Mars, the maker of Snickers, M&M’s, Twix and a range of pet and packaged foods, reportedly plans to pour $2 billion into U.S. manufacturing over the next 18 months.
The money will go toward building new facilities — like the Nature’s Bakery site in Utah and the Royal Canin pet food plant that opened in Ohio earlier this year — and upgrading existing ones with improved automation, Chief Financial Officer Claus Aagaard told The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday. (RELATED: Steak N’ Shake Gets Outed For Using Seed Oil Products After RFK Visit)
“We’re convinced about the long-term strength of the American consumer,” Aagaard said.
The investment comes on top of $6 billion Mars has spent in the U.S. over the past five years, which the company says created 9,000 jobs. About 94% percent of the Mars products sold in America are made domestically, the company told the Journal.
Snickers chocolate bars are pictured in a shop in Martelange, Belgium on February 23, 2016.
Confectioner Mars said on February 23, 2016 it was withdrawing its Mars and Snickers chocolate bars and Celebrations sweets from sale in several European countries. (Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)
“Snacking is a growing category and how consumers snack is continuing to evolve,” Aagaard told the Journal. “Some consumers want choices that better suit their lifestyles, such as plant-based ingredients, smaller portions, or whole-grain options.” He said Mars is seeing “strong momentum” behind brands like Nature’s Bakery and Trü Frü that reflect those trends.
Still, not all of Mars’ portfolio is shifting toward health. Some brands remain in the crosshairs of critics.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has taken aim at synthetic dyes through his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, singling out candy brands like M&M’s.
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 24: Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Committee Health Subcommittee in the Rayburn House Office Building on June 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)
Mars announced in 2016 that it planned to remove all artificial colors from its global human food portfolio — but later walked back that goal in the U.S., citing divergent consumer preferences.
“For treats, however, we found that many of our consumers across the world do not, in fact, find artificial colors to be ingredients of concern,” the company said at the time.
Some states aren’t convinced. Texas will begin requiring warning labels in 2027 on foods and drinks containing certain additives, including the synthetic dyes used in M&M’s, The New York Times reported. West Virginia plans to ban most artificial dyes and two preservatives starting in 2028.
