M&M'S® Shares Commitment to Making Clean, Renewable Energy Even Sweeter

M&M'S Launches Fans of Wind Energy Campaign to Engage Consumers on How Renewable Energy Can Counteract Climate Change

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Sep 14, 2017, 12:21 ET

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., Sept. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- M&M'S, one of Mars, Incorporated's most iconic and beloved brands, is addressing the importance of tackling climate change and how everyone – even colorful chocolate treats and their spokescandies – can make a difference. Today, M&M'S is launching its Fans of Wind energy campaign, using "Red" and "Yellow" as enthusiastic advocates for renewable wind-powered energy.

The campaign is part of Mars' Sustainable in a Generation Plan which includes $1 billion of investment over the next few years to tackle urgent threats including climate change, poverty in the supply chain and scarcity of resources. This effort holds special meaning for M&M'S, since Mars sources wind power equivalent to the energy needed to produce all the M&M'S sold in the world.

Fans of Wind Energy
To inspire consumer action in preventing further climate change, M&M'S has tasked its brand personalities with sharing the message about renewable energy. Fans of Wind energy helps shine a light on one reason why everyone should care about wind energy: because climate change is real and businesses need to be a part of the solution.

Mars and M&M'S believe the science on climate change is clear. Fans of Wind energy is launching to increase awareness of the urgency of climate change, as well as the importance of everyone doing their part in combatting climate change, companies and brands included. In fact, Mars' partnership with the 200-megawatt Mesquite Creek Wind Farm in Texas marks the biggest long-term commitment to using renewable energy of any food manufacturing business in the United States. At this 25,000-acre wind farm, Mars purchases enough energy to power all of its sites in the United States.

"We have the power to act now to prevent further climate change," said Berta de Pablos-Barbier, President of Mars Wrigley Confectionery U.S. "None of us will thrive without a healthy planet. Through the new Sustainable in a Generation Plan and our M&M'S campaign we are committed to doing our part. We are using our unique position as one of the world's largest privately held, family-owned businesses, plus the power of our iconic brands like M&M'S, to do good for our consumers and for the planet."

Addressing Climate Change
M&M'S and Mars believe the more consumers engage in dialogue about addressing climate change, renewable energy and a healthy planet, the more the world will change. There is no option not to become fully sustainable, both for the planet as well as for the business.

"One M&M'S candy on its own can seem small, but we know our brand can have a big impact on the world by doing what's right to combat climate change," said de Pablos-Barbier. "Thanks to the love consumers have for the brand, we're hoping to make a bigger impact. Each of our consumers has the power to take small steps to increase their use of renewable energy to make big strides in ensuring the future health of our planet."

Investing in a Healthy Planet
Thanks to wind energy, Mars is one step closer to decreasing its dependency on fossil fuels and reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Mars partners with two wind farms – one in Texas and one in Scotland. And most importantly, Mars will continue to increase renewable energy usage to meet its goal of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from its direct operations by 2040 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 67 percent by 2050.

"It's rare to see product personalities become the voice of a cause – but we believe the campaign will help Mars and M&M'S explain our commitment to sustainable business efforts in a fun, relatable way," said Tanya Berman, Vice President, Chocolate, Mars Wrigley Confectionery U.S. "Consumers are increasingly aware of the big issues our planet faces and expect the brands they care about to take action. This is one way we can raise awareness and bring color to the conversation around how renewable energy can counteract climate change."

Consumers are invited to join M&M'S spokescandies Red and Yellow and pledge their support as Fans of Wind energy. Consumers can visit M&M'S World stores to purchase limited edition Fans of Wind energy inspired treats and enjoy a special photo moment. Alternatively, visit www.mms.com/fansofwind to learn more about climate change and renewable energy, and how they can support a healthy planet for all.

To find out more about the Mars Sustainable in a Generation Plan, visit: www.SustainableInAGeneration.com

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world's best-loved brands: M&M's®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN'S®, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire its more than 85,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Contact:
Alicia Buksar
Senior External Affairs Manager
1-908-798-2970
[email protected]

SOURCE Mars, Incorporated