EAST HANOVER, N.J., Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Every record is set once.  And, as the saying goes, every record is meant to be broken.  Especially in social media, where the world can change in a matter of hours, or even minutes.  But today, Guinness World Records honored Oreo as the first brand to attempt – and set – the Guinness World Records® mark for the "Most 'likes' on a Facebook post in 24 hours."  The record-setting effort even inspired other popular figures to make similar attempts.  So while the Oreo reign as a social media record holder may be short and sweet, Oreo fans around the world rallied to help the World's Favorite Cookie become the World's "Most Liked."

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110216/AQ49485)

The record attempt began on Tuesday, February 15 at 9 a.m. EST, when the Oreo Facebook community of 16 million fans from around the world was invited to "like" the following post:  "'Like' this post to join other Oreo fans around the world in setting a Guinness World Record for most 'likes' to a post in 24 hours. Oreo is the world's favorite cookie, and with your help, it will be the most 'liked.'" The feat rallied fans from around the globe and instantly inspired others to attempt to set similar Facebook records.

Guinness World Records, the global authority on record setting, confirmed the record at 9 a.m. ET today as fans around the world tallied a total of 114,619 "likes."

"Oreo has been bringing families together for nearly 100 years," said John Ghingo, Senior Director, Oreo Global Growth Platforms for Kraft Foods. "We're so proud of our fans who came together to make this momentous first happen.  So while our reign as record holder may be short but delectably sweet, like Oreo cookies, we proudly accept the record on behalf of our fans across the globe."

Oreo is beloved the world over and attracts fans not only because of its delicious taste but for its unique twist, lick and dunk ritual – a special moment of childlike delight enjoyed over an Oreo cookie and milk that translates into any language or culture. This Guinness World Records feat brings to life the brand's ability to bring families worldwide together in new, contemporary ways.

Facebook fans showed their support for the initiative through thousands of comments to the post, such as "WOOHOO – I'm gunna be a world record holder," and "we need a love button instead of a like."

Oreo has built the third largest brand community on Facebook, with more than 16 million fans from over 20 countries, and a page accessible in three languages (English, Spanish and French). As a recognized leader in social media, Oreo engages its fans in innovative and meaningful ways, spanning generations and transcending borders.

The Oreo brand continues to evolve and grow – adding new markets, new products, and new channels for its loyal fans around the globe. Next year, Oreo will celebrate its 100th birthday and continues to expand into new countries. Currently Oreo cookies are sold in more than 100 markets around the world, after launching in France and Romania in 2010. Oreo is launching in Poland and Germany in early 2011.

For more information on Oreo and to become a fan, visit www.facebook.com/oreo.

ABOUT KRAFT FOODS

Kraft Foods is building a global snacks powerhouse and an unrivaled portfolio of brands people love. With annual revenues of approximately $48 billion, the company is the world's second largest food company, making delicious products for billions of consumers in approximately 170 countries. The portfolio includes 11 iconic brands with revenues exceeding $1 billion – Oreo, Nabisco and LU biscuits; Milka and Cadbury chocolates; Trident gum; Jacobs and Maxwell House coffees; Philadelphia cream cheeses; Kraft cheeses, dinners and dressings; and Oscar Mayer meats. Approximately 70 brands generate annual revenues of more than $100 million. Kraft Foods (www.kraftfoodscompany.com;NYSE: KFT) is a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard & Poor's 500, Dow Jones Sustainability Index and Ethibel Sustainability Index.

SOURCE Kraft Foods Inc.