How to Build Your Crispy & Bubbly New Year's Eve Lineup Fried chicken, bubbly and caviar have become the high–low pairing of the moment. Showing up everywhere from social feeds to holiday trend reports. Once the secret of chefs and sommeliers, the trio has quickly become a favorite conversation starter. With food at the center of most at-home countdowns, BOGO 8-piece Fried Chicken Bucket (dark meat only) ** — available exclusively for KFC rewards members — gives fans an easy, delicious way to make the night ...

Italian bakery group L’Albero del Pane has attracted new capital from a group of investors to support its “consolidation strategy” in the country’s baked goods sector. The latest funding, the value of which has not been disclosed, includes participation from Unigrains Italia, BNP Paribas BNL Equity Investments, Hydra and Alexa Invest. Founded in 1979 by the Tedesco family, L’Albero del Pane manufactures and distributes a wide range of sweet and savoury bakery products, including biscuits, croissants, fre ...

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 Insights - Turkey-based food manufacturer Eti Gıda has agreed to acquire Canadian snacks group Trubar for C$201 million (US$143.1 million) [1] - The acquisition price of C$1.64 per common share represents a 64% premium over Trubar's share price prior to the announcement [1][2] - Trubar's board has unanimously recommended that shareholders vote in favor of the acquisition at a meeting scheduled for January [2] Company Perspectives - Kingsley Ward, Trubar's executive chairman, emphasized that the acquisition is a significant milestone for the company and aligns with their commitment to enhancing shareholder value [3] - Eti Gıda is viewed as an ideal acquirer for Trubar, given its successful history of scaling consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands over the past six decades [3]

Core Insights - Cerealto has acquired a majority stake in Fresca Foods, marking its entry into the US market and enhancing capabilities in high-growth snacking segments [1][2] - The partnership is expected to significantly increase Cerealto's presence in North America, which will account for 20% of its annual revenues of €526 million ($605.2 million) [2][4] - Fresca Foods specializes in producing snack bars, granola, breakfast cereals, crackers, and cookies on a contract basis, with an annual revenue of €97 million [6] Company Expansion - The acquisition allows Cerealto to shift its business focus from predominantly European markets to a more international scope, particularly in the US, which is the largest snacking market [3][4] - The US organic snacking category is valued at approximately $32 billion and is projected to grow at over 6% annually, presenting a significant growth opportunity for Cerealto [4] - Following the acquisition, Cerealto will operate ten production plants across four countries, with plans to add two more facilities in the US [5][6] Management and Operations - Fresca Foods' management will continue to oversee operations, retaining a significant shareholding in the company [1] - The partnership aims to enhance manufacturing and innovation platforms, leveraging the expertise and ambitions of both companies [4][6] - Cerealto's CEO, Bosco Fonts, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership in establishing a strong foothold in the US market [3]

Core Insights - Roberts Bakery has been rescued from potential closure by Ranjit Singh Boparan's Boparan Private Office, saving 433 jobs in the process [1][2] Company Overview - Roberts Bakery, based in Northwich, Cheshire, had filed a Notice of Intention to appoint administrators due to financial difficulties [1] - The company will be renamed Roberts Bakery 1887 to honor its heritage [2] - The business has a group turnover of £96 million ($128.1 million) and offers a range of products including bread, buns, rolls, crumpets, and biscuits [4] Challenges Faced - The bakery cited "exceptionally difficult" challenges such as inflation pressures, rising energy and ingredient costs, and competition as reasons for its financial struggles [3] - A fire at the Northwich bakery two years ago also impacted operations [4] Future Plans - The partnership aims to support the existing management team and introduce new talent to ensure a sustainable future for the brand [3] - The family owners expressed relief that the business has been saved and that a recovery plan is in place [5]

Summary of Mondelez International (MDLZ) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Mondelez International (MDLZ) - **Date of Conference**: June 04, 2025 - **Speakers**: Dirk Brandeplut (CEO) and Luca Zaramella (CFO) Key Industry Insights Consumer Health Trends - **US Consumer Confidence**: Low, with significant declines noted in March and April 2025, leading to cautious spending behavior, especially among lower social classes [6][7] - **Snacking Categories**: Overall slowdown observed, with biscuits performing relatively better than other snacking categories, gaining market share despite a 2% volume decline in the category [8] - **Mexico**: Similar consumer nervousness due to tariffs and unemployment risks, resulting in category slowdowns [9][10] - **Europe**: More positive consumer sentiment, with better performance in biscuits and chocolate categories due to wage indexation [11][12] - **China**: Consumer confidence at a low, but Mondelez is gaining market share with high single-digit growth [13][14] - **India**: Shift from premium to basic products in response to inflation, with signs of recovery in consumer sentiment [15] - **Brazil**: Strong consumer performance and market share gains, viewed as a bright spot [16] Strategic Strengths - **Geographical Spread**: 75% of Mondelez's business is outside the US, providing resilience against local market challenges [17][18] - **Distribution Focus**: Aggressive distribution strategy to ensure product availability in various retail formats [18][19] - **Category Resilience**: Long-term growth expected in key categories like biscuits and chocolate, with historical growth rates of 2% volume and 3-5% net revenue [19][20] Chocolate and Cocoa Market Dynamics - **Pricing Strategy**: Successful implementation of pricing increases and revenue growth management (RGM) strategies, with a focus on offering products at various price points [22][23] - **Market Share Gains**: Despite inflation, Mondelez has gained market share in key markets, particularly during the Easter season [23][25] - **Elasticity Concerns**: Monitoring consumer reactions to price changes, with a belief that cocoa prices will eventually decrease [24][26][61] Growth Strategies in the US - **Product Packaging Adjustments**: Shift from larger family packs to smaller packs priced under $4 to meet consumer budget constraints [36] - **In-store Activations**: Focus on brand activations and promotions to drive consumer interest and sales [38] - **Channel Shifts**: Opportunity to capture market share in underrepresented channels [39] Emerging Markets Focus - **Brand Equity and Distribution**: Emphasis on building brand equity and expanding distribution in emerging markets like China, India, Brazil, and Mexico [40][41][42][44] - **Adaptation to Local Markets**: Tailoring products and pricing strategies to meet local consumer needs and preferences [41][43] Cakes and Pastries Opportunity - **Market Potential**: Cakes and pastries viewed as a natural extension of Mondelez's product offerings, with opportunities for premiumization and consolidation [48][49][51][52] M&A Strategy - **Active M&A Interest**: Mondelez has a list of potential acquisition targets and remains disciplined in pursuing strategic opportunities [63][66][70] - **Capital Deployment**: Focus on stock buybacks while maintaining flexibility for future acquisitions [70][71] Regulatory and Health Trends - **Health and Wellness Trends**: Monitoring shifts towards health and wellness, with a focus on indulgent snacking remaining strong [75][76] - **Regulatory Adaptation**: Prepared to adapt to potential regulatory changes in the US, with a proactive approach to health-related discussions [78][79] Cultural and Operational Improvements - **Local First Strategy**: Emphasis on local adaptation while enhancing centralized innovation efforts [84][85] - **Long-term Strategy Execution**: Need for improved long-term strategic planning alongside current operational management [86][87]