how it all began
our history
Over our rich 100+ year history, there have been many new products, services, and segments. But one thing remains: we're still a family business at heart.
1940's
Forrest E. Mars, Sr., returns to the United States and establishes M&M' Limited in Newark, New Jersey. M&M'S Plain Chocolate Candies were introduced in 1941.
1950's
M&M'S had become so popular by 1950 that an ingenious solution for consumers to distinguish the real M&M'S from inferior imitators was to stamp each candy with the now famous "m". The slogan "Look for the m on every piece" was created. M&M'S Peanut Chocolate Candies were introduced in 1954 and the color used to print the "m" on M&M'S Plain and Peanut Chocolate Candies was changed from black to white.
1960's
M&M'S Fruit Chewies were launched and later developed into STARBURST
1980's
Mars becomes the first candy in space when M&M'S Chocolate Candies are chosen by the first space shuttle astronauts to be included in their food supply. M&M'S Plain and Peanut Chocolate Candies become the "Official Snack Foods of the Olympic Games" in 1984. With brand harmonization in the 1980’s, M&M's Candies go global, expanding into Asia Pacific, Australia, Europe and Russia! M&M'S Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies were introduced in the U.S. in 1989.
1990's
M&M'S Colorworks offers consumers a kaleidoscope of 21 colored M&M'S Milk Chocolate Candies through selected specialty candy stores and via the internet at my M&M'S. Production of M&M'S Mini’s Milk Chocolate Candies begun in 1997. M&M'S Colorworks Peanut Candies were launched in 1998 at M&M'S world stores.
2000's
M&M'S Chocolate Candies became "The Official Candy of the New Millenium." MM is the Roman numeral for 2000. In 2002 the first ever global M&M'S Chocolate Candies Color Vote was held, voters’ choices were purple, aqua or pink; the winner was purple. Approximately 10 million ballots cast worldwide from every corner of the earth! In 2004 M&M'S Chocolate launches My M&M'S – the new online service allows consumers to design their own customized message on M&M'S Chocolate Candies. In 2008, the launch of "Faces" allows customers to upload personal images to their personalized candies.
our mission
what we mean, when we say for all funkind
M&M’S® helps people feel included by championing fun as a way to share our true selves and connect with others.
Learn more