Business Wars Encore: Hershey's vs Mars | Blast Off | 2
Dec 27, 2021
In 1923, Hershey reigns supreme in the candy industry with its iconic bars, but a family reunion at a Chicago diner sparks the rise of Mars. Tensions brew between father and son as they innovate and compete, leading to the creation of the Milky Way bar. The podcast explores the fierce rivalry, marketing battles, and adaptations both companies undertake during the Great Depression. Forrest Mars transforms from factory worker to candy magnate, igniting a sweet struggle that changes the landscape of chocolate forever.
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Milky Way's Origin
- Forrest Mars, arrested for illegal postering, reunites with his estranged father, Frank.
- This reunion sparks the idea for the Milky Way candy bar, inspired by a chocolate malt.
The Hershey Deal
- Frank Mars secures a crucial credit deal with Hershey's William Murray to supply chocolate for his expanding Milky Way production.
- Murray is impressed by the Milky Way's taste and potential.
Factory Friction
- Forrest's demanding and perfectionist attitude creates tension at the new Mars factory.
- Despite his difficult behavior, Frank tolerates it due to past guilt.