Despite US woes, Twinkies reign on the Nile

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Charlene Gubash, NBC NewsMohamed Sarwat, who works at the Mecca Market in Ismailia, Egypt, shows off the Twinkies that the shop sells.By Charlene Gubash, NBC NewsISMAILIA, Egypt -- Worried about the fate of those moist yellow sponge cakes with a creamy white center? Look no further. Twinkies still reign supreme in the land of pharaohs.

On Friday, the iconic manufacturer of Twinkies, Ding Dongs and Wonder Bread closed 33 factories and announced plans to lay off 18,500 workers over an acrimonious labor dispute. Hostess was headed to U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York on Wednesday, seeking permission to liquidate its business.

But in Egypt – and most other Arab countries – Twinkies are popular treats that sell themselves.On Monday, Hostess brands and its second-largest union agreed to a final mediation session in an attempt to avoid liquidation and a sale of assets. Even if the talks fail, several potential buyers are interested in the rights to Twinkies, Wonder Bread and other Hostess brands. TODAY's Natalie Morales reports.Twinkies and Ho Hos are so popular that the local producer, Edita, no longer bothers to advertise and the treats still bring in a sweet 47 percent of the company's profit. Edita markets to the Arab Gulf, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon and is expanding to other countries.

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