When you unwrap an M&M, chew on a Snickers bar, or feed your pet a serving of Pedigree, you’re engaging with Mars, Inc.—one of the world’s largest and most secretive family-owned businesses. Unlike flashy corporate giants, Mars operates with a low profile, yet its impact is enormous. How did a company that started with a simple candy bar become a multi-billion-dollar empire?

The Science of Craving: Why Do We Love Mars Products?

Ever wonder why you can’t stop at just one M&M? The answer lies in neuroscience. Studies show that sugar triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, the same chemical linked to pleasure and addiction. Mars, Inc. has mastered the art of flavor optimization, carefully designing its confections to maximize consumer satisfaction.

But Mars isn’t just about candy—it’s a powerhouse in pet food and even a player in the health industry. With brands like Royal Canin and Banfield Pet Hospitals, the company feeds millions of pets globally, proving that its business extends far beyond sweets.

The Mars Family: A Legacy of Control and Secrecy

Unlike most billion-dollar companies, Mars, Inc. remains 100% family-owned, a rarity in modern business. The Mars family, now in its fifth generation, deliberately avoids public attention. Despite its $50 billion revenue, the company shuns stock markets, keeping decision-making private.

Why such secrecy? Some say it’s about control. Studies indicate that family-run businesses often outperform publicly traded firms because they focus on long-term success rather than quarterly earnings. Mars exemplifies this strategy—prioritizing innovation, sustainability, and product quality over Wall Street expectations.

A Sticky Beginning: The Story of Frank Mars

Frank Mars, the company’s founder, started by making homemade buttercream candies in his kitchen in 1911. After early failures, he and his son, Forrest Mars Sr., struck gold in 1930 with the Milky Way bar. Forrest later revolutionized the industry with M&Ms, inspired by soldiers’ need for chocolate that wouldn’t melt in their hands.

An interesting anecdote? Forrest was so committed to secrecy and perfection that he once personally tasted pet food to ensure it met quality standards—a testament to the family’s hands-on approach.

Numbers That Matter: Mars, Inc. By the Data

Mars is more than just chocolate—it’s a global powerhouse:

• Annual revenue: Over $50 billion
• Number of employees: >140,000
• Major brands: Snickers, Twix, M&Ms, Pedigree, Royal Canin, Skittles, Orbit gum
• Chocolate division revenue: $20 billion+ annually

Beyond food, Mars is investing in sustainable cocoa farming and even veterinary science, proving that innovation is key to its longevity.

The Future of Mars: Can a Secretive Empire Last?

As consumer preferences shift toward healthier snacks and sustainable food sources, Mars faces new challenges. Will it adapt to changing demands while maintaining its commitment to secrecy and family ownership?

One thing is certain: Mars, Inc. has mastered the balance of tradition, quality, and innovation—a formula that has kept it at the top for over a century. But as competitors rise and the world evolves, will the Mars family continue to hold its grip on this sweet empire? Only time will tell.

Share Your Insights

What do you think about Mars, Inc. and its secretive success? Share your thoughts in the comments!

• What’s your favorite Mars product and why?
• Do you think family-owned businesses are more successful than public companies?
• Should more companies prioritize long-term vision over short-term profits?