Who Makes Mars Bars

Mars bars are a staple of British confectionery shelves, known for their layered mix of nougat, caramel and smooth milk chocolate. They are one of those instantly recognisable treats that have been around for decades, passed from generation to generation as a favourite chocolate bar with a satisfyingly sweet bite. But who actually makes Mars bars? Behind the wrapper lies a global business empire with a long history and a surprisingly personal beginning. Let us unwrap the story of the company responsible for one of the world’s best-loved chocolate bars.

The Mars Family Story

Mars bars are made by Mars Incorporated, one of the largest privately owned companies in the world. The business was founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars in Tacoma, Washington. He began by making sweets in his kitchen, eventually building a company that would go on to shape the global chocolate industry. Mars started out modestly, selling hand-dipped buttercream candies. But the arrival of his son, Forrest Mars Sr., into the business would transform it into a confectionery powerhouse.

The Birth of the Mars Bar

Although the company was born in the United States, the original Mars bar as we know it was actually created in the UK. Forrest Mars moved to Slough in the 1930s and opened a production facility where he developed the British version of the Mars bar in 1932. It was inspired by the Milky Way bar already popular in the US but tweaked for the European palate. The British Mars bar featured a denser nougat and thicker chocolate coating, giving it a distinct identity that UK consumers quickly embraced.

Mars Incorporated Today

Mars Incorporated remains a privately owned family company, still controlled by the Mars family. It is a massive organisation with interests in confectionery, pet care, food and drinks. Its headquarters are now in McLean, Virginia, and the company employs over 100,000 people across the globe. Despite its size, it has retained its family-run identity, keeping much of its internal operations out of the public spotlight. The brand portfolio includes household names like Snickers, Galaxy, Maltesers, M&M’s and Twix, along with Dolmio, Pedigree and Uncle Ben’s in its broader food and pet ranges.

Production in the UK

Mars bars for the UK and many parts of Europe are manufactured in Slough, Berkshire. The factory there has been in operation since 1932 and continues to be a vital part of the company’s European production network. The Slough site produces millions of bars each week and employs a large local workforce. The British-made Mars bar has its own recipe distinct from versions made elsewhere in the world, tailored to suit local preferences for taste and texture.

Global Reach with a Local Touch

While Mars bars are made in different parts of the world, including Australia and the United States, the UK version remains unique. The company carefully adjusts recipes depending on regional tastes, so a Mars bar made in the UK will taste slightly different to one from the US. This local sensitivity has helped Mars remain relevant in different markets while maintaining its global appeal.

Final Thoughts

So, who makes Mars bars? The answer is Mars Incorporated, a global confectionery giant with deep family roots. Born from a kitchen experiment in early 20th-century America, the Mars bar as we know it today was developed in Britain and has become a cherished part of UK sweet culture. The company that makes it may be enormous and international in scope, but the bar itself remains a local favourite, still made in the UK with care, tradition and a famously satisfying bite.