the global food industry[3]. ## History Kraft Heinz was formed in 2015 through the merger of two storied American companies: Kraft Foods and H.J. Heinz Company[2]. Kraft Foods traces its origins to 1903, when James L. Kraft began selling cheese from a horse-drawn wagon in Chicago, eventually pioneering processed cheese and becoming a household name[1]. H.J. Heinz Company was founded in 1869 by Henry J. Heinz in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, starting with horseradish sold in clear glass jars to emphasize purity—a novel concept at the time[1][5]. Heinz became famous for its “57 Varieties” slogan and for innovations like tomato ketchup and baked beans, expanding rapidly in the U.S. and internationally[1][5][6]. ## Key Achievements Both legacy companies were pioneers in food safety, quality, and marketing. Heinz lobbied for the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and was an early adopter of employee welfare programs[5]. Kraft revolutionized food preservation with processed cheese, enabling mass distribution. The 2015 merger, backed by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital, created a $36 billion entity with a vast global footprint[1][4]. In 20