Mondelez International Inc

3G Capital applied a ZBB approach, which starts from zero-base and analyzes every functional area for cost, to Heinz, after it acquired the firm in 2013.

Kraft Heinz operates more than 200 brands in nearly 200 countries. Its eight iconic brands contribute more than $1 billion in sales apiece to total revenue.

The US accounted for 67% of Kraft Heinz’s fiscal 2014 pro forma sales, with Canada and Europe each contributing 10% of total sales.

Hershey had a total debt of $2.4 billion on its balance sheet in 2014. It had a total debt-to-equity ratio of 195% during the same period.

Hershey’s international segment contributes only ~30% of total revenues. Its goal is to increase international revenues to ~50% of total revenues by 2018.

Along with advertising, Hershey is focusing on cross-merchandising complimentary products like beverages and snacks, which should help expand consumption.

Hershey applies a micro-marketing concept to its businesses, which means that it markets certain products to small target audiences.

In its international business, Hershey is mainly focusing in emerging markets of Mexico, Brazil, India, and China.

Hershey is a leading player in the confectionery industry, which grew globally at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2009–2014, reaching $198.4 billion in 2014.

Cocoa bean production is being pushed to fulfill the current demand. A major reason for the decline in cocoa supply is the unproductive mature cocoa trees in West Africa.

Jacobs Douwe Egberts will be a leading player in the coffee industry with powerful brands like Jacobs, Maxwell House, and Pilão. It will have a strong presence in emerging countries like China.

The primary reason behind the sale of Mondelez’s coffee business was so Mondelez could focus more on its core snack food business.

According to Jacobs Douwe Egberts’s website, the company holds either the number-one or number-two position in coffee markets for more than 18 countries in Europe, Latin America, and Australia.

The Archer Daniels Midland Company is a processor of oilseeds, corn, wheat, cocoa, and other agricultural commodities.

PepsiCo’s focus on innovation includes Pepsi Spire 5.0 equipment, which allows consumers to create about 1,000 beverage combinations using a 32-inch touchscreen.

Dr Pepper Snapple is continually strengthening its position as a major beverage company by acquiring regional bottling companies and distribution rights.

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo spend enormous amounts of money on innovation, advertising and marketing, and on strengthening their distribution network. It would be difficult for a new entity to make the substantial capital investments required to compete with these firms.