Philadelphia History
Times and tastes have changed over the years and Philadelphia has changed along with them to bring you all the great Philly varieties available in store today. But even over 100 years later the cool creamy taste of original Philadelphia lies at the heart of every Philly product.
Mondelēz International now sells Philadelphia in over 80 countries worldwide.
To trace the history of Philadelphia from its humble beginnings in a New York Dairy in 1872 right the way onto your plate today click on the dates and follow our Philly timeline.
The first cream cheese is made in New York by an American dairyman William Lawrence.
1880
‘Philadelphia’ is adopted as the brand name, after the city that was considered at the time to be the home of top quality food. It was distributed for the first time in foil wrappers.
1903
The Phenix Cheese Company of New York bought the Philadelphia trademark.
Phenix merged with the Mondelēz International Cheese Company and new, more consistent manufacturing processes followed.
1960
Philadelphia launched in the UK.
1963
The first UK TV commercial for Philadelphia is aired.
More scrumptious flavours of Philadelphia are launched in the UK.
The fiddly foil packs are replaced with a handy tub.
Philadelphia Light is launched to feed our appetite for lower fat products.
1996
Philadelphia Handisnacks are introduced.
Handisnacks are renamed Philadelphia Snack
2001
Extra Light is launched – cool creamy Philadelphia with less than 5% fat.
2003
Philadelphia Mini Tubs launched in Light and Extra Light to meet consumer demand for smaller single-serve portions.
2004 - 2005
Two delicious new flavours added to the range, Mediterranean Vegetables and Cracked Pepper Mini Tubs.
A modern new pack design is introduced across the whole heavenly range of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Splendips is launched. A unique all-in-one dipping snack available in three delicious flavours: Chives, Cheesecake and Nachos.
A new improved recipe for Philadelphia Extra Light hits the shelves. Still with less than 5% fat, but now even tastier.
A new flavour for Philadelphia - Basil, is launched in 200g tubs and Minitubs.
Freshness has a new shape, we launch a brand new pack.
Our newest flavour – Philadelphia with Cadbury became available in 160g tubs & 120g mini tubs.
