How Sweet It Is
Forbes magazine released their annual list of the 400 Richest Americans this week and the Mars Family is still on top. Forrest Edward Mars, Jr., Jacqueline Mars and John Franklyn Mars all rank in the Top 25 of Forbes’ new list, with $10.5 billion net worth apiece. That’s a lot of candy!
All three are grandchildren of Frank and Ethel Mars, the popular candymakers who started selling butter-cream candies from their kitchen in Tacoma, Washington back in 1911. In 1920, when visiting a local drugstore with his grandson, Frank was inspired to create a chocolate, malted milk, which became the genesis behind the Milky Way bar (known in Europe as the Mars bar). In the 1930s, M&Ms were born because while in Europe, Forrest, Sr. wanted to make a protective coating for the chocolate to keep it from melting. “The idea became M&M’S candies and their success was ensured when they were adopted as a staple ration for US forces.” Later, Forrest Sr. introduced consumers to Snickers and 3 Musketeers. Since then, they have gone on to create Twix and Skittles. Said to be “obsessed with efficiency in factories: punctuality, measurement, quality,” it’s no wonder the Mars company is still on top.
In the 1930s and 40s, they added pet food for both cats and dogs (Whiskas and Pedigree), Uncle Ben’s Rice, and even electronic components for vending machines, and today Mars remains the world’s largest confectioner with annual sales topping $19 billion. Seeking to expand their pet food division, Mars recently bought Doane Pet Care (which makes Wal-Mart’s Ol’ Roy label) and the maker of Greenies, nation’s top-selling dog treat.
Considering their success, Mars remains unique in that they are still a privately-owned company. Operating in 65 different countries, and selling in over 100, whether you want a sweet treat, a hot meal or something for your pet, they have you covered.
In the company’s own words,
Our success is not simply due to developing the right products. It’s a unique combination of innovation and determination, the essence of which can be found in the Five Principles that shape our business:Quality - Responsibility - Mutuality - Efficiency - Freedom
I’d say they’re onto something.
I’d like to know who they are trying to convince with the Five Principles.
My experience with M&Ms was horrible. First they send me a partial order. I requested the custom printed M&Ms. What I received was broken pieces, smudged print. They look like they had been bitten into and licked and then put into the bags. When I called to inquire about the partial order, they refunded the money for the missing items and then charged my credit card the same amount plus an additional $14.00 for the missing items.The missing items were sent to my home after I had requested that they be shipped to my office since I didn’t want my husband to see them. They were for his birthday party.
I guess the Mars family have gotten rich by not following two of there principles - Quality and Responsibility. I’m not looking for anything, but I am really disappointed in a company that doesn’t care about the people that have made them rich.