MARS

Introduction

Mars is a well-known brand that traces its roots back to 1911 when it was founded by Frank C. Mars and his son, Forrest Mars. The duo started the company with a simple yet powerful idea: to create delicious confections that bring joy to people's lives. Over the years, Mars has grown significantly, evolving from a small family-run business into a global powerhouse in the confectionery industry. The brand's legacy is built on quality, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to producing treats that satisfy cravings and create memorable moments.

The philosophy of Mars revolves around the principles of quality and integrity, with a strong emphasis on community and social responsibility. The company believes in making a positive impact on the world by engaging in sustainable practices and supporting local economies. Mars is driven by a passion for its products and an understanding of the importance of connecting with consumers. This consumer-centric approach has led to the development of iconic sweets that are cherished by people of all ages.

What makes Mars special is its rich history combined with a commitment to innovation in flavors and product offerings. The brand continually adapts to changing consumer preferences and trends while maintaining the classic essence of its products. Mars embraces creativity, regularly launching new and exciting varieties that excite consumers, making it not just a brand but a beloved part of everyday life for many. This deep-rooted connection with quality and community helps solidify Mars' position as a leader in the global confectionery market.

Signature Products

Mars offers a wide range of products that help define its brand identity by embodying its commitment to quality and enjoyment. Each product tells a story and fosters a connection with its consumers.

• Mars Bar : A delicious combination of caramel and nougat, coated in smooth milk chocolate, making it a classic favorite.
• Snickers : Packed with crunchy peanuts, rich caramel, and nougat, all enveloped in chocolate, it's a satisfying treat for any occasion.
• M&M's : Colorful candy-coated chocolates that come in various flavors, known for their fun, shareable nature.
• Twix : A delightful blend of crunchy biscuit, caramel, and chocolate, offering a unique crunch and chew experience.
• Milky Way : A smooth combination of nougat and caramel, covered in chocolate, creating a heavenly taste experience.

Materials and Ingredients Used by MARS

• Barley : Barley is a cereal grain that is high in fiber and adds a chewy texture to products. It can be used in certain MARS products like snack bars, contributing to a wholesome and satisfying snack experience.
• Butter : Butter is a dairy ingredient that provides a rich flavor and creamy texture to baked goods. In MARS products, it is often used to enhance taste and improve mouthfeel.
• Cocoa : Cocoa is derived from cocoa beans and is known for its rich chocolate flavor. MARS incorporates cocoa in its chocolate products to provide the signature taste that consumers enjoy.
• Egg : Eggs are a versatile ingredient that contributes structure and moisture to baked products. They are often included in MARS recipes to improve texture and nutritional content.
• Milk : Milk is a dairy ingredient that lends creaminess and richness to products. MARS uses milk to enhance the flavor profile and provide essential nutrients in certain confectionery items.
• Salt : Salt is used as a flavor enhancer that balances sweetness and enhances other flavors. In MARS products, it plays a crucial role in enriching the overall taste experience of chocolates and snacks.
• Sugar : Sugar is a key sweetening ingredient that contributes to the overall flavor profile of products. MARS uses sugar to provide the necessary sweetness in its confectionery items and treats.
• Sunflower : Sunflower oil is a vegetable oil used for its light flavor and high smoke point. It is often used in MARS products for frying or as a fat source, adding moisture and texture to cookies and bars.
• Vanilla : Vanilla is a flavoring derived from vanilla beans and is widely used to enhance the taste of chocolate and sweet treats. MARS incorporates vanilla to provide a warm and inviting flavor in its confectionery range.
• Whey : Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and is a rich source of protein. MARS incorporates whey in some of its snacks and protein bars to boost nutritional value and appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From MARS

There are several sustainability, environmental, and social issues related to the supply chain of the brand that need to be taken into consideration.

Water Usage:

Water usage is a critical sustainability issue affecting various ingredients in the food production process. For example, barley, a key cereal crop, often requires significant irrigation, especially in regions with insufficient rainfall. Over-extraction of water sources for barley cultivation can lead to aquifer depletion, affecting local communities and ecosystems dependent on stable water supplies. Similar concerns apply to milk production, which requires considerable quantities of water not only for the animals but also for cleaning and processing facilities. Additionally, sugar crops like sugar beet and sugarcane have high water demands, sometimes competing with essential local water needs. Effective water management strategies are necessary to ensure water sustainability and mitigate impacts on local water resources.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Several ingredients contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, impacting climate change. For instance, dairy production, including both milk and butter, involves significant methane emissions from enteric fermentation in cows. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes more significantly to global warming than carbon dioxide on a per-molecule basis. Egg production also contributes to emissions, primarily from feed production and manure management. Moreover, the energy required for processing whey as a by-product of cheese production adds to greenhouse gases emissions. Reducing emissions through improved agricultural practices, diet changes for livestock, and energy efficiency in processing are essential to minimize these environmental impacts.

Deforestation:

Deforestation is a prevalent issue in the production of certain tropical ingredients. Cocoa and vanilla, both sourced from tropical regions, are linked to deforestation as forests are cleared for plantation establishment. This not only results in the loss of biodiversity but also contributes to climate change, as forests play a vital role in carbon sequestration. Cocoa farming in West Africa, for example, has led to significant forest cover loss, impacting both local ecosystems and climatic patterns. Deforestation for vanilla production in Madagascar, the world's largest producer, poses similar threats. Sustainable sourcing practices and certification programs can help address deforestation issues in these supply chains.

Pesticide Use:

Pesticide use is a significant concern impacting agricultural sustainability and ecosystem health. Barley and sunflowers, for instance, are often treated with chemical pesticides to control pests and diseases. This can lead to soil and water contamination, affecting biodiversity and posing risks to human health. Similarly, sugarcane and sugar beet farming involves pesticide applications that can result in the runoff of harmful chemicals into nearby water bodies. Reducing pesticide use through integrated pest management and promoting organic farming practices can mitigate these negative impacts.

Labor Exploitation:

Labor exploitation is a serious social issue within the supply chain of certain ingredients. Cocoa production, particularly in West Africa, is notorious for employing child labor under exploitative conditions. The complexity and low visibility of supply chains make it difficult to enforce human rights standards effectively. Vanilla farming also encounters labor exploitation issues, with farmers and workers often receiving low pay amidst challenging working conditions. Programs promoting fair trade and ethical sourcing are vital to ensuring fair labor practices and improving livelihoods for farmers and workers in these industries.