Kraft Heinz Co. is a global food and beverage company that manufactures and markets various household brands, including Kraft, Heinz, Oscar Mayer, and Planters. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and operates in over 40 countries. Kraft Heinz Co. is a consumer staples stock because it sells necessary items regardless of the economic landscape. Kraft Heinz Co. is a defensive stock because it typically provides a steadier dividend and a consistent share price.
Kraft Heinz has a long-standing history of producing food products that are high in quality and affordable in price. Their portfolio includes a wide range of products such as condiments, cheese, meals and snacks. Some of the most popular products in their portfolio include Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, Heinz Ketchup, Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs and Planters Peanuts.
In 2015, Kraft Foods Group and H.J. Heinz Company merged to form Kraft Heinz. The merger brought together two of the world's most iconic food brands. In 2017 the company acquired Big Food Group, a UK-based food company that produces a range of products, including sauces, soups, and condiments. In 2018, Kraft Heinz acquired Primal Kitchen, which makes a range of organic and paleo-friendly food products, including dressings, marinades, and protein bars. In 2018, Kraft Heinz acquired the food and instant coffee business of Cerebos Australia, a subsidiary of Japan's Suntory Holdings. In October 2020, Kraft Heinz acquired Assan Foods, a Turkish-based company that produces a range of sauces, tomato paste, and other food products. In November 2020, Kraft Heinz acquired Primal Nutrition LLC, a collagen powder and bars maker, for an undisclosed sum.
Despite its strong brand recognition and wide range of products, Kraft Heinz has faced several challenges in recent years. One of the biggest challenges the company has faced is changing consumer preferences. Consumers are increasingly looking for healthier, organic, and natural food products, which has led to a decline in sales of some of Kraft Heinz's core products.
Kraft Heinz has focused on innovation and product development to address these challenges. The company has launched several new products recently, including its organic Capri Sun juices line and Planters Nut-rition line of snacks fortified with vitamins and minerals. The company has also focused on improving the quality of its existing products, such as removing artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives from its Macaroni and Cheese products.
In addition to product innovation, Kraft Heinz has also tried to improve its operational efficiency. In 2019, the company announced a plan to reduce its global workforce by 5%, or approximately 2,500 positions, to streamline its operations and reduce costs. The company also announced plans to invest in its supply chain and distribution networks to improve efficiency.
Investors in Kraft Heinz have seen mixed results in recent years. In 2020, the company's stock price declined by approximately 20% due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted its supply chain and product demand. However, the company's stock price recovered in 2021, reporting solid earnings results and announcing plans to increase its dividend.