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Acquired

Mars Inc. (the chocolate story)

Dec 16, 2024
Dive into the secretive world of Mars, Incorporated, a candy and pet care titan. Uncover the fascinating origins of iconic treats like M&M’s and Snickers, and explore the family dynamics behind this private empire. Learn about the transformational journey of Frank Mars, from childhood struggles to candy mogul, and discover how the company evolved into a powerhouse in pet food. Plus, explore innovative marketing strategies and the chocolate-making process, revealing the sweet secrets that shaped the industry.
03:53:12

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Mars Incorporated's journey from founding to a major chocolate manufacturer was shaped by founder Frank Mars's early challenges and eventual focus on chocolate production.
  • The competitive landscape between Mars and Hershey highlighted the impact of early marketing strategies and product innovation on chocolate consumption in America.

Deep dives

Varieties of M&Ms

The discussion highlights the numerous varieties of M&Ms available today, which include classics like milk chocolate, peanut, and almond M&Ms, along with newer additions such as peanut butter, crispy, caramel, and special seasonal flavors. Some flavors are discontinued or limited to holidays, with mint M&Ms being a seasonal offering. Additionally, unique flavors like fudge brownie and birthday cake M&Ms were mentioned, showcasing the brand's attempt to attract different consumer preferences. Despite the variety, the conversation concludes that the most significant selling varieties remain the milk chocolate and peanut versions.

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