Mondelez CEO Confident in Chocolate Industry's Long-Term Future. Despite Challenges, CEO of Mondelez International, one of the world's largest snack companies, remains bullish on the chocolate sector. Citing evolving consumer tastes and strategic innovation, the CEO expresses optimism amidst changing market dynamics.
Amidst growing concerns about cocoa ingredient costs, Dirk Van de Put, Mondelez International's chairman and CEO, remains optimistic about chocolate's future. During an investment analyst call, he emphasized the cocoa market's dynamics and Mondelez's resilience in facing current market disruptions. Despite record cocoa prices, the company remains confident in its strategies and strong brands, ensuring stability and growth in the chocolate business.
Van de Put highlighted Mondelez's comprehensive approach to navigate through the cocoa market challenges, ensuring coverage for 2024 and strategic planning for 2025. The company employs effective pricing strategies to manage rising costs while maintaining volume dynamics. Supply chain continuity is prioritized, supported by strong internal teams and external partnerships. Mondelez boasts a portfolio of iconic chocolate brands, poised for growth in both established and emerging markets.
Consumer loyalty to Mondelez brands remains high, reflecting the significant role chocolate plays in people's lives. Despite current challenges in the cocoa market, Mondelez remains adaptable, with plans to capitalize on opportunities arising from market corrections. The company's prudent approach includes purchasing call options at affordable prices, ensuring readiness to leverage lower cocoa prices if they occur. However, preparations for sustained high cocoa prices are also underway, demonstrating Mondelez's proactive stance in addressing various market scenarios.
Source: Food Business News