Mondelēz to Present 2026 Strategy at CAGNY Conference

Mondelēz International to Present at CAGNY Conference on February 17

Mondelēz International to Present at CAGNY Conference on February 17Image Credit: Yahoo Finance

Key Points

  • CHICAGO – All eyes in the consumer goods sector will turn to Mondelēz International (Nasdaq: MDLZ) on February 17, as Chairman & CEO Dirk Van de Put and CFO Luca Zaramella take the stage at the influential Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) conference. The presentation is a critical moment for the global snacking powerhouse to articulate its strategic priorities, financial targets, and vision for navigating an increasingly complex global market.
  • Strategic Validation: The presentation offers a chance for leadership to validate its long-term "Vision 2030" strategy, which focuses on accelerating growth and solidifying its leadership in chocolate, biscuits, and baked snacks.
  • Financial Guidance: This will be the first major opportunity following the full-year 2025 earnings report for the company to provide a detailed outlook for 2026, covering revenue growth, profitability, and earnings per share targets.
  • Investor Confidence: In a volatile market, a clear and confident message from Van de Put and Zaramella can reassure investors about the resilience of Mondelēz's business model and its ability to deliver shareholder value.
  • Strategic Growth Levers: Expect a focus on driving growth through a combination of volume and price. This includes reinvesting in core "power brands," innovating in high-growth segments, and continuing to expand distribution in emerging markets, which remain a crucial engine for the company.

Mondelēz International to Present at CAGNY Conference on February 17

Snacking Giant to Outline 2026 Strategy and Financial Outlook at Premier Investor Event

CHICAGO – All eyes in the consumer goods sector will turn to Mondelēz International (Nasdaq: MDLZ) on February 17, as Chairman & CEO Dirk Van de Put and CFO Luca Zaramella take the stage at the influential Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) conference. The presentation is a critical moment for the global snacking powerhouse to articulate its strategic priorities, financial targets, and vision for navigating an increasingly complex global market.

Investors and analysts will be listening intently for details on the company's growth algorithm, margin ambitions, and plans for its portfolio of iconic brands, which includes Oreo, Cadbury, and Ritz. The presentation, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET, serves as a key barometer not only for Mondelēz but for the broader packaged foods industry grappling with shifting consumer habits and persistent inflationary pressures.

Why It Matters: A Bellwether for the Consumer Goods Sector

The annual CAGNY conference is the premier forum where leadership from top-tier consumer companies presents their roadmaps to Wall Street's most influential analysts. A strong performance can bolster investor confidence and lift a company's stock, while any perceived weakness or lack of clarity can have the opposite effect.

For Mondelēz, this is a platform to reinforce its narrative of consistent, profitable growth.

  • Strategic Validation: The presentation offers a chance for leadership to validate its long-term "Vision 2030" strategy, which focuses on accelerating growth and solidifying its leadership in chocolate, biscuits, and baked snacks.
  • Financial Guidance: This will be the first major opportunity following the full-year 2025 earnings report for the company to provide a detailed outlook for 2026, covering revenue growth, profitability, and earnings per share targets.
  • Investor Confidence: In a volatile market, a clear and confident message from Van de Put and Zaramella can reassure investors about the resilience of Mondelēz's business model and its ability to deliver shareholder value.

The View from the Top: What to Expect from Van de Put and Zaramella

Dirk Van de Put is expected to outline the high-level strategic vision, focusing on brand building and market expansion. Luca Zaramella will follow with a detailed financial framework, providing the hard numbers and capital allocation priorities that underpin the strategy.

Analysts will be scrutinizing their commentary for insights into several key areas:

  • Strategic Growth Levers: Expect a focus on driving growth through a combination of volume and price. This includes reinvesting in core "power brands," innovating in high-growth segments, and continuing to expand distribution in emerging markets, which remain a crucial engine for the company.
  • Financial Outlook and Capital Allocation: Zaramella will likely detail the company’s capital allocation priorities. This includes funding organic growth, pursuing strategic M&A, and returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. Margin expansion will be a central theme.
  • Pricing Power vs. Volume: A key question will be how Mondelēz plans to balance necessary price increases to offset inflation with the need to maintain and grow consumer volume. The durability of its brand loyalty will be a core part of this discussion.

A Deep Dive into the Mondelēz Portfolio

Mondelēz's strategy is built on a foundation of dominant global and local brands. The company, which posted approximately $36.4 billion in net revenue in 2024, has spent the last several years actively shaping its portfolio to align with modern consumer trends.

The presentation will likely highlight progress in three key areas:

  • Strengthening the Core: The performance of billion-dollar brands like Oreo, Milka, and Cadbury Dairy Milk is non-negotiable. Expect updates on innovation and marketing campaigns designed to keep these cultural icons relevant and growing.
  • Strategic Acquisitions: The integration and performance of recent acquisitions will be in the spotlight. This includes Clif Bar, which bolstered Mondelēz’s position in the high-growth well-being and snack bar segment, and Tate's Bake Shop, which added a premium cookie brand to its portfolio.
  • Geographic Expansion: Mondelēz generates a significant portion of its revenue outside of North America. Analysts will want to hear about the company's strategy for capturing further share in key markets like China, India, and Latin America, where the appetite for snacking continues to grow.

Navigating a Challenging Macroeconomic Landscape

No presentation at CAGNY will be complete without addressing the significant headwinds facing the industry. Mondelēz is expected to detail its plans for managing these challenges while protecting its profitability.

  • Inflationary Pressures: The cost of key commodities, particularly cocoa, remains a significant concern for the industry. Zaramella will be expected to outline the company's hedging strategies, productivity programs, and pricing actions designed to mitigate these cost pressures.
  • Supply Chain Resilience: After years of global disruptions, investors will look for reassurance that Mondelēz is building a more agile and resilient supply chain to ensure product availability and manage logistical costs.
  • Evolving Consumer Behavior: The presentation will need to address how Mondelēz is responding to a "bifurcated" consumer. While some shoppers are seeking value and trading down, others continue to gravitate toward premium and "permissible indulgence" snacks. The company's multi-tiered brand portfolio is its primary tool for addressing this divergence.

The Bottom Line: Looking Ahead

The February 17 presentation is more than just a corporate update; it is a strategic declaration of intent. Mondelēz will aim to project an image of strength, resilience, and disciplined execution.

Following the webcast, the market's reaction will provide a clear verdict on the effectiveness of their message.

  • Post-Conference Analysis: Expect a flurry of notes from Wall Street analysts in the hours and days following the event. Their ratings and target price adjustments will be heavily influenced by the guidance and strategic details provided.
  • Stock Performance: The movement of MDLZ shares post-presentation will serve as an immediate referendum from investors on the credibility of the company's growth and profitability story.
  • Execution is Key: Ultimately, the long-term success of Mondelēz will depend not on the presentation itself, but on the company's ability to execute its ambitious plans in a challenging and dynamic global marketplace.