Brand History

History

Philadelphia History

At breakfast, dinner and every eating occasion in between, Kraft's Philadelphia Cream Cheese is an important and delicious part of consumers' diets around the world. Philadelphia Cream Cheese has evolved with times and tastes, but despite the trends and fads, the 100 years old recipe of appetizing taste and creamy texture of original Philadelphia lies at the heart of every Philly product.

Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese is available in over 80 countries worldwide, and is popular brand across the globe.

You can trace the history of Cream Cheese Philadelphia from its humble origins in a New York Dairy in 1872 right up to the point when found its way to your plate today through our "Philly" timeline below.

Follow Philadelphia's History

  • 1872 - 1903
    History, 1872 - 1903
    1872

    The first cream cheese was created by William Lawrence in New York, American.

    1880

    Philadelphia was adopted as the brand name, after the city that was considered the home of top quality food at that period. The product was distributed in foil wrappers.

    1903

    Philadelphia trademark was purchased by The Phoenix Cheese Company of New York.

  • 1928 - 1963
    History, 1928 - 1963
    1928

    The first TV commercial for Philadelphia was aired.

    1960

    Philadelphia was launched in the United Kingdom.

  • 1975 - 2000
    History, 1975 - 2000
    1975 - 1980

    More scrumptious flavours of Philadelphia were launched in the UK. The fiddly foil packs were replaced with a handy tub. Philadelphia 'Light', a lower fat product was also introduced.

    1980-1985

    Philadelphia brand arrived in GCC through Kraft Foods Export business. Philly entered the mark with both Regular and Light variants.

  • 2001 - 2005
    History, 2001 - 2005
    2000

    Philadelphia started advertising in the GCC.

  • 2006 - 2011
    History, 2006 - 2011
    2006 – 2008

    Philadelphia advertised as best cheesecake brand in the GCC. Four delicious flavour variants: Yoghurt, Garlic & Herbs, Sweet Chilli, Chives were launched in Libya, Cyprus and Malta.

    2009

    Freshness gained a new shape; a modern new oval shaped pack was introduced across the whole range of Philadelphia products. That same year, Cream Cheese Philadelphia re-positioned to a spreadable cheese with the "Spread Something Delicious" campaign in the GCC.

    2010

    In line with International Women's Day in March, Philadelphia launched its "Spread Some Inspiration" campaign, which celebrated inspiring women in the Gulf.

    Philadelphia went on the air with "Delightful and White on the Inside" TV advertising campaign.

    Later that year Philadelphia offered "Breakfast unlike Any Other" to consumers in KSA, UAE and Kuwait through a series of exciting sampling activations in malls, parks and beaches.

    Philadelphia won the prestigious Middle East PR Awards (MEPRA) for the "Spread Some Inspiration Campaign".

    2011

    Philadelphia reached out to women in Saudi Arabia by extending its "Spread Some Inspiration" campaign across GCC.