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Mars, Inc. is a legendary confectionary empire that has been around for more than a century and is now a global leader in the industry. Founded in 1911 by Frank Clarence Mars and his wife Ethel, the company has grown from a small family business to a multibillion-dollar empire.
In this article, we will explore the story of Mars, Inc., from its early days to its current status as an industry leader.
Introduction to Mars, Inc.
Mars, Inc. is an American company headquartered in McLean, Virginia, and one of the world's largest manufacturers of confectionery, pet food, and other food products, with operations in over 100 countries and annual sales of more than $40 billion. This company produces a number of well-known products, including the Mars Bar, M&Ms, Snickers, Twix, Skittles, and Starburst.
The Early Days of Mars, Inc.
Believe it or not, but the global leader in the production and distribution of chocolate and other confectionery products started off making chocolates in their kitchen in Tacoma, Washington.
In the early days of the company, Mars produced a variety of chocolate products, including chocolate bars, chocolate coatings, and chocolate sprinkles. At first, the company focused on making high-quality chocolate products with only the best ingredients. It gained a reputation for making some of the best chocolate in the world very quickly.
In the 1920s, Mars began to expand its product line to include other confectionery products, including gummy candies and sugar-free gum. The company also started to put money into research and development, which helped it come up with new and better products.
In 1929, the company moved its operations to Slough, England, and in 1932, the Mars Bar was introduced to the UK market. In 1935, Mars, Inc. expanded its operations to Canada and Mexico, and in the following years, the company set up factories in many European countries.
In the 1940s, Mars, Inc. started to produce pet food and introduced the iconic M&M's candy in 1941. M&M's have become one of the most popular confectionery products in the world, with over 100 countries selling them. In 1964, Mars, Inc. acquired the rights to the Milky Way bar from the Hershey Company, and in 1969, the company introduced the Snickers bar.
The Meteoric Rise of Mars, Inc.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Mars Inc. continued to expand its operations and acquired several other companies, including the Wrigley Company, the maker of chewing gum, and Uncle Ben's brand of rice. In the 1980s, the company also started to produce ice cream bars, such as the DoveBar and the Twix bar. In 1984, the company introduced the Mars Bar in the United States, and in the following years, it started to produce other products, such as Skittles, Starburst, and Dove chocolate.
In addition to its confectionery products, Mars, Inc. has also been involved in the pet food industry. In the 1990s, the company acquired the Iams pet food company and has since become a major player in the industry. The company has also developed a range of pet food products, such as the Whiskas and Pedigree brands.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Mars, Inc. continued to expand its operations and acquired several other companies, including the Iams pet food company and the Wrigley gum company. The company also continued to develop new products, such as M&M's Crispy and M&M's Peanut Butter. In 2008, Mars Inc. entered the Chinese market, and in the following years, the company opened factories in many other countries in Asia.
The Mars Family Dynasty
Since its founding, the Mars family has been at the helm of the company and has played a crucial role in its success. The company is now owned and operated by the third generation of the Mars family, and the family is still involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. The current chairman and CEO of Mars Inc. is Grant F. Reid, who has been with the company since 1994.
The Mars Family Scandal
In 2018, the Mars family was the subject of a major scandal when the US government accused the family of evading taxes. The scandal was a major blow to the company's reputation, and its stock price fell sharply. However, the company was quick to respond, and it reached a settlement with the US government. Since then, the company has been putting a lot of effort into regaining its good name and public image.
How Mars Inc. is Innovating
Mars Inc. has been at the forefront of innovation in the confectionery industry. In the 1950s, the company introduced the iconic M&M's, which have become one of the most popular confectionery products in the world.
In addition to its iconic chocolate and candy brands, the Mars company is also committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The company has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including reducing its energy and water usage, and it has also made significant investments in cocoa farmer training and development programs in cocoa-growing regions around the world.
The Mars family has also given away millions of dollars to good causes and employs more than 1.3 million people in more than 70 countries.
The Mars chocolate empire is a global leader in the production and distribution of chocolate and other confectionery products, and it has played a significant role in shaping the way that people all over the world enjoy chocolate and candy.
