James L. Kraft (1874 - 1953) In 1903, James L. Kraft, with a rented cart and $65 in capital, began a wholesale cheese business in Chicago. Eventually 3 of his brothers joined the company and in 1909 they incorporated as J.L. Kraft Bros. & Company.
The company was acquired by National Dairy Products in 1930, which changed its name to Kraft Inc in 1976; merged with Dart Industries in 1980, split off in 1986, and taken over by Philip Morris Companies in 1988.
Kraft is the largest cheese and dairy products producer in the U.S. Among Kraft's product line are Velveeta, Cheez Whiz and Cracker Barrel cheese. | 