When you start seeing new Oreo Thins — Oreo’s adult-aimed version of the classic creme-stuffed cookies — in your supermarket, you may think it’s a new idea. But the Chinese have enjoyed Oreo Thins since last year. Mondelez International, owner of the iconic American Oreo Brand, is a far-flung global treats purveyor, with Cadbury, Halls, HoneyMaid, Nabisco, Nilla, Ritz, Toblerone and Wheat Thins in its portfolio — to name just a few. (You could wash these down with Mondelez’s Tang drink, and then refresh with Trident or Dentyne — also Mondelez brands.)
The introduction of Oreo Thins in China may surprise some American consumers who don’t immediately think of the Chinese diet as filled with health-conscious — or at least calorie-conscious — choices. But the health food segment in China is growing three times as fast as the overall market. Companies with global reach like Mondelez find it’s a perfect test market with tremendous growth opportunity. The leaner Oreo Thins have fewer calories — each one with just 35 calories compared to more than 50 in the traditional Oreo.
