What is Mondelez International, and what are its primary business sectors?

Mondelez International, Inc. is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Chicago. It operates in the confectionery, food, beverage, and snack food industries, with a particular focus on snack foods and confectionery as its core businesses.

When was Mondelez International established as a distinct entity, and what was its predecessor?

The present enterprise of Mondelez International was established on October 1, 2012. It originated from Kraft Foods Inc., which was founded in 1923 and later renamed Mondelez International when its snack food business was retained, while its North American grocery business was spun off.

What is the origin and meaning of the name 'Mondelez'?

The name 'Mondelez' is derived from the Latin word 'mundus,' meaning 'world,' combined with 'delez,' a fanciful modification of the word 'delicious.' This naming reflects the company's global reach and its focus on delicious food products.

What is Mondelez International's annual revenue and global operational reach?

Mondelez International has an annual revenue of approximately $26.5 billion and operates in roughly 160 countries worldwide. This indicates a significant global presence in the food and beverage market.

How was Mondelez International ranked in the 2021 Fortune 500 list?

In 2021, Mondelez International was ranked as the 108th largest corporation in the United States by total revenue, according to the Fortune 500 list. This ranking signifies its substantial economic impact within the U.S.

What are some of the major confectionery and snack brands manufactured by Mondelez International?

Mondelez International manufactures a wide array of popular brands, including confectionery items like Milka, Cadbury, Toblerone, and Côte d'Or. Its snack portfolio features well-known cookie and cracker brands such as Oreo, Ritz, TUC, and Nabisco products.

Which gum and cough drop brands are part of Mondelez International's product portfolio?

The company's gum and cough drop brands include Trident, Dentyne, Chiclets, Halls, and Stride. These brands are recognized globally for oral hygiene and throat relief products.

What was the origin of Mondelez International's predecessor, Kraft Foods Inc.?

Mondelez International's roots trace back to the National Dairy Products Corporation, founded on December 10, 1923, by Edward E. Rieck and Thomas H. McInnerney. This initial firm was established with a strategy to consolidate the fragmented U.S. ice cream industry.

How did the Kraft-Phenix Cheese Company come into existence?

The Kraft Cheese Company was founded in 1924 and later acquired the Phenix Cheese Company in 1928, which produced Philadelphia Cream Cheese. This acquisition led to the company changing its name to Kraft-Phenix Cheese Company.

What significant corporate changes occurred for Kraft in the latter half of the 20th century?

Kraft underwent several name changes and mergers. It became Kraftco Corporation in 1969, then Kraft Inc. in 1976. Following its acquisition by Phillip Morris and merger with General Foods Corporation in 1989, it was renamed Kraft Foods Inc. in 1995.

Describe Kraft Foods' acquisition of Cadbury.

In 2009, Kraft Foods launched a hostile takeover bid for the British confectionery group Cadbury. After initial rejection and a revised offer, Cadbury approved Kraft's bid in January 2010 for £11.5 billion ($19.5 billion), a move that faced significant political and public opposition in the UK.

What was the impact of the Cadbury acquisition on Kraft Foods' financial performance?

While the Cadbury takeover boosted Kraft's overall sales by 30%, it also led to a 24% decrease in net profit for the fourth quarter due to integration costs. The acquisition also reduced Kraft's earnings per share by approximately 33% immediately following the purchase.

What was the strategic rationale behind Kraft Foods splitting into two companies in 2012?

In August 2011, Kraft Foods announced plans to split into two publicly traded companies: an international snack-food company and a North American grocery company. This division aimed to allow each entity to focus on its distinct business strategies and markets.

How did the split of Kraft Foods Inc. lead to the formation of Mondelez International?

The split was completed in October 2012, with Kraft Foods Inc. changing its name to Mondelez International to represent the global snack-food business. The North American grocery business was spun off as a new company, Kraft Foods Group, which later merged with Heinz to form Kraft Heinz.

What was the outcome of Mondelez International's merger with Douwe Egberts?

In 2014, Mondelez International merged its coffee business with the Dutch firm Douwe Egberts. This merger resulted in the creation of Jacobs Douwe Egberts (now JDE Peet's), a significant player in the global coffee market.

What allegations did the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) make against Mondelez International in 2015?

In April 2015, the CFTC alleged that Mondelez International and its former subsidiary bought $90 million worth of wheat futures with no intention of taking delivery. The commission claimed this action artificially raised commodity prices and generated profits for the company.

What commitment did Mondelez International make regarding egg sourcing in 2016?

In January 2016, Mondelez International committed to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs globally by the year 2025. This pledge aligns with growing consumer and industry trends towards more humane animal welfare practices.

What was the result of Mondelez International's $23 billion takeover bid for Hershey in 2016?

Mondelez International made a $23 billion offer to acquire its rival, The Hershey Company, in June 2016. However, Hershey's board unanimously rejected the offer, preventing the potential merger.

Which brands were sold by Mondelez International in 2016 and 2017?

In 2016, the brand Terry's was acquired by Eurazeo from Mondelez. In January 2017, the company sold its Australian grocery business, including Vegemite, to Bega Cheese.

Who succeeded Irene Rosenfeld as CEO of Mondelez International, and when?

Dirk Van de Put, formerly the CEO of McCain Foods, succeeded Irene Rosenfeld as the CEO of Mondelez International in November 2017. This leadership transition marked a new chapter for the company's strategic direction.

What acquisitions did Mondelez International complete in 2018 and 2019?

In 2018, Mondelez acquired the cookie maker Tate's Bake Shop for approximately $500 million. In 2019, the company acquired a majority interest in Perfect Snacks, the owner of the refrigerated protein bar Perfect Bar.

What were Mondelez International's key acquisitions in 2020, 2021, and 2022?

In 2020, Mondelez acquired a majority stake in Give & Go, a maker of two-bite brownies. In 2021, it bought Hu Master Holdings for over $250 million, and in 2022, it acquired Grupo Bimbo's confectionery business, Ricolino, for approximately $1.3 billion and Clif Bar for $2.9 billion.

Which product lines did Mondelez International announce plans to sell in May 2022 and December 2022?

In May 2022, Mondelez announced the sale of its gum business in developed markets (including Trident and Dentyne) and the entire Halls cough drop business. In December 2022, it announced the sale of its gum business, including Trident, Dentyne, Chiclets, and Bubblicious brands, to Perfetti Van Melle.

What were Mondelez International's reported financial figures for the fiscal year 2017?

For the fiscal year 2017, Mondelez International reported earnings of $2.922 billion on an annual revenue of $25.896 billion, which represented a slight decline of 0.1% from the previous year. Its market capitalization was valued at over $58.8 billion in October 2018.

How did COVID-19 lockdowns affect Mondelez International's sales in early 2020?

During the first quarter of 2020, Mondelez International experienced a sales growth of 15% in North America due to COVID-19 lockdowns, leading to an almost 3% increase in its overall revenue. This surge was attributed to people stocking up on sweets and snacks.

What is the primary focus of Mondelez International's brands?

The company's core businesses revolve around snack foods and confectionery. In some international territories, Mondelez licenses Kraft-branded products from Kraft Heinz Company.

What controversy arose regarding Mondelez's cocoa sourcing in 2017?

In September 2017, an investigation by Mighty Earth revealed that a significant amount of cocoa used by Mondelez and other chocolate companies was grown illegally within national parks and protected areas in Ivory Coast and Ghana. This practice has been linked to extensive deforestation and harm to wildlife.

What findings did Greenpeace International report concerning Mondelez International's palm oil suppliers in 2018?

A Greenpeace International investigation in November 2018 found that 22 palm oil suppliers to Mondelez International had cleared over 70,000 hectares of rainforest between 2015 and 2017. This highlights concerns about the environmental impact of the company's supply chain.

What allegations were made against Mondelez International in a 2021 class action lawsuit regarding child slavery?

In 2021, Mondelez International was named in a class action lawsuit filed by former child slaves from Mali. The lawsuit alleged that the company aided and abetted their enslavement on cocoa plantations in Ivory Coast, alongside other major chocolate companies.

How does Mondelez International's 'Cocoa Life' program address child labor?

Mondelez International's 'Cocoa Life' program aims to tackle the root causes of child labor through a holistic approach. This includes collaborating with families, encouraging school attendance, and monitoring child labor on farms, with the goal of achieving 100% Cocoa Life coverage for its cocoa needs by 2025.

What did a 2022 investigation by Channel 4 Dispatches reveal about child labor on farms supplying Mondelez?

A 2022 investigation by Channel 4's Dispatches found children as young as 10 working on farms in Ghana that supply Cadbury, a brand owned by Mondelez International. The report documented child laborers harvesting cocoa without protective gear.

What criticism has Mondelez International faced regarding its activities in Russia during the Russo-Ukrainian War?

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Mondelez International faced criticism for continuing business operations in Russia, where it generates 3.5% of its annual revenue. In May 2023, Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention declared Mondelez an international sponsor of war due to its Russian branch's significant profit increase.

What actions were taken in Nordic countries and by royal families in response to Mondelez's continued business in Russia?

The company's continued operations in Russia led to boycotts from consumers and companies in Nordic countries, as well as protests from employees. Additionally, King Charles III stripped Cadbury of its royal warrant, and Sweden did the same for Marabou, a Mondelez brand.

What fine did the European Commission impose on Mondelez International in May 2024, and why?

In May 2024, the European Commission fined Mondelez International €337.5 million for anti-competitive practices. The company was found to have abused its dominant market position by illegally blocking cross-border sales of its chocolate, cookie, and coffee products between EU countries.

What award did Milka chocolate receive in July 2025 related to advertising practices?

In July 2025, Mondelez's Milka chocolate was awarded Foodwatch's 'Goldener Windbeutel' (Golden Windbag) award. This award recognized the brand for shrinkflation, a practice where product size is reduced while the price remains the same or increases.

What is the significance of the 'Nabisco' brand within Mondelez International's portfolio?

Nabisco is a significant brand within Mondelez International, encompassing a wide range of popular cookies and crackers such as Oreo, Ritz, Chips Ahoy!, and Triscuit. It represents a core part of the company's snack food business.

What is the relationship between Mondelez International and the Cadbury brand?

Cadbury is one of Mondelez International's flagship chocolate brands, known for products like Dairy Milk, Creme Egg, and Flake. While Mondelez owns the brand globally, in the U.S., Hershey's manufactures Cadbury products under a licensing agreement.

Which major brands are included under the 'LU' umbrella within Mondelez International?

The LU brand, a key part of Mondelez International's portfolio, includes well-known biscuits and crackers such as Prince, TUC, and other European brands. These products are widely recognized in the confectionery and biscuit market.

What is the role of Mondelez Canada within the larger corporation?

Mondelez Canada manages brands such as Christie Brown and Company, which includes Mr. Christie, Triscuits, and Dad's Cookies. Its operations are centered in Toronto, Brampton, Hamilton, and Montreal.

What is the company's stance on deforestation, as indicated by its actions and ratings?

Mondelez International has stated efforts to combat deforestation, including mapping its cocoa suppliers by 2018. However, investigations have linked its supply chain to deforestation, and it received a 'yellow' rating in the 2022 Chocolate Scorecard, indicating it is 'starting to implement good policies' in agroforestry.

How does Mondelez International's financial performance compare year-over-year in the provided table?

The provided financial table shows fluctuations in revenue, net income, and total assets from 2005 to 2024. For instance, revenue generally increased from 2005 to 2012, then saw a dip before rising again, while net income has varied significantly year by year, with notable increases in 2015 and 2023.

What does the number of employees indicate about Mondelez International's growth or restructuring over the years?

The number of employees listed in the financial table shows fluctuations, starting at 94,000 in 2005, peaking around 127,000 in 2010, and then generally decreasing to 80,000 by 2019, before rising again to 90,000 in 2024. These changes likely reflect acquisitions, divestitures, and operational efficiencies.

What is the company's stated approach to addressing child labor in its supply chain?

Mondelez International states that its Cocoa Life program aims to address child labor by working with families, promoting school attendance, and monitoring farms. Despite these efforts, investigations have continued to find instances of child labor on farms supplying the company.

What is the significance of the 'Nasdaq-100' and 'S&P 100' components listed for Mondelez International?

Being listed as a component of the Nasdaq-100 and S&P 100 indices signifies that Mondelez International is among the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq stock market and a major constituent of the S&P 500 index, respectively. These inclusions reflect its significant market capitalization and influence.

What is the company's ISIN, and what does it represent?

The International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) for Mondelez International is US6092071058. An ISIN is a unique code used to identify specific securities, such as stocks or bonds, facilitating clear identification in financial markets.

What does the 'traded as' information in the infobox indicate about Mondelez International?

The 'traded as' information indicates that Mondelez International's Class A stock is traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol MDLZ. It is also a component of major stock market indices like the Nasdaq-100 and S&P 500.

What is the stated reason for the European Commission's fine against Mondelez for anti-competitive practices?

The European Commission fined Mondelez for illegally blocking cross-border sales of its products, such as chocolate, cookies, and coffee, between EU countries. This practice prevented retailers from sourcing products from lower-priced EU member states, thereby restricting competition.

What is the company's stated goal regarding cage-free egg sourcing?

Mondelez International has committed to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs globally by the year 2025. This initiative reflects a commitment to animal welfare standards within its supply chain.

What is the purpose of the 'Authority control databases' listed at the end of the article?

The 'Authority control databases' section provides links to unique identifiers for Mondelez International in various library and database systems, such as ISNI, VIAF, and GND. These identifiers help to ensure consistency and accuracy in cataloging information about the company across different platforms.

Mondelez International Wiki: Mondelēz International: A Global Confectionery and Snack Powerhouse

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Company Overview

Corporate Identity

Mondelēz International, Inc. is a prominent American multinational confectionery, food, beverage, and snack food holding company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It ranks among the largest corporations in the United States, reflecting its significant global reach and market influence.^[5]^[6]

Global Operations

With an annual revenue approximating $36.4 billion and operations spanning approximately 160 countries, Mondelēz International demonstrates a vast global footprint. Its strategic focus on snack foods and confectionery positions it as a key player in the international food industry.^[4]^[5]

Origins and Evolution

The company's lineage traces back to the National Dairy Products Corporation, founded in 1923, and later evolved through Kraft Foods Inc. The present entity, Mondelēz International, was established in 2012 following a strategic split of Kraft Foods Inc., separating its global snacking business from its North American grocery operations.^[1]^[3]

Historical Trajectory

Foundation and Early Growth

The company's origins lie in the National Dairy Products Corporation, established in 1923 by Edward E. Rieck and Thomas H. McInnerney, initially focusing on the fragmented U.S. ice cream market.^[11] The Kraft Cheese Company, founded in 1924, merged with National Dairy in 1930, leading to a series of name changes and expansions, including the acquisition of Cadbury in 2010.^[12]^[14]

Strategic Reorganization

In August 2011, Kraft Foods announced its intention to split into two distinct public entities: an international snacking company named Mondelēz International and a North American grocery company, Kraft Foods Group. This separation was finalized in October 2012, establishing Mondelēz International as the legal successor focused on global snacks and confectionery.^[22]^[23]

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Mondelēz has actively managed its portfolio through strategic acquisitions and divestitures. Notable transactions include the merger of its coffee business with Douwe Egberts in 2014 (forming JDE Peet's), the acquisition of Tate's Bake Shop in 2018, and the purchase of Perfect Snacks and Chipita S.A. in subsequent years. Conversely, the company has divested certain assets, such as its gum business in developed markets.^[26]^[36]^[43]^[46]

Brand Portfolio

Biscuits & Snacks

Mondelēz International boasts a diverse array of globally recognized biscuit and snack brands, many originating from its Nabisco heritage. These include:

Belvita
Chips Ahoy!
Honey Maid
Oreo
Ritz
Triscuit
Wheat Thins
LU (including Prince, TUC)
Tate's Bake Shop

Chocolate & Confectionery

The company is a major force in the chocolate market, featuring iconic brands acquired through acquisitions like Cadbury and Toblerone:

Cadbury (including Dairy Milk, Creme Egg, Flake)
Green & Black's
Milka
Marabou
Toblerone
C\u00f4te d'Or
Freia

Gum & Other

The portfolio also includes popular gum and confectionery brands, alongside other notable products:

Sour Patch Kids
Swedish Fish
Clorets
Halls (cough drops)
Tang (powdered beverages)
Clif Bar

Note: Some brands like Trident and Dentyne have been divested.^[46]

Financial Performance

Key Financial Metrics

Mondelēz International consistently reports substantial financial figures, reflecting its market leadership. For fiscal year 2024, the company reported revenue of approximately $36.4 billion, with operating income reaching $6.35 billion and net income at $4.61 billion. Total assets were valued at $68.5 billion, with total equity at $26.9 billion.^[2]

Historical Data Overview

The company's financial performance over the years shows fluctuations influenced by market conditions, acquisitions, and strategic adjustments. The table below summarizes key financial data from 2005 to 2024:

Year	Revenue in mil. US$	Net income in mil. US$	Total assets in mil. US$	Price per share in US$	Employees
2005	34,113	2,632	57,628	14.42	94,000
2006	33,256	3,060	55,574	15.24	90,000
2007	35,858	2,721	67,993	16.33	103,000
2008	40,492	2,884	63,173	15.28	98,000
2009	38,754	3,021	66,714	13.68	97,000
2010	31,489	4,114	95,289	16.43	127,000
2011	35,810	3,554	93,837	19.21	126,000
2012	35,015	3,067	75,477	23.06	110,000
2013	35,299	3,915	72,515	28.09	107,000
2014	34,244	2,184	66,771	33.41	104,000
2015	29,636	7,267	62,843	38.64	99,000
2016	25,923	1,659	61,538	41.15	90,000
2017	25,896	2,922	63,109	42.46	83,000
2018	25,938	3,381	62,729	42.21	80,000
2019	25,868	3,870	64,549	51.57	80,000
2020	26,581	3,555	67,810	58.47	79,000
2021	28,720	4,300	67,092	66.31	79,000
2022	31,500	2,720	71,160	69.72	80,000
2023	36,016	4,959	71,391
2024	36,441	4,611	68,497		90,000

Corporate Affairs

Headquarters and Presence

Mondelēz International's global headquarters are situated in the Fulton Market district of Chicago, Illinois. The company recently relocated its headquarters from Deerfield, Illinois, to Chicago, consolidating its corporate functions. Its North American operations are centered in East Hanover, New Jersey, with a global innovation center established in nearby Whippany.^[49]^[50]^[51]

Legal and Regulatory Matters

The company has faced scrutiny regarding its business practices. In April 2015, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) alleged that Mondelēz engaged in manipulative wheat futures trading.^[29] More recently, in May 2024, the European Commission fined Mondelēz €337.5 million for anti-competitive practices related to restricting cross-border sales within the EU.^[89]^[90]

Ethical Considerations & Controversies

Deforestation Concerns

Investigations by NGOs like Mighty Earth have highlighted that a significant portion of cocoa used by Mondelēz and other major chocolate companies is sourced from protected areas in Ivory Coast and Ghana, contributing to deforestation and impacting wildlife.^[55]^[56]^[61] The company has stated efforts to map suppliers and promote sustainable sourcing through its Cocoa Life program.^[66]

Child Labor Allegations

Class-action lawsuits have been filed against Mondelēz and other chocolate manufacturers, alleging complicity in child slavery on cocoa plantations in Ivory Coast. These suits claim the companies have failed to adequately address forced labor despite pledges.^[69]^[74] Reports indicate ongoing issues, with investigations finding child laborers on farms supplying Mondelēz brands.^[73]

Russia Operations Controversy

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Mondelēz faced criticism for continuing business operations in Russia. Ukraine designated the company as an "international sponsor of war" in May 2023, citing increased profits from its Russian subsidiary. This led to boycotts and the stripping of royal warrants from associated brands in Nordic countries.^[79]^[80]^[86]

Advertising Practices

In July 2025, Mondelēz's Milka chocolate brand received the "Goldener Windbeutel" award from Foodwatch, a consumer watchdog, for shrinkflation—reducing product size while maintaining price.^[91]^[92]

References

Source Material

The content presented herein is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on Mondelēz International.

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References

"Chocolate's Dark Secret". September 2017.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Mondelez International Wikipedia page

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Mondelēz International: A Global Confectionery and Snack Powerhouse

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Company Overview ℹ️

🏢 Corporate Identity

🌍 Global Operations

📜 Origins and Evolution

Historical Trajectory ⏳

🏗️ Foundation and Early Growth

↔️ Strategic Reorganization

🛒 Acquisitions and Divestitures

Brand Portfolio 🛍️

🍪 Biscuits & Snacks

🍫 Chocolate & Confectionery

🍬 Gum & Other

Financial Performance 💰

📊 Key Financial Metrics

📈 Historical Data Overview

Corporate Affairs 📍

🏛️ Headquarters and Presence

⚖️ Legal and Regulatory Matters

Ethical Considerations & Controversies ⚠️

🌳 Deforestation Concerns

⚖️ Child Labor Allegations

🇷🇺 Russia Operations Controversy

🏷️ Advertising Practices

References 📚

🔗 Source Material

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Company Overview

Corporate Identity

Global Operations

Origins and Evolution

Historical Trajectory

Foundation and Early Growth

Strategic Reorganization

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Brand Portfolio

Biscuits & Snacks

Chocolate & Confectionery

Gum & Other

Financial Performance

Key Financial Metrics

Historical Data Overview

Corporate Affairs

Headquarters and Presence

Legal and Regulatory Matters

Ethical Considerations & Controversies

Deforestation Concerns

Child Labor Allegations

Russia Operations Controversy

Advertising Practices

References

Source Material

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice