Mondelēz International, Inc. has announced the nine companies selected for its CoLab Tech 2026 accelerator program. This third cohort, chosen from more than 200 global applicants, focuses on technologies supporting sustainability, ingredient science, and food technology. The selected start-ups offer diverse solutions in sustainable packaging, emerging ingredients, consumer experiences, and production efficiencies.

The program aims to address evolving environmental, supply chain, and regulatory challenges while accelerating front-end innovation. Ian Noble, R&D Vice President for Research, Analytical Sciences & Cocoa at Mondelēz International, emphasized the importance of accessing innovators to navigate industry transformations from supply chain to AI.

The selected companies and their focus areas include:

The cohort will participate in an 8-week curriculum featuring hands-on experiences, virtual sessions, and 1:1 mentorship. Participants will also gain access to Mondelēz International's global network of partners and experts. The program is led by the company's global research and development team.

Mondelēz International reported 2025 net revenues of approximately $38.5 billion. The company operates in over 150 countries with brands such as Oreo, Ritz, Cadbury Dairy Milk, and Toblerone.

Mondelēz International appointed Amit Banati as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective July 1, 2026. He will report directly to Dirk Van de Put, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, and join the Mondelēz International Leadership Team. This leadership change aims to strengthen the company's financial strategy and commercial operations as it pursues its strategic growth agenda.

Following Banati's appointment, Luca Zaramella will transition to the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Zaramella will focus his leadership on the company's commercial operations, including its four geographical regions, corporate sales, marketing, and supply chain functions. Van de Put highlighted Zaramella's eight-year tenure as CFO, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the company's financial strategy.

Banati most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of Kenvue, Inc. Prior to that, he was Vice Chair and Chief Financial Officer of Kellanova, formerly Kellogg Company. He began his career at Kellogg as President for the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region, driving regional growth and transformation before being promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Before Kellogg, he held leadership roles at Proctor & Gamble, Cadbury Schweppes, and Mondelēz predecessor company Kraft Foods following the Cadbury acquisition.

Van de Put emphasized Banati's extensive experience, stating that his track record of delivering results and building talent across large, global businesses will provide important perspective to the leadership team. Banati expressed his delight in rejoining Mondelēz International, citing the company's iconic portfolio, advantaged global footprint, and talented team. He looks forward to advancing the company's strategy and achieving its growth potential.

Key Appointments

Mondelēz International, Inc. reported 2025 net revenues of approximately $38.5 billion. The company empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries with brands such as Oreo, Ritz, LU, Clif Bar, Tate's Bake Shop, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka, and Toblerone.