3. Mondelēz International
Mondelēz International
Headquarters: Deerfield, IL
2015 Sales: $29.6 billion
2014 Sales: $34.2 billion
Mondelēz International saw very strong results in fiscal 2015, partially attributed to aggressive cost-savings programs that drove significant margin expansion, according to Irene Rosenfeld, chairman and CEO. “In addition, we increased our marketing investments, enabling us to steadily accelerate organic revenue growth and improve our share performance as the year progressed,” she said.
Results for 2016 were less enthusiastic, dropping 12.5 percent to $25.9 billion. In a release announcing 2016 sales results, Rosenfeld said, “Despite significant economic disruptions, political uncertainties and slower global category growth, we remain confident in and committed to our balanced strategy for both top- and bottom-line growth.” Lower-than-expected holiday sales and a decline in European revenue contributed to the loss. However, Mondelēz maintains a positive outlook for a small increase in 2017.
New product innovation has been forthcoming from Mondelēz. In January 2017, the company released Chips Ahoy! THINS Cookies in Oatmeal and Double Chocolate, complementing already-existing Original and Cinnamon Sugar varieties. Mondelēz extended the Honey Maid line with new Dippers in mid-2016. The company also strode into new territory during 2016, introducing a completely new brand, GOOD ThiNS, a line of better-for-you snack crackers, incorporating ingredients like sweet potato, spinach, chickpeas, oats and flax. A gluten-free Veggie Blend features red bell peppers and black beans.
Free-from Mondelēz brand Enjoy Life Foods, acquired in 2015, saw a major milestone during 2016 with the opening of its new 200,000-square-foot facility in Jeffersonville, IN, the largest allergen-free food facility in North America, a move that should drive notable growth of this brand. (For more on Enjoy Life Foods, see “Cookie market: Enjoying gluten-free treats.”)
Mondelēz International Snack & Bakery Brands
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