Mars

History

Did you know that three million MARS^® bars a day are produced at the Slough plant in the UK?

It all started back in 1932. Check out the timeline to find out all about the history of our MARS^®.

1932
1935
1940-1945
1953
1955
1959
1960
1972
1982
1989
1990
1991
1992
1994
1996
1998
2006
2007
2008

1932

Frank C Mars gives his son, Forrest, $50,000 and the formula for ‘Milky Way’ to go to the UK and start his own business, Mars Limited, in Slough. The first MARS^® bars are handmade, August Bank Holiday Monday. The story of the MARS^® bar starts here...

1935

At one stage during the war there was no gold ink for printing wrappers.

During the war years, MARS^® bars were allocated to troops in the UK and to prisoners of war in Germany.

1940-5

WW2 sweet rationing introduced. MARS^® does its bit and continues to be manufactured and distributed for the Armed Forces rations.

1953

Great news! Sweet rationing ended.

When confectionery rationing was lifted, 7,000 MARS^® bars were sent to Dr Barnardo’s children’s homes.

1955

MARS^® first TV advertising, “Stars love MARS^®” theme with Bob Monkhouse, Richard Murdoch and Petula Clark.

1959

“A MARS^® a day helps you work, rest and play” first used.

1960

Check out the retro packaging from 1960!

1972

Its party time! MARS^® Funsize is introduced.

1982

The Falklands Task Force takes 3 million MARS^® bars with them – what a lot of bars!

1989

MARS^® Ice Cream is born!

1990

MARS^® sponsors the Football World Cup.

1991

MARS^® bars exported to Russia for the first time. Demand was such that they had to be rationed to 4 per person!

1992

MARS^® sponsors the Olympic Games.

1994

MARS^® sponsors the World Cup USA.

1996

MARS^® bottled drink is first launched.

1998

National press latches on to the story that a warehouseman stole the equivalent of 8 lorry loads of MARS^® bars worth around £500,000 with the aid of a computer.

2006

Did you believe? MARS^® bars in the UK are renamed ‘Believe’ bars on pack as a gesture of support for the England football team for the duration of the World Cup.

2007

‘Recharge on MARS^®’ ad aired.

New kid on the block, MARS PLANETS^® is launched!

2008

The return of ‘Work - Rest - Play’ – check out the ad here.