Mondelez shares green growth with China and its students

Amidst China's transition into a new era of green and innovation-led growth, Mondelez International Inc, a United States-based snacks manufacturer, will introduce more green solutions for its operations and expand its sales of bakery products across China this year, said a senior executive.

As China aims to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, the maker of Oreo cookies, Toblerone chocolate and Stride gum has kept deploying resources aimed at achieving technological breakthroughs to minimize carbon emissions in the production process and more than 97 percent of its products have adopted recyclable packaging materials, said Grace Zhu, vice-president of Marketing and Growth at Mondelez China.

Consumers around the world have a growing interest in healthy and nutritious choices. Chinese consumers, in particular, are highly concerned about this aspect, which presents both challenges and tremendous opportunities for Mondelez, said Zhu, adding that the company has been continuously upgrading its product formulations to assist consumers in achieving a healthy and nutritious lifestyle.

For instance, Mondelez has actively collaborated with relevant institutions to conduct research and development on reduced-sugar products, leading to the successful launch of zero-sugar cookies under the Oreo brand in China two years ago.

The executive highlighted that consumer spending, particularly in outdoor consumption settings, has been a driving force behind Mondelez's growth in China. Notably, sales of products like chewing gum and cookies have witnessed remarkable growth this year.

Apart from strengthening its partnership with the catering industry, Mondelez introduced Oreo cloud cake and cheesecake in China during the second half of last year. These two segments have generated substantial incremental sales, according to the company.

Recognizing the growth potential of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Mondelez plans to increase its investment in both production and innovation activities for its chewing gum business. Additionally, the company aims to further expand its sales networks in the region to sustain robust growth.

In addition to its sales efforts in China, Mondelez has been collaborating with the China Youth Development Foundation since 2009 to implement the Mondelez Hope Kitchen program. This initiative follows an integrated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) model and aims to improve the health and well-being of rural students across China.

By partnering with China Youth Development Foundation and China Environment Publishing Group, Mondelez kicked off a children-care themed program in a primary school in Zhaoqing, South China’s Guangdong province in mid-June. It will be carried out in 20 primary schools across China this year.

In the meantime, the company also launched a low carbon-themed national essay and painting collection activity to promote sustainable and healthy lifestyles among young people.

In the past, consumers primarily paid attention to the packaging and advertisements of snacks. However, there has been a shift towards more rational consumption, with consumers now seeking healthier snack options, said Guo Xin, a marketing professor at Beijing Technology and Business University.