| Keyword |
Description |
| Bakery |
A place where bread and cakes are made |
| Mascot |
A character that represents a brand, like the Bimbo bear |
| Sustainability |
Actions that protect the environment, such as using cleaner energy and electric trucks |
Bimbo started in Mexico City in 1945 when the Servitje family and a small team set out to bake safe, fresh bread for every home, beginning with just a handful of products in a modest plant. They quickly stood out by wrapping loaves in clear cellophane so shoppers could see the quality, a simple idea that built trust in a market used to waxed paper that hid flaws. The brand name “Bimbo” emerged from a playful mix of “Bambi” and “Bingo,” and its friendly white bear, Osito Bimbo, became a symbol of cleanliness and care on every package.
As demand grew, Bimbo expanded its product lines and logistics, adding buns like Bimbollos and Medias Noches and launching the Marinela pastries that introduced the iconic Gansito snack cake in the 1950s. The company built large, modern bakeries to keep up with orders, turning efficient production and delivery into part of its competitive edge. Barcel, Bimbo’s salty-snack division, later created Takis, the spicy rolled chips that exploded with teen fans and spread worldwide through bold flavors and social media buzz.
Bimbo then went global, and a major milestone came in 2010 when it acquired Sara Lee’s North American baking business, making it a top player in the United States as well as Mexico. Today, the company sells bread and snacks in many countries while investing in cleaner energy and large fleets of electric delivery trucks to cut pollution and operate more sustainably. When Mexico added warning labels for foods high in sugar, salt, or fat, Bimbo updated recipes and packaging—sometimes adjusting how mascots appeared—to align with health rules and family choices.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Product |
Producto |
| Modern |
Moderno |
| Competitive |
Competitivo |
Time to discuss
- Do mascots on snack packages help families choose, or can they confuse kids?
- Are warning labels a fair way to guide healthier eating?
- Should big companies invest in electric fleets even if it costs more at first?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Describe a food brand mascot you notice often and explain why it works or doesn’t.
- Design a new bread or snack for teens and explain its name, ingredients, and package.
