Mondelez Highlights Disruptive Snacking Trends at Expo West Through SnackFutures Ventures

Mondelez International’s SnackFutures Ventures will showcase emerging snacking trends at Natural Products Expo West on March 5, 2025, sharing insights from its 2024 State of Snacking Report. Led by Richie Gray, the session will cover the influence of social media on snack discovery, the growing appeal of "permissible" chocolate, protein-forward savory snacks, consumer demand for better-for-you bakery items, and innovations in supply chain and climate resilience. These themes also shape SnackFutures' investment focus, aligning with Mondelez’s broader goals around wellness and sustainability in snacking.

Mondelēz International’s SnackFutures Ventures will present key trends shaping the future of snacking at Natural Products Expo West on March 5. An expert panel will discuss insights from the company's 2024 State of Snacking Report, covering topics such as social media’s influence on snack choices, the rise of permissible chocolate, protein evolution in savory snacks and women’s health, growing demand for cleaner-label bakery products, and innovations in supply chain and climate resilience. Richie Gray, Vice President and Global Head of SnackFutures Ventures, emphasized the company's role in identifying disruptive innovations in snacking. SnackFutures Ventures invests in brands and technologies aligned with Mondelēz’s priorities, including companies like Celleste Bio and Urban Legend. Mondelēz International, with 2024 revenues of approximately $36.4 billion, continues to lead in global snacking with brands like Oreo, Cadbury, and Ritz.

Mondelez International has appointed Norberto Chaclin as Executive Vice President and Chief Research & Development Officer, effective February 28, 2025. Reporting to Chair and CEO Dirk Van de Put, Chaclin will lead the company’s global R&D and quality strategy to drive innovation in snacking.

Previously Senior Vice President of R&D for Global Biscuits, Chaclin played a key role in developing brands like Oreo, Chips Ahoy!, LU, Ritz, Club Social, belVita, and Clif Bar. Before joining Mondelez, he worked at PepsiCo for 18 years, holding leadership roles in R&D for Frito-Lay, Global Beverages, and the Pepsi/Starbucks joint venture.

Dirk Van de Put praised Chaclin’s expertise in consumer-driven innovation, leadership, and mentorship. Chaclin expressed enthusiasm about leading the Mondelez R&D team to enhance technical capabilities and introduce new snack products.

Originally from Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, Chaclin is an amateur chef with a background in chemical engineering from Texas A&M and an MBA from Southern Methodist University. He serves on the boards of Torr FoodTech and IAFNS.

Mondelez International, a global snacking leader, reported $36.4 billion in net revenue for 2024 and owns brands like Cadbury, Milka, Toblerone, and Tate’s Bake Shop.

Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) announced the execution of two new revolving credit agreements, replacing prior credit facilities.

The company entered into a 364-day senior unsecured revolving credit facility of $1.5 billion, replacing a similar facility dated February 21, 2024. The new facility, effective February 19, 2025, has an option to extend the maturity to February 18, 2027, and can be increased by up to $500 million with lender approval. The funds will support general corporate purposes, including working capital and the company's commercial paper program.

Additionally, Mondelēz signed a five-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility of $4.5 billion, replacing the previous facility dated February 23, 2022. The new agreement runs through February 19, 2030, with an option for two one-year extensions and an additional $1 billion increase subject to lender consent.

Both agreements require Mondelēz to maintain a minimum shareholders’ equity of $25 billion and include customary representations, covenants, and default provisions. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. serves as the administrative agent for both facilities.

Mondelēz International highlighted its progress on sustainable growth and expansion into the cakes and pastries market at the 2025 Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) Conference. CEO Dirk Van de Put emphasized the company’s strong portfolio and commitment to long-term value creation, noting that its $2 billion cakes and pastries business holds the third-largest global market share and is positioned for further growth.

In 2024, Mondelēz achieved 4.3% organic net revenue growth and 5.1% adjusted gross profit growth, despite record cocoa input cost inflation. CFO Luca Zaramella reaffirmed the company's focus on strategic acquisitions, integration, and expanding newly acquired brands.

The presentation outlined four key priorities: sustaining long-term growth with a focus on chocolate, biscuits, and baked snacks; navigating high cocoa costs while maintaining market leadership; capitalizing on the $97 billion cakes and pastries market; and driving value through cash generation and disciplined capital allocation.

The company’s presentation materials are available on its investor website. Mondelēz, with 2024 net revenues of $36.4 billion, continues to expand its global snacking leadership with brands like Oreo, Ritz, Cadbury, and Milka.

Mondelez International reported a 1.2% increase in net revenues for 2024, reaching $36.44 billion. Organic net revenue growth was 4.3%, driven by higher pricing, though volume declined by 1.0%. The gross profit margin improved by 90 basis points to 39.1%, and adjusted earnings per share rose 13.0% to $3.36. The company generated $3.5 billion in free cash flow and returned $4.7 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks.

For the fourth quarter, net revenues grew 3.1% to $9.60 billion, with a 5.2% organic growth rate. The gross profit margin increased by 130 basis points to 38.6%, but adjusted earnings per share fell 15.9% to $0.65 due to inflationary pressures.

Looking ahead, Mondelez expects to continue focusing on its long-term growth strategy, particularly managing cocoa cost inflation in its chocolate segment. The company remains confident in its ability to achieve strong long-term revenue and earnings growth.