History of Oreos
Oreo cookies, introduced by Nabisco in 1912, have become one of the most iconic and beloved snack foods globally. Nabisco, originally known as the National Biscuit Company, was formed in 1898 through the merger of the American Biscuit Company and the New York Biscuit Company. Over the years, Nabisco has introduced several popular brands, with Oreo being one of its most successful products.
The Oreo cookies original design featured a simple chocolate wafer with a cream filling, a combination that has remained largely unchanged over the years, contributing to its enduring popularity. The brand has expanded its product line to include various flavors and forms, such as double-stuffed, mini, and seasonal varieties, catering to diverse consumer preferences. This adaptability has helped Oreo maintain its status as a leading cookie brand worldwide.
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In the US, they were sold for $0.25 a pound which is equivalent to $7.89 in 2023. The first Oreo was sold on March 6, 191, to a grocer in Hoboken, New Jersey. The Oreo biscuit was renamed to The Oreo sandwich in 1921. In 1948 the name was changed to Oreo Creme Sandwich which eventually became Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies and that name still remains to this day.
Throughout the history of Oreo, the brand has had controversies like many people were concerned about the effect Oreos had on their health. The health concerns prompted Nabisco to replace the lard in the creme with partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. This makes Oreos popular with people who have dietary restrictions, like vegans, as the creme filling does not include any animal products. Later on, Nabisco eliminated the trans fat and replaced it with non-hydrogenated vegetable oil.
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Nabisco's journey through corporate changes has also influenced the Oreo brand. In 1985, Nabisco was acquired by R.J. Reynolds, becoming part of RJR Nabisco. Later, in 2000, it was sold to Philip Morris Companies, which was renamed Altria Group, Inc., the parent company of Kraft Foods. As a result, Nabisco's brands, including Oreo, were marketed by Kraft. Despite these changes, Oreo has continued to thrive, benefiting from strategic marketing and product innovation.
Oreo continued to collaborate and make new cookie flavours which make customers constantly come back for more. They had collaborations with Lady Gaga, Peeps, Star Wars, Pokemon, Coca-Cola, Nintendo, NBA, Batman, Android, Spongebob, Reeses, Swedish fish, Disney, and many more.
Today, Oreo is part of Mondelēz International, a global snack titan with a diverse portfolio of brands. Mondelēz has successfully navigated market challenges and adapted its business practices to meet consumer expectations, ensuring that Oreo remains a staple in the snack food industry.