Philadelphia cream cheese is not made in Pennsylvania. Despite its name, the popular cream cheese brand was actually first produced in upstate New York. This may come as a surprise to many people, considering the strong association between the brand name and the city of Philadelphia.
The story of Philadelphia cream cheese begins in 1872 when a dairy farmer named William Lawrence, who was based in Chester, New York, developed a new method for producing cream cheese. Lawrence’s technique involved adding cream to the cheese mixture, resulting in a smoother and creamier texture compared to traditional methods.
Lawrence’s creation quickly gained popularity and became known as “cream cheese.” However, it wasn’t until 1880 that the cheese was marketed under the name “Philadelphia cream cheese.” The name was chosen as a way to associate the product with the reputation of Philadelphia as a city known for high-quality dairy products.
Despite the name, the manufacturing of Philadelphia cream cheese has never been based in Philadelphia. The original cream cheese factory was located in Chester, New York, where Lawrence’s dairy farm was situated. Over the years, the production of Philadelphia cream cheese has expanded and undergone changes in ownership. Today, it is manufactured by Kraft Heinz, a multinational food company, in various locations across the United States.
While Philadelphia cream cheese may not be made in Pennsylvania, the brand has become synonymous with the city due to its name and the association with the creamy and indulgent cheesesteak sandwiches that Philadelphia is famous for. This has contributed to the brand’s marketing success and its widespread popularity.
Despite its name, Philadelphia cream cheese is not made in Pennsylvania. It was first produced in upstate New York by William Lawrence in the late 19th century. The association with Philadelphia comes from the brand name and the city’s reputation for dairy products, but the manufacturing of the cream cheese has never been based in Pennsylvania.