Oreo is one of the most iconic and beloved cookie brands worldwide. Many consumers enjoy the cookie without ever wondering, “Who owns Oreo?” This article will explore the company behind Oreo, its ownership structure, leadership, revenue, and more. You’ll also discover which brands and companies are associated with the Oreo parent company.
Oreo Company Profile
Oreo is one of the world’s most popular and best-selling cookie brands, known for its cream-filled chocolate wafer design. It is owned and manufactured by Mondelez International, a U.S.-based multinational snack food and beverage company. As of 2025, Oreo is available in over 100 countries and contributes significantly to Mondelez’s global biscuit sales.
Oreo is more than just a snack—it’s a global cultural icon. The cookie continues to evolve with innovative flavors, partnerships, and marketing campaigns targeted at all age groups.
Company Details
- Name: Mondelez International, Inc.
- Ticker Symbol: MDLZ (NASDAQ)
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Industry: Food and Beverage (Snacks)
- Founded: October 1, 2012 (as Mondelez, spun off from Kraft Foods)
- Number of Employees: ~91,000 (2025)
- Presence: Operations in more than 150 countries
- Segments: Biscuits, chocolate, gum, candy, and powdered beverages
- Annual Revenue (2024): $36 billion
- Market Cap (2025): Approx. $105 billion.
Mondelez focuses on snacks and convenience foods and holds the #1 or #2 market share positions in multiple regions for cookies, biscuits, and chocolate.
Founders of Oreo
The Oreo cookie was originally developed and introduced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, better known as Nabisco. While no single individual is credited with inventing the Oreo, it was created as a competitor to Hydrox, a similar cookie at the time.
- Company that introduced Oreo: National Biscuit Company (Nabisco)
- Oreo’s original name: Oreo Biscuit
- First production: March 6, 1912, at the Chelsea Market bakery in New York City
Over the years, Nabisco became part of several mergers and acquisitions, leading to its absorption into Kraft Foods, and later, Mondelez International.
Major Milestones of Oreo
- 1912: Oreo is introduced by Nabisco in the U.S.
- 1921: Oreo Biscuit is renamed to “Oreo Sandwich.”
- 1948: Name changes to “Oreo Creme Sandwich.”
- 1974: Introduction of the “Double Stuf Oreo.”
- 1985: Nabisco merges with Standard Brands.
- 2000: Nabisco is acquired by Philip Morris and merged with Kraft Foods.
- 2010: Kraft Foods acquires UK-based Cadbury, expanding its global snack reach.
- 2012: Kraft Foods spins off its North American grocery business. The global snack business becomes Mondelez International; Oreo moves under Mondelez.
- 2015–2020: Mondelez invests heavily in digital transformation, e-commerce, and expanding Oreo’s footprint in Asia and Latin America.
- 2021–2024: Oreo introduces dozens of new flavor variants, launches plant-based and gluten-free lines, and partners with entertainment brands (e.g., Pokémon, Super Mario) for limited editions.
- 2025: Oreo remains the top-selling cookie brand globally and continues to be a strategic brand pillar for Mondelez, generating billions in annual sales.
Who Owns Oreo?
As of 2025, Oreo is owned by Mondelez International, Inc., a publicly traded multinational snack food company based in the United States. Oreo is part of Mondelez’s global biscuits and cookies portfolio, which also includes Chips Ahoy!, BelVita, and TUC. Mondelez is responsible for manufacturing, marketing, and distributing Oreo globally.
Mondelez International operates independently and is not owned by any single individual or family. It is listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the symbol MDLZ, and its shares are owned by thousands of institutional and retail investors around the world.
Ownership Structure of Mondelez
Mondelez is a publicly held corporation with no majority shareholder. The ownership is distributed across various investment firms, asset managers, pension funds, and individual investors. The three largest institutional shareholders are:
- The Vanguard Group – Approx. 9.5% ownership
- BlackRock, Inc. – Approx. 7.5% ownership
- State Street Corporation – Approx. 4.5% ownership
These entities do not control the company directly but have influence through voting rights and board engagement.
Mondelez has a Board of Directors that oversees governance, strategy, and leadership. The executive team, led by the CEO, handles the day-to-day management and strategic decisions.
Oreo’s Past Ownership and Acquisition Timeline
The ownership of Oreo has evolved through a series of corporate changes and acquisitions spanning more than a century:
1. Original Ownership by Nabisco (1912–2000)
Oreo was first created and sold by the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) in 1912. Nabisco was an American baked goods company famous for several snack and cookie brands.
2. Acquisition by Kraft Foods (2000)
In 2000, Kraft Foods Inc. acquired Nabisco in a deal worth over $18 billion. This acquisition brought Oreo under the Kraft umbrella and expanded Kraft’s snack portfolio significantly.
3. Cadbury Acquisition (2010)
Kraft Foods acquired Cadbury, the UK-based chocolate giant, in 2010. This move helped Kraft expand Oreo and other snack brands across global markets, especially in Asia and Europe.
4. Formation of Mondelez International (2012)
In 2012, Kraft Foods split into two separate companies:
- Kraft Foods Group, which focused on North American grocery products.
- Mondelez International, which inherited the global snack and confectionery brands, including Oreo, Nabisco, and Cadbury.
Oreo officially became part of Mondelez International from this point forward.
Other Relevant Ownership Details
- Oreo in China and India: Mondelez has expanded Oreo’s production and marketing efforts in Asia. Oreo is produced in local factories in India, China, Indonesia, and other countries to meet regional demand.
- Licensing and Partnerships: In some markets, Mondelez partners with local distributors and foodservice providers to promote Oreo. The brand also engages in limited-edition collaborations with entertainment and retail brands.
Oreo’s Role Within Mondelez
Oreo is considered a “power brand” for Mondelez. It ranks among the company’s top revenue-generating products and is a strategic focus in marketing and product innovation. Mondelez has invested heavily in digital advertising, social media, and e-commerce to grow Oreo’s presence among Gen Z and millennial consumers.
The cookie also serves as the base for product extensions like Oreo Ice Cream, Oreo O’s cereal, and Oreo-branded desserts in collaboration with other food companies and restaurants.
Who is the CEO of Oreo?
As of 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of Mondelez International is Dirk Van de Put. He has held the position since November 2017, when he succeeded former CEO Irene Rosenfeld. In April 2018, Dirk also assumed the role of Chairman of the Board, making him both the strategic and operational leader of the company. Under his leadership, Mondelez has continued to expand its global reach, strengthen its core brands like Oreo, and deliver consistent financial performance despite rising raw material costs and shifting consumer preferences.
Background and Education
Dirk Van de Put was born in Mechelen, Belgium and holds dual citizenship in Belgium and the United States. His academic background is unique for a global CEO—he earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Ghent in Belgium, and later pursued a postgraduate degree in Business from the University of Antwerp. He is multilingual, fluent in Dutch, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, a skill set that has proven valuable in leading a company with operations in over 150 countries.
Career Journey and Experience
Before joining Mondelez, Dirk built a successful international career in consumer packaged goods. He held senior leadership positions at Mars Inc., where he worked on pet care and chocolate brands, and at The Coca-Cola Company, where he gained experience in beverages and market expansion. He later served as President of the Americas for Danone, overseeing dairy and water products in the region. His most prominent role before Mondelez was as CEO of McCain Foods, a Canadian frozen food company, where he led a significant transformation and increased organic growth.
Leadership at Mondelez
Since taking over as CEO of Mondelez in 2017, Dirk Van de Put has reshaped the company’s strategy with a strong focus on sustainable growth, digital transformation, and brand-led innovation. He introduced a new purpose-driven mission for the company: “Empower people to snack right,” which emphasizes consumer well-being, product reformulation, and mindful snacking. Under his leadership, Oreo has continued to be a top performer, with new product extensions, regional variants, and a stronger online and retail presence.
Dirk has also overseen several strategic acquisitions, especially in the premium and health-conscious snack segments, to strengthen Mondelez’s portfolio and meet evolving consumer demands. In addition, he has improved supply chain resilience and expanded the company’s direct-to-consumer and e-commerce capabilities.
Recent Performance and Achievements
In 2024 and into early 2025, Mondelez has faced significant challenges due to global inflation, particularly in cocoa and dairy prices. Despite this, the company has maintained strong margins through price adjustments and operational efficiency. Under Dirk’s leadership, Mondelez reported organic net revenue growth of over 3% in Q1 2025 and delivered over $1 billion in operating cash flow. The company also returned more than $2 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, a sign of strong financial health.
Dirk Van de Put’s leadership has emphasized long-term value creation, with a balanced approach to growth, innovation, and shareholder returns. He remains committed to sustainability, with new company-wide goals aimed at reducing packaging waste and sourcing more sustainable ingredients across brands like Oreo and Cadbury.
CEO Compensation and Governance Role
Dirk’s compensation is closely tied to company performance. In recent years, including 2023 and 2024, his total annual compensation has ranged between $6 million and $7 million, including base salary, bonuses, and long-term stock incentives. He also holds a personal stake in the company with over 400,000 Mondelez shares, aligning his financial interests with shareholders.
In addition to leading Mondelez, Dirk Van de Put is a member of the board of AB InBev, the global beverage giant, and serves as Co-Chair of The Consumer Goods Forum, an industry coalition focused on sustainable growth and food safety.
Previous CEOs of Mondelez
Before Dirk Van de Put, Mondelez was led by Irene Rosenfeld, who served as CEO from 2006 to 2017. Irene played a key role in the creation of Mondelez International in 2012 following the corporate split from Kraft Foods. She oversaw significant acquisitions like Cadbury and helped build the foundation for the company’s global snack portfolio. Dirk’s leadership has built on that legacy with a more digital and innovation-driven strategy suited for modern global markets.
Oreo Annual Revenue and Net Worth
As of 2025, Oreo continues to be the single most valuable and highest-selling brand within Mondelez International’s portfolio. Although Mondelez does not report separate financials for each brand, industry analysts and brand valuation firms estimate that Oreo generates over $4 billion in annual global sales. This makes up a substantial portion of Mondelez’s total biscuit category revenue, which itself accounts for nearly half of the company’s global snack sales.
The cookie’s performance has been particularly strong in North America, Europe, and growing markets like India, China, and Brazil. The launch of new flavors, packaging innovations, and product line extensions such as Oreo Thins, Oreo Cakesters, gluten-free Oreo, and limited-edition collaborations have contributed to continued growth in both volume and brand engagement.
In 2025, Oreo saw an estimated 6–8% year-over-year increase in revenue, driven by rising global demand for snack products and premium offerings. E-commerce, retail promotions, and cross-promotional tie-ins with gaming and entertainment properties have further fueled sales.
Oreo Net Worth
The brand value—or net worth—of Oreo in 2025 is estimated to exceed $12 billion, according to brand valuation firms and internal estimates from market analysts. This value includes the strength of Oreo’s global brand recognition, customer loyalty, intellectual property (such as trademarks and recipes), and its revenue-generating capacity across multiple product formats.
Oreo ranks among the top 10 most valuable food brands in the world. It holds a leading market share in the global cookie category and has become more than just a product—it is a cultural icon. This immense brand equity gives Oreo pricing power and allows for successful product extensions into ice cream, cereal, desserts, and co-branded products with companies in the fast-food and retail industries.
The Oreo brand’s value also reflects its adaptability. It has successfully localized its flavor offerings and marketing in regions like Asia and Latin America, tapping into regional taste preferences and cultural trends. Additionally, the brand’s robust digital presence, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, has helped attract younger consumers and reinforce long-term brand loyalty.
Here is an overview of Oreo’s estimated annual revenue and net worth over the past 10 years (2015–2025):
| Year | Estimated Annual Revenue (USD) | Estimated Brand Value / Net Worth (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $2.2 billion | $5.5 billion |
| 2016 | $2.5 billion | $6.0 billion |
| 2017 | $2.8 billion | $6.7 billion |
| 2018 | $3.0 billion | $7.3 billion |
| 2019 | $3.4 billion | $8.1 billion |
| 2020 | $3.6 billion | $8.7 billion |
| 2021 | $3.9 billion | $9.5 billion |
| 2022 | $4.1 billion | $10.2 billion |
| 2023 | $4.3 billion | $10.9 billion |
| 2024 | $4.6 billion | $11.5 billion |
| 2025 | $4.9 billion | $12.2 billion |
Brands Owned by Oreo
Oreo, though a single brand, operates a diverse and independent product ecosystem under its own identity. From snackable variants to frozen desserts and licensed cereals, Oreo manages a wide portfolio of brand extensions, each aligned with its flavor, design, and cultural identity.
Below is a list of major brands owned by Oreo as of July 2025:
| Brand/Entity | Product Type | Launch/Origin | Global Scope | Key Features and Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oreo Thins | Light cookie variant | 2015 (global) | North America, Asia, Europe | Thinner, crispier Oreo; targets adult consumers; multiple flavor extensions. |
| Oreo Cakesters | Soft snack cake | 2007 (relaunched 2022) | Global | Cake-style sandwich with Oreo crème; positioned as a lunchbox and snack aisle product. |
| Gluten-Free Oreo | Allergen-free cookies | 2021 | North America, expanding to EU and Asia | Certified gluten-free; same taste and texture as original. |
| Double Stuf Oreo | Crème-heavy variant | 1974 | Global | Features twice the crème; popular in various limited and standard flavors. |
| Oreo Minis | Miniature cookies | 1990s | Global | Small-size Oreos; individually packed for snacking; popular among children. |
| Oreo Ice Cream | Frozen desserts | Early 2000s | Global (via partners) | Cones, sandwiches, tubs; licensed to ice cream manufacturers but controlled by Oreo brand. |
| Oreo O’s Cereal | Breakfast cereal | 1998 (relaunched 2017) | Global | Produced via licensing; maintains Oreo branding and flavor in cereal form. |
| Oreo Dessert Mixes | Home baking kits | 2020s | North America, EU | Includes shake mixes, brownies, and toppings; sold in grocery baking aisles. |
| Oreo Limited Editions | Seasonal/special cookies | Recurring since 2012 | Global | Rotating flavors and themed packs; collaborations with brands like Pokémon and Lady Gaga. |
| Oreo Café & Pop-ups | Branded experience/dining | 2021 (first café) | Select cities | Oreo-themed retail cafes offering custom desserts and merch; short-term global pop-ups. |
Oreo Thins
Oreo Thins is a popular sub-brand introduced as a lighter, crispier version of the classic Oreo. It targets adult consumers looking for portion control or a more delicate texture. As of 2025, Oreo Thins comes in multiple flavors such as vanilla, mint, lemon, pistachio, and coconut. It is marketed as a premium yet accessible product and is distributed globally, especially popular in Asia and Europe. Oreo Thins is managed as a distinct brand line under the Oreo umbrella with dedicated advertising and retail placement.
Oreo Cakesters
Oreo Cakesters is a soft-baked snack brand derived from the Oreo name. First launched in the mid-2000s and reintroduced in the 2020s, Cakesters feature two cake-like chocolate pieces with classic Oreo crème in the center. In 2025, the brand includes variations like peanut butter and red velvet. Oreo Cakesters is treated as a separate product family under Oreo, with standalone marketing campaigns, packaging, and partnerships with convenience retailers.
Gluten-Free Oreo
This line is specifically created for consumers with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Launched initially in the United States, Gluten-Free Oreo has since expanded to global markets. It maintains the classic Oreo taste and texture but is certified gluten-free. The product is managed as a permanent SKU under the Oreo family and has its own manufacturing process to ensure allergen control and safety compliance.
Double Stuf Oreo
Double Stuf Oreo is not just a product variant—it has evolved into a sub-brand recognized for its extra crème filling. It has expanded into flavors like chocolate, birthday cake, and strawberry. As of 2025, Double Stuf is one of the best-selling Oreo variants globally and is produced across multiple markets, contributing significantly to Oreo’s total sales.
Oreo Minis
Oreo Minis are bite-sized versions of the original cookie, packaged in snack-sized pouches and multipacks. This line is targeted primarily at children and school lunches. It is a standalone SKU category within the Oreo brand, available in regular, golden, and chocolate crème formats. Oreo Minis also play a major role in seasonal offerings and promotional bundles.
Oreo Ice Cream
Oreo Ice Cream is produced through licensing agreements with various dairy and frozen dessert manufacturers, but it operates under the Oreo brand control. As of 2025, the Oreo Ice Cream line includes cones, tubs, sandwiches, and bars. These products are available in major supermarket chains worldwide and leverage Oreo’s signature cookie crumbles and crème.
Oreo Cereal (Oreo O’s)
Oreo O’s is a breakfast cereal that mimics the cookie’s flavor profile. Originally introduced in partnership with Post Consumer Brands, it has been relaunched globally. Oreo retains brand rights and creative control over the cereal, even though manufacturing may be handled by third-party partners. Oreo O’s has become a major licensed extension of the Oreo name in breakfast aisles worldwide.
Oreo Shake and Dessert Mixes
In 2025, Oreo operates branded dessert kits, milkshake powders, and home baking products such as cookie crumble toppings and brownie mixes. These are sold under the Oreo name through licensed co-packing arrangements. Despite the outsourced production, the Oreo team handles product design, flavor development, and brand messaging, keeping it within Oreo’s operational ecosystem.
Oreo Limited Editions
Limited Edition Oreos have grown into a consistent sub-brand of their own. These cookies rotate seasonally and feature collaborations with entertainment properties, social media influencers, or trending flavors. Past and current examples include Pokémon Oreo, Galaxy Oreo, and Marshmallow Moon Oreo. These editions are produced in short runs and are central to Oreo’s consumer engagement strategy.
Oreo Café and Pop-Up Experiences
Oreo has ventured into branded experiences with Oreo Cafés and pop-up stores in flagship retail locations and malls. These locations serve Oreo-inspired treats, milkshakes, and desserts and allow consumers to customize their own Oreo creations. The brand operates these locations in select cities as part of its experiential marketing strategy, further embedding Oreo into popular culture.
Final Thoughts
Oreo, the beloved cookie brand, is owned by Mondelez International, a global snack powerhouse. With no single individual owner, Mondelez is backed by large institutional investors such as Vanguard, BlackRock, and State Street. The company is led by CEO Dirk Van de Put and operates a massive portfolio of popular food and snack brands. Mondelez continues to innovate and grow, making Oreo part of a much larger food empire.
FAQs
Is Oreo a Cadbury company?
No, Oreo is not a Cadbury company. However, both Oreo and Cadbury are owned by the same parent company, Mondelez International. While they share corporate ownership, Oreo is a separate brand from Cadbury and operates under its own product category and identity.
Is Oreo owned by Nestlé?
No, Oreo is not owned by Nestlé. Oreo is owned by Mondelez International, a U.S.-based global snacking company. Nestlé is a separate multinational food and beverage company based in Switzerland and has no ownership or control over the Oreo brand.
Who invented Oreo?
Oreo was invented in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, better known as Nabisco. The exact individual who created it is unknown, but the cookie was developed as a competitor to Hydrox, another chocolate sandwich cookie. Oreo was first produced in a New York City bakery.
Does Coca-Cola own Oreo?
No, Coca-Cola does not own Oreo. Oreo is owned by Mondelez International. Coca-Cola is a beverage company focused on soft drinks and has no ownership stake in Oreo or any of its related brands.
Is Oreo owned by Pepsi?
No, Oreo is not owned by Pepsi. Oreo is owned by Mondelez International, which is a separate and unrelated company to PepsiCo. PepsiCo owns snack brands like Lay’s, Doritos, and Quaker, but it has no affiliation with Oreo.
Which country owns Oreo?
Oreo is an American brand. It was created in the United States by Nabisco and is now owned by Mondelez International, a U.S.-based company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. While Oreo is produced and sold globally, its ownership remains American.
What company is Oreo under?
Oreo is under Mondelez International, a global leader in snack foods. Mondelez owns several other well-known brands, but Oreo is one of its flagship products and is managed as a core part of its biscuit category.
Is Oreo owned by Nabisco?
Historically, yes. Oreo was originally created and sold by Nabisco in 1912. However, Nabisco is now a brand division within Mondelez International, which acquired Nabisco through a series of corporate mergers. So today, Oreo is technically owned by Mondelez, and Nabisco functions as the manufacturing label in the U.S.
Who owns Oreo brand?
The Oreo brand is owned by Mondelez International. Mondelez is a publicly traded American multinational food and beverage company. It controls the global production, marketing, and distribution of Oreo and has expanded the brand into dozens of product lines and markets worldwide.
Is Oreo still owned by Nabisco?
Nabisco is part of Mondelez International. So, Oreo is technically still under Nabisco, but the parent company is Mondelez.
Who bought Oreo from Kraft?
Kraft did not sell Oreo. In 2012, Kraft split into two companies. Oreo stayed with Mondelez International, which was created from Kraft’s global snack division.
When was Oreo first made?
Oreo was first introduced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, which later became Nabisco.
Is Oreo owned by an American company?
Yes, Oreo is owned by Mondelez International, which is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
Who manufactures Oreo?
Oreo is manufactured by Mondelez International. It has factories across the U.S., Mexico, India, and other countries.
Is Mondelez the same as Kraft?
Mondelez was part of Kraft Foods until 2012. After the split, Kraft focused on grocery products while Mondelez took over snacks.
Is Oreo owned by Pepsi or Nestlé?
No, Oreo is not owned by Pepsi or Nestlé. It is owned by Mondelez International.