Mars chocolate bar

The Mars bar is a globally recognized chocolate bar consisting of nougat and caramel coated in milk chocolate. It has a unique history, as the 'Mars' brand itself originated in the United States, but the specific 'Mars bar' was first manufactured in Slough, England, in 1932 by Forrest Mars Sr. He adapted his father's American 'Milky Way' recipe to suit European tastes, using local ingredients.

Today, Mars bars are produced in various locations worldwide to serve different markets. One of the most significant production sites remains the original factory in Slough, United Kingdom, while the facility in Veghel, Netherlands, is one of the largest chocolate factories in the world and handles a massive volume of production for the European market. Other manufacturing sites exist in Canada and Australia.

Mars, Incorporated remains a family-owned business, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, USA. As of 2026, it continues to be one of the largest privately held companies globally. The company has expanded significantly through strategic acquisitions, most notably the 2008 purchase of Wrigley and the 2025 acquisition of Kellanova, which added brands like Pringles and Cheez-It to its diverse portfolio of snacking, pet care, and food products.