1753 ET - Consumer confidence in North America is subdued but on the up, Mondelez International CEO Dirk Van de Put says. "In North America, consumer confidence has partially rebounded from record lows, though energy prices continue to pressure household budgets," he says. "Growth remains K-shaped, with consumers gravitating toward both value formats and premium, better-for-you options." Executives say that consumers remain concerned about affordability and the economic outlook, especially as energy prices remain elevated. Still, new products and strong promotional execution should set up a strong second half of the year in North America, executives say.