Mars, Inc.

Last updated 4 weeks ago | Originally Published: August 20, 2024

Mars, Inc. is a global confectionery, food, and pet care industry leader. Formed through the merger of Mars, Incorporated, and Wrigley Company, this brand is recognized as one of the largest manufacturers of chocolate, chewing gum, mints, and other candy products worldwide. Mars brands, such as M&M’s, Snickers, and Skittles, have become iconic in the global marketplace, making it a significant player in the food industry. The company’s extensive product portfolio, innovative marketing strategies, and global reach have cemented itself as a major force in the confectionery sector.

Contact Mars:

• Website: https://www.mars.com/
• Address: 6885 Elm Street, McLean, VA 22101, USA
• Phone Number: 1-703-821-4900

Brand Overview

Mars Wrigley was officially formed in 2008, following Mars, Incorporated’s acquisition of Wrigley Company. However, the roots of this global enterprise date back much earlier, with Mars, Incorporated being founded by Frank C. Mars in 1911 and Wrigley Company by William Wrigley Jr. in 1891. The merger of these two industry giants brought together some of the most iconic brands in the confectionery world under one umbrella, creating a formidable entity in the food sector. 

Brand Milestones:

1. 1891: William Wrigley Jr. founds Wrigley Company in Chicago, originally selling soap and baking powder.
2. 1911: Frank C. Mars starts Mars, Incorporated in Tacoma, Washington, producing and selling buttercream candies.
3. 1930: The Mars bar is introduced, becoming one of the company’s flagship products.
4. 1941: M&M’s candies are created and introduced to the market.
5. 1984: Wrigley Company became the first confectionery company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
6. 2008: Mars, Incorporated acquires Wrigley Company, leading to the formation of Mars Wrigley.
7. 2016: Mars Wrigley Confectionery is officially formed, combining Mars Chocolate and Wrigley into one business unit.
8. 2020: Mars Wrigley announces a significant investment in sustainable cocoa sourcing to support cocoa farmers.
9. 2022: Mars, Incorporated completes a $2.5 billion bond offering, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability efforts.
10. 2023: Mars achieves a record 8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, doubling its total reduction to 16% since 2015.
11. 2024: Mars begins the next development phase for its global headquarters in McLean, VA.

The company’s headquarters is in McLean, Virginia, and additional offices and production facilities are spread worldwide. These locations include major operational centers in Chicago, Illinois, Hackettstown, New Jersey, and various international locations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Candy Brands by Mars

Mars, Inc. is renowned for its extensive portfolio of iconic brands, many of which are household names worldwide. The company’s brand lineup includes:

1. M&M’s: This brand offers candy-coated chocolate in various flavors and colors.
2. Snickers: These candy bars are made with nougat, caramel, peanuts, & milk chocolate.
3. Twix: Popular for its combination of a biscuit base, caramel topping, & chocolate coating.
4. Skittles: Known for vibrant colors and an array of fruit flavors.
5. Milky Way: Classic confection featuring soft nougat and caramel wrapped in chocolate.
6. 3 Musketeers: Offers a lighter chocolate bar with fluffy whipped nougat.
7. Orbit: Focused on providing fresh breath, available in various gum flavors.
8. Extra: Noted for long-lasting flavor and a variety of gum options.
9. Starburst: Delivers chewy candy with intense fruit flavors.
10. Juicy Fruit: Features a distinctive fruity gum flavor that’s popular across generations.
11. Altoids: Known for strong mints, characterized by their unique packaging.
12. Life Savers: Recognizable by their ring shape, available in various flavors.

Other top candy brands by Mars Wrigley include 5 Gum, American Heritage Chocolate, Big Red, Doublemint, Dove, Hubba Bubba, Winterfresh, and Spearmint. Click here to read a more in-depth overview of each Mars brand.

Brand Growth

Mars has seen significant growth in its snacking division, driven by both legacy brands and strategic acquisitions. The addition of Kind bars, acquired in 2017, represents a key component of Mars’ expansion into the global snacking market. By 2023, Mars aimed to double its snacking division’s revenue to $36 billion, contributing to an overall revenue increase from $47 billion to $50 billion. This growth strategy is underpinned by the company’s efforts to transform the snacking industry through sustainable practices and innovation.

The company’s vision for its snacking division includes a major focus on sustainability, aiming to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero carbon by 2050. Mars has also expanded its digital presence, anticipating that a significant portion of future sales will come from digital channels. With the rise of digital transactions, Mars is adapting to new consumer behaviors, aiming to capture impulse purchases in an increasingly online marketplace. This shift is expected to contribute to the division’s projected growth, particularly in new and emerging markets.

Mars’s global expansion strategy is also key to its growth. With strong sales increases in countries like India and Brazil and successful product launches in China, South Korea, and Malaysia, Mars is leveraging its global footprint to drive revenue. Introducing Kind bars to new markets outside the U.S. and Canada is part of this strategy. Additionally, Mars continues to invest in expanding the distribution of recently acquired brands like Nature’s Bakery and Tru Fru, positioning itself as a dominant force in the global snacking industry.

Brand Specialties

Mars, Inc. and its associated brands are recognized for their diverse product range and innovative approaches within their respective markets. These brands have become leaders by focusing on quality, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction. Through continuous innovation and a commitment to their core values, these brands deliver products that cater to a wide range of needs and preferences, solidifying their position as trusted names in the industry.

1. Mars Petcare: Focuses on pet nutrition, health, and care, offering a wide range of pet food, veterinary services, and innovative solutions to enhance the lives of pets and their owners. https://www.mars.com/our-brands/petcare
2. Mars Food specializes in producing and distributing various food products, including sauces, rice, and ready-made meals. It is committed to taste, quality, and sustainability. https://www.mars.com/our-brands/mars-food-nutrition
3. Mars Snacks: Global leader in the confectionery industry, known for its iconic brands of chocolates, chewing gum, mints, and fruity candies, delivering moments of pleasure to consumers worldwide. https://www.mars.com/our-brands/mars-snacking

Learn More About Mar, Inc.

For further information about Mars, Inc., explore the following resources:

1. Official Website: Explore the Mars official website for detailed information about their brands, sustainability initiatives, and corporate news: https://www.mars.com/
2. Wikipedia: Overview of Mars, Incorporated, including its history, product lines, and global operations: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars,_Incorporated
3. Crunchbase: Profile of Mars, Incorporated, with details on its financials, acquisitions, and key personnel: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/mars
4. Bloomberg: Detailed financial data and corporate information about Mars, including news and market analysis: https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/4614Z:US
5. LinkedIn: The Mars official LinkedIn page features company updates, career opportunities, and professional networking: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mars
6. Facebook: Connect with Mars on Facebook for community engagement and brand-related content: https://www.facebook.com/Mars
7. Instagram: Visual content, brand stories, and more from Mars, Inc. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marsglobal/
8. YouTube: Watch videos, commercials, and more on the brand’s official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Mars
9. Candy Retailer: Here, you can discover and order all Mars candy products. https://www.candyretailer.com/StoreDetails.aspx/Candy/Mars-Candy/

These resources provide an in-depth look at Mars operations, history, and market presence, offering valuable insights for those interested in the company’s impact on the global confectionery industry.