The “secret” to the success of Mars is no secret at all. Our Five Principles have been part of our heritage from the start.
Many companies periodically roll out a new string of values/vision/mission that they wish to cultivate in their cultures. At Mars we didn’t invent a set of words after the fact to guide how we do business.
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The Five Principles of Mars have kept us true to ourselves and to our commitment to treat others in ways that are consistent with those values. Having stood the test of time, these principles will continue, keeping us free to move quickly and plan for the future
Quality - The consumer is our boss, quality is our work and value for money is our goal.
Responsibility - As individuals, we demand total responsibility from ourselves; as associates, we support the responsibilities of others.
Mutuality - A mutual benefit is a shared benefit; a shared benefit will endure.
Efficiency - We use resources to the full, waste nothing and do only what we can do best.
Freedom - We need freedom to shape our future; we need profit to remain free.
As a child, with a mild case of polio and unable to play outside, his mother, Alva, teaches him how to hand dip chocolate.
Frank C. Mars and his second wife, Ethel rent their first candy factory, the Mars Candy Factory, where they employ 125 people.
In September 1923, after three years of research, the MILKY WAY® candy bar is introduced. The first advertising is “A Chocolate Malted Milk in a Candy Bar.”
The SNICKERS® Bar is introduced and sold for 2¢.
Wrigley introduces the DOUBLEMINT® Twins concept.
M&M’S® Plain Chocolate Candies are introduced hand packed in a paper tube to sell in warm weather.”
The first M’s are printed on M&M’S Plain Chocolate Candies The slogan “Look for the M on every piece” is created.
M&M’S Peanut Chocolate Candies are brought to the market.
Wrigley’s first cinnamon gum is introduced. BIG RED® has been a consumer favorite since 1987.
All senior/general managers worldwide meet in Easton, Maryland and formalize The Five Principles.
Mars becomes the first candy in space when M&M’S are chosen by the first space shuttle astronauts to be included in their food supply.
A range of cooking sauce under the name UNCLE BEN'S® is launched in the U.S. and the rice brand celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Royal Canin Petfoods is purchased by Mars and this leading French brand of nutritional petfood is introduced globally.
FLAVIA® wellbeing range is introduced to restore natural balance, featuring caffeine-free herbal teas including Lemon Calm, Herb Red.
Wrigley Acquisition expands Mars portfolio of brands to include : JUICY FRUIT®, ALTOIDS®, ORBIT®, EXTRA®, LIFE® and DOUBLEMINT.
Mars launches Our Principles in Action objective to guide its impact on people, planet and performance.