Mars Inc., the global food, candy and pet care company with a major presence in Hackettstown, has been named one of America’s most trusted companies by Forbes for the second consecutive year, climbing 23 spots in the annual rankings.
The company announced Thursday, Oct. 22, that it ranked No. 17 on Forbes’ Most Trusted Companies in America 2027 list, up from No. 40 in the 2026 rankings.
The annual list recognizes 300 companies nationwide and evaluates trust using several measures, including employee sentiment, consumer trust, financial performance, business trajectory, media sentiment and workforce stability.
Mars, which produces popular brands including M&M’S, Skittles, Cheez-It, Ben’s Original, Royal Canin and Pedigree, said the recognition reflects its long-term commitment to employees, consumers and the communities where it operates.
“For 115 years, our brands have driven excitement and fostered a sense of connection through shared experiences,” said Anton Vincent, President of Mars Snacking North America and Global Ice Cream – a division of Mars, Incorporated. “Our Associates feel a responsibility to continue serving our consumers, which is why as a company, we think in generations. We invest in our Associates, in innovation, and in the people and pets in communities where we work and operate because we want to be there for families and communities for generations to come. Being named to Forbes’ list for the second consecutive year is a meaningful recognition of that work.”
Founded in a family kitchen in Tacoma, Washington, 115 years ago, Mars has grown into a global snacking, food and pet care company while remaining privately held and family-owned. The company employs approximately 80,000 people in the United States and operates 53 factories, research laboratories and offices nationwide, along with more than 2,000 veterinary clinics and hospitals.
Mars has maintained a significant presence in Hackettstown, Warren County, where its M&M’S operations have long been part of the local business community.
The company also highlighted several milestones involving its brands, including Juicy Fruit becoming the first packaged product scanned using a Universal Product Code barcode in 1974, M&M’S becoming the first candy in space in 1981 and Snickers launching its “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” advertising campaign in 2010.
Beyond its food and candy products, Mars said its community programs and partnerships are intended to support families, pet owners and people with disabilities.
Its Better Cities for Pets program has supported efforts to create more pet-friendly communities in more than 200 cities nationwide since 2017. The company’s Eukanuba brand has also served as the exclusive dog food partner of Canine Companions for more than 35 years, supporting service dogs that assist children, adults and veterans with disabilities.
Mars also pointed to a recent partnership between Ben’s Original and baseball player Ben Rice that helped provide access to more than 500,000 meals for children facing hunger through the nonprofit organization No Kid Hungry.
The company has continued investing in its U.S. operations, including a previously announced commitment to invest $2 billion in American manufacturing through 2026. Mars said those investments are intended to strengthen its production capabilities and support long-term growth in its largest market.
Earlier this year, Mars was also recognized by Glassdoor as one of the Best Places to Work in the United States, ranking sixth among 100 companies on its main list. The company also earned the top position on Glassdoor’s inaugural Best Places to Work in Manufacturing and Energy list.
The latest Forbes recognition marks the second consecutive year Mars has appeared on the Most Trusted Companies in America list, with its ranking improving from 40th to 17th.
Additional information about the rankings is available on Forbes’ Most Trusted Companies in America website.
