CRACKER BARREL CHEDDAR WINS BEST IN CLASS HONORS AT 2013 U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST®

GLENVIEW, Ill., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cracker Barrel cheese today announced its best in class win in the medium cheddar category for its sharp cheddar and second runner up in the entire competition this past week at the venerable U.S. Championship Cheese Contest® in Green Bay, Wisconsin. There were 1,702 entries from across the U.S. in 81 categories with 38 renowned judges presiding.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130402/CG86915)

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090420/KRAFTLOGO)

"It is such an honor to have won the best in class distinction for our sharp cheddar," said Gwen Gray, senior director for Cracker Barrel. "This prestigious award continues in the brand's storied footprints of being award-winning, delicious cheese that everyone can enjoy!"

At this year's U.S. Championship Cheese Contest®, Cracker Barrel was awarded the following medals:

These wins showcase the rich, full flavor that continues to delight the cheese industry and continues the tradition of winning international, national, state and local cheese competitions over the past two decades.

The cheese brand is defined and guided by its love of quality cheese and a passion for cheddar that support the brand's tagline of "Cheddar, Perfected." Cracker Barrel still uses the same proprietary heirloom starter cultures as when the brand was founded in 1954. This recipe is what delivers its rich, full flavor cheddar cheese, which is lovingly aged, tested, tasted and graded. Only the finest cheese gets wrapped in the brand's iconic foil packaging with the Cracker Barrel name.

For 2013, the brand has expanded its marketing platform, putting additional effort behind a fully integrated advertising, PR, digital and in-store program as it continues to gain distribution around the country.

Cracker Barrel offers a full line of flavors and serving options that are excellent for personal snacking and entertaining occasions.  Available at retailers nationwide in the dairy case. Visit www.crackerbarrelcheese.com for more details.

ABOUT CRACKER BARREL CHEESE

Since 1954, Cracker Barrel has offered a variety of cheddar cheeses in blocks, bars, slices and cracker cuts.  Known for its rich, full flavor, Cracker Barrel has won national and international awards for its Aged Reserve, Extra Sharp Cheddar and 2% Reduced Extra Sharp Cheddar styles.  For more information about Cracker Barrel visit www.facebook.com/CrackerBarrelCheese.

ABOUT KRAFT FOODS GROUP

Kraft Foods Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: KRFT) is North America's fourth largest consumer packaged food and beverage company, with revenues of  $18 billion in 2012.  Launched as a public and independent company on Oct. 1, 2012, the new Kraft has the spirit of a startup and the soul of a powerhouse.  The company has an unrivaled portfolio of products in the beverages, cheese, refrigerated meals and grocery categories. Its iconic brands include Kraft, Maxwell House, Oscar Mayer, Planters and JELL-O. Kraft's 23,000 employees in the U.S. and Canada have a passion for making the foods and beverages people love. Kraft Foods Group is a member of the Standard & Poor's 500 index and the NASDAQ-100. For more information, visit www.kraft.com and www.facebook.com/kraft.

ABOUT UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST

The United States Championship Cheese Contest® and World Championship Cheese Contest® are the exclusive property of the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA).  WCMA has hosted annual cheese competitions since 1891 and in 1957 formally organized the World Championship Cheese Contest, later organizing the United States Championship Cheese Contest in 1981.  These competitions hosted by the non-for-profit WCMA, promote industry education and quality cheese craftsmanship.

SOURCE Kraft Foods Group, Inc.