M&M's confectionery

M&M's were originally created in the United States in 1941 by Forrest Mars Sr., who was inspired by a method used during the Spanish Civil War to allow soldiers to carry chocolate without it melting in their pockets. The brand name stands for 'Mars & Murrie,' representing Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie, the son of Hershey's president, who initially had a 20 percent share in the product.

Today, M&M's is one of the most recognizable candy brands globally, owned by Mars, Incorporated. While the primary manufacturing hubs remain in the United States—specifically in New Jersey and Tennessee—the product is also manufactured in various international locations, including France and Poland, to serve global markets. The brand remains privately held by the Mars family, maintaining its status as a cornerstone of the global snack food industry.