Forrest Mars Sr.

American businessman and inventor

Forrest Mars, Sr.

Forrest Edward Mars Sr. (March 21, 1904 – July 1, 1999) was an American businessman and inventor. He is best known for his role in the development of the Mars, Incorporated company and for creating several iconic confectionery products.

Early life

Forrest Mars was born in Wadena, Minnesota, to Franklin Clarence Mars and Ethel G. Mars. His father was the founder of the Mars, Incorporated company, which began as a small candy business. Forrest grew up in a family deeply involved in the confectionery industry, which influenced his future career.

Career

Mars, Incorporated

Forrest Mars joined Mars, Incorporated in the 1920s, working alongside his father. He was instrumental in expanding the company's product line and market reach. One of his significant contributions was the development of the Milky Way bar, which became a major success in the United States.

Innovations

Forrest Mars is credited with several innovations in the confectionery industry. He developed the M&M's candy, which became one of the most popular chocolate products worldwide. The idea for M&M's came from observing soldiers eating chocolate pellets with a hard shell during the Spanish Civil War.

International Expansion

In the 1930s, Forrest Mars moved to Europe to expand the company's operations. He established a factory in Slough, England, where he introduced the Mars bar to the European market. This move marked the beginning of Mars, Incorporated's international expansion.

Later life and legacy

Forrest Mars retired in 1973 but remained involved in the company as a consultant. He passed away on July 1, 1999, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and expansion in the confectionery industry. His contributions to Mars, Incorporated helped transform it into one of the largest privately-owned companies in the world.

Related pages

• Mars, Incorporated
• M&M's
• Milky Way (chocolate bar)
• Mars bar