The Mars family, known for its diverse array of products and services, continues to delight not only humans but their four-legged companions as well. Here’s a closer look at Mars family brand offerings in both the candy and pet food categories.
Candy Portfolio
The Mars family’s candy portfolio includes some of the most beloved and recognizable brands worldwide. These brands are not just treats; they are global icons that inspire moments of everyday happiness. Here’s a brief overview of their major candy brands:
- M&M’s: One of the most iconic candy brands, known for its colorful chocolate candies that come with a hard shell and a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Mars Bar: A classic that originally launched Mars into the chocolate industry. Although it has been rebranded as Snickers Almond in the U.S., the original Mars Bar continues to be a favorite in Europe and Australia, known for its deliciously soft nougat and caramel coated with milk chocolate.
- Snickers: The world’s best-selling candy bar is crafted to combat hunger with its robust layers of nougat, caramel, and peanuts, all enveloped in milk chocolate. Its global appeal is bolstered by clever marketing campaigns that play on the theme of satisfying hunger.
- Milky Way: Known for its creamy caramel and smooth nougat, Milky Way offers a delicious and indulgent escape from the everyday.
- Twix: Features a unique combination of crunchy cookie, smooth caramel, and creamy chocolate, making it a favorite for a quick snack.
These brands have been a part of countless family gatherings, celebrations, and moments of personal indulgence, continuing to endear themselves to consumers across generations.
Pet Food Portfolio
Mars is not just a confectionery giant but also a leading name in pet care, with a strong portfolio of pet food brands that aim to provide A Better World for Pets™. These brands cater to the health and nutritional needs of pets, ensuring they lead happy, healthy lives. Here are some key brands from their pet food portfolio:
- Pedigree: Specializing in dog food, Pedigree is committed to enhancing the lives of dogs, offering a wide range of products that cater to different dietary needs and life stages.
- Whiskas: Whiskas cat food is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of cats across all life stages. Its offerings include dry kibble, wet food, and treats, all formulated to provide a balanced diet for felines.
- Royal Canin: This brand stands out for its science-based approach to pet nutrition, providing tailored dietary solutions that meet the specific needs of individual breeds, sizes, and health conditions of cats and dogs.
- Iams: Provides premium pet food that promotes health through nutrition for cats and dogs, based on life stage and dietary needs.
These pet food brands are trusted by pet owners globally and are a testament to Mars’s commitment to enhancing the lives of pets and providing their owners with peace of mind regarding their pet’s health and well-being.
Food Brands
Beyond sweets and pet care, Mars has made significant strides in the general food market:
- Uncle Ben’s: Known for its quick and easy rice dishes, Uncle Ben’s has recently been rebranded to Ben’s Original. This change reflects Mars’s commitment to inclusivity and community outreach, promising the same beloved taste under a new, more equitable brand.
- Seeds of Change: This brand aligns with the growing consumer demand for organic and non-GMO food choices. Offering a range of products from ready-to-heat rice and grains to a variety of organic seeds, Seeds of Change also dedicates a portion of its profits to promoting sustainable organic farming practices worldwide.
These food brands exemplify Mars’s adaptation to consumer trends and its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Candy Varieties
Mars’s candy portfolio is diverse, encompassing a wide range of tastes and preferences:
- Chocolate: Beyond the mainstays, Mars produces seasonal and limited-edition chocolates that keep the brand fresh and exciting.
- Non-chocolate: This category includes fruity confections like Skittles and Starburst, offering a sweet alternative for those who might prefer something other than chocolate.
- Gum: Mars dominates the gum sector with brands like Orbit and Hubba Bubba, catering to those looking for sugar-free options or just a fun bubble-blowing experience.
The variety of candy products Mars offers ensures that it meets different consumer needs and remains competitive in a fast-paced market.
New Products
Continually innovating, Mars frequently introduces new products to meet evolving consumer tastes and preferences. Recent initiatives have focused on healthier options and sustainable packaging as Mars aims to align more closely with global sustainability goals and healthier lifestyle choices.
Discontinued Products
While innovation leads to new products, it also sometimes means discontinuing others. In the U.S., the original Mars Bar was phased out in favor of newer variations like the Snickers Almond. These decisions are often driven by changing consumer preferences and market dynamics.
Frequently Asked Question
Who owns Mars, Incorporated?
Mars, Incorporated is a giant in the confectionery, pet food, and other food products industry, wholly owned by the Mars family.
What are some of the most popular brands under Mars, Incorporated?
Some of the most beloved brands include M&M’s, Snickers, Twix, Skittles, Dove, Orbit, and Pedigree, to name just a few.
When was Mars, Incorporated founded, and who was its founder?
Mars was founded back in 1911 by Frank Mars, who started selling candy out of his kitchen in Tacoma, Washington.
What is Mars, Incorporated’s best-selling product?
Snickers holds the title for the world’s best-selling candy bar, a favorite treat since its introduction in 1930.
Does Mars, Incorporated have a mission or vision statement?
Yes, Mars aims to create mutual benefits for all stakeholders through its operations, striving to make a difference to people and the planet through its performance.
Is Mars, Incorporated considered a good place to work?
Absolutely! Mars has been recognized as a Best Place to Work in 2024, according to its current and former associates.
What values does Mars, Incorporated operate by?
Mars operates according to five principles deeply embedded in its culture: quality, responsibility, mutuality, efficiency, and freedom.
Has Mars, Incorporated faced any controversies?
Yes, the company has faced accusations related to relying on child labor for harvesting cocoa beans used in its products.
What efforts is Mars, Incorporated making towards sustainability?
Mars is committed to positively impacting the planet and population, with initiatives like investing $1 billion to build a new cocoa supply chain model centered on smallholder farmers.
What makes Mars, Incorporated’s approach to business unique?
Mars has been a family-owned business for over a century, focusing not just on profit but also on creating products and services that people and their pets love, while adhering to principles that ensure sustainable and ethical practices.
In Summary
Through both its candy and pet food brands, Mars has carved a niche in the global market, creating products that not only meet but exceed consumer expectations in terms of quality and satisfaction.
This strategic diversification has helped Mars sustain its market leadership and family-owned legacy, bringing joy to both humans and their pets worldwide.
