Randy Chandler
Kraft Heinz Co. has been a trusted name in Canada's cheese business for over a century. In 2018, the company sold its Canadian cheese business to Parmalat SpA for $1.62 billion, which included brands like Cracker Barrel, P'tit Quebec, and aMOOza. Kraft Singles, a popular product in Canada, is marketed as being made for Canadians, by Canadians. While it is unclear if Kraft cheese is made with Canadian milk, Lactalis Canada, the company that acquired Kraft's Canadian cheese business, is committed to using 100% Canadian milk in its dairy products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Kraft Cheese Made With Canadian Milk | No clear evidence |
| Kraft's Canadian Cheese Business | Sold to Parmalat in 2018 |
| Kraft Singles | Made for Canadians, by Canadians |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Singles are made for Canadians, by Canadians
Kraft's Canadian cheese business was sold to Parmalat in 2018 for $1.62 billion. However, even after the sale, Kraft Singles continue to be made in Canada, for Canadians. Kraft Singles are a staple in Canadian kitchens, offering convenience and versatility. Whether you're crafting a burger or whipping up a grilled cheese sandwich, Kraft Singles add a burst of flavor.
Kraft Singles are processed cheese slices, made by blending natural cheeses and adding other ingredients like powdered milk, whey, cream, or butter. This process ensures a consistent taste and texture that Canadians know and love. Kraft has mastered the art of creating delicious, gooey cheese slices that elevate any dish.
In Canada, Kraft Dinner (KD) is a beloved staple, often referring to the brand rather than the generic dish of macaroni and cheese. Kraft Dinner in Canada has some notable differences from its American version, including the use of skim milk and non-hydrogenated margarine. These subtle variations cater to Canadian tastes and preferences, making Kraft Singles a true Canadian favorite.
Kraft Singles are more than just cheese slices; they represent a piece of Canadian culinary culture. Beloved by Canadians of all ages, Kraft Singles continue to be a go-to choice for quick, tasty meals and snacks, showcasing the innovation and creativity that goes into making this iconic product.
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Kraft's Canadian cheese business was sold to Parmalat
Kraft Heinz Co. announced in November 2018 that it had agreed to sell its Canadian natural cheese business to Parmalat SpA in a deal worth $1.62 billion CAD (approximately $1.23 billion USD). The agreement includes the sale of natural cheese brands Cracker Barrel, P'tit Quebec, and aMOOza in the Canadian market. The deal was expected to close in the first half of 2019, subject to regulatory review and approval.
Kraft's decision to sell its Canadian cheese business was likely influenced by the company's struggle with rising costs for raw materials and transportation, as well as the desire to trim its significant debt, which amounted to nearly $31 billion as of September 29, 2018. The sale of the cheese business, which generated about $560 million in net sales in 2017, would help Kraft achieve this goal. Additionally, the sale followed a competitive bidding process, and the proceeds would allow Kraft to focus on segments with stronger brand equity and greater growth prospects.
For Parmalat, the acquisition reinforced its presence in the Canadian market and extended its North American footprint. Parmalat's owner, Lactalis, is the world's largest dairy firm, and this deal added to its already significant presence in North America. The acquisition of Kraft's Canadian cheese business, which included the transfer of 400 employees and a production facility in Ingleside, Ontario, strengthened Parmalat's position in the high-value Canadian cheese market and secured jobs and farm revenue.
Following the sale, Kraft Heinz retained ownership of several other cheese products, including Philadelphia, Cheez Whiz, and Kraft Singles, which are processed in Quebec. The company intended to focus on these segments and leverage its brand equity and competitive advantage to drive growth. The deal also came shortly after the signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which opened up Canada's protected domestic market to the United States, potentially impacting the Canadian supply management system.
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Kraft Dinner is the Canadian name for Mac and Cheese
Kraft Dinner, or KD as it is often abbreviated, is the Canadian name for Mac and Cheese. While the dish is known as Mac and Cheese in many parts of the world, including the United States, Canadians have their own unique moniker for this beloved comfort food. The name "Kraft Dinner" is derived from the brand that popularized the product, Kraft Foods.
Kraft Dinner is a convenient and affordable meal option that has become a staple in many Canadian households. It consists of macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce mix, which includes ingredients like whey, milkfat, salt, and spices such as turmeric and annatto. The Canadian version of Kraft Dinner differs from its American counterpart in a few notable ways. Firstly, the Canadian Kraft Dinner calls for 1/3 cup of skim milk instead of the 1/4 cup of milk specified in the American version. Secondly, it suggests using non-hydrogenated margarine instead of butter, a deviation from the richer option typically preferred in the United States.
The differences in ingredients between the Canadian and American versions of Kraft Mac and Cheese may be attributed to cultural preferences and the availability of certain dairy products in each country. For instance, the Canadian version's use of skim milk aligns with Canada's reputation for producing and consuming dairy products with lower fat content. Additionally, the absence of butter in the Canadian Kraft Dinner may reflect a preference for margarine, which has long been a staple in Canadian kitchens due to its affordability and versatility.
The Kraft Heinz Company, the makers of Kraft Dinner, has a significant presence in Canada. In 2018, the company sold its century-old Canadian cheese business to Parmalat in a deal worth $1.62 billion. This sale allowed Kraft Heinz to streamline its operations and expand its North American reach, while also demonstrating the value and longevity of the Kraft brand in the Canadian market.
Kraft Dinner holds a special place in Canadian culture and has become an iconic symbol of comfort food in the country. Its popularity has led to the creation of unique recipes and variations, with Canadians adding their own creative twists to the classic dish. Whether it's a cozy family meal or a quick snack, Kraft Dinner continues to be a go-to option for Canadians of all ages.
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Kraft Dinner uses 1/3 cup of skim milk
Kraft Dinner, as it is known in Canada, is not identical to the Mac and Cheese produced by Kraft Foods in the US. While the packaging and cooking instructions are the same, there are two notable differences. Firstly, Kraft Dinner uses 1/3 cup of skim milk, as opposed to the 1/4 cup of milk used in the American version. This is surprising, given that Canada typically uses metric units. Secondly, it suggests using 1 tablespoon of non-hydrogenated margarine, rather than 4 tablespoons of margarine or butter. This suggests that margarine is the preferred option in Canada, which may be due to health reasons or personal preference.
The Kraft Dinner recipe also includes cheddar cheese, which is absent from the American version. This may be because the Canadian version is designed to be more of a complete meal, with cheese as a key ingredient, while the American version is more of a side dish or snack. It is worth noting that Kraft Singles, a similar product, is specifically marketed as being "made for Canadians, by Canadians," indicating that there may be a preference for this style of cheese in Canada.
The differences in the recipes may also be due to cultural preferences or availability of ingredients. For example, Canadians may prefer a stronger cheese flavor in their Mac and Cheese, or they may have access to higher-quality cheese that melts better and doesn't need to be combined with as much butter. It's also possible that the Canadian version has been adapted to include more dairy to align with the typical Canadian diet, which often includes a variety of dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
The use of 1/3 cup of skim milk in Kraft Dinner is an interesting choice, as it is a slightly larger amount than the US version and it specifies skim milk. This could be to ensure the sauce has a slightly thinner consistency, as too much thickening agent (in this case, milk) can make the dish heavy and stodgy. Skim milk is also a healthier option, as it has a lower fat content, which may appeal to health-conscious consumers.
In conclusion, the use of 1/3 cup of skim milk in Kraft Dinner is just one of the subtle differences between the Canadian and American versions of this classic comfort food. These variations in ingredients showcase how cultural preferences, availability of ingredients, and health considerations can influence the recipes of beloved dishes across different regions.
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Kraft Natural Cheese includes string cheese, cracker cuts, cubes, and chunks
Kraft Heinz Co. has a long history in Canada, with its Kraft Singles being a staple in Canadian households. In 2018, the company sold its Canadian natural cheese business to Parmalat SpA in a $1.62 billion deal. This included brands like Cracker Barrel, P'tit Quebec, and aMOOza, which generated about $560 million in net sales in 2017.
Lactalis Canada has been crafting premium dairy products with 100% Canadian milk since 1947. The company is dedicated to enriching and nurturing the lives of Canadians and supporting Canadian farmers, customers, partners, suppliers, and local communities. Their commitment to excellence ensures that Canadians can enjoy a wide range of cheese, butter, and spreads, as well as other dairy products, made with Canadian milk.
Therefore, it is likely that Kraft Natural Cheese, now produced by Lactalis Canada, is made with Canadian milk, given the company's strong emphasis on using Canadian milk in its dairy products. This aligns with their commitment to supporting Canadian farmers and local communities.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft cheese products are made with milk, but it is unclear if it is specifically Canadian milk.
Kraft cheese is made by pasteurizing, emulsifying, and blending natural cheese. Varieties of natural cheeses may be mixed, and powdered milk, whey, cream or butter, and water may be added.
Kraft Singles are cheese slices made for Canadians, by Canadians.
In Canada, Kraft Dinner refers to macaroni and cheese.
