Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches were recalled in eight U.S. states after a labeling mix-up that could trigger severe allergic reactions in people with peanut allergies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the 70 affected cases were shipped to retailers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Alabama.The move follows a similar recall in July, though the FDA said this latest action is not an expansion and is being taken out of an abundance of caution. The ...

Core Insights - Mondelēz is leveraging artificial intelligence through its generative AI tool AIDA to enhance marketing content production and personalization, aiming for higher engagement and conversion rates [1][6][7] - The company has invested over $40 million in AIDA, which is expected to reduce marketing content creation costs by up to 50% [5][6] - AIDA is still in the learning phase, being tailored to fit the unique needs of Mondelēz's diverse brand portfolio while ensuring responsible advertising practices [4][15] Investment and Strategy - The initial investment in AIDA is significant, prompting Mondelēz to prioritize features that deliver quick value [2] - The company is exploring which brands to pilot first with AIDA to maximize the tool's effectiveness [2][18] - AIDA's infrastructure is designed to be scalable, with plans to identify additional value cases for expansion [18] Technology and Implementation - AIDA was developed over two years and aims to create marketing content more efficiently, allowing for personalized material targeting specific consumer groups [6][7] - The company emphasizes the importance of integrating AI thoughtfully, ensuring it enhances existing processes rather than complicating them [8][9] - There is ongoing experimentation with AIDA to push its capabilities and improve output quality [11][12] Challenges and Considerations - The complexity of food marketing requires AIDA to maintain high fidelity in product representation, which differs from other consumer goods [13][14] - Mondelēz is committed to responsible AI use, ensuring that outputs align with brand values and do not promote unhealthy consumption [15][16] - Legal oversight remains a critical part of the process, with all marketing assets undergoing manual review before market release [17]

Core Viewpoint - San Francisco is suing major food brands for selling ultra-processed foods that contribute to public health issues, claiming these companies have profited from harmful products without proper health warnings [1][3][4]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit, filed by San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, is 64 pages long and targets 11 major food brands [1][2]. - The brands named in the lawsuit include Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Coca-Cola, Pepsico, General Mills, Nestlé, and others [2]. Group 2: Accusations Against Brands - The lawsuit accuses these brands of creating addictive foods that lead to health problems, failing to provide health warnings, and making misleading claims about product healthiness [3][4]. - Ultra-processed foods are linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses [4]. Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Context - Chiu is calling for the brands to stop deceptive marketing practices and to pay civil penalties to San Francisco [5]. - This lawsuit aligns with a broader movement in the U.S. to regulate processed foods, initiated by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. [5][6].

Core Viewpoint - The city of San Francisco has filed a lawsuit against major food companies, including Kraft, Mondelez, and Coca-Cola, accusing them of knowingly marketing addictive and harmful ultra-processed foods that contribute to public health issues in California [1][2][8]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit was filed by City Attorney David Chiu in San Francisco Superior Court, alleging that the companies used marketing tactics similar to those of the tobacco industry to create addictive products [2][4]. - The lawsuit claims that the proliferation of ultra-processed foods has led to increased rates of obesity, cancer, and diabetes, with heart disease and diabetes being leading causes of death in San Francisco, particularly affecting minority and low-income communities [4][9]. - San Francisco is seeking restitution and civil penalties to cover healthcare costs, as well as a court order to stop deceptive marketing practices and require changes in the companies' operations [5]. Group 2: Industry Context - The definition of ultra-processed foods is debated, but it generally includes packaged snacks, sweets, and soft drinks made with industrial ingredients and additives, often containing little whole food [6]. - This lawsuit is notable as it marks the first instance of a municipality suing food companies over claims of knowingly marketing harmful ultra-processed foods [8][11]. - Previous similar lawsuits have faced challenges, as seen in a dismissed case in Pennsylvania where the plaintiff could not connect specific products to health issues [10].

Core Insights - Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) is recognized as one of the 15 Best Boring Dividend Stocks to Buy, indicating its stable dividend performance and investment appeal [1] Financial Performance - For Q3 2025, Mondelez reported revenue of $9.74 billion, reflecting a 5.9% increase year-over-year [3] - Year-to-date, the company generated $2.1 billion in operating cash flow and $1.2 billion in free cash flow [3] - In the first nine months of the year, Mondelez returned $3.7 billion to shareholders [3] Market Challenges - CEO Dirk Van de Put noted ongoing challenges in the European market, despite a solid chocolate business [4] - The company faces pressure in certain areas due to competitors not raising prices as much as Mondelez, and retailers capturing a larger share of the margin in some markets [4] Analyst Updates - Piper Sandler lowered its price target for Mondelez to $62 from $63 while maintaining a Neutral rating, reflecting updates in models due to GLP-1 news, increased ABV headwinds, and tariff relief [2]

Core Points - Mondelēz Global LLC announced a voluntary recall of 70 cases of RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches due to potential mislabeling, affecting specific states in the U.S. [1][5] - The recall is precautionary and does not expand on a previous recall from July, focusing solely on one SKU and two code dates [1][5]. - No injuries or illnesses have been reported related to this product, and corrective actions are being implemented [5]. Product Details - The affected product is the 27.6 oz. RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches, with UPC 44000 07584 2, and Best When Used By Dates of January 8, 2026, and January 15, 2026 [3]. - Only the cartons labeled as Peanut Butter may be incorrectly identified as Cheese variety, posing a risk to individuals with peanut allergies [2][4]. - All outer cartons are correctly labeled and include an allergen advisory statement indicating the presence of peanuts [2]. Consumer Guidance - Consumers with peanut allergies are advised not to consume the affected products and to discard them [6]. - The company has provided a contact number for consumers to reach out for further information regarding the recall [6]. Company Overview - Mondelēz International, Inc. reported net revenues of approximately $36.4 billion in 2024, with a portfolio of iconic brands including OREO, RITZ, and CADBURY [7]. - The company operates in over 150 countries and is a member of major stock indices such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 [7].

EAST HANOVER, N.J., Nov. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mondelēz Global LLC announced today a voluntary recall of 70 cases of RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches and sold in the following U.S. states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Alabama. This recall is limited to 1 SKU and 2 Code Dates previously recalled in July. This action is not an expansion of that prior recall and is being conducted out of an abundance of caution. The affected cartons include individu ...

Core Insights - Cocoa futures have dropped to their lowest level in nearly two years, providing a potential margin boost for chocolate manufacturers facing high ingredient costs and price-sensitive consumers [1][2] - The decline in cocoa prices comes at a critical time as seasonal demand for chocolate typically increases during the holiday season, which could lead to improved earnings for companies like Hershey, Mondelez, and Nestlé [2][5] Industry Overview - The recent fall in cocoa prices follows a significant rally earlier in the year, where prices reached record highs, making cocoa one of the largest input expenses for chocolate makers [2][4] - Companies in the chocolate and confectionery sector have been dealing with challenges such as packaging inflation and margin compression, but the drop in cocoa prices offers a chance to either maintain pricing power or implement promotional discounts [4] Seasonal Demand Dynamics - The holiday season, particularly between Thanksgiving and New Year's, is a peak time for chocolate demand, which historically supports confectionery earnings [5] - The combination of seasonal demand and falling cocoa prices could lead to positive earnings revisions in early 2026 if companies can stabilize volume [5] Consumer Behavior and Market Sentiment - There is a cautionary note regarding the decline in cocoa prices, as it may reflect weakening global demand rather than just supply normalization [6] - Investors are advised to look for tangible evidence of unit growth rather than relying solely on seasonal narratives, as consumer hesitance may impact demand recovery [6][7] Investment Outlook - If chocolate manufacturers can achieve even modest margin improvements alongside steady seasonal demand, the current cocoa price drop could lead to unexpected profits [7] - The market is currently observing which companies will effectively capitalize on the lower cocoa prices to enhance profitability [7]

Core Insights - Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ) reported a strong third quarter for 2025 with better-than-expected revenues and earnings, but management adopted a cautious outlook for the near term due to specific headwinds encountered during the quarter [1][6] Revenue and Earnings Guidance - MDLZ now anticipates 2025 organic net revenue growth of 4% or higher, down from the previously mentioned 5% [2] - Adjusted EPS is expected to decline by 15% on a constant-currency basis, a steeper drop than the earlier estimate of 10% [2] Challenges Faced - The company experienced sharper-than-expected inventory reductions from U.S. retailers, leading to a temporary decline in shipments and more volatile near-term comparisons [3] - Unusually hot weather and increased price sensitivity in Europe negatively impacted chocolate volumes [3] - Tariff uncertainties have added costs and affected consumer sentiment in certain markets, contributing to the cautious guidance [4] Strategic Responses - Mondelez is focusing on targeted pricing actions, enhancing retail partnerships, and increasing efforts in value and club channels [5] - The company remains well-positioned in cocoa supply, providing flexibility as commodity markets change [5] Market Performance - MDLZ shares have decreased by 6.6% over the past three months, underperforming the industry decline of 7.5% and the broader Consumer Staples sector's drop of 4.3% [7] Valuation Metrics - Mondelez currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 18.18, which is above the industry average of 14.72, raising concerns about justifying this elevated multiple in light of near-term pressures [10]

Core Insights - Mondelez International is investing 620 million zlotys ($169 million) to expand its biscuit factory in Płońsk, Poland, aiming to make it the largest in the country [1][3] - The expansion is expected to increase production capacity by 30% and create 180 new jobs, adding to the current workforce of approximately 700 employees [1][4] Company Operations - The Płońsk facility has been operational since 1976 and has evolved into a key biscuit production hub for Mondelez in Europe, responsible for about 60% of the European volumes of the Barni brand, known as Lubisie in Poland [2] - The investment will include a dedicated production line for the Lubisie brand, a second line for Milka biscuits, a new raw-materials warehouse, and upgrades to site infrastructure [3][4] Strategic Importance - The strategic location of Poland is highlighted as crucial to Mondelez International's supply chain, with the investment reflecting the company's ambition to lead in the snacks market [3] - The modernization efforts are aimed at enhancing plant efficiency by 30% and improving safety measures [4]