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Kraft Heinz Plans Breakup, Unwinding Decade-Old Merger

By  |  September 2, 2025

Kraft Heinz announced Tuesday that it will split into two separate businesses, unraveling a $46 billion merger completed nearly ten years ago that created one of the world’s biggest packaged food companies. According to Bloomberg, the decision reflects the company’s desire to streamline operations and give greater focus to its strongest brands.

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    Under the plan, one business will oversee Heinz ketchup, other leading condiments, and packaged meals, together representing $15.4 billion in annual sales. The second company will manage slower-growth staples such as Oscar Mayer hot dogs and Lunchables, which generate about $10.4 billion a year. Executives emphasized that the separation, to be executed as a tax-free spinoff, is designed to let each business pursue tailored strategies.

    Shares of Kraft Heinz slid as much as 5.5% following the announcement, their sharpest drop since February 12. Bloomberg noted that the stock has declined roughly 14% this year, compared with a 9% increase in the S&P 500. Analysts remain cautious, citing weak demand trends for processed foods. “Questions remain around the true growth and margin potential for both new companies,” Jefferies analyst Scott Marks said in a note Tuesday.

    Read more: Kraft Heinz Eyes Major Split, Potentially Unwinding 2015 Merger

    The move mirrors a broader wave of restructurings in the food industry. Per Bloomberg, Kellogg split into two firms last year, while Keurig Dr Pepper recently outlined plans to reverse its 2018 tie-up. The Kraft Heinz breakup effectively dismantles the deal championed by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital, which sought to create scale just before consumer preferences shifted toward fresher, healthier options. Buffett has since admitted the merger was not a “brilliant idea” but expressed disappointment over the separation.

    Miguel Patricio, chairman of Kraft Heinz, said the complexity of the current structure has made it difficult to allocate resources efficiently. “By separating into two companies, we can allocate the right level of attention and resources to unlock the potential of each brand,” he said. Carlos Abrams-Rivera, the company’s chief executive, will take the helm of the grocery-focused firm, while Patricio will remain as chair. Abrams-Rivera highlighted that the grocery company will continue investments to improve its product portfolio with healthier options.

    Industry watchers are split on the outlook. While the spinoff could allow the sauces and spreads business to expand more aggressively, some question whether the grocery division can keep up as consumers increasingly turn away from processed foods.

    Source: Bloomberg