How Much of Kraft Heinz Does Berkshire Hathaway Own? A Deep Dive into One of Warren Buffett's Most Discussed Investments
Welcome, future investor and market enthusiast! Have you ever wondered about the powerful entities that shape the global economy? Today, we're going to pull back the curtain on a fascinating story involving two titans of industry: the iconic investment powerhouse, Berkshire Hathaway, led by the legendary Warren Buffett, and the consumer food giant, Kraft Heinz.
You may have seen their products in your kitchen, from Heinz Ketchup to Kraft Mac & Cheese. But did you know that one of the world's most famous investors has a massive stake in the company that makes them? Let's embark on a step-by-step journey to understand the details of this significant ownership.
 |
| How Much Of Kraft Heinz Does Berkshire Hathaway Own |
Step 1: The Foundation of a Partnership - A Bold Bet on a Food Giant
Before we dive into the numbers, let's understand the history. Berkshire Hathaway's relationship with Kraft Heinz didn't happen overnight. It was born from a strategic merger orchestrated by Warren Buffett and the private equity firm 3G Capital.
Back in 2013, Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital teamed up to acquire H.J. Heinz Company. This was a classic Buffett move: investing in a strong, established brand with a durable competitive advantage. Two years later, in 2015, they engineered the merger of Heinz with the Kraft Foods Group, creating the behemoth we know today as The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC).
This merger was a game-changer. It created the fifth-largest food and beverage company in the world. And from this deal, Berkshire Hathaway emerged as a major shareholder.
Step 2: Decoding the Numbers - A Significant and Evolving Stake
So, how much does Berkshire Hathaway own? The answer isn't a static number. It changes over time as companies file regulatory documents and as investment firms adjust their positions. However, based on the most recent publicly available filings from early 2025, we have a very clear picture.
Sub-heading: The Current Ownership Percentage
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
According to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Berkshire Hathaway Inc. owns approximately 26.5% of The Kraft Heinz Company. This represents a massive holding of over 325 million shares of KHC stock.
To put this in perspective, that's more than a quarter of the entire company! This makes Berkshire Hathaway the single largest shareholder of Kraft Heinz by a significant margin.
Sub-heading: The Value of the Investment
The value of this stake fluctuates with the stock price of Kraft Heinz. As of mid-2025, the value of Berkshire's holding is approximately $8 billion to $9 billion. This makes it one of Berkshire Hathaway's most significant equity holdings.
Step 3: A Changing Landscape - The Reduction in Shares and Board Representation
While Berkshire Hathaway's ownership remains substantial, it's crucial to understand that their stake has actually decreased over time.
In earlier filings, Berkshire Hathaway owned a larger percentage, closer to 34% in 2023. This reduction in ownership is a notable development. It's not a complete exit, but it signals a shift in strategy.
Sub-heading: Boardroom Departure and Strategic Realignment
In a significant move in May 2025, Kraft Heinz announced that Berkshire Hathaway's representatives on its board of directors had stepped down. This was a pivotal moment. While the company stated that the departures were not due to any disagreement with management, it has led to much speculation in the market.
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
What does this mean?
Less Direct Influence: Berkshire Hathaway no longer has a direct say in the day-to-day operations and strategic decisions of Kraft Heinz at the board level.
Increased Flexibility: This move gives Berkshire Hathaway more flexibility to sell its shares without being subject to the trading restrictions that apply to board members.
A New Chapter for KHC: The departure allows Kraft Heinz to pursue its own path, with a renewed focus on strategic transactions to "unlock shareholder value."
This separation from the board, while maintaining a large equity stake, is a fascinating development for investors to watch.
Step 4: Why This Investment is So Important to Buffett
You might be asking, "Why is this one investment so significant?" The answer lies in Warren Buffett's investment philosophy.
Focus on Brands: Buffett loves companies with strong brands and products that people use every day. Kraft Heinz, with its portfolio of iconic brands like Heinz, Kraft, Oscar Mayer, and Planters, fits this mold perfectly.
Cash Flow Machine: Food companies are often seen as "cash flow machines." People always need to eat, regardless of the economic climate, which can provide a steady stream of revenue.
A "Munger-esque" Investment: While Buffett is known for his value investing, this partnership with 3G Capital was a bit of a departure. It reflected the influence of his partner, Charlie Munger, who was a big believer in partnering with excellent managers, which 3G was known for.
However, the investment hasn't been without its challenges. The stock has underperformed since the merger, and Buffett has publicly admitted to "overpaying" for the company at the time of the deal. This makes the stake a constant point of discussion among investors and analysts.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Berkshire Hathaway and Kraft Heinz:
How to find out the latest ownership percentage of Berkshire Hathaway in Kraft Heinz?
You can find the latest ownership information in Berkshire Hathaway's quarterly 13F filings with the SEC. These are public documents that detail their equity holdings.
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
How to track the value of Berkshire Hathaway's stake in Kraft Heinz?
To track the value, multiply the number of shares Berkshire Hathaway owns (most recently around 325 million) by the current share price of Kraft Heinz (KHC).
How to understand the role of 3G Capital in the Kraft Heinz merger?
3G Capital was the operational partner in the merger. They are known for their strict cost-cutting and efficiency-focused management style, which they applied to Kraft Heinz.
How to know if Berkshire Hathaway is selling its Kraft Heinz shares?
Look for changes in the number of shares reported in Berkshire Hathaway's 13F filings. A significant decrease would indicate a sale. The recent board departures also suggest a potential for future sales.
How to interpret Warren Buffett's comments about the Kraft Heinz investment?
Buffett is known for his honesty. When he says he "overpaid," it means the initial investment hasn't generated the returns he expected, even though he still sees value in the underlying business.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
How to compare Berkshire Hathaway's investment in Kraft Heinz to its other major holdings?
While KHC is a significant holding, it's dwarfed by Berkshire's largest positions, such as Apple, Bank of America, and Coca-Cola. It represents a smaller percentage of the total portfolio value.
How to analyze the performance of Kraft Heinz stock since the merger?
The stock has generally underperformed the broader market since the 2015 merger, facing challenges with brand relevance and debt. However, it offers a high dividend yield, which can be attractive to income-focused investors.
How to find the history of Berkshire Hathaway's involvement in the food industry?
Berkshire has a long history of investing in consumer staples, with a particularly famous long-term holding in Coca-Cola. The Kraft Heinz investment is a more recent and complex chapter in that history.
How to understand the concept of "control" versus "non-controlled" investments for Berkshire Hathaway?
A "controlled" investment is a subsidiary that Berkshire fully owns and operates (like GEICO). A "non-controlled" investment is a minority stake in a publicly traded company where they don't run the business, like Kraft Heinz.
How to learn more about the Kraft Heinz company and its brands?
You can visit the official Kraft Heinz Company investor relations website for detailed information on their brands, financial reports, and strategic plans.
 |
