Mars, Incorporated is marking a significant milestone—115 years since Frank C. Mars began selling buttercream candies from his kitchen in Tacoma, Washington. This humble start has grown into one of the most recognized family-owned enterprises globally.
What began as a solo confectionery operation in 1911 has transformed into a vast international business, generating over $65 billion in annual revenue and employing roughly 170,000 associates across 3,600 locations. Today, the Mars portfolio features more than 130 brands spanning pet care, veterinary services, diagnostics, snacks, and nutrition, positively impacting lives in more than 80 countries.
“Our 115-year history illustrates the lasting influence of our values and the long-term viewpoint that accompanies being a family-owned business,” stated Poul Weihrauch, CEO of Mars, Incorporated. “For generations, Mars has evolved in accordance with the needs of both people and pets, while upholding the principles that define us. Looking forward, we remain committed to fostering a better world for individuals, pets, and the environment.”
A foundation anchored in principles
The company’s enduring philosophy is anchored in the Mars Five Principles—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom. While these were formalized in 1980, their roots extend back many decades. In the 1940s, Forrest Mars, Sr. articulated the company’s mission: to foster a mutual benefit for consumers, suppliers, communities, and associates.
These guiding principles continue to inform Mars’ growth strategies, sustainability efforts, and innovations, influencing decisions from product development to community engagement and environmental responsibility.
Adapting to consumer and pet owner needs
Mars’ progression mirrors changing consumer demands and the increasingly vital role pets play in families around the globe. With well-known brands like M&M’S®, BEN’S ORIGINAL, EXTRA, PEDIGREE, and ROYAL CANIN, alongside advanced veterinary and diagnostic solutions, Mars has expanded its influence while remaining true to its original values.
Recent strategic initiatives, including the acquisition of Kellanova, highlight the company’s ambition to reach new customers, bolster its capabilities, and venture into fast-growing sectors.
Planning for the future
As Mars commemorates this milestone, its attention is squarely on the road ahead: developing products and services that enhance lives, supporting the communities in which it operates, and minimizing its environmental footprint across global activities.
Five generations later, the Mars family continues to guide the company with the conviction that “the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today.”
To delve into Mars’ history and ongoing journey, visit mars.com/about/history.
