Who Owns Skittles

Skittles are one of the most recognisable sweets in the world. Their bold colours, fruity flavours and irresistible chew have made them a firm favourite with children and adults alike. Whether you pour them into a bowl at a party, sneak a handful during a film or pick out your favourite colours one by one, Skittles bring a sense of playful indulgence that is hard to beat. But have you ever stopped to wonder who actually owns Skittles? With their global presence and familiar branding, it is easy to assume they belong to a major name in the world of confectionery. In this article, we explore the origins of Skittles, the company that owns them and how they have become one of the most popular sweets on shelves today.

The Company Behind Skittles

Skittles is owned by Mars, Incorporated, one of the largest privately held companies in the world. Mars is an American multinational business best known for its chocolate bars, pet care products and wide range of confectionery brands. The company owns many household names including Mars Bar, Snickers, M&M’s, Twix, Galaxy and Maltesers. Skittles falls under its Wrigley division, which specialises in gum, mints and sugar-based sweets. Mars acquired the Wrigley Company in the mid-2000s and integrated it into its larger confectionery group. Since then, Skittles has grown into a major global brand with strong sales in the UK, the United States and many other countries.

How Skittles Became a Mars Brand

Although Skittles are now firmly part of the Mars family, their origins are a little more mysterious. They were first introduced to the UK market in the 1970s and later launched in the United States in the early 1980s. It is widely believed that Skittles were originally produced by a British company, although detailed records of their earliest history are scarce. What is clear is that once Mars took over production and marketing, the sweets quickly became a global success. The brand’s colourful identity, combined with clever advertising and a consistent recipe, helped it capture the imagination of sweet lovers around the world.

The Role of Mars in Skittles’ Success

As the owner of Skittles, Mars has played a key role in the brand’s growth. The company’s global reach and strong distribution network have helped Skittles become widely available across a range of retail outlets, from supermarkets and corner shops to vending machines and cinemas. Mars also invests heavily in marketing, with memorable campaigns like “Taste the Rainbow” helping to establish Skittles as a fun and playful sweet with a bold identity. The brand often experiments with new flavours and limited edition packs, keeping the product fresh while maintaining the original’s iconic appeal.

Where Skittles Are Made

Skittles are produced in various locations around the world, depending on the region. In the UK and Europe, they are often manufactured in facilities owned by Mars that also produce other popular sweets. In the United States, Skittles are made at Mars factories based in states like Illinois and Virginia. The ingredients and recipes are generally consistent, though there can be slight differences between markets. For example, the purple Skittle in the UK is blackcurrant flavoured, while in the United States it is grape. Regardless of the location, Mars ensures a consistent level of quality across all its production sites.

How Mars Handles Branding and Innovation

Mars is known for managing its brands with care and consistency. With Skittles, the focus has always been on maintaining the distinctive rainbow theme while introducing new flavours and formats to keep consumers engaged. From Tropical and Wild Berry to Sour and Smoothies, the variety of Skittles on the market is a direct result of Mars’ ongoing investment in innovation. The company also pays attention to changing consumer preferences, as seen in the removal of animal-derived ingredients from Skittles to make them suitable for vegetarians and vegans. This responsiveness to trends has helped Mars maintain Skittles’ popularity across generations.

Mars and Its Global Presence

Mars is one of the most powerful names in the global food and drink industry. The company operates in over 80 countries and has a vast portfolio of brands beyond confectionery. In addition to sweets, Mars is also a major player in pet food, owning brands such as Pedigree, Whiskas and Royal Canin. The company remains privately owned by the Mars family, with a reputation for long-term thinking, strong brand management and a focus on quality. Its stewardship of Skittles is just one example of how Mars has turned a simple sweet into a worldwide phenomenon.

Final Thoughts

So, who owns Skittles? The answer is Mars, Incorporated, one of the biggest and most influential companies in the world of confectionery. Under Mars’ ownership, Skittles has grown from a modest UK sweet to an international favourite, loved for its bright colours, fruity flavours and fun identity. With consistent branding, clever innovation and a commitment to meeting consumer needs, Mars has helped Skittles remain at the top of the sweet world. Next time you open a pack and taste the rainbow, you will know exactly who is behind that colourful crunch.