M&M'S® Spokescandies to Pursue Solo Careers

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The M&M'S® Brand is saddened to announce today that America's most beloved spokescandies are separating.  Just like many other iconic groups throughout history, Red, Blue, Orange and Ms. Green have decided to hang up their 'M's and are jetting off to pursue new solo careers.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110516/CG01850)

Yellow, confused by the split, is remaining at M&M'S headquarters. He and M&M'S are asking America to help "Reunite 'M,'" and offering consumers the chance to win prizes valued at over $1.5 million, including $100,000 to one individual, to show their gratitude for getting this chocolate gang back together. Through September 15, 2011, Americans can help answer Yellow's plea by purchasing select packages of M&M'S Brand Chocolate Candies and looking for all five characters under the wrapper.

"This is a difficult and sad day for M&M'S," said Debra A. Sandler, Chief Consumer Officer, Mars Chocolate North America. "Our M&M'S spokescandy crew has literally been the face of our brand for many years, and we're not taking the news of the separation lightly. We've initiated a full-fledged "Reunite 'M'" campaign and we hope America will join forces to help us get them back together."

M&M'S Characters Explore New Solo Careers

Yellow, confused by the split, is feverishly posting updates about his departed friends at www.facebook.com/mms. Meanwhile, the others are pursuing new endeavors:

• Red became the spokescherry for the Oregon Cherry Company.  With a stem planted on his head he is going to be the star in their latest commercial.  Red hopes that showing off his range will land him other acting opportunities.
• Blue joined the Blue Man Group as the fourth member.
• Ms. Green just finished writing her first book "Our Bodies, Our Shells." She will continue being the ultimate socialite, tweeting about pop culture and being seen at the hottest parties.
• Orange has moved into a cabin, deep in the woods. Ever since that pretzel was placed inside of M&M'S – making him extra delicious – he has become even more paranoid about being eaten.

For more information on how to help reunite the M&M'S® crew visit www.mms.com. You can also follow the M&M'S spokescandies' new endeavors at www.facebook.com/mms.

About Mars Chocolate North America:

Mars Chocolate North America is the North American chocolate operations of Mars, Incorporated.  In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars' first roots as a confectionery company.  In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar.  In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of  building a business based on the philosophy of a "mutuality of benefits" for all stakeholders – this vision serves as the foundation of the Mars, Incorporated we are today.  Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion and six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks and Symbioscience.  More than 65,000 Associates worldwide are putting our Mars Principles in action every day to make a difference for people and the planet through our performance.

Mars brands include: Chocolate – M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Petcare – PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, SHEBA®, CESAR® and ROYAL CANIN®; Wrigley – ORBIT®, EXTRA®, STARBURST®, DOUBLEMINT® and SKITTLES®; Food – UNCLE BEN'S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS® and SEEDS OF CHANGE®; Drinks – ALTERRA COFFEE ROASTERS™, THE BRIGHT TEA CO.™, KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience –SERAMIS®, CIRKU™ and COCOAVIA™.

For more information, please visit www.mars.com.

SOURCE Mars Chocolate North America