New Study Shows America's Outdoor Workers Are Feeling The Heat

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- For some, being outdoors is leisure. But for many others, it's labor. And this summer, American workers are feeling the heat. A new survey commissioned and released today by Mars Chocolate North America shows that roughly three out of 10 Americans either work or spend a significant amount of time outside in warm weather during the summer months and, of those, a whopping 74 percent are seeking better refreshment opportunities[1].

Luckily, there's an easy path to refreshment anytime – whether on the job or at home – with new STARBURST™ Brand Sorbet Bars from Mars Ice Cream, which provide a light and refreshing taste of a STARBURST™ strawberry fruit chew in a cool sorbet bar with 70 delicious calories.

"While the majority of Americans typically look forward to the summer months as a time to enjoy themselves in the warm weather, for others it means uncomfortably hot working conditions," said Roy Benin, Chief Consumer Officer, Mars Chocolate North America. "We're happy to be able to provide an easy – and flavorful – opportunity for everyone to take five minutes for themselves, enjoy a STARBURST™ Brand Sorbet Bar and feel a sense of refreshment."

The survey found that Americans who work outside, or spend a substantial amount of time outside, come from a wide variety of professions, including construction workers, firefighters, policemen, landscapers, postal service workers and deliverymen. The survey also polled students, many of whom commute to and from classes in the heat, often on foot or by bike, for significant amounts of time each day. The survey found:

• More than one-third (36%) of outdoor workers and commuters spend 20 hours a week or more outside
• 63% of outdoor workers and commuters wish they worked indoors at times
• 74% of outdoor workers and commuters wish there were more ways to cool off and stay refreshed during the hottest days

With the National Climatic Data Center reporting hundreds of records being broken for the highest daily temperature in numerous cities nationwide[2], everyone has a reason to enjoy a cool and refreshing treat from STARBURST^TM. The new STARBURST^TM Brand Sorbet Bars are available at Wal-Mart and select grocery stores nationwide in 4-packs (2.6 oz.) for just $3.99. STARBURST^TM Brand Sorbet Bar Singles are available for $1.49 each in many convenience stores nationwide.

In an effort to bring refreshment to two of the hottest cities in America – Houston and Las Vegas – STARBURST^TM  Brand Sorbet Bars will conduct sampling opportunities to students at universities in both markets. Additionally, construction workers and firefighters will be treated to a STARBURST^TM Sorbet Bar oasis, allowing them the opportunity to cool off and refresh with the new product.

The new STARBURST^TM Brand Sorbet Bars round out Mars' popular ice cream portfolio, which also includes DOVEBAR®, TWIX® and SNICKERS® Ice Cream Bars, and M&M'S® Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches.

For more information, visit the STARBURST^TM Brand Facebook page at www.facebook.com/starburst or http://mars.new-media-release.com/starburst-strawberry-sorbet-bars/.

About 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 objective of creating a "mutuality of benefits for all stakeholders" – this objective serves as the foundation of Mars, Incorporated today. Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $33 billion, six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, Symbioscience, and more than 75,000 Associates worldwide that are putting its Principles into action to make a difference for people and the planet through its performance.

Mars brands include: Petcare – PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, BANFIELD® Pet Hospital, CESAR®, SHEBA®, DREAMIES® and NUTRO®; Chocolate – M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Wrigley – DOUBLEMINT®, EXTRA®, ORBIT® and 5™ chewing gums, SKITTLES® and STARBURST® candies, and ALTOIDS® and LIFESAVERS® mints; Food – UNCLE BEN'S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS®, SEEDS OF CHANGE® and ROYCO®; Drinks – ALTERRA COFFEE ROASTERS™, THE BRIGHT TEA COMPANY™, KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience – COCOAVIA® and WISDOM PANEL®.

For more information, please visit www.mars.com.  Follow us: facebook.com/mars, twitter.com/marsglobal, youtube.com/mars, linkedin.com/company/mars.

[1] Survey conducted via eNation in July 2014 to sample size of more than 4,000 US residents, age 18 and above.

[2] National Climatic Data Center, U.S. Daily Records Summary, http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/datatools/records (Aug. 13, 2014).

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140825/139329

SOURCE Mars Chocolate North America