Jessica Mendoza

See you on Monday.

Our colleague Jesse Newman covers the food industry.

Kraft mac and cheese was mac and cheese.

There was no other.

And that's the way it was for decades.

Kraft mac and cheese dominated the pantry aisle at the supermarket, literally.

But these days, oodles of new competitors are eating into Kraft's market share.

And that blue wall is looking more like a rainbow.

And now, Kraft's big cheese status is under threat.

This year, the company said it plans to spend more than $60 million to boost Kraft mac and cheese.

Welcome to The Journal, our show about money, business, and power.

I'm Jessica Mendoza.

It's Monday, February 2nd.

Coming up on the show, how Kraft lost its lock on mac and cheese.

Take us back to the beginning.

What is the origin story of Kraft Mac and Cheese?

Kraft mac and cheese was marketed as a quick, tasty, and affordable meal for busy families.

And that's been the brand's message for decades.

As time went on, Kraft began marketing its mac and cheese to kids.

Kids loved it, and Kraft kept its hold on the mac and cheese market.