McLean, VA - Though Mars, Incorporated is not a direct exporter of cocoa from Cote d'Ivoire, as a major end-user of Ivorian cocoa we will work with our suppliers in the face of this ban which the U.S. State Department has now endorsed.  Likewise, we'll continue to monitor other international voices, including the European Union, for their guidance on this issue.  We expect that a complete understanding of the export ban and its implications will require some time, but we are certain that in the short term this will not impact our ability to manufacture the chocolate products that our consumers desire, with the quality they expect.  We continue to have concerns regarding the political situation that exists within Cote d'Ivoire and, like all parties, hope that this measure does not have an undue impact on the hundreds of thousands of farmers who grow cocoa in the Ivory Coast."

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 1920’s, 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, six business segments including Chocolate, Petcare, Food, Gum & Confections, and Symbioscience, and more than 65,000 Associates worldwide that are putting our Mars Principles in action 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: KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience: SERAMIS® and CIRKU.