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History in the Making

For more than five generations, Mars has evolved to create products and services that people (and their pets) love. Our storied history began in a kitchen when two men discovered their passion for food and created beloved confections that stood the test of time. However, in the more than 100 years since, we’ve set our sights on also making a better life for people and pets alike. We're powered by science and the desire to be bold in order to create a better world for us all, today. As a family-owned, global business, we have the unique ability to have a big impact on the world. This also bestows us with the responsibility to make sure we do right by the many communities where we work and live — for the next hundred years and beyond.

Mars is, and always has been, a principles-led business. While we are proud of our past, we have our sights on the future. Everything we do is with a vision to contribute positively to the people and places that our business touches. And it’s not just all talk — we take action. Not only do we endeavor to help create and discover solutions for climate change, we are working toward making scientific leaps in pet nutrition and behavior, as well as finding new and innovative ways to feed the world. We are committed to being a leader who discovers and drives solutions to challenges that impact the world.

It’s a bold purpose, but our principles are backed by our actions. We have been in the business of diverse innovation for a long time, and we are confident that our work today will create the world we want tomorrow.

1880

1883 Frank C. Mars with dad Luther, mom Elva and sister Verna, Litchfield, MN, BW_2a

1883 Frank C. Mars with dad Luther, mom Elva and sister Verna, Litchfield, MN, BW_2a
1883
Mars
Mars Founder Is Born

Frank C. Mars is born in Glenwood, Pope County, Minnesota. As a young boy he contracts polio, which prevents him from being able to walk to school. His mother, Elva, teaches him his lessons in their kitchen and also teaches him how to hand-dip chocolate.

1890

1891_William Wrigley, Jr  1861-1932_3a

1891_William Wrigley, Jr  1861-1932_3a
1891
Mars Wrigley
William Wrigley Jr. Arrives in Chicago and Begins Sales Career

William Wrigley Jr. comes to Chicago in the spring of 1891. He is 29 years old, has $32 in his pocket and a great talent for sales. He starts out in the baking powder business, and one day Mr. Wrigley gets the idea to offer merchants free chewing gum with each can of baking powder. The rest is history.

Packages of Juicy Fruit® and Spearmint Chewing Gum from 1893.

Packages of Juicy Fruit® and Spearmint Chewing Gum from 1893.
1893
Mars Wrigley
Juicy Fruit and Spearmint Chewing Gums Debut

Juicy Fruit®, the oldest brand in the Wrigley family, was launched just a few months ahead of Wrigley’s Spearmint. Today, Juicy Fruit is the No. 1 fruit gum brand in the United States.

1900

1902_B_Family_05_5a

1902_B_Family_05_5a
1902
Mars
Frank C. Mars Marries

Frank C. Mars marries Ethel G. Kissack, a school teacher, in Minnesota. He has been selling Taylor’s Molasses Chips in Minnesota since he was 19.

Forrest E. Mars, Sr. in 1904 when he was an infant.

Forrest E. Mars, Sr. in 1904 when he was an infant.
1904
Mars
Forrest E. Mars, Sr. Is Born

Forrest Edward Mars, Sr., is born in Wadena, Minnesota

1910

ConfectioneryLanding_Section2_MarsHistory_2f_FPO

ConfectioneryLanding_Section2_MarsHistory_2f_FPO
1911
Mars
Mars Founder Creates and Sells Butter Cream Candy

Frank C. Mars starts making and selling butter cream candy from his kitchen in Tacoma, Washington.

A package of Doublemint® gum introduced in 1914.

A package of Doublemint® gum introduced in 1914.
1914
Mars Wrigley
Doublemint® introduced

The gum is originally advertised as having “Double Value” with "Double Strength Peppermint Flavor, Double Wrapped — Always Fresh and Clean.”

1920

AllAboutMars_Section4_1920frankcmarsyoungeryears_4a_FPO

AllAboutMars_Section4_1920frankcmarsyoungeryears_4a_FPO
1920
Mars
Mars Founder Begins First Candy Business

Frank C. Mars relocates to Minneapolis and finds room to grow. He starts a basket candies business, The Nougat House. It produces Patricia Chocolates, named after Frank and Veronica’s (Frank’s second wife) daughter.

The iconic Wrigley Building in Chicago from 1920.

The iconic Wrigley Building in Chicago from 1920.
1920
Mars Wrigley
Iconic Chicago Skyscraper Rises on Michigan Avenue

Construction begins on the historic Wrigley Building. A symbol of Chicago featured in countless articles, books, films and television programs, the historic Wrigley Building and its distinctive towers are an architectural favorite among Chicago's residents and visitors.

A Mars factory in 1922 that once held the MAR-O-BAR® Company.

A Mars factory in 1922 that once held the MAR-O-BAR® Company.
1922
Mars Wrigley
Business Grows to Include New MAR-O-BAR Candy

Frank introduces the MAR-O-BAR® to his candy range. Known as the MAR-O-BAR Company, Minneapolis, the company is doing business of less than $100,000 per year. Unfortunately, the MAR-O-BAR proves too delicate to stand up well under transportation.

1923_Early Slogan Milky Way_5a

1923_Early Slogan Milky Way_5a
1923
Mars Wrigley
Father and Son Collaborate and Launch New Candy Bar

MILKY WAY® Bar introduced. After getting the idea for a “malted milk in a candy bar” from a discussion with his son Forrest Sr., Frank creates the Milky Way bar in 1923. Its success leads to the hiring of a full-time sales staff.

1929_Chicago Factory_6a

1929_Chicago Factory_6a
1929
Mars
Mars Moves to Chicago

Mars relocates and opens a full-production plant in Chicago. Close to 200 Associates move with Mars. With a more centralized location and railroad access, business booms. This is also the year Frank’s only son, Forrest E. Mars, Sr., officially enters the family business.

1930

1930_1930's Snicker Ads 'candy at its best' and 'quality that you can taste'_2a

1930_1930's Snicker Ads 'candy at its best' and 'quality that you can taste'_2a
1930
Mars Wrigley
Mars Brings an Iconic Candy Bar to Market

The SNICKERS® brand is launched.

1932_Slough, UK Office_4a

1932_Slough, UK Office_4a
1932
Mars
Forrest E. Mars Sr. Moves to UK

In 1932, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of building a business based on the objective of creating a “mutuality of benefits for all stakeholders” — this objective serves as the foundation of Mars, Incorporated, today.

1932.3 3 Musketeers - Early-Edit_3a

1932.3 3 Musketeers - Early-Edit_3a
1932
Mars Wrigley
Americans Find 3 Musketeers® in Stores

3 MUSKETEERS® was introduced to the U.S. market to great success.

1934_Frank C. Mars, Founder_5a

1934_Frank C. Mars, Founder_5a
1934
Mars
Mars Founder Dies

On April 8, Frank C. Mars dies.

The inside of a U.K. factory producing CHAPPIE® canned dog food from 1935.

The inside of a U.K. factory producing CHAPPIE® canned dog food from 1935.
1935
Mars Petcare
Mars Adds First Petcare Business to Growing Portfolio

Mars enters the Petcare business by acquiring U.K.-based Chappell Brothers, Ltd., makers of CHAPPIE® canned dog food.

An advertisement from 1936 for chocolate candy Maltesers®.

An advertisement from 1936 for chocolate candy Maltesers®.
1936
Mars Wrigley
Longstanding Favorite Chocolate Candy Debuts

MALTESERS® chocolate balls introduced in Europe.

A 1939 billboard of the Doublemint® twins debut.

A 1939 billboard of the Doublemint® twins debut.
1939
Mars Wrigley
Doublemint Twins Debut

The Doublemint® twins have been part of one of the most successful and long-lasting advertising campaigns ever created. The distinctive billboard campaigns created in the late 1930s by Wrigley art director Otis Shepard fixed the Doublemint twins concept in the American imagination.

1939_Kit-e-Kat_1953 UK_8a

1939_Kit-e-Kat_1953 UK_8a
1939
Mars Petcare
Pet Products Expand With Cat Food

Cat food, KITEKAT®, is first advertised in the U.K.

Mars advertisement from 1939 bridging a local radio quiz show to a bar of the same name, Dr. IQ.

Mars advertisement from 1939 bridging a local radio quiz show to a bar of the same name, Dr. IQ.
1939
Mars Wrigley
Tying Candy to a Quiz Show

Mars experiments with the new advertising medium by sponsoring a local radio quiz show, Dr. IQ. The Mars Chicago plant temporarily manufactured a bar of the same name, an early example of tying product to advertising.

1940

Mars Wrigley factory from 1940 that established M&M Limited in Newark, New Jersey.

Mars Wrigley factory from 1940 that established M&M Limited in Newark, New Jersey.
1940
Mars Wrigley
Laying the Foundation for M&M’S®

Forrest E. Mars, Sr. returns to the United States and establishes M&M Limited in Newark, New Jersey.

Two packages of the first M&M’S® Plain Chocolate Candies.

Two packages of the first M&M’S® Plain Chocolate Candies.
1941
Mars Wrigley
The Life of the Lentils Begins

The first M&M’S® Plain Chocolate Candies are made for the U.S. Military.

1942_1940's UB ad front of billboard_3a

1942_1940's UB ad front of billboard_3a
1942
Mars Food
Rice Marks a New Mars Market

Mars enters the rice category and opens the first commercial rice parboiling plant in Houston, Texas, entering the food business. The company becomes known as Uncle Ben’s, Incorporated, in 1959.

2014_Wrigley RememberThisWrapper02.29.2012 picture_4a

2014_Wrigley RememberThisWrapper02.29.2012 picture_4a
1944
Unity With the Troops
Unity With the Troops

During World War II, Wrigley led an unusual move to support U.S. troops and protect the reputation of the company's brands. Because of wartime rationing, Wrigley could not make enough top-quality gum for everyone. Rather than compromise the high quality that people expected, the company took Wrigley's Spearmint®, Doublemint® and Juicy Fruit® off the civilian market and dedicated the entire output of these brands to the U.S. Armed Forces.

A tin of M&M’S® Plain Chocolate Candies from 1945.

A tin of M&M’S® Plain Chocolate Candies from 1945.
1945
Mars Wrigley
M&M’S® Makes Its Big Move

The M&M’S® brand is launched to the general public and grows to become a $1 billion global brand.

1950

1950_1942.08.11 Patent for M&M's_1a

1950_1942.08.11 Patent for M&M's_1a
1950
Mars Wrigley
A Stamp of Authenticity

The first Ms are printed on M&M’S® plain chocolate candies. To ensure consumers get the “real thing,” the slogan “Look for the M on every piece” is created.

A can of PAL® food for dogs wrapped in paper.

A can of PAL® food for dogs wrapped in paper.
1954
Mars Petcare
A New Food for Dogs in the UK

PAL® food for dogs is launched in the U.K. under the name MEET®. This is changed to PAL® in 1959.

A vending machine being installed for Mars confectionery vending business in 1955.

A vending machine being installed for Mars confectionery vending business in 1955.
1955
Mars Drinks
Drinks on Demand Expand the Business

Vendepac was established in Slough, England. This extended Mars into the confectionery vending business. They began installing vending machines in industrial and commercial sites. Eventually Vendepac was renamed Four Square, and subsequently, Mars Drinks.

Whiskas sRGB

Whiskas sRGB
1958
Mars Petcare
A New Brand for Cats in the UK

WHISKAS® Brand cat food was introduced in the U.K.

A M&M’S® plant in Hackettstown, New Jersey from 1958.

A M&M’S® plant in Hackettstown, New Jersey from 1958.
1958
Mars Wrigley
M&M’S® Drive Company Growth

The success of M&M’S® plain chocolate candies leads to the opening of a new plant in Hackettstown, New Jersey.

The Interior of the new Mars, Incorporated corporate office in Washington, D.C.

The Interior of the new Mars, Incorporated corporate office in Washington, D.C.
1959
Mars
Corporate Headquarters Relocate

Forrest E. Mars, Sr. moved the corporate office of Mars, Incorporated, from Newark, New Jersey, to Washington, D.C.

1960

1960_May 16, Daily Express Mars Bar ad, UK_1a

1960_May 16, Daily Express Mars Bar ad, UK_1a
1960
Mars Wrigley
New Slogan Differentiates Mars Bars

The advertising slogan, “A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play” is first used in the U.K.

1960 Pedigree CHUM ad, UK_3a

1960 Pedigree CHUM ad, UK_3a
1960
Mars Petcare
New UK Dog Food Brand Debuts

CHUM® dog food is launched in the U.K.

Joan and Jane Boyd, the first Doublemint® Twins first appear on television in 1960.

Joan and Jane Boyd, the first Doublemint® Twins first appear on television in 1960.
1960
Mars Wrigley
Doublemint Twins Take Center

Joan and Jane Boyd were the first Doublemint® Twins to appear on television, starring in commercials for four years until their retirement in 1964.

The first confectionery plant in Veghel, the Netherlands, UK in 1962

The first confectionery plant in Veghel, the Netherlands, UK in 1962
1962
Mars
Manufacturing Operations Expand in The Netherlands, UK

Forrest E. Mars, Jr. builds and manages the first confectionery plant in Veghel, the Netherlands. Mars Foods segment began manufacturing products in Kings Lynn, England, and marketing campaigns for pet food and other segments began in France and Sweden.

Mars peanut products being produced on a plant conveyor belt.

Mars peanut products being produced on a plant conveyor belt.
1964
Mars Wrigley
Mars Establishes High-Quality, Local Source of Peanuts

Mars, Incorporated, builds a site called Peanut Craftsmen in the heart of Albany, Georgia’s peanut belt to ensure a reliable source of high-quality nuts for SNICKERS® candy bars and M&M’S® peanut chocolate candies in the U.S.

Veterinarian working on a document beside a cat eating pet food.

Veterinarian working on a document beside a cat eating pet food.
1965
Mars Petcare
Pet Research Center Opens

The Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition is established in the U.K. to research the dietary needs and preferences of pets, helping to improve pet nutrition and health.

Pet food being manufactured at a Mars plant in Wodonga, Australia.

Pet food being manufactured at a Mars plant in Wodonga, Australia.
1967
Mars Petcare
Australia Plant Begins Pet Food Production

Pet food manufacturing began at Uncle Ben's of Australia in Wodonga, Australia.

Two different cans of Kal Kan pet food from 1968.

Two different cans of Kal Kan pet food from 1968.
1968
Mars Petcare
Mars Expands Pet Food Business into U.S. Market

Mars acquires Kal Kan Foods in Los Angeles, California, and begins its association with American dogs, cats and their owners.

1969_Forrest E. Mars, Sr. portrait by Douglas Glass_10a

1969_Forrest E. Mars, Sr. portrait by Douglas Glass_10a
1969
Mars
Pioneering Leader Retires

Forrest E. Mars, Sr. retires.

1970

1972_Kal Kan Vernon, CA  Profile of a Company 1982_1a

1972_Kal Kan Vernon, CA  Profile of a Company 1982_1a
1972
Mars Petcare
Kal Kan Production Begins at New Ohio Facility

Kal Kan began production at a new site in Columbus, Ohio, a central location for growth in the midwestern and eastern U.S. markets.

  A pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit® gum from 1972.

  A pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit® gum from 1972.
1974
Mars Wrigley
Bar Code Technology Begins with Juicy Fruit® Gum

In June 1974, a pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit® gum was the first product to be scanned with a bar code. This heralded a new era of automation in supermarket shopping. Since that first pack of gum, black and white bar codes, now well-known, have helped track the sales of billions of items.

Mars Associate working with an UNCLE BEN’S® rice product.

Mars Associate working with an UNCLE BEN’S® rice product.
1977
Mars Food
First European UNCLE BEN’S® Rice Mill Opens

The first European rice mill for UNCLE BEN’S® products was built in Olen, Belgium. In the same year the product launches in Brazil.

1980

Original Skittles Fruit Chew U.S. logo from 1981.

Original Skittles Fruit Chew U.S. logo from 1981.
1981
Mars Wrigley
Skittles Starts Manufacturing in U.S.

Skittles began manufacturing in the U.S. Originally produced in the U.K., Skittles was first imported to the U.S. in 1974. In 2009, Skittles was transferred to Wrigley.

Front entrance sign for the Mars Center for Cocoa Science in Bahia Brazil.

Front entrance sign for the Mars Center for Cocoa Science in Bahia Brazil.
1982
Mars
Mars Opens Cocoa Research Center

The Mars Center for Cocoa Science opens in Bahia, Brazil, with the goal of developing more sustainable cocoa varieties and farming techniques to improve the lives of cocoa farmers and ensure future cocoa supplies.

Aerial view of the Mars, Incorporated plant in Kings Lynn, England.

Aerial view of the Mars, Incorporated plant in Kings Lynn, England.
1982
Mars Food
Ready-to-Heat Rice Ready for Market

The first canned Ready to Heat rice for UNCLE BEN’S® begins production in Kings Lynn, England.

The Five Principles logo for Mars, Incorporated.

The Five Principles logo for Mars, Incorporated.
1983
Mars
Mars Prints ‘The Five Principles’

Mars publishes its first booklet on The Five Principles, which is distributed globally across the corporation.

1984_M&M's Sports Illustrated Olympics sponsor advertisement_8a

1984_M&M's Sports Illustrated Olympics sponsor advertisement_8a
1984
Mars Wrigley
Iconic Mars Brands Join Olympic Lineup

M&M’S® plain and peanut chocolate candies and SNICKERS® candy bar are announced as the “Official Snack Foods of the Olympic Games.”

1984_McLean Virginia Office pic_9a

1984_McLean Virginia Office pic_9a
1984
Mars
Mars Relocates to McLean, Virginia

The corporate office of Mars, Incorporated, moves into a custom-built, self-owned office space in McLean, Virginia.

A pack of Wrigley Extra® sugar-free gum in 1984.

A pack of Wrigley Extra® sugar-free gum in 1984.
1984
Mars Wrigley
Mars Launches First Sugar-Free Gum

Wrigley introduces Extra®, its first sugar-free gum in the United States.

Dolmio logo with illustrated character holding a plate of pasta.

Dolmio logo with illustrated character holding a plate of pasta.
1985
Mars Food
Mars Adds Pasta to Its Food Portfolio

Pasta offerings, including spaghetti, tortellini and ravioli, launch in Australia under the name ALORA®, later rebranded as Dolmio in Europe in 1986.

Two boxes of DoveBar frozen snacks from 1986.

Two boxes of DoveBar frozen snacks from 1986.
1986
Mars Wrigley
DoveBar Joins Product Lineup at Mars

Mars enters the frozen snack business through the acquisition of DoveBar International in the U.S.

Cesar Logo sRGB

Cesar Logo sRGB
1989
Mars Petcare
Cesar Officially Launches

CESAR® brand launches to the delight of hungry dogs across the world.

An advertisement for the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program in 1989.

An advertisement for the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program in 1989.
1989
Mars Wrigley
Wrigley Creates Oral Health Program

The Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program is established. The Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program partners with dental professionals worldwide, helping them improve their patients' oral health through one additional simple and enjoyable step: chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating and drinking.

Advertisement for M&M’S® chocolate candies being selected as the first candy in space.

Advertisement for M&M’S® chocolate candies being selected as the first candy in space.
1981
Mars Wrigley
Astronauts Choose M&M’S® for Shuttle Mission

Mars becomes the first candy in space when M&M’S® chocolate candies are chosen by the first space shuttle astronauts to be included in their food supply.

1990

Logo for the 1990 football World Cup in Italy.

Logo for the 1990 football World Cup in Italy.
1990
Mars Wrigley
Mars Bar® and M&M’S® Join the World Cup Squad

The MARS® candy bar and M&M’S® chocolate candies are announced as official sponsors of the football World Cup in Italy.

M&M’S® billboard in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

M&M’S® billboard in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
1991
Mars Wrigley
4 Mars Brands Available in CIS

More than 23 tons of SNICKERS®, MILKY WAY®, MARS® and RAIDER® candy bars go on sale for the first time in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Mars, Incorporated food sponsor advertisement for the 1992 Olympic Games.

Mars, Incorporated food sponsor advertisement for the 1992 Olympic Games.
1992
Mars
Mars Serves as Single Sponsor for the Olympic Games

Mars, Incorporated, becomes the single worldwide food sponsor of the 1992 Olympic Games.

Consumer at a grocery store grabbing a pack of M&M’S® in Beijing, China.

Consumer at a grocery store grabbing a pack of M&M’S® in Beijing, China.
1993
Mars Wrigley
Mars Opens First Facility in China

Mars China opens its first manufacturing facility in Beijing, China, manufacturing DOVE® brand chocolate with fruit and nuts.

Banfield_Horiz_Tag_CMYK_2016

Banfield_Horiz_Tag_CMYK_2016
1994
Mars Petcare
Mars Purchases First Shares in Banfield® Pet Hospital

Mars invests in its first shares of Banfield® Pet Hospital.

1995_Pedigree, russian copy_5a

1995_Pedigree, russian copy_5a
1995
Mars Petcare
Pet Food Available in Russia

A whole new nation of pet lovers and their pets benefit from PEDIGREE® dog food followed by WHISKAS® cat food as Mars pet food moves into Russia.

EdgeLandingPage_Section4_CocoaFlavanolResearch_4c_FPO

EdgeLandingPage_Section4_CocoaFlavanolResearch_4c_FPO
1995
Mars
Scientists Publish Cocoa Flavanol Research

Mars, Incorporated scientists publish their first paper on COCOA Flavanol measurement.

New York City’s Empire State Building lit in M&M’S® new blue color candy.

New York City’s Empire State Building lit in M&M’S® new blue color candy.
1995
Mars Wrigley
Empire State Building Unveils New Blue M&M’S® Arrival

Over 11 million M&M’S fans voiced their choice — and a solid majority backed blue. The new hue edged out pink and purple to replace the tan M&M’S Chocolate Candies in the U.S. To honor this momentous occasion, the lights at the iconic Empire State Building in New York City heralded BLUE’s arrival.

Aerial view from 1982 of the Mars, Incorporated plant in Kings Lynn, England.

Aerial view from 1982 of the Mars, Incorporated plant in Kings Lynn, England.
1995
Mars Food
Salsa Debuts in UK

A range of UNCLE BEN’S® salsa dips launches in the U.K. as a new food factory opens in the Netherlands

The front advertisement and ingredients to a WHISKAS® cat food package.

The front advertisement and ingredients to a WHISKAS® cat food package.
1995
Mars Petcare
Two Brands of Pet Food Available in China

PEDIGREE® dog food followed by WHISKAS® cat food are introduced to pet lovers in China, as production commences in Huairou.

1998_SOC100% certified organic Food Products list, US_11a

1998_SOC100% certified organic Food Products list, US_11a
1998
Mars Food
Mars Finds Organic Food Opportunity With Acquisition

Mars enters the organic food business with the purchase of Seeds of Change

Forrest. E. Mars, Sr. at the age of 96.

Forrest. E. Mars, Sr. at the age of 96.
1999
Mars
Creative and Innovative Business Leader Dies

Forrest E. Mars, Sr. dies at the age of 96 in Miami, Florida.

2000

2000 M&M Capsule Millennium_2a

2000 M&M Capsule Millennium_2a
2000
Mars Wrigley
M&M’S® Kicks Off Y2K

M&M’S® chocolate candies become “The Official Candy of the New Millennium.” MM is the Roman numeral for 2000

EBLY® logo and a French-based company.

EBLY® logo and a French-based company.
2000
Mars Food
Mars Buys French Food Company

Mars buys EBLY®, a manufacturer of wheat-based products in France

Three different colored packages of Orbit® gum.

Three different colored packages of Orbit® gum.
2001
Mars Wrigley
Popular Gum Brand Enters U.S. Market

Already a top-selling brand across Europe, the launch of Orbit® gum in the U.S. was a huge success.

The ROYAL CANIN® logo and a man with his golden retriever.

The ROYAL CANIN® logo and a man with his golden retriever.
2002
Mars Petcare
Royal Canin® Joins Pet Food Portfolio

Mars expands its pet business with the acquisition of ROYAL CANIN®, a French pet food company.

Mars Symbioscience logo on an office wall.

Mars Symbioscience logo on an office wall.
2005
Mars
Launch of Global Health and Life Sciences Business

Mars Symbioscience launches as an incubator of health business ideas and focuses on plantcare, dog genetics and cocoa flavanols.

Four individual packages of Altoids®, Life Savers®, Creme Savers® and Sugus®.

Four individual packages of Altoids®, Life Savers®, Creme Savers® and Sugus®.
2005
Mars Wrigley
Iconic Confectionary Brands Join Portfolio

In June 2005, Wrigley added the Altoids®, Life Savers®, Creme Savers® and Sugus® brands to its expanding portfolio of confectionery products.

Packages of American Heritage Chocolate on shelving.

Packages of American Heritage Chocolate on shelving.
2006
Mars Wrigley
Mars Creates Heritage Line of Chocolate

Fashioned off an ingredient list from 1750, American Heritage Chocolate is an authentically historic chocolate made from ingredients available in the 18th century. It’s sold exclusively at fine gift shops at historic sites, museums, historic inns in the U.S., Canada and online

Mars Brand Logos Web Petcare Greenies Small

Mars Brand Logos Web Petcare Greenies Small
2006
Mars Petcare
GREENIES™ Joins Product Lineup

Mars adds GREENIES™ to its portfolio.

Logo for WISDOM PANEL® HEALTH canine DNA tests.

Logo for WISDOM PANEL® HEALTH canine DNA tests.
2007
Mars Petcare
Mars Launches Canine DNA Test

Mars Veterinary launches first WISDOM PANEL ® HEALTH canine DNA tests.

Nutro Products, Inc adult dog food packaging.

Nutro Products, Inc adult dog food packaging.
2007
Mars Petcare
Mars Acquires Natural Pet Food Company

Mars enters the natural pet food segment with the acquisition of Nutro Products, Inc.

Banfield Pet hospital veterinarian petting a cat.

Banfield Pet hospital veterinarian petting a cat.
2007
Mars Petcare
Mars Purchases Stake in Banfield® Pet Hospital

Mars acquires ownership stake in Banfield® Pet Hospital.

Child under 12 years of age drinking from a blue cup.

Child under 12 years of age drinking from a blue cup.
2007
Mars
Mars Leads Effort to Stop Advertising to Children

Mars establishes the Mars Marketing Code and becomes the first food company to voluntarily stop advertising food and snack products to children under 12 years of age.

A package of 5® sugarfree gum called “Cobalt.”

A package of 5® sugarfree gum called “Cobalt.”
2007
Mars Wrigley
Wrigley Sells First Envelope Package for Gum

5® Gum makes its U.S. debut. The gum is sold in a slick 15-stick envelope package, a first for the gum category.

Extra® and Orbit® sugar-free gum inside a dentist white coat pocket ADA Accepted logo.

Extra® and Orbit® sugar-free gum inside a dentist white coat pocket ADA Accepted logo.
2007
Mars Wrigley
ADA Awards Sugar-Free Chewing Gum Seal of Acceptance

The American Dental Association awarded its Seal of Acceptance to chewing gum for the first time, recognizing sugar-free Orbit®, Extra® and Eclipse® as beneficial to oral health. Today, the FDI World Dental Federation and approximately 20 national dental associations worldwide recognize the oral care benefits of chewing sugar-free gum.

UTZ CERTIFIED logo with cocoa pods.

UTZ CERTIFIED logo with cocoa pods.
2008
Mars Wrigley
Mars Joins Movement for Sustainable Cocoa

Mars joins UTZ CERTIFIED “Good Inside Cocoa Program” to create global certification standards for sustainably grown cocoa in West Africa.

Blue pack of Wrigley Orbit® gum with 14 tabs.

Blue pack of Wrigley Orbit® gum with 14 tabs.
2008
Mars Wrigley
Mars Acquires Largest Chewing Gum Company

Mars becomes the world’s leading gum manufacturer with the acquisition of the William Wrigley, Jr. Company.

A large tray of SHEBA® cat food.

A large tray of SHEBA® cat food.
2009
Mars Petcare
Mars Unveils First LEED-Certified Petfood Facility in Arkansas

Mars Petcare opens the doors to the first LEED Certified pet food manufacturing facility in the world.

Signage for the “Sustainable Cocoa Clinic” in Des Kambori Kec. Bupon Kab. Luwu.

Signage for the “Sustainable Cocoa Clinic” in Des Kambori Kec. Bupon Kab. Luwu.
2009
Mars
Mars Prioritizes Sustainable Cocoa Farming

Mars is the first global chocolate company to commit to fundamentally changing the way sustainable cocoa farming practices are advanced by aiming to certify its entire cocoa supply as being produced in a sustainable manner by 2020.

DOVE® Promises Dark Chocolate with front-of-pack nutrition labeling.

DOVE® Promises Dark Chocolate with front-of-pack nutrition labeling.
2009
Mars
Prominent Nutrition Information Appears on All Packaging

Mars is the first confectionery company to launch front-of-pack nutrition labeling globally.

A Mars Associate wearing safety gear working on solar panels.

A Mars Associate wearing safety gear working on solar panels.
2009
Mars
Mars Announces Sustainability Commitments

Mars announces its commitment to make its operations Sustainable in a Generation (zero carbon, water and waste impact from its operations by 2040).

2010

Palm oil fruit with multicolor berries.

Palm oil fruit with multicolor berries.
2010
Mars
Mars Makes Strong Commitment to Sustainable Sourcing

Mars commits to source 100 percent of its palm oil from certified sources by 2015, and 100 percent of fish and seafood products from sustainable sources by 2020.

A collection of cocoa pods growing on a cocoa tree.

A collection of cocoa pods growing on a cocoa tree.
2010
Mars
Mars Publishes Early Cocoa Genome Sequencing Results

Mars shares preliminary results of its efforts to sequence the cocoa genome to help develop cocoa varieties that are higher yielding, more robust and resistant to drought and disease, which will help cocoa farmers earn a better living.

2010_GoodnessKnowsDSC_2871_4a

2010_GoodnessKnowsDSC_2871_4a
2010
Mars Food
Mars Introduces Snack Squares in U.S.

GoodnessKNOWS®, luscious snack squares in three flavors, launched in the U.S.

Mars Associates during the opening of Mars Saudi Arabia at King Abdullah Economic City.

Mars Associates during the opening of Mars Saudi Arabia at King Abdullah Economic City.
2014
Mars
Mars Opens First Factory in Saudi Arabia

Mars Saudi Arabia opens its first chocolate factory at King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh and is the first factory to meet LEED Gold Standard in Saudi Arabia.

Mars advertisement written in Dutch in Veghel, the Netherlands.

Mars advertisement written in Dutch in Veghel, the Netherlands.
2014
Mars
Water Processing Plant Opens

Mars in Veghel, the Netherlands, opens first anaerobic Methane Wastewater treatment on the European continent which processes water up to 99 percent pure.

2014 Topeka, KS opening_2a

2014 Topeka, KS opening_2a
2014
Mars Wrigley
Mars Opens First U.S. Chocolate Plant in 35 Years

Mars Chocolate opens its first U.S. manufacturing site in 35 years in Topeka, Kansas.

A wind turbine from a wind farm in Lamesa, Texas.

A wind turbine from a wind farm in Lamesa, Texas.
2014
Mars
Wind Farm Opens in Texas

Mars opens a wind farm the size of Paris in Lamesa, Texas. The wind farm is estimated to produce enough power to power all Mars U.S. sites.

2014 IAMS OPTION 2_8a

2014 IAMS OPTION 2_8a
2014
Mars Petcare
Mars Acquires 3 Popular Pet Food Brands

Mars acquires IAMS, Ekanuba and Natura brands in North America, Latin America and other selected countries.

Mars Global Food Safety Center logo in Huairou, China.

Mars Global Food Safety Center logo in Huairou, China.
2015
Mars
Food Safety Standards Research Center Opens

Mars Global Food Safety Center opens in Huairou, China, a first-of-its-kind facility for precompetitive research, training and collaboration that aims to raise global food safety standards.

2015 Zero landfill waste pic option 1_13a

2015 Zero landfill waste pic option 1_13a
2015
Mars Wrigley
Australian Production Site Reaches Zero-Waste Milestone

Mars Chocolate Australia became the final Mars chocolate production site to reach the 2015 Sustainable in a Generation zero landfill waste milestone.

2013 CocoaVia capsule_6a

2013 CocoaVia capsule_6a
2015
Mars Symbioscience
COCOAVIA™ expands to the UK and Ireland

Mars’ Cocoapro®-processed cocoa extract approved as a novel food ingredient in the EU, enabling the launch of COCOAVIA™ capsules in the U.K. and Ireland in early 2017.

BluePearl Logo

BluePearl Logo
2015
Mars Petcare
Mars Adds BLUEPEARL®, PET PARTNERS™ to Veterinary Services Business

Mars Petcare expands high-quality veterinary care with acquisition of BLUEPEARL® and PET PARTNERS™.

Collage of brand names under Mars Wrigley.

Collage of brand names under Mars Wrigley.
2016
Mars Wrigley
Mars Reveals New Segment for Confectionery

Mars announces it will combine Chocolate and Wrigley segments to create Mars Wrigley.

2016_Option_for_Turin Chocolate_15a

2016_Option_for_Turin Chocolate_15a
2016
Mars Wrigley
Turin Chocolate Brands Join Mars Portfolio

Mars acquires Turin Chocolates in Mexico with iconic brands Conejos, Exoticas, Huevitos, Cerezas and Turin Specialty Chocolates.

Two M&M'S® commercial stills representing their 75th anniversary.

Two M&M'S® commercial stills representing their 75th anniversary.
2016
Mars Wrigley
M&M'S® Turns 75

Mars celebrates the 75th anniversary of its iconic brand M&M'S®

Whistle_Logo_2C_RGB

Whistle_Logo_2C_RGB
2016
Mars Petcare
WHISTLE® Joins Mars Family

Mars adds WHISTLE®, producers of smart dog collars with GPS trackers, to the Mars Petcare family.

Moy Wind Farm -- Scotland (3)

Moy Wind Farm -- Scotland (3)
2016
Mars
New Wind Farm Opens in Scotland

New Moy wind farm in Scotland will power the equivalent of all Mars U.K. factories and offices as Mars Takes Another Step on the “Path to Zero” Greenhouse Gas Emissions from operations.

Businessman and philanthropist, Forrest E. Mars, Jr.

Businessman and philanthropist, Forrest E. Mars, Jr.
2016
Mars
Visionary Mars Leader Dies

Forrest E. Mars, Jr., businessman and philanthropist, passes away at 84.

Wrigleys-6676

Wrigleys-6676
2017
Mars Wrigley
Mars Wrigley Foundation Celebrates 30 Years of Giving

Since it was established in 1987, the Mars Wrigley Foundation has impacted millions of people around the world and awarded more than $70 million (USD). Its mission is to improve the health of people and our planet through initiatives focused on oral health, environmental stewardship and local needs that ensure healthy communities.

MARS Factory 123

MARS Factory 123
2017
Mars
Launch of AdvanceMint™ (known as Shubh Mint™ in India)

Mars Wrigley launches AdvanceMint™ (Shubh Mint™) to boost income and climate resiliency for mint farmers.

Sustainable in a Generation Plan lockup RGB White

Sustainable in a Generation Plan lockup RGB White
2017
Mars
Mars Launches All-Encompassing Sustainability Plan

Mars unveils its “Sustainable in a Generation Plan” and commits to invest $1 billion to tackle urgent threats facing our business and the society we operate in —– threats like climate change, poverty in our value chain and a scarcity of resources.

Five women who work on smallholder farms.

Five women who work on smallholder farms.
2017
Mars
Mars Announces Plan to Address Smallholder Farmer Income Issues

Mars launches Farmer Income Lab to tackle issue of smallholder farmer income.

CRAVE_LOGO_NO-TAG_REVERSE

CRAVE_LOGO_NO-TAG_REVERSE
2017
Mars Petcare
Mars Rolls Out CRAVE™ Globally

Mars Petcare launches CRAVE™, a dog and cat food brand crafted from high-quality animal protein and no grains.

Logo for petcare company, VCA®.

Logo for petcare company, VCA®.
2017
Mars Petcare
VCA® Joins Mars Petcare Roster of Companies

Mars Completes Acquisition of VCA Inc. VCA® becomes part of Mars Petcare.

Logo for Mars Edge, a Mars, Incorporated business segment.

Logo for Mars Edge, a Mars, Incorporated business segment.
2017
Mars
Mars Edge is Created

Mars creates new business segment focused on human health and wellness through targeted nutrition.

OurHistory_Section2_TastyBiteLogo_22a_FPO

OurHistory_Section2_TastyBiteLogo_22a_FPO
2017
Mars Food
Mars Adds Tasty Bite® to Its Product List

Mars Food gains majority stake in Tasty Bite® under Preferred Brands International acquisition.

Mars Brand Logos Web Confectionery Kind Small

Mars Brand Logos Web Confectionery Kind Small
2017
Mars Wrigley
Mars Acquires Stake in KIND®

Mars acquires minority stake in the snack bar company KIND®.

mdd_logo_color_1200

mdd_logo_color_1200
2018
Mars Petcare
Genoscoper Laboratories Acquired by Mars Petcare

Mars Petcare acquires Genoscoper Laboratories to accelerate innovation in pet genetics and healthcare.

Pet Dexter

Pet Dexter
2018
Mars Petcare
The Companion Fund Launches

Mars Petcare starts a venture fund called The Companion Fund to back pet -technology, products and services.

Pet owner and his dog gazing out into the distance.

Pet owner and his dog gazing out into the distance.
2018
Mars Petcare
Linnaeus Joins Mars Petcare

Linnaeus, a leading U.K. provider of Veterinary Services joins the Mars Petcare portfolio.

OurHistory_Section2_MarsPetcareAcquiresAnicura_31a

OurHistory_Section2_MarsPetcareAcquiresAnicura_31a
2018
Mars Petcare
Mars Petcare Acquires AniCura

Mars Petcare completes the acquisition of AniCura animal hospitals and clinics.

Two lions nudging one another.

Two lions nudging one another.
2018
Mars
Lion’s Share Fund

Mars signs on as founding partner of the United Nation’s Development Programme’s “Lion’s Share Fund” to tackle crisis in wildlife conservation and animal welfare.

Cocoa Pods -- Ecuador (2)

Cocoa Pods -- Ecuador (2)
2018
Mars
Cocoa for Generations

Mars launches new Cocoa for Generations plan, intending to lead the way and invite the cocoa sector to partner in a new approach to increase farmer income, help safeguard children and forests today, and create a pathway for cocoa farmers, their families and communities to thrive.

Coffee_Beans

Coffee_Beans
2018
Mars Drinks
Mars Sells Drinks Business

Mars sells Drinks Business to Lavazza.