Forrest Mars: The $96 Billion Dollar Candy King
When you think of candy, it’s hard not to think of M&M’s, Snickers, or the Mars Bar. These aren’t just sweets—they’re global icons. And behind these beloved treats is a man whose name might not be as famous as his creations but whose impact on the world of confectionery is monumental: Forrest Mars Sr.
From revolutionizing candy production to building a multi-billion-dollar empire, Forrest Mars’s journey is as rich and layered as the chocolate he became famous for. Let’s delve into the life of the man who turned candy-making into a science and a business empire, and whose influence is still felt around the world today.
Early Life: A Rocky Road to Success
Forrest Edward Mars was born on March 21, 1904, in Wadena, Minnesota, to Frank Mars and Ethel Mars. His father, Frank, had founded what would become the Mars Company, starting with small-scale candy production. But life wasn’t sweet for young Forrest. His parents divorced when he was young, and his relationship with his father was often tense, marked by differing views on how to run the business.
Despite the turmoil at home, Forrest was academically gifted. He attended the prestigious Yale University, where he studied industrial engineering. This technical background would later prove invaluable as he expanded his business operations. But after graduation, his ideas clashed with his father’s more traditional approach, leading Forrest to leave the family business and seek his fortune elsewhere.
A New Frontier: Building a Candy Empire in Europe
In the 1930s, Forrest Mars took a bold step by moving to the United Kingdom, where he founded Food Manufacturers Ltd. His first major success came with the creation of the Mars Bar in 1932. Unlike the American Milky Way bar—created by his father—the Mars Bar was specifically tailored to European tastes, with a denser nougat and a sweeter chocolate coating. It became an instant hit, cementing Forrest’s reputation as an innovator.
But Forrest’s true stroke of genius came during the Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s. While observing soldiers eating small chocolate pellets coated in a hard shell (which prevented them from melting in the heat), he saw an opportunity. Partnering with Bruce Murrie, the son of a Hershey executive, he developed M&M’s. Launched in 1941, M&M’s were an immediate success, especially among U.S. soldiers during World War II, who loved their durability and portability.
M&M’s would go on to become a global phenomenon, with annual sales today exceeding $1 billion. The brand’s slogan, “Melts in your mouth, not in your hand,” became as iconic as the candy itself.
Expanding the Empire: From Candy to Global Conglomerate
Forrest Mars was not a man to rest on his laurels. After reconciling with his father and taking over the Mars Company in the 1960s, he transformed the family business into a global conglomerate. His business strategy was aggressive: he expanded the product line to include what are now some of the world’s best-known brands.
In 1967, Mars introduced Twix, a caramel and biscuit bar that quickly became a favorite in both Europe and the United States. In 1974, Mars took Skittles from a small UK product to an international sensation. And then there’s Snickers, which today generates over $2 billion in annual sales, making it the world’s best-selling candy bar.
Forrest also diversified Mars, Inc. beyond candy. Recognizing the growing demand for pet food, he acquired companies like Pedigree and Whiskas, making Mars a dominant player in that industry as well. Today, Mars, Inc. owns more than 50 brands and generates annual revenues exceeding $45 billion, making it one of the largest privately-held companies in the world.
The Man Behind the Candy: A Perfectionist and Innovator
Forrest Mars was known as a demanding leader with an almost obsessive focus on quality. He famously coined the “Five Principles of Mars”—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom—which still guide the company today. He believed in controlling every aspect of production to ensure the highest quality, from sourcing raw materials to the final product on the shelf.
This perfectionism extended to his employees as well. Forrest was known for his strict management style, expecting nothing short of excellence from everyone who worked for him. While this made him a polarizing figure—some admired his relentless drive, while others found him difficult to work with—it was undeniably effective.
A Lasting Legacy: The Billion-Dollar Candy King
Forrest Mars passed away on July 1, 1999, at the age of 95, leaving behind a candy empire that remains a giant in the industry. Mars, Inc. continues to be a family-owned business, with his descendants still involved in its operations. Under Forrest’s leadership, the company grew from a small, regional candy maker into a global powerhouse, with products enjoyed by billions of people around the world.
Today, the Mars family is one of the richest in the world, with a net worth estimated at over $100 billion. But beyond the staggering financial success, Forrest Mars’s true legacy lies in the brands he built—brands that have become woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Whether you’re enjoying a Snickers bar, sharing a bag of M&M’s, or treating your pet to a Pedigree snack, you’re experiencing the lasting influence of a man who turned candy into a global business empire. Forrest Mars didn’t just make candy—he made history, one sweet innovation at a time.
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