Jeff Bites

Why would Phillip Morris want to buy a food company?

Issuing a landmark announcement that cigarettes were dangerous was issued by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Luther Terry on January 11, 1964.

Struggling since the announcement notorious tobacco companies profits were dwindling. Squeezing every dollar out of each cigarette their scientist were adding synthetic chemicals to increase addiction and decrease cost.

What were they going to do to stay afloat?

The answer lies in an event that reshaped American nutrition forever.

WWII exploded and traditional family dynamics were “flipped” on their head.

Rosie the Riveter ushered in wave a Mother’s into the workforce.

There was only one problem, no one was home to cook for the children.

Pre-packaged meals prepared by your local grocery store provided healthy meals. Until convenience found an unlikely mate.

Seizing the golden opportunity of convenience:

• 1963: R.J. Reynolds purchased Hawaiian Punch, marking an early entry into the food sector.
• 1985: A major wave of acquisitions occurred when:Philip Morris acquired General Foods.R.J. Reynolds acquired Nabisco (creating RJR Nabisco).
• 1986–1988: Philip Morris continued its expansion by acquiring Kraft in 1986 (or 1988 according to some sources).

Discovering El Dorado they found a group of forever addicts.