Last Updated:

2024-04-06 14:13:08

Kellogg's

American multinational food manufacturing company

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American multinational food manufacturing company

Kellanova, formerly known as Kellogg's, produces cereal and convenience foods under various well-known brands. With headquarters in Chicago, it operates in over 180 countries and has major facilities in the UK. After a split in 2023, WK Kellogg Co now owns the North American cereal division.

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1856

Kellogg family moves to Battle Creek and John Preston Kellogg establishes a broom factory

In 1856, the Kellogg family relocated to Battle Creek to be closer to other members of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. John Preston Kellogg then set up a broom factory in the area.

1876

Formation of Kellogg Company

In 1876, John Harvey Kellogg became the superintendent of the Battle Creek Sanitarium where corn flakes were created, leading to the establishment of the Kellogg Company.

1877

Development of Breakfast Cereals

In 1877, John H. Kellogg started experimenting to create a softer breakfast food that was easy to chew. He baked a mixture of wheat, oats, and corn at high temperatures to dextrinize starch molecules, resulting in the creation of the first breakfast cereal.

1881

Name Change to Granola

In 1881, John H. Kellogg changed the name of the sanitarium cereal from 'Granula' to 'Granola' due to legal issues with James Caleb Jackson, who was already selling a wheat cereal under the name 'Granula'.

1884

Discovery of Vibrational Therapy

Kellogg discovered the medical use of sinusoidal electric current for increasing blood circulation and passive exercise in 1884. He invented a vibrating chair to stimulate vital organs in the lower abdomen.

1890

Invention of Shredded Wheat Cereal

Henry Perky invented shredded wheat cereal in 1890. The manufacturing process was patented in 1895.

1892

Creation of Grape-Nuts Cereal

After leaving Kellogg's Battle Creek Sanitarium in 1892, C.W. Post entered the breakfast food business and produced Grape-Nuts, a baked wheat cereal. The cereal's name has two conflicting origin stories.

1893

Debut of Shredded Wheat Biscuits at Chicago World's Fair

Shredded wheat biscuits debuted at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893.

1894

Creation of Corn Flakes by W.K. Kellogg

In 1894, W.K. Kellogg revolutionized breakfast by inventing Corn Flakes.

1895-05-31

Filing of Patent for Flaked Cereals

A patent for 'Flaked Cereals and Process of Preparing Same' was filed on May 31, 1895, and issued on April 14, 1896, to John Harvey Kellogg as Patent No. 558,393.

1896

Introduction of Nuttose

In 1896, John Harvey Kellogg introduced Nuttose, the first commercially produced alternative to meat, primarily made from peanuts and resembling 'cold roast mutton'.

1897

Introduction of Grape-Nuts

Grape-Nuts were introduced in 1897, offering a unique and popular breakfast cereal option to consumers.

1898-01

Introduction of Grape-Nuts breakfast cereal

In January 1898, Grape-Nuts breakfast cereal, a mixture of yeast, barley, and wheat, was introduced by an individual.

1900

Kellogg's Founding

Kellogg's was founded over 100 years ago and has been providing breakfast options for British families.

1901-03-19

Granting of US Patent for Protose

On March 19, 1901, John Harvey Kellogg was granted the first United States Patent for a 'vegetable substitute for meat' called Protose, a blend of nuts and grain cereals.

1906-02-19

Establishment of Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company

On February 19, 1906, W.K. Kellogg launched the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company after a fallout with his brother, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, over the distribution of cereal. This marked the beginning of the Kellogg Company's journey.

1909

Renaming to Kellogg Company

In 1909, the Kellogg Toasted Corn Flake Company was renamed the Kellogg Company, solidifying its position in the breakfast cereal market. This rebranding marked a significant milestone in the company's history.

1911

Kellogg's advertising budget reaches $1 million

In 1911, Kellogg's advertising budget reached $1 million.

1914

Introduction of Kellogg's Corn Flakes® in Canada

In 1914, Kellogg's Corn Flakes® made its debut in Canada, expanding the reach of the popular cereal brand.

1915

Introduction of Bran Flakes by Kellogg

In 1915, Kellogg introduced Bran Flakes, which was the first high-fiber cereal. This innovation was followed by the introduction of Kellogg’s All-Bran™ in the subsequent year.

1916

Introduction of All-Bran by Kellogg's

In 1916, Kellogg's introduced All-Bran, a high-fiber cereal made of wheat bran. It is known for listing wheat bran as the first ingredient and providing a significant portion of an adult's daily recommended fiber intake.

1922

Adoption of the Name Kellogg's

In 1922, the company adopted the name Kellogg's after expanding its product range beyond cornflakes. This change reflected the company's growth and diversification in the breakfast cereal market.

1923

Kellogg Company hires first dietitian

In 1923, the Kellogg Company made a significant advancement by becoming the first in the food industry to employ a dietitian. Mary Barber initiated the Kellogg’s Home Economics Department, focusing on the roles of various foods in maintaining a healthy diet.

1924

Introduction of Wheaties

Wheaties cereal was introduced in 1924.

1925

Introduction of Skinner's Raisin Bran

Skinner Manufacturing Company introduced the first Raisin Bran to hit shelves in 1925 and trademarked the term shortly thereafter.

1928

Nabisco Acquires Shredded Wheat Company

Nabisco bought the shredded wheat company in 1928.

1930-06-21

Establishment of Kellogg Foundation

In 1930, amidst the Great Depression, three of Mr. Kellogg's trusted colleagues founded a philanthropic foundation in his name with a vision to improve the health and well-being of children regardless of race, creed, or geographical location.

1931

Implementation of 30-Hour Work Weeks

In 1931, the Kellogg Company announced the shift towards 30-hour work weeks to support employment during the depression era. This innovative practice aimed to provide more job opportunities for workers.

1932

All-Bran Touted as Healthy Breakfast Option

In 1932, a book published by The Kellogg Company of Canada called 'A New Way of Living' claimed that All-Bran was the key to living a life free of constipation, establishing it as a healthy breakfast option.

1934

Patenting of Acidophilus Soy Milk

In 1934, Kellogg patented the first acidophilus soy milk, advocating its use for bottle-fed babies to improve intestinal fauna and combat bowel infections.

1936

Invention of Irrigator

In 1936, Kellogg filed a petition for his invention of improvements to an irrigating apparatus, particularly adaptable for colonic irrigating. The improved irrigator included features such as measuring the amount of liquid entering and exiting the colon.

1938

U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Shredded Wheat Trademark

In 1938, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Kellogg, stating that the 'shredded wheat' name and biscuit shape were generic and could not be trademarked.

1939

Invention of Rice Krispie Treat

Mildred Ghrist Day, a Kellogg's test kitchen worker, is widely credited with inventing the Rice Krispie Treat in 1939. The first test run of the treat was for a Camp Fire girl's fundraising project.

1940

Kellogg's Wheat Flakes and Wheat Krispies

During World War II, Kellogg's introduced Wheat Flakes and Wheat Krispies in the North and Midlands of Britain to assist in feeding the population due to import restrictions. These products were made from locally sourced wheat. Both brands are no longer available.

1941

Inclusion of Rice Krispie Treat recipe on cereal box

After the success of the Rice Krispie Treat, Kellogg's started putting the recipe on the Rice Krispies cereal box in 1941.

1944-08-04

U.S. Circuit Court ruling on 'raisin bran' trademark

On August 4, 1944, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the term 'raisin bran' was too generic to be trademarked, revoking Skinner Manufacturing Company's trademark.

1945

Kellogg's Pep Cereal Pin-Back Buttons

In 1945, Kellogg's included pin-back buttons as prizes in boxes of Pep cereal. The collection featured U.S. Army squadrons and characters from newspaper comics, with a total of 90 different buttons in five series.

1950

Introduction of Corn Pops

Corn Pops, introduced in 1950, marked Kellogg's first new cereal after World War II. The cereal gained popularity in 1951 when it became the sponsor of 'The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok' radio and television show.

1952

Kellogg's Frosted Flakes Launch

Kellogg's Frosted Flakes were introduced in 1952, a year after Post's Corn-Fetti. Initially known as Sugar Frosted Flakes, the cereal later dropped the word 'sugar' from its name.

1953

Introduction of present-day Honey Smacks as Sugar Smacks

In 1953, the cereal known today as Honey Smacks was introduced under the name Sugar Smacks.

1955

Special K® Debut

Special K® was released in 1955, becoming the first cereal to contain seven vitamins and iron.

1958

Introduction of Cornelius®

In 1958, Cornelius® was introduced as a character associated with a Kellogg's cereal.

1963

First Froot Loops introduced

In 1963, Froot Loops® were first introduced to the market.

1964

Introduction of Pop-Tarts

In 1964, Kellogg's diversified its product line by introducing Pop-Tarts, a toaster-friendly pastry. This marked the company's venture into non-cereal products, expanding its offerings to consumers.

1965

Apple Jacks® Apple-Cinnamon Flavor Cereal Creation

In 1965, Kellogg created a new cereal flavor called Apple Jacks®, featuring apple-cinnamon taste.

1969

Kellogg's® Cereal on Apollo 11 Mission

In 1969, Kellogg's® cereal was part of the supplies taken on the historic Apollo 11 mission to the moon.

1970

Debut of Kellogg's® Frosted Mini-Wheats® Cereal

In 1970, Kellogg's® introduced Frosted Mini-Wheats® cereal internationally for the first time.

1972

Kellogg accused of monopoly by FTC

In 1972, the Federal Trade Commission accused Kellogg and other companies of holding a shared monopoly in the cereal market.

1976

Purchase of Mrs. Smith’s Pie Company

Kellogg Company purchased Mrs. Smith’s Pie Company in 1976, expanding its product line to include pies.

1977

Acquisition of Pure Packed Foods

In 1977, Kellogg Company acquired Pure Packed Foods, a company specializing in nondairy frozen foods.

1978

Sales of Kellogg's sugar-coated cereals fall

In 1978, sales of Kellogg's sugar-coated cereals fell for the first time.

1983

Market Share Challenges and Revitalization

In 1983, Kellogg's faced a decline in market share and criticism for underspending in marketing and product development. This prompted a revitalization effort led by chairman William E. LaMothe, focusing on demographic shifts and product innovation to regain competitiveness.

1984

Name Change of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes

Around 1984, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes dropped the word 'sugar' from its name, following a trend of several cereals losing the term 'sugar' in the 1980s.

1988

Kellogg sells tea operations

In 1988, Kellogg sold its United States and Canadian tea operations.

1991

Kellogg holds 50% of non-US cereal market

By 1991, Kellogg held 50% of the non-United States cereal market.

1993

Dale Earnhardt on Kellogg's Corn Flakes boxes

In 1993, Kellogg's featured Dale Earnhardt, the six-time Winston Cup champion, on their Corn Flakes boxes.

1994

Dale Earnhardt on Kellogg's Corn Flakes boxes

In 1994, Kellogg's featured Dale Earnhardt, the seven-time Winston Cup champion, on their Corn Flakes boxes.

1995

Jeff Gordon on Mini Wheats box

In 1995, Kellogg's featured Jeff Gordon, the winner of the inaugural Brickyard 400 race, on their Mini Wheats box.

1996

Launch of Kellogg’s Chocos

In 1996, Kellogg's introduced Kellogg’s Chocos, a cereal product designed specifically to meet the nutritional requirements of growing children.

1997

Opening of W.K. Kellogg Institute for Food and Nutrition Research

In 1997, the W.K. Kellogg Institute for Food and Nutrition Research was established. It serves as a hub where food scientists, nutritionists, and engineers collaborate to create nutritious and delicious food products for families.

1999

Launch of Project Red Alert

In 1999, Kellogg's initiated Project Red Alert by fortifying Kellogg’s Corn Flakes with iron to combat iron deficiency in children.

2000

Acquisition of Kashi® Cereal by Kellogg

In 2000, Kellogg acquired the popular Kashi® Cereal brand.

2001

Kellogg's Acquisition of Keebler Foods

In 2001, Kellogg Company acquired Keebler Foods, adding cookies and cracker products to its portfolio.

2006-01

Name Change to Pops

In January 2006, Kellogg's shortened the name of Corn Pops to just Pops, but later changed it back to Corn Pops due to poor reception.

2008

Launch of INR 10/- SKUs

In 2008, Kellogg's introduced INR 10/- SKUs with the aim of making nutrition more affordable and accessible in India.

2010-06-03

FTC finding against Kellogg's advertising claims

On June 3, 2010, Kellogg's was found to be making unsubstantiated and misleading claims in advertising their cereal products by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

2011

Reduction of Salt in Kellogg's Products

In 2011, Kellogg's reduced the salt content in all its products to encourage a healthier diet. Kellogg's cereals now have 50% less salt compared to a decade ago.

2012

Kellogg's acquisition of Pringles

In 2012, Kellogg's became the world's second-largest snack food company by acquiring the potato crisps brand Pringles from Procter & Gamble for $2.7 billion.

2014

Introduction of Pringles chips in India

In 2014, Kellogg's expanded its snacking portfolio by introducing the popular Pringles chips to the Indian market.

2017

Kellogg's acquisition of Rxbar

In 2017, Kellogg's acquired Chicago-based food company Rxbar for $654 million, expanding its product offerings in the health food sector.

2018-11

Kellogg's market capitalization in November 2018

Kellogg's market capitalization was valued at over US$22.1 billion in November 2018.

2019-04-01

Kellogg's sale of Famous Amos, Murray's, Keebler, Mother's, and Little Brownie Bakers to Ferrero SpA

On April 1, 2019, Kellogg's announced the sale of several brands including Famous Amos and Keebler to Ferrero SpA for $1.4 billion.

2020-01

Kellogg's decision to phase out glyphosate

In January 2020, Kellogg's decided to work with suppliers to phase out the use of glyphosate by 2025, which some farmers have used as a drying agent for wheat and oats supplied to Kellogg's.

2021-12-21

End of Kellogg's worker strike

On December 21, 2021, about 1,400 Kellogg workers approved a collective bargaining agreement, ending the strike, which had lasted 77 days.

2022-06-21

Kellogg's spin off divisions announcement

On June 21, 2022, Kellogg's announced that the company would spin off three cereal, snacks, and plant-based food divisions.

2023-02-21

WK Kellogg CEO's 'cereal for dinner' comment

WK Kellogg CEO Gary Pilnick suggested that cash-strapped families should eat cereal for breakfast to save money, sparking controversy and leading to a boycott against Kellogg's.

2023-03-15

Naming of North America Cereal Co. and Global Snacking Co.

On March 15, 2023, Kellogg's announced that North America Cereal Co. branch will be named WK Kellogg Co and Global Snacking Co. branch will be called Kellanova.

2023-04-01

Boycott of Kellogg's products

Following a price increase by WK Kellogg, online anger has led to a boycott of Kellogg's products starting on April 1. The boycott demands a 25% decrease in prices and the removal of 'harmful chemicals' from the products.

2023-10-02

Split of Kellogg's into Two Companies

On October 2, 2023, Kellogg's was divided into two companies, with WK Kellogg Co owning the North American cereal division, and the existing company being rebranded to Kellanova, which now owns brands like Pop-Tarts and Pringles alongside the international cereal division.

2024-02-27

Kellogg Company Headquarters

The Kellogg Company headquarters information was last updated on February 27, 2024.

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Kellogg's