Mondelez International is a global leader in the snacking industry with a relatively short history under its current name. However, it has deep roots in the food and confectionery business and specialises in producing and distributing a range of food products, such as candies, biscuits, chocolates, chewing gums, and beverages. Its logo reflects a modern, global identity while paying homage to its rich heritage. The article explores the Mondelez logo and its sole variant since the inception of the brand in 2012.
The Genesis of the Mondelez International Logo (2012 – Present)
The Mondelez International logo has more or less remained the same since its inception. It features the wordmark in two levels and in a title case. Designed using a custom sans-serif typeface with rounded, playful letters, the logo conveys approachability, power, and creativity. The first wordmark, “Mondelez,” appears in a bigger size, while “International” appears in a smaller size below.
Also, in order to add symmetry and balance to the logo, two drop-shape elements in red have been placed under the letters “M” and “Z.” These drop-shape elements below the first and last letters of the wordmark add energy and visibility. Purple has been chosen as the dominant colour to symbolise indulgence, luxury, and imagination.
(All-purple variant with slogan since 2018)
In 2018, an all-purple logo variant was designed with the slogan “SNACKING MADE RIGHT” in uppercase.
The Elements of the Mondelez International Logo
Font
The logo employs a custom smooth sans-serif typeface with sleek, playful lines. The curved, pointed ends of the letters add a whimsical touch that closely resembles the “Appetite” font by Denis Serebryakov.
Colour
The primary colour used in the Mondelez International logo is a rich shade of purple to symbolise creativity and quality. Also, accents of red are strategically placed under the letters “M” and “Z” to add a sense of energy, visibility, and balance to the design.
The History of Mondelez International
Mondelez International, Inc. is a leading global snack food company based in Chicago, Illinois. Although the name “Mondelez International” was officially adopted in 2012, the company has a long history connected to the evolution of Kraft Foods and its predecessors. The journey of Mondelez began with the founding of the National Dairy Products Corporation in 1923 by Edward E. Rieck and Thomas H. McInnerney. The company was initially established to consolidate the fragmented U.S. ice cream industry. Over time, National Dairy expanded its operations through acquisitions, which included Kraft Phenix Cheese Company in 1930.
In fact, Kraft Phenix was founded in 1924 as Kraft Cheese Company, which was famous for products like Philadelphia Cream Cheese. The merger with National Dairy marked the beginning of Kraft’s dominance in the food industry. After the merger, Kraft continued to grow as part of National Dairy. In 1969, the company changed its name to Kraftco Corporation and later to Kraft, Inc., which reflected its focus on branded food products.
Kraft was acquired by Philip Morris Companies (now Altria Group) and merged with General Foods. This acquisition positioned Kraft as a major player in the global food market. In 2000, Philip Morris acquired Nabisco Holdings, thereby bringing iconic brands like Oreo and Ritz into Kraft’s portfolio. A key moment in Mondelez’s history came with Kraft’s acquisition of the British confectionery giant Cadbury in 2010 for $19.5 billion.
This move strengthened Kraft’s position in the global snacking market. It led to the addition of renowned brands such as Dairy Milk and Toblerone to its portfolio. However, the acquisition faced significant opposition in the UK due to concerns over job cuts and cultural differences.
In August 2011, Kraft Foods announced plans to split into two independent companies:
- Kraft Foods Group: Focused on North American grocery products.
- Mondelez International: Dedicated to global snack foods.
The split was completed in October 2012. As a result, Kraft Foods Inc. was renamed Mondelez International, while the grocery business became Kraft Foods Group (later merging with Heinz to form Kraft Heinz). The name “Mondelez” combines mundus (Latin for “world”) and delez (a playful take on “delicious”). The uniqueness of the name emphasises its global reach and focus on indulgent snacks.
Mondelez has continued to grow through strategic acquisitions. For instance, in 2014, it merged its coffee business with Douwe Egberts to form Jacobs Douwe Egberts. In 2018, the company acquired the Tate’s Bake Shop for $500 million. Similarly, in 2022, the company bought Clif Bar for $2.9 billion and acquired Grupo Bimbo’s confectionery business Ricolino for $1.3 billion.
These acquisitions have expanded Mondelez’s product offerings across categories like cookies, chocolate, baked snacks, and protein bars. Today, Mondelez operates in over 160 countries with an extensive portfolio of iconic brands such as Oreo, Cadbury, Milka, Toblerone, Trident gum, Ritz crackers, and Tang powdered beverages. Its annual revenue exceeds $26 billion.
Interesting Facts About Mondelez International
- Mondelez International was founded in 2012 after the split of Kraft Foods. It operates in over 160 countries and employs around 91,000 people. Its annual revenues hover around US $36 billion, thereby making it one of the largest snack companies in the world.
- The name “Mondelez” is a creative blend inspired by the Latin word mundus (“world”) and a playful take on “delicious.” This unique name reflects the global reach of the company and its focus on tasty snacking.
- Mondelez is behind some of the most beloved snack brands in the world, which include Oreo (the world’s top-selling cookie known for its “twist, lick, dunk” ritual), Cadbury Dairy Milk, Chips Ahoy! Ritz crackers, and more.
- Since 2019, Mondelez has been using artificial intelligence to develop its recipe. Its AI tool was developed with Fourkind (now part of Thoughtworks) to speed up product development. In other words, it helps create new recipes up to four to five times faster. This technology has already contributed to over 70 new snack products, including a gluten-free Golden Oreo.
- The company has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions such as Cadbury (2010), Tate’s Bake Shop (2018), and Clif Bar (2022). These moves have helped diversify its product offerings and strengthened its position in various snack categories.
- Mondelez is actively working toward more sustainable practices. Its Cocoa Life program aims for 100% sustainable cocoa sourcing, while the company has also been investing in eco-friendly packaging initiatives to reduce environmental impact.
- Mondelez holds the top global position in biscuits and is a major player in the chocolate and confectionery sectors—key factors behind its consistent growth and market influence.
- Like many global companies, Mondelez has navigated controversies. These include following anti-competitive practices and facing challenges in sourcing cocoa ethically. These issues have spurred ongoing efforts to improve transparency and sustainability within its supply chain.
Finally
The Mondelez International logo and its single variant are a testament to how branding can encapsulate a company’s mission and values. From its inception in 2012 to its refinement in 2018, the logo has consistently communicated joy, creativity, and global reach.