Mars, Inc.: From Candy Kitchen to Global Powerhouse

Mars, Incorporated is one of the world’s largest privately held companies, best known for its candy bars, chewing gum, and pet care products. It began humbly in 1911 when Frank C. Mars, taught candy making by his mother, started selling butter cream candies from his kitchen in Tacoma, Washington. Together with his second wife, Ethel V. Mars, he launched the Mars Candy Factory, laying the foundation for what would become a global powerhouse.

By the 1930s, the company was shaken by a family feud. Frank’s son, Forrest Mars, Sr., after disagreements with his father, moved to England where he established a separate candy company. While there, Forrest introduced innovations such as the Mars Bar and later developed the idea for M&M’s, which debuted in 1941 and went on to become one of the most popular candies in history. Today, more than 400 million M&M’s are produced daily in the United States alone.

The Mars family businesses eventually reunited, and under the leadership of Forrest E. Mars, Jr., John F. Mars, and Jacqueline Mars, the company expanded globally through the late 20th century. In 2001, management transitioned to non-family executives, though ownership remained within the Mars family, keeping it one of the largest family-owned firms in the world.

Mars has grown far beyond confectionery. The acquisition of Doane Petcare in 2007 positioned the company as a leader in the pet food industry, with brands like Pedigree, Whiskas, and Royal Canin. Its subsidiaries now include Mars Wrigley Confectionery, Petcare, Food, and Mars Edge, a life sciences division focused on nutrition. Mars also operates Ethel M Chocolates, a premium retail brand honoring Ethel Mars’s legacy.

Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Mars employs over 140,000 people in more than 80 countries. Despite its vast scale, the company emphasizes its “Five Principles”—quality, responsibility, mutuality, efficiency, and freedom—as guiding values.

Today, Jacqueline and John Mars, heirs to Forrest Sr.’s fortune, remain co-owners, each worth an estimated $24 billion. Mars continues to rank among the top privately held corporations in the United States, balancing tradition with innovation while expanding its influence in food, health, and pet care.
Mars, Inc.: From Candy Kitchen to Global Powerhouse

Mars Bar History

The Mars bar, with its rich history and enduring popularity, has solidified its status as a beloved treat in the UK since its introduction in 1932. Its journey, from the early days of Mr. Frank C. Mars' small chocolate factory in 1920s Chicago to the bustling Mars factory in Slough, where over three million bars are crafted daily, is a testament to its iconic status.

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