Article Summary
Growing up on a dairy farm, he gained valuable knowledge about cheese processing, which helped him develop processed cheese with a longer shelf life.
Despite his humble beginnings and a career marked by challenges, Kraft’s impact on the food industry continues to be felt worldwide.
His 1916 patent for his processed cheese offered him a competitive advantage. As a result, the product gained popularity, particularly during World War I, when the US military purchased millions of cans.
His company was renamed Kraftco in the 1960s and merged with Heinz in 2015 to form the Kraft-Heinz Company, the third-largest food company in the US.
Kraft’s invention of processed cheese revolutionized cheese production and distribution, leading to a more affordable product for consumers.
His innovations significantly contributed to the food industry, paving the way for other processed food products.
Listen to the Story of James Kraft
When James Lewis Kraft started the J. L. Kraft & Bros. Company, he had no idea that his company would one day merge with Heinz and become the fifth-largest food company in the world.
Kraft started his company in 1909, intending to process and sell cheese products.
While he did achieve outstanding success by the time he died, his company kept growing and is still alive today in the form of the Kraft Heinz Company.
The Life Story of James Kraft
What’s notable about the life of James Kraft is it wasn’t colored with a stroke of fortunate events.
Kraft was not born under a lucky star, nor did he grow up in an environment that brought luck to his doorstep.
Kraft had to work for everything he obtained.
If anything, the misfortunes and challenges he experienced enabled him to become one of the most adored entrepreneurs and inventors in the food industry.
Early Life and Education
The story of James Kraft began far off north in a farming community near Ft. Erie in Ontario, Canada. He joined the world 1874 as the second-born in a family of 11 children. His parents owned and worked on their dairy farm.
Growing up on a dairy farm exposed young Kraft to the intricacies of processing and curing cheese. He learned the spoilage issues associated with milk and cheese and how to curb them.
These lessons would come in handy when he was older.
He and his siblings attended school in Ontario, walking 12 miles to school and back.
His parents also instilled in him and his siblings the teachings of the Christian Mennonite faith, a religion that remained with Kraft until his demise.
Career Beginnings
When he was 18, Kraft worked as a grocery store clerk, saving for nearly a decade to invest in a cheese company. The cheese company had a Chicago branch, which Kraft was to manage.
He relocated to Chicago to run the unit, but his partners dissolved the company without his awareness or approval.
Abandoned in Chicago in 1903, Kraft gathered his last pocket savings ($65), purchased a horse carriage (dubbed Paddy), and started delivering cheese to grocery stores.
He realized most store owners traveled to Chicago’s wholesale warehouse district to buy cheese. Using his horse and wagon, Kraft would go to the warehouse district, purchase the best cheese available, and deliver the cheese to store merchants.
He became known to his customers as a supplier who provided cheese of the utmost quality, and they came to depend on him for this.
“The only investment I ever made which has paid consistently increasing dividends is the money I have given to the Lord.” – James Kraft.
The Founding of J. L. Kraft & Bros. Company
By 1909, James Kraft had achieved enough traction and made enough income to open his first cheese manufacturing plant.
He called on his four brothers to join him and incorporated his company as J. L. Kraft & Bros. Company, with him serving as president.
The company initially sold 30 cheese types under the Kraft and Elkhorn brands. Kraft would later add more labels, such as Jell-O and Velveeta.
Kraft devoted his days to manufacturing and selling cheese and spent his nights figuring out how to increase the shelf life of cheese.
Through trial and error, he created processed cheese with a consistent taste and longer shelf life than conventional cheese.
Kraft acquired the patent for his processed cheese in 1916, which became a pivotal moment for his company.
It gave him an edge over the many competitors in the cheese industry, who still relied on conventional and unreliable preservation methods.
By increasing the shelf life, Kraft could distribute cheese products without worrying about spoilage.
His next step was to create canned cheese, which he supplied to the United States military during World War I. The United States government purchased 6 million cans during the entire war period.
Like any innovation, certain parties did not readily accept Kraft’s processed cheese. The product suffered heavy criticism from farmers, dealers, and cheesemakers.
However, customers found it delicious. Kraft countered the criticism by funding Rutgers University to research his processed cheese.
The outcome was that processed cheese was highly digestible and a great source of protein, vitamin A, and riboflavin. The public quickly came to appreciate it.
The vast growth of Kraft’s company caught the eye of Thomas McInnerney, the founder of National Dairy Products.
He acquired Kraft’s company, then called Kraft-Phenix Cheese, in 1930 and operated it as an independent subsidiary.
Kraft-Phenix Cheese was later renamed Kraftco in the 1960s. The company merged with Heinz in 2015 to form the Kraft-Heinz Company, now the third-largest food company in the United States.
Kraft Heinz deals in a vast catalog of processed food products.
James Lewis Kraft passed away in 1953 at 78 years, leaving a lasting legacy. He served as president of his company until his death.
“When I have a problem I pray about it, and what comes to mind and stays there I assume to be my answer. And this has been right so often that I know it is God’s answer.” – James Kraft.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
James Kraft was close with some of his brothers: Charles, John, Fred, and Norman. His brothers were employees and executives in the J. L. Kraft & Brothers Company.
Kraft married Pauline Yost. They had one child together, Edith.
Despite being wildly successful, Kraft never forgot his humble roots nor stopped working hard. He mainly attributed his discipline and tenacity to his strict Christian upbringing.
Kraft remained committed to his Mennonite faith and was known for his generosity and kindness. He donated millions to hospitals, universities, and religious organizations.
Kraft also supported the Baptist Church and was a devout supporter of religious education for young people.
He spread this spirit of charity to his children and grandchildren, who continue to give back to the community today through the Kraft Family Foundation.
Legacy and Impact
Kraft pioneered processing cheese, which revolutionized how cheese was made and distributed. He created cheese products with a longer shelf life through pasteurizing.
Increasing the shelf life of cheese made it easier to transport and distribute, making the final product more affordable for consumers.
The cascading effect of Kraft’s invention was even more significant when the demand for pasteurized cheese shot up during World War I because the US government was buying it in bulk for the troops.
Kraft also pioneered innovative advertising in the food industry. His company sponsored television and radio shows that featured the best performers.
His decision to fund the shows enabled the creation of the Kraft Music Hall and Kraft Television Theatre, which ran for 11 years and featured many movie stars.
Kraft’s company also expanded its product lines and introduced additional products, such as Cream Cheese, Salad Dressing, and Kraft Dinner Macaroni and Cheese.
Product expansion enabled the company to experience significant growth and be successful enough to survive even after the death of its founder in 1953.
Kraft’s contributions to the food industry encouraged others to work in the food sector. It paved the way for other processed food products, whether dairy or non-dairy.
The birth of processed cheese guided the production of other processed foods, such as meats, snack foods, and frozen meals.
Conclusion
James Kraft was a pioneering figure in the food industry. His invention of processed cheese continues to shape the way we enjoy cheese today.
Although coming from humble beginnings, Kraft created a company and brand that now receives global recognition.
Through his company and invention, his impact on the world will continue to be felt for many years.
James Kraft Timeline
James Kraft Timeline1874:
James Lewis Kraft was born near Stevensville, Ontario, Canada, on December 11th.
1902:
The Shefford Cheese Company hired Kraft as secretary and treasurer after he emigrated to Buffalo, New York.
1903:
When he was on a business trip to Chicago, his partners abruptly dissolved his partnership. Roaming the big city, Kraft rented a horse and wagon and set up his own cheese wholesale business.
1909:
Kraft incorporated his business with his brothers as J.L. Kraft & Bros. Company.
1914:
J.L. Kraft & Bros. Company opened its first cheese manufacturing plant in Stockton, Illinois.
1915:
Kraft developed his pasteurized and emulsified cheese, patented in 1916, and the United States military received its first batch in 1917.
1919:
The Kraft company expanded into the Canadian market.
1924:
The company’s name was changed to Kraft Cheese Company.
1930:
The National Dairy Products Corporation acquired Kraft-Phenix Cheese Corporation in 1930.
For many years, Kraft operated independently of National Dairy Products Corporation.
Still, eventually, it was absorbed into the parent company’s operating structure, changing its name to Kraftco Corporation in 1969 and again to Kraft, Inc. in 1976.
1953:
On February 16th, James L. Kraft passed away.
Lessons We Can Learn From James Kraft
One lesson we can learn from James Kraft is solving big problems. He had two significant ones he solved successfully. The first was making his cheese last, and the second was helping the government feed its soldiers overseas.
During the First World War, the US government struggled to keep its soldiers overseas from going hungry.
James came up with the idea of sending them Kraft cheese because it contained nutrients, lasted longer than regular cheese, and was easy to ship.
As a result, the government purchased and shipped around 3,000 tons during the war.
The idea was a great success; even when soldiers returned from the war, they would ask for it by name.
This idea generated around 119 million dollars in sales, over 2 billion in today’s figures.
Let’s look at seven simple steps you can use to solve problems.
1. Become Familiar With The Problem
Without a solid understanding of the issue, you will encounter roadblocks and might take incorrect actions. Therefore, conduct extensive research and consider the issues from various viewpoints.
2. Define the outcome.
To tackle a problem effectively, you’ll want to define the outcome. This helps you clarify what you want and what’s needed.
For example, what do you want the end result to be if you have a problem with cash flow forecasting?
Do you want to fix the current cash flow problem, or do you need something that will alert you every time your cash flow is below a certain level?
Once you have defined the outcome, you can take the appropriate actions.
3. Brainstorm ideas.
A brainstorming session is a great way to get more ideas and different perspectives, especially if you do it with a group.
There are no stupid ideas when brainstorming; you can list whatever ideas come up, which will help you develop more ideas.
4. Identify what is needed.
Identify what you need to fix the problem. This may be tools, advice, outside expertise, funding, etc.
5. Set a deadline.
Deadlines are an excellent way to stay on track with any project or task. Without one, you lose the sense of urgency, and your goal can get side railed.
6. Create a plan.
Once you have completed the previous steps, it’s important to put a plan together for a clear picture of what actions must be completed.
A plan will help you stay on track and take the right actions at the right time.
7. Review Your Plan.
Once your plan is complete and polished, go over it with people familiar with the problem to gain further insights and make adjustments before taking action.
8. Make adjustments as needed.
The final step is to fine-tune the process and make any necessary adjustments. Some of your actions will work, and others need to be modified.
The steps outlined in this lesson can help you solve problems more effectively by understanding the problem, defining your goal, and planning.
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Facts Related to James Kraft
1. In 1903, James L. Kraft Immigrated to the United States From Canada.
2. In 1916, James L. Kraft Patented a Method for Pasteurizing Cheese and Packaging It in Wax Paper To Extend Its Shelf Life.
3. James L. Kraft Created One of the Largest Food Manufacturers in the World.
4. In 1912, Kraft Foods Became a Publicly Traded Company.
5. In 2015, Kraft Foods Merged With the H.J. Heinz Company To Become Kraft Heinz.
Frequently Asked Questions
The content in this post answers many of the questions people search for about Personality. They are included as a summary and further information for a quick overview.
How Did James Kraft Get Into the Food Industry?
After purchasing a horse and wagon with his cash, he resold cheese from warehouses to local retailers.
He had enough business by 1909 for his brothers to join him, and they established the first Kraft cheese factory.
What Is James Kraft’s Legacy?
James Lewis Kraft was a Canadian-American entrepreneur and inventor. Kraft obtained the first patent for processed cheese.
What Was James Kraft’s Role in the Kraft Foods Company?
Until he died in 1953, Kraft served as the corporation’s president.
With the introduction of numerous unique products and advanced marketing strategies, Kraft’s company became one of North America’s major food producers.
What Contributions Did James Kraft Make to the Food Industry?
Founded in 1916, Kraft developed a method for pasteurizing cheese to prevent spoilage and enable it to be transported across great distances. The company expanded rapidly into Canada in 1919.
Was James Kraft a Mennonite?
He is the son of Mennonite parents who attended the Reformed Mennonite Church in Stevensville, Ontario, Canada. At the intersection of West Main Street and Ott Road is still a modern Reformed Mennonite Church.
Is Robert Kraft Related to James Kraft?
Even though Kraft Foods was named for James L. Kraft, the company’s founder, there is no relation to Robert Kraft.
Was Kraft Dinner Invented in Canada?
According to a Kraft Canada spokesman, James Lewis Kraft, a native of Ontario, was granted a patent in 1916 for a packed and processed cheese product. Kraft Dinner was introduced to the American and Canadian markets in 1937; the rest is history.
Does Kraft Still Exist?
Kraft Heinz Corporation is North America’s third-largest food and beverage company and the fifth-largest worldwide, with eight brands worth $1 billion or more.
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