"As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, we are celebrating more than just our heritage — we are celebrating our future," said Vincent. "Mars is deeply woven into the fabric of American life, and today, our 80,000+ U.S.-based Associates are driving the next generation of snacking, food and petcare. By continuing to invest in local manufacturing, advanced research and resilient supply chains, we are ensuring that Mars remains a joyful, trusted part of daily life for the next 250 years and beyond."
Shaping American Culture Across Generations
This year, the company is celebrating 115 years since the Mars journey began. That legacy started in 1911 when founder Frank C. Mars began selling candy from his Tacoma, Washington, kitchen. Mars then expanded into the food and petcare industries in the U.S. with brands like Converted Rice (now Ben’s Original™) in 1942 and Kal Kan (now PEDIGREE®) in 1968. Since then, Mars brands have been present during key historical milestones — from M&M’S being served in rations to U.S. service members during World War II to Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit® becoming the first packaged good ever to be scanned with a UPC barcode in 1974. Mars has shaped American pop culture for more than a century through iconic campaigns for snacks like SNICKERS® “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” and culturally events like introducing the first edible mascot at the Pop-Tarts® Bowl. Beyond the U.S., Mars has proven to be a global force delivering moments of happiness to consumers in more than 170 markets. Through it all, Mars has stayed true to its Purpose: that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. By thinking in generations, the family-owned business ensures its growth and social purpose go hand in hand, helping to create a positive impact globally.
A Robust American Foundation Fueling the Future
Today, more than 130 brands are part of the Mars business, which is globally headquartered in McLean, VA, and supported by a domestic manufacturing and service footprint. In the U.S. alone, Mars operates 53 factories, research labs and offices in addition to over 2,000 veterinary clinics and hospitals. The company employs over 80,000 U.S. Associates, and 94% of Mars products sold in the U.S. are manufactured domestically. Through its iconic brands, Mars continues to evolve and innovate to meet changing consumer and pet parent needs, introducing new formats, flavors and nutritional choices such as Ben’s Original Single-Serve Cups and PEDIGREE DRIZZLERS™ savory sauce toppers. Recent acquisitions such as Kellanova, Nature’s Bakery and TRÜ FRÜ symbolize an intentional expansion into high-growth savory snacking, breakfast and better-for-you categories and reflect the company’s intent to shape the future of snacking to meet every consumer need for every snacking occasion.
Beyond the Docuseries: Mars Commemorates Its American Legacy
Mars is also celebrating America’s 250th anniversary through a range of sponsorships and partnerships. The company supported a dog-friendly “Yappy Hour” event and Patriotic Pooch Contest at the National Archives Foundation Spirit of Independence Festival in June. Historic Mars chocolate brand AMERICAN HERITAGE® is sponsoring the Heritage Chocolate Society’s new Mars, Inc. History Tellers Award. It is also a founding sponsor of Civic Season, a youth program running between Juneteenth and July 4 to inspire civic participation. Mars will also participate in the National Confectioners Association (NCA) Sweet Land of Liberty campaign that honors the role chocolate and candy have played in America's culture and economy. As a global snacking leader, Mars — through its extensive local operations and workforce — contributes significantly to the profound economic impact the confectionery industry has on the U.S. economy. According to the NCA, the confectionery industry has created 696,588 total domestic jobs, with a $49 billion economic output in the U.S.
