A period of sustained growth has marked Mondelēz International’s third quarter results, which saw sales revenues improve 2.3% to $9.9 billion, led by growth in indulgence categories, writes Neill Barston.

The business has seen an upturn in its figures in the wake of its acquisition of healthier product business, Undercover Snacks, despite the impact from introduction of US tariffs that have disrupted the wider industry and other market segments, as well as other factors including uncertain geopolitical conditions and supply chain challenges.

Notably, Europe remained the company’s highest performing region, registering $3.5bn in sales, followed by the US and Canada, at $2.8bn,  with Asia and the Middle East close behind at $2.1bn.

Significantly, the business, behind major brands including Oreo, Milk and Cadbury, saw its net profits also increase, with figures year-to-date stated at $3.4bn, against $2.7bn attained for the first three months of last year.

In terms of its outlook, the business conceded that general market conditions remained hard to forecast, but it has projected organic net revenue of at least two per cent for the year.

Dirk Van de Put, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the results, which come amid wider background tests for the sector, including continued volatility in cocoa prices.

Significantly, he welcomed the addition of Undercover Snacks to its ranks, with the firm specialising in crunchy quinoa crisp based series. According to the CEO, the move had reflected its ambition to move into the permissible indulgence segment.

Van de Put said: “We delivered strong third-quarter results, driven by broad based volume growth and robust share performance. We continue to see top- and bottom-line growth momentum across both developed and emerging markets, while significantly reinvesting in our brands, innovation, and distribution,” 

“We are resolute in delivering volume-led, compounding earnings growth that creates value for shareholders. We remain confident that our attractive categories, iconic brands, advantaged geographic footprint, and consumer-centric capabilities will sustain our performance for years to come.”