Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Cream Cheese is a soft cream cheese made from high-quality cow's milk. It boasts a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor with a smooth, creamy texture, making it perfect for a wide range of dishes and baked goods, such as cheesecakes, brownies, cheese dips, and sandwiches. Today, Rimping Supermarket invites you to discover the history behind this popular cream cheese brand.
The Beginning: An Accidental Discovery Becomes a Legend
The story of Philadelphia Cream Cheese began in 1872 in Chester, New York. William Lawrence, a dairy farmer, was attempting to produce a French cheese called Neufchâtel. However, during the process, he made a mistake, adding too much cream. This resulted in a cheese with a softer, creamier texture than typical Neufchâtel, leading to the discovery of a new type of cream cheese, which he named Philadelphia.
Why Philadelphia? A Clever Marketing Strategy
In 1880, William collaborated with A.L. Reynolds, a major cheese distributor in New York, to expand the cream cheese market. They chose to name the product Philadelphia, even though the production base was in New York. The reason was that, at the time, the city of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania was renowned for its high-quality dairy products. Therefore, they used this name to build credibility, attract customers, and create brand recognition, which proved to be highly successful.
Growth and Acquisitions
In 1903, the Phoenix Cheese Company in New York acquired William Lawrence's business. This acquisition allowed the company to expand its production base, leading to widespread distribution and popularity of Philadelphia Cream Cheese throughout the United States.
In 1928, another significant turning point for Philadelphia Cream Cheese occurred when Kraft Heinz Company (KHC), an American multinational food company, acquired the brand. Under KHC's stewardship, Philadelphia Cream Cheese gained even greater popularity. The company invested in modern marketing campaigns and expanded its product line to include various sizes and flavors, such as Garlic & Herbs, Sweet Chilli, Smoke Salmon, and Chives.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese Worldwide and New Innovations
Philadelphia Cream Cheese is widely used in various culinary and baking applications. It's spread on bagels, incorporated into sushi, used in sandwiches, as a key ingredient in cheesecakes, and served as a dip for various snacks.
Over time, the popularity of Philadelphia Cream Cheese has spread globally. It is now available in over 100 countries and holds the position as the number one cream cheese brand. The company continues to innovate to meet evolving consumer demands, offering versions such as Lactose Free, low-fat, and organic.
Interestingly, despite Philadelphia Cream Cheese having several main production facilities worldwide today (including the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and South Africa), there has never been a production facility located in the city of Philadelphia itself throughout the brand's over 100-year history!
From an accidental discovery to clever marketing strategies and strong management, Philadelphia Cream Cheese has become a staple in households worldwide and an indispensable ingredient for those who love cooking and baking.
You can find Philadelphia Cream Cheese at all Rimping Supermarket branches!
