Mondelēz International Roars Back with Strong Q1 2026 Performance
Mondelēz International, the global snacking powerhouse, has reported a stellar first quarter of 2026, defying industry trends and beating expectations. The company's Chairman and CEO, Dirk Van de Put, attributed this success to improving performance in developed markets, particularly Europe, where consumer confidence remains stable despite regional tensions.
In Europe, Mondelēz International witnessed a robust Easter season, leading to share improvements across several markets. The Biscoff partnership continued to thrive, with strong growth in Australia and New Zealand, driven by the success of this brand in these regions. Meanwhile, the company's biscuit category in the US experienced flattish value, but with growth observed in value club channels and premium segments.
The North American business also saw a slight positive net revenue growth during the quarter, fueled by gains in crackers, led by Ritz's strong performance, as well as solid showings from the candy business and North American ventures, including Perfect Bar and Hu. Notably, Oreo was slightly less successful due to a limited-time offer that did not match last year's performance.
Mondelēz International's emerging markets business remained incredibly strong, with a 6.3% growth in Q1. This can be attributed to positive consumer confidence in India and Mexico, as well as Brazil, where consumers are cautious about inflation and energy costs but still snacking resiliently across categories.
The company is optimistic about China's recovery from last quarter's soft performance, with a growing confidence in this market expected to continue. As Dirk Van de Put noted, Mondelēz International has strong plans in place to improve Oreo's performance throughout the year through brand reinvestments and refining pricing strategies.
The company's COO and CFO, Luca Zaramella, commended the team for their hard work and dedication to achieving this impressive result. This achievement is a testament to Mondelēz International's commitment to delivering high-quality snacking experiences that resonate with consumers worldwide.
