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From its early beginnings, Mars, Incorporated has been guided by its founding family’s values. The Five Principles of Mars – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom – give purpose and direction to our business and make us unique as a company.
Nearly a century’s experience has taken us from fresh-made candy in a Washington kitchen to worldwide distribution of global brands.
As a leader in cocoa science in the industry's global effort for cocoa sustainability and an innovator in cocoa knowledge, Mars is making a positive difference for cocoa farmers and their families around the world.
We challenge our associates to use The Five Principles to guide the impact we have every day.
We have a responsibility to build a business that is sustainable for generations to come.
We recognize that, as one of the world’s largest food companies, our actions have a significant impact upon people we touch and precious natural resources.
Our Principles in Action bring our Principles to life... strengthening our company’s performance by making a positive difference towards people and the planet.
By putting Our Principles in Action we are applying values that are constant to a world in constant change.
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The "secret" to our success is, in fact, no secret at all. Find out more.
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As a child, with a mild case of polio and unable to play outside, his mother, Alva, teaches him how to hand dip chocolate.
Frank C. Mars and his second wife, Ethel rent their first candy factory, the Mars Candy Factory, where they employ 125 people.
In September 1923, after three years of research, the MILKY WAY® candy bar is introduced. The first advertising is “A Chocolate Malted Milk in a Candy Bar.”
The SNICKERS® Bar is introduced and sold for 2¢.
Wrigley introduces the DOUBLEMINT® Twins concept.
M&M’S® Plain Chocolate Candies are introduced hand packed in a paper tube to sell in warm weather.”
The first M’s are printed on M&M’S Plain Chocolate Candies The slogan “Look for the M on every piece” is created.
M&M’S Peanut Chocolate Candies are brought to the market.
Wrigley’s first cinnamon gum is introduced. BIG RED® has been a consumer favorite since 1987.
All senior/general managers worldwide meet in Easton, Maryland and formalize The Five Principles.
Mars becomes the first candy in space when M&M’S are chosen by the first space shuttle astronauts to be included in their food supply.
A range of cooking sauce under the name UNCLE BEN'S® is launched in the U.S. and the rice brand celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Royal Canin Petfoods is purchased by Mars and this leading French brand of nutritional petfood is introduced globally.
FLAVIA® wellbeing range is introduced to restore natural balance, featuring caffeine-free herbal teas including Lemon Calm, Herb Red.
Wrigley Acquisition expands Mars portfolio of brands to include : JUICY FRUIT®, ALTOIDS®, ORBIT®, EXTRA®, LIFE® and DOUBLEMINT.
Mars launches Our Principles in Action objective to guide its impact on people, planet and performance.
