Mr. Frank C. Mars, the visionary behind the Milky Way chocolate bar, started his candy venture from home in the 1920s, setting the stage for a legacy that would shape the confectionery industry. His son, Forrest Edward Mars, joined the family business, marking the beginning of a collaboration that would span over a decade.
However, after 12 years of working side by side, a rift emerged between father and son. To resolve the conflict, Mr. Mars made a decisive move – he provided Forrest with $5,000 and granted him the international rights to produce Milky Way. This decision led Forrest to venture to the UK, marking the inception of his candy enterprise.
Upon arriving in the UK in May 1932, Forrest E. Mars introduced a groundbreaking creation – the Mars bar. Renting a modest facility in Slough, he officially registered the company as Mars Confections Ltd. With a team of 12 employees, Forrest embarked on the production of the inaugural Mars bar, a momentous occasion that occurred by hand on August Bank Holiday Monday.
In June of the same year, the Mars bar trademark was officially registered, signifying the establishment of a brand that would endure for decades. The factory swiftly became fully operational, and in 1940, Forrest E. Mars founded the Mars Corporation. The focus shifted to creating chocolate candies with a sugar shell, designed to withstand year-round sales without succumbing to the challenges posed by summer heat.
The resilience of Mars bar production was evident even during the tumultuous times of World War II, as it continued to supply Allied armed forces with this sweet delight. By the early 1970s, Mars's candy business had reached remarkable heights, boasting about $200 million in the United States and an additional $55 million in Britain.
The Mars bar's history is not just a narrative of confectionery success; it encapsulates the spirit of innovation, perseverance, and adaptability that has kept this iconic treat a staple in the hearts and taste buds of consumers for nearly a century. From its humble beginnings in a small Chicago factory to the bustling production lines in Slough, the Mars bar remains a symbol of sweet success and enduring delight.
Mars Bar History
