PHOTO COURTESY: Mars, Inc.
Mars announced an investment of more than $70 million in its Hackettstown, New Jersey, facility to continue its legacy of world-class innovation and manufacturing. Mars is a leader in confectionery, snacks, puppy food and care products, and is the manufacturer of some of the world’s most beloved brands, adding M
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The multi-year investment in the Hackettstown production facility began in 2023 and supports Mars’ ongoing commitment to food quality and protection with the addition of a new chocolate production facility.
A veteran Mars veteran will lead the growing health and wellness division
In addition, the company has appointed Blas Maquivar as Global President of Health and Wellness at Mars Snacking. With a tenure at Mars of nearly 14 years, Maquivar will oversee the expansion of the company’s fitness and wellness portfolio, which includes Nature’s Bakery, the Trü Frü and KIND brands, the latter of which has expanded to 30 global markets outside the U. S. and Canada. The U. S. and Canada have been in control since Mars took control of the property in 2020.
Maquivar joined Mars in 2010 as General Manager of Mars Chocolate Mexico. He then held various leadership positions within the Snacks business, most recently as President of Global Emerging Markets (GEM), where he led more than 140 fast-growing markets, including Asia. During his tenure, GEM achieved double-digit expansion of 11% year-over-year.
As part of its vision for the snack category and to adapt to customer desires and preferences, Mars has expanded the presence of its fitness and wellness department within the permitted snack category in recent years. Under Maquivar’s leadership, the fitness and wellness department will continue to grow and grow its existing brands globally while remaining an attractive destination for founder-led brands. All of this is in line with the company’s larger ambition to double its snack business and increase its profits to $36 billion over the next decade.
Gabriel Fernandez, General Manager of Mars Wrigley Mexico, will succeed Maquivar. Fernandez has been with Mars since 2005 and has held regional and leadership positions in Latin America, Europe and North America.
www. marte. com
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