Philadelphia Cream Cheese was first marketed under that name in 1880.
The cheese itself emerged in New York State during the 1870s. William Lawrence, a dairyman in Chester, New York, developed a richer version of Neufchâtel by adding extra cream. The resulting fresh, unripened cheese was initially sold under other descriptions and labels.
In 1880, New York cheese distributor Alvah Reynolds began marketing the product as “Philadelphia Cream Cheese.” The choice of name was a marketing decision: Philadelphia and its surrounding region had a reputation for excellent dairy products and creamy cheeses. The product was not made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a common misconception caused by the brand name.
The year 1872 is often confused with the marketing date because it is associated with Lawrence’s early cheese-making work and the product’s development. The later date, 1880, specifically answers when the Philadelphia name was first applied commercially. The brand’s trademark rights were eventually transferred to the Phenix Cheese Company in 1903.