Kraft Foods launches Mondelēz International

Mondelēz International, Inc., the world’s pre-eminent maker of chocolate, biscuits, gum and candy, is commemorating its launch as a new company with events around the world. Joined by 14 employees from five continents, Chairman and CEO Irene Rosenfeld today rang the opening bell on The NASDAQ Global Select Market to mark the second day of trading under the company’s new ticker symbol MDLZ.

Kraft Foods Inc., the maker of many of the world’s most beloved food and beverage brands – including Cadbury, Jacobs, LU, Milka, Nabisco, Oreo, Tang and Trident – changed its name to Mondelēz International, Inc. after spinning-off its North American grocery business on Oct. 1. The company name is a newly coined word that evokes the idea of a delicious world filled with moments of joy.

“This is a very special day,” Rosenfeld said. “We’re making our debut as Mondelēz International and unleashing a global snacking powerhouse that’s uniquely positioned to delight consumers. We’re the world’s greatest start-up. Out of the gate, we have $36 billion1 in revenue and leading positions in every market in which we compete. What’s more, our brands have been loved by consumers around the world for generations.”

To celebrate this milestone, Mondelēz International held a special event in New York City’s Times Square to commemorate what the new company is all about: creating delicious moments of joy. Employees shared a taste of Mondelēz International’s beloved products with thousands people passing through the square. The celebration is part of worldwide events involving 100,000 Mondelēz International employees across more than 80 countries and 300 offices, research and development facilities, distribution centers and manufacturing sites.

“Our Board, executive team and employees are energized by the exciting future that lies ahead of us,” said Rosenfeld. “We're confident we have the right plans in place to deliver top-tier revenue and earnings growth over the long term.”