M&M's Chocolate and Peanut candies

M&M's are one of the world's most iconic chocolate brands, recognized by their signature colorful sugar shells and the lower-case 'm' printed on each piece. The product was first introduced in the United States in 1941 by Forrest Mars Sr., who partnered with Bruce Murrie, the son of the president of Hershey's—hence the name 'M&M' (Mars & Murrie). The concept was inspired by candies Mars saw soldiers eating during the Spanish Civil War, designed with a hard shell to prevent the chocolate from melting in warm climates.

While the brand originated in Newark, New Jersey, it has grown into a global powerhouse under Mars, Incorporated. For the European market, production is largely centered in Haguenau, France, which produces roughly 90% of the M&M's sold in Europe. Other significant production facilities are located in Poland and the United States.

Today, M&M's is a flagship brand of Mars Wrigley, a division of the privately held, family-owned Mars, Incorporated. The company continues to invest heavily in its European manufacturing footprint, recently focusing on sustainable production and removing additives like titanium dioxide to meet regional food standards.