It’s not as high-tech as Apple’s iPad, but many people think it may be just as important. I’m talking about the Oreo. It’s turning 100 years old on March 6th, and it’s as innovative today as it was a century ago. 

Since the Oreo was born in 1912, it’s been the best selling cookie on the market. The cookie is great however you prefer to enjoy it: taken apart, dunked in milk, or    double-stuffed. But it may be more than just deliciousness that makes it a tried and true best-seller in America and in China. It’s the brand and the marketing behind it. According to a recent article in the New York Post, The Oreo Facebook page has almost 25 million “likes” and is one of the top five most engaged brands in social media. 

Nabisco owns it and the patent on it. Other companies can try to copy it, but it’s probably just a “crumby” idea. The Oreo is an example of just how important and profitable it is to own your own idea or property.  My dad and I wrote about it in Chapter 3: The Property of Properties of our book, “Your Teacher Said What?!” In it, we write that it wasn’t until people could get patents on their inventions, and own their own ideas, that they really started making money, which helps grow the economy.

The Oreo is definitely doing its part to help boost Nabisco’s bottom line. The cookie is sold in more than 100 countries (green tea Oreos in China!) and has annual worldwide revenue of $1.5 billion.  Over 362 billion Oreos have been sold in the last hundred years; that’s what I call a sweet success story.

I prefer mine with milk, how about you?

Peace, Love, & Profits

Blake