Mars is marking 115 years since founder Frank C. Mars began making and selling buttercream candies from his home kitchen in Tacoma, Washington, a small operation that grew into a global company with about 170,000 employees and more than 130 brands.
Five generations after its founding, Mars remains family-owned and operates across more than 3,600 sites worldwide. Its businesses now span pet food, veterinary care, science and diagnostics, snacking, and food and nutrition.
The company traces its beginnings to 1911, when Frank C. Mars started making candy in his Tacoma kitchen. That early confectionery business eventually developed into a portfolio that includes M&M’S, Ben’s Original, Extra, Pedigree and Royal Canin.
“Our 115-year history reflects the enduring power of our values and the long-term perspective that comes with being family-owned,” said Poul Weihrauch, CEO of Mars, Incorporated. “For generations, Mars has grown by evolving with the needs of people and pets while staying true to the principles that define who we are. As we look ahead, we remain focused on helping to create a better world for people, pets and the planet.”
Mars said its approach to business has been shaped in part by the concept of mutual benefit outlined by Forrest Mars Sr. in the 1940s.
The company’s Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — were formally established in 1980. Mars says the principles continue to guide its business decisions and operations.
Over the decades, the company has expanded beyond its roots in candy and other food products.
Its operations now include pet nutrition brands, veterinary services and diagnostic businesses in addition to its global snacking and food portfolio. The company has also continued its expansion through acquisitions, including its recent acquisition of Kellanova.
The Kellanova deal added another collection of well-known food brands to Mars’ portfolio and represented another major step in the company’s growth beyond the candy business started by Frank C. Mars more than a century ago.
Mars said it plans to continue investing across its businesses while focusing on consumers, pet owners and environmental sustainability as it enters its next generation of growth.
More information about the company’s history is available on the Mars website.
