Why Small Businesses Need to Engage with AI in 2025's Funding Boom

How Mondelez is Redefining Marketing with Generative AI Tools

Update The Future of Marketing: Mondelez Steps Into Generative AI Mondelez International, renowned for its beloved snack brands like Oreo and Cadbury, is taking a bold step into the future of marketing with the introduction of a generative AI tool. By investing over $40 million in collaboration with technology giant Accenture, the snack company aims to revolutionize how it produces marketing content. This innovative tool is set to reduce production costs by an impressive 30% to 50%, enabling Mondelez to streamline advertising and effectively respond to changing consumer demands. Why Generative AI Matters in Today’s Market In a competitive landscape increasingly shaped by economic pressures, Mondelez is not alone in seeking cost-effective solutions. Similar to its counterparts such as Kraft Heinz and Coca-Cola, the company recognizes the urgent need to innovate to sustain profitability amidst tariffs and shrinking budgets. Generative AI offers the potential to minimize reliance on traditional advertising agencies, which can be financially burdensome, thereby freeing up resources for product development and customer engagement. A Closer Look at the Technology and Its Applications The generative AI tool is not just a fleeting technology; it promises to redefine how marketing content is created. Mondelez plans to deploy the tool for upcoming product launches, including full-fledged TV ads just in time for next holiday season and the much-anticipated 2027 Super Bowl. Examples of its current use include social media content for Chips Ahoy cookies and Milka chocolate, showcasing how effectively the AI can generate tailored advertisements that resonate with different audience segments. Success or Failure? Learning from Rival Attempts Other companies have already ventured into AI-created ads, with mixed results. Coca-Cola’s initial foray into AI-generated holiday ads received backlash due to the emotional disconnect of computer-generated characters. However, Mondelez is keen to sidestep these pitfalls, focusing on visual engagement without featuring human likenesses. By ensuring human oversight of the generated content, Mondelez aims to maintain brand integrity while leveraging the efficiency of AI. Real-World Impact: Targeted Advertising at Scale With its sights set on utilizing AI in practical applications such as product pages for Amazon and Walmart in the U.S., Mondelez is poised to enhance its marketing strategy significantly. The ability to generate animated content that captures consumer attention is crucial, especially when it can be made at a fraction of traditional costs. The automation of such visual narratives enables brands to appeal to diverse customer bases quickly. Guidelines to Navigate New Challenges As Mondelez embraces this technology, it adheres to strict guidelines to prevent any missteps in advertisement messaging. Regulations ban content that promotes unhealthy eating habits or uses emotional manipulation and stereotypes. This proactive approach not only safeguards public image but also aligns with increasing consumer scrutiny over brand ethics. By committing to responsible AI usage, Mondelez aims to cultivate trust while innovating. What Small Businesses Can Learn from Mondelez This development at Mondelez serves as a case study for small business owners looking to harness AI effectively. The core lessons are clear: investing in technology can yield substantial cost savings and efficiencies, but it must be managed with careful oversight and ethical considerations. For small enterprises considering similar paths, starting small—perhaps with automated social media content—could pave the way for broader use of AI in marketing without the risk of overspending or misrepresentation. Final Thoughts: The Crucial Role of Human Oversight As we navigate the complexities of AI integration, the role of human judgment remains critical. Ultimately, Mundoled's approach exemplifies a balance between innovation and responsibility that all businesses, regardless of size, should strive for. Keeping consumers at the forefront while leveraging cutting-edge technology offers a promising route to a successful marketing strategy in this evolving landscape. If you're a small business owner looking to dive into AI, consider exploring tools tailored for your needs and scale. Don't underestimate the power of AI to enhance your marketing efforts while maintaining authenticity and connection with your audience.