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Mars Company Announces Plans to Invest One Billion Euros in the EU

<p>Mars PR</p>
Mars PR / Image by: foto
  • With over 90 years of operations in Europe, Mars operates 24 factories in 10 EU countries, employs 25,000 people, and exports to more than 100 markets – making this region crucial for the company’s global success.
  • In the last five years, Mars has invested over 1.5 billion euros in production in the EU, and by the end of 2026, it will invest an additional one billion euros – supporting consumer-focused innovations, economic growth, resilience, and modern, energy-efficient infrastructure.
  • 85 percent of Mars products sold in the EU are produced locally within the EU.

Mars, Incorporated has announced plans to invest one billion euros in its operations in the European Union by the end of 2026, further strengthening the region’s manufacturing capacity, sustainability, and innovation potential, while increasing economic resilience.

This new investment builds on the more than 1.5 billion euros that Mars has invested in production within the EU over the past five years, modernizing facilities, increasing production capacity, and accelerating efforts to decarbonize its value chain. These investments support the company’s 24 factories in 10 EU countries and 25,000 employees in the company’s direct operations. As much as 85 percent of Mars products sold in the EU are produced locally within the EU, which is also an export hub for more than 100 markets worldwide.

‘We have a long-term perspective – we believe in Europe and want to see greater growth for the benefit of consumers in EU economies. Our investments are designed to keep our business world-class, competitive, and aligned with the long-term priorities of the EU.’ said Claus Aagaard, Chief Financial Officer of Mars. ‘For Mars, this is not just a matter of growth. It is also about building a stronger, more resilient business in Europe – one that brings more innovation to consumers, creates value for thousands of our European suppliers, and achieves lasting, positive impacts in the communities where we operate.’

Key points of Mars’s investment plans in the EU include:

  • Modernizing production to meet consumer needs: Mars is significantly investing in modernizing its production capacities across the EU, including new packaging technologies such as recyclable WHISKAS pouches and new formats of chewing gum like EXTRA/ORBIT Refreshers.
  • Decarbonizing the value chain to improve sustainability and resilience of production: Mars has globally reduced scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by more than 16 percent since 2015, while business has grown by 69 percent. The ice cream factory in Steinbourg, France – where Snickers, Twix, and Bounty ice creams are produced – has fully transitioned to renewable electricity, becoming the first Mars facility in the world to not use fossil fuels. Additionally, the pet food production facility in Lithuania has installed a state-of-the-art bag production line powered exclusively by renewable electricity. Beyond production itself, Mars is also addressing agricultural emissions through the $47 million Moo’ving Dairy Forward plan, helping to reduce methane emissions in several EU member states, including the Netherlands.
  • Strengthening local partnerships and economies: Mars has a long tradition of collaboration and innovation with local partners – from farmers and suppliers to technology companies – aimed at strengthening local economies and supporting communities.
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