Crain's Chicago Businessreported thatKraft Foods Inc.may move some corporate offices from suburban Northfield, Ill., to downtown Chicago following a 2012 spin-off of its North American grocery business.

Crain'squoted Kraft CEO Irene Rosenfeld, who spoke Wednesday afternoon to the Executives' Club of Chicago. Asked about Kraft's plans to stay in the area, Rosenfeld acknowledged some discussions with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Kraft has said it expects by the end of 2012 to separate its North American grocery and global snacks businesses. The North American grocery unit includes Oscar Mayer processed meats and meals, Kraft cheese and Jell-O refrigerated desserts.

“The headquarters for the two companies will be in the Chicagoland area, but we have not made any decisions about specific locations,” a company spokesman later told Crain's.

The publication noted thatSara Lee Corp. also wants to move its North American grocery business to Chicago after it separates its coffee business.