logo
Mars Brings Top Tier Innovations to Sweets & Snacks Expo

Mars Brings Top Tier Innovations to Sweets & Snacks Expo

Mars showcases how evolving treating behaviors and stretched seasons are shaping the future of snacking
NEWARK, N.J., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mars, the maker of some of the world's most beloved treats and snacks, will return to the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis on May 13-15. Onsite, Mars will highlight and sample its latest innovations that are backed by evolving treating trends and discuss how seasonal occasions are positively impacting the category and retailers alike.
'Treating plays an important role in life's moments, big and small,' said Tim LeBel, President of Sales at Mars Wrigley North America. 'As a consumer-obsessed company committed to shaping the future of snacking, Mars is constantly innovating ways for our brands to deliver exciting experiences with our products. Through new and nostalgic flavors, festive shapes and playful textures, we help drive the category and empower retailers to deliver moments of everyday happiness for consumers.'
Insights-Backed Innovations from Iconic Brands
Across the Mars portfolio, there are several new offerings that deliver on evolving consumer preferences, from heightened demand for better-for-you options, to Gen Z's affinity for adventurous textures and formats, and chocolate's continued reign around seasonal moments. At booth #5202, Mars will showcase a range of its latest innovations including:
STARBURST® GOODIES: These new STARBURST® gummies are plant based with 4g of sugar per serving, and are an excellent source of fiber —no wonder why they're called GOODIES. Made with real fruit juice, STARBURST GOODIES are the sweet treat you've been waiting for.
M&M'S® Peanut Butter & Jelly: The latest star of the M&M'S® Peanut Butter portfolio features berry flavored bite-sized chocolate treats with a deliciously smooth peanut butter center that will transport fans to the delicious experience of a PB&J sandwich.
SKITTLES® POP'D Original & Sour: These new SKITTLES® innovations taps into the freeze-dried candy craze, featuring an unexpectedly crunchy, crispy way to enjoy the fruity SKITTLES Original and new Sour flavors.
SNICKERS® Pecan: A delicious twist on the candy bar you love, featuring the perfect blend of caramel, nougat and milk chocolate, now complemented by the savory-sweetness of pecans.
SNICKERS® Shapes: SNICKERS Shapes feature the same satisfying roasted peanuts, creamy caramel, smooth nougat and milk chocolate iconic to SNICKERS, but in festive seasonal shapes to maximize holiday joy from Easter to the holidays and every festive moment in between.
Leaning into Stretched Seasons
Consumers are using festive treats and the traditions around them as a way to extend the joy of seasons. This includes microseasons and new moments for celebration, such as Summerween and Augtober—early Halloween festivities that emerged across social media last year.
Seasonal moments are a key driver in how and when consumers plan, shop and treat themselves. With celebrations starting earlier and lasting longer, there is even more opportunity to engage shoppers and grow baskets.
To learn more and hear firsthand insight, join Tim LeBel on Tuesday, May 13 at 2 pm on the Gold Stage (booth #4359), in a can't-miss panel discussion around how leading companies are capitalizing on extended seasons to meet demand across the shopper journey and drive incremental growth.
For more information on the latest news from Mars, visit Mars.com or follow us on LinkedIn. If you're planning to be at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, stop by booth #5202.
ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED
Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M's®, SNICKERS® and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom—inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.
For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
MEDIA CONTACTJoelle HutcheonMarsJoelle.hutcheon@effem.com
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Bossjob Launches in Malaysia: A Smarter Way to Find Jobs through Chat-first AI Matching
Bossjob Launches in Malaysia: A Smarter Way to Find Jobs through Chat-first AI Matching

Malaysian Reserve

timean hour ago

  • Malaysian Reserve

Bossjob Launches in Malaysia: A Smarter Way to Find Jobs through Chat-first AI Matching

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bossjob, Southeast Asia's chat-based AI job platform, today announced its official launch in Malaysia, bringing job seekers and employers a faster, smarter, more human-centric way to connect. The new job platform in Malaysia aims to transform how Malaysians find work—especially among Gen Z and gig economy workers. Why Malaysia, Why Now? Malaysia is in the middle of a digital shift, driven by its mobile-first, youth-dominated population. As demand for flexible, blue-collar, and entry-level jobs surges, Bossjob steps in with a bold promise: faster hiring, AI-powered matchmaking, and instant communication—right from your phone. But this isn't a pilot—it's a proven formula. Bossjob has already helped over 100 million jobseekers globally, with local operations focused on serving the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan. Since 2023, we've seen a 500% increase in monthly active users in the Philippines alone, while becoming the #1 downloaded chat-first job app in the country. Over 10 million messages have been exchanged between jobseekers and employers, with an average response time of under 10 minutes. Most users complete their job applications in less than 90 seconds. Our AI-matching engine delivers real-time, relevant roles—83% of jobseekers receive a match within 24 hours, and 78% are hired within just 7 days of chatting. That's hiring in under a week—without the waiting game. What Makes Bossjob Different? Chat–first hiring – Message employers instantly, eliminating lengthy application forms and long wait times. AI-powered job matching – Our algorithms understand applicant skills, preferences, and chat behavior, delivering relevant job matches in real time. Simplified profile creation – No more juggling CV formats. Our streamlined profile process means users can apply with one tap. 'We are committed to making job searching more accessible and efficient for job seekers,' said Bernie Goh, Country Manager Malaysia of Bossjob. 'Through this campaign, we aim to connect with job seekers on the go, reinforcing our commitment to simplifying the job search process and empowering job seekers with fast and direct access to employers.' Bossjob is already helping businesses move at the speed of chat. 'Bossjob helped us connect quickly and meaningfully with Malaysia's young talent during our KL launch. Unlike traditional platforms, their chat-first model let us engage candidates instantly—speed made all the difference,' said Chevelle Tham, HR Manager & Hiring Lead at Hvala. Available Nationwide Bossjob's mobile app and web platform are now available nationwide. With job locations initially focused on Kuala Lumpur and Johor, jobseekers in Bossjob Malaysia can: Instantly connect with F&B, logistics, retail, and office employers. Discover AI-curated roles suited to their profile. Skip long registration processes; profile setup takes under two minutes. 'Bossjob isn't just offering a new job search alternative in Malaysia—it's equipping jobseekers with the tools and Gen AI technology to optimise their candidate profiles,' Goh added. 'From fresh graduates to seasoned professionals, we believe every jobseeker deserves not only fast access to opportunities, but also the means to present their best self to employers.' Vision for Southeast Asia Bossjob's Malaysia launch is part of its broader mission: to make job hunting instant, equitable, and accessible across the region. With 8,000+ active employers across Southeast Asia—including brands like Jollibee, Lazada, and Uniqlo—we're already trusted by 60% of SMEs in the Philippines and 40% of Singapore's fastest-growing startups. In Japan, we were the first chat-based platform to enter the gig market, achieving over 90% satisfaction in our pilot phase. Get Started Join over 2.5 million users across Southeast Asia who are transforming their job search with Bossjob. With AI-curated roles, real-time chat with employers, and hiring in under a week, it's the fastest way to get hired in the region. Bossjob has facilitated over 5 million job connections in the Philippines, Singapore, and Japan—making us Southeast Asia and Japan's fastest-growing job-matching platform. Bossjob's AI-driven chat engine is redefining job search—delivering relevant jobs in real-time, not weeks. Bossjob is now live in Malaysia. Download our app from the App Store or Google Play—or sign up online and start chatting. Your next job could be one message away. About Bossjob Bossjob is a chat-first, AI-powered job platform transforming hiring across Blue­-collar, gig, and Gen Z sectors. With over 1 million downloads and thousands of successful connections in SEA, Bossjob is on a mission to reinvent job search—one chat at a time.

Nestle's outlook brightens with wage growth, govt support measures
Nestle's outlook brightens with wage growth, govt support measures

The Star

time3 hours ago

  • The Star

Nestle's outlook brightens with wage growth, govt support measures

PETALING JAYA: Things are starting to look up for Nestle (M) Bhd , the purveyor of Milo chocolate malt drinks and Maggi noodles, as lower commodity prices, a combination of wage growth and government support measures and the decline of boycotts drove earnings in the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 (2Q25). While analysts remain cautious of the company's outlook, CIMB Research, which has maintained a 'hold' call on the stock with a target price (TP) of RM86.20, expects gradual demand recovery as consumer sentiment normalises amid fading boycott impact as well as likely improvements in exports leveraging on its place as Nestle SA's global halal hub. It believes the share valuation of 35.9 times financial year ending Dec 31, 2025 (FY25) price-to-earnings (PE) has priced in the weak near-term outlook, driven by lower sales volume assumptions amid prevailing soft consumer sentiment and global uncertainties, noting the inelastic demand for its largely consumer staple product offerings, strong brand equity, and diversified product portfolio across key food categories. Affin Hwang Research noted that the 2Q25 financial performance signals that the worst could probably be over, with the boycott pressures easing meaningfully, and has upgraded the stock to a 'buy' call and a TP of RM95 from RM85, implying 42 times PE. A stronger ringgit together with easing commodity prices may help lift the company's margins in the coming quarters. It pointed out that the RM100 credit given through the MyKad to all Malaysians aged 18 and above would also support higher sales in the second half of the year, as many Nestle products comes under the MySara programme. RHB Research said revenue growth, which returned in 2Q25, could be sustainable premised on the company's effective marketing engagements to stimulate consumer spending and the normalising sentiment on its brands. It has upgraded the stock to a 'buy' call from 'neutral' and raised the TP to RM95 from RM77 as the research house thinks that the comeback 'is timely in view of the pick-up in investor appetite for defensive stocks amidst uncertain market conditions.' 'We also expect a margin recovery ahead, on easing commodity prices. 'Post results, we raise FY25 to FY27 earnings by 8%, 7%, 3% after imputing higher sales growth and gross profit margin assumptions,' it said. UOB Kay Hian Research, which has maintained a 'hold' recommendation but with a higher TP of RM82 from RM76, said earnings for FY25 and FY26 has been lifted by 5.6% and 5.2% respectively to factor in higher sales and margin assumptions. 'Nestle had undertaken a price exercise adjustment in July 24 for certain products by 5% to 6% that appears to have largely protected its margins against higher input cost. 'Coupled with its hedging, margins should sustain over the near term,' it added.

Gen Z brews up next wave of local coffee culture
Gen Z brews up next wave of local coffee culture

The Star

time3 hours ago

  • The Star

Gen Z brews up next wave of local coffee culture

They wanted to marry but did not have enough money for a wedding in 2021. So Hanim Azmi, 29, and her now husband Safwan Zain, 32, set up a coffee stall at Taman Melawati in Ampang, Selangor. 'We started small with a capital of no more than RM600 and made coffees by hand. 'After three months, we figured that if we wanted to increase sales, we would need a machine. 'As luck would have it, I had also made some extra money from designing a website,' said Hanim. With the money they had saved, the couple was able to invest RM25,000 in a La Marzocco coffee machine. Hanim (left) and Safwan at their pop-up coffee stall in Taman Melawati. 'It was a gamble but it paid off and we were able to get married in 2022,' she added. Their beverage menu includes matcha lattes and classic coffees like long black and espresso made from a blend of Guatemalan and Brazillian coffee beans, which customers enjoy while lounging on camping chairs at the stall. The couple's pop-up coffee stall, operating out of the back of a van, is just one of many at the neighbourhood's Saturday car-boot sale. Taman Melawati is one of several locations in Klang Valley seeing a rising coffee trend of young traders bringing drinks once served only in cafes and big coffee chains, to the streets. An oral history The pop-up coffee stall trend is closely tied to Gen Z, according to Hedir Abdul Manan, 38, who has been in the food and beverage industry for seven years. Hedir, who helps out at his family's food stall in Medan Selera AU2 in Taman Keramat in Ampang, calls the trend the third wave in local coffee culture. 'The first wave was the kopitiam with their local brews. 'Then came the second in the form of big coffee chains. Hedir Abdul Manan, 38 'The latest wave would be these street vendors,' he said. He added that the first time he saw the trend of street vendors setting up small tables to sell coffee and snacks to passers-by was in Manchester, England, while working on his masters thesis in facility management in 2009. 'I also saw this in Perth, Australia, in 2017 during a working trip to do quantity surveying. 'In these countries, these stalls are only open until 11am and their main customers are people looking for a quick drink while on their way to work. 'In Malaysia, many of these coffee stalls only open from evening until as late as 2am,' said Hedir. The country's warm climate, he added, was a factor in operating during later hours. 'While it may be argued that no one would want to drink coffee at night as it will keep them awake, we forget that our evenings are cooler, making it more conducive to hang out, especially since these stalls are usually outdoors,' he said. The father of three said the genesis of pop-up coffee stalls could be traced back to the movement control order (MCO)era when takeaways became the new norm. 'It started with the air balang sellers who came up with products like kopi ikat tepi, which were selling for below RM5. 'Due to Covid-19 restrictions and need for social distancing, camping and the great outdoors became a trend and this was when collapsible furniture and equipment also became more affordable and easily available. 'The availability of portable generators or batteries, with some models lasting up to three days, allows hawkers to operate their coffee machines and grinders from the trunks of their vehicles,' said Hedir. Fuelling the trend, he said were two words – 'healing' and 'chilling' – buzz words used by Gen Z to denote the need to rest, relax and recharge. 'These pop-up stalls, of which most have a campsite-like set-up, further evoke a hipster feel, quite unlike that of a regular, traditional hawker stall, which is now seen as 'old school'. 'In a nutshell, even if it's just a stall, these pop-up coffee stalls are still nice enough for outfit-of-the-day selfies,' he added. Another crucial element is that these stalls are not just offering cheaper copycat versions of more established cafes; they also have their own products. 'I know of stalls which have kopi kaya in their menu,' he said. Kopi kaya is coffee that has been flavoured with kaya (coconut jam). Sustainability factor On the question of sustainability and revenue viability, Hafiz Haizam, 26, a wedding dais maker who is helping his sister-in-law with a coffee stall franchise she bought in 2020, predicts the coffee trend easily lasting another 10 years. Hafiz, who also operates a stall at a carpark in Taman Melawati like Hanim and Safwan, said when the franchise first started business after the MCO in 2021, they were later able to expand. Hafiz's stall, at Jalan Bandar 4, opens from 11am to 6pm, with daily sales of RM400 to RM600 per day. The price range for his drinks, using kopi kampung – locally blended roasted coffee usually with sugar and margarine – is between RM6 and RM9. Two other coffee stall operators opposite Hafiz's say they can sell between 40 and 60 cups a day, earning a profit of between RM3 and RM5 per cup. These encouraging figures motivated Shahril Musa, 44, about three months ago to start selling iced coffee and chocolate drinks from the boot of his car while waiting to pick his daughter up from school. Shahril, a marketer, said he now made it a point to sell his drinks on a more regular basis. However, the rising trend of pop-up coffee stalls comes with its fair share of social issues. At a recent MPAJ board meeting, the proliferation of roadside coffee stalls in Taman Keramat was blamed for traffic chaos in the area. MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said that while the council supports the coffee culture, operators need to manage their businesses in an orderly fashion. To tackle this, Hasrolnizam said that MPAJ's Licensing and Entrepreneurial Development Department director Addy Hissham Elias was currently carrying out an inventory to assist such small businesses. 'Many coffee sellers are youths and MPAJ is keen to help them look for suitable sites to do business without obstructing traffic,' he said. 'Most of the complaints are traffic-related as these coffee businesses are set up by the roadside and under trees.' Coffee traders who intend to set up stalls are advised that there are 462 temporary hawker sites under MPAJ's purview. Hasrolnizam said conditions for application include compulsory attendance of a food handling course and typhoid jab. The duration for temporary licence is a year whereas static permits are only valid for six months, based on MPAJ's licensing conditions. Opening times at the temporary trading sites are divided into three sessions: 7am to noon, noon to 7pm and 7pm to midnight. Successful applicants may only pick a maximum of two sessions, priced at RM120 per month per session. Local coffee culture On Nov 15 last year, during the tabling of Selangor Budget 2025, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced that RM1mil was allocated towards the organisation of a coffee festival in conjunction with Visit Selangor Year. Among the goals is to allow emerging baristas to explore the coffee bean industry and corresponding technology. Last month's Pesta Kopi Melawati 2025, at Jalan Negara Kita Art Alley in Taman Melawati, saw 15 local coffee entrepreneurs participating in the festival organised by MPAJ and Hulu Kelang state constituency coordinator's office. Amirudin, who launched the event, posted on his social media page that local coffee culture had seen an extraordinary transformation in the last 10 to 20 years. 'In the past, coffee was just a drink you order at a warung. 'Today, it is a lifestyle, taking on its own cultural narrative with its diverse flavours and preparation techniques. 'It has also served as a bridge to unite local communities.' Amirudin also said that Taman Melawati was now known as one of the areas with an active local coffee culture, with more than 30 coffee entrepreneurs operating there. 'With continued support for micro and creative entrepreneurs, I hope that one day Selangor will be able to stand on par with neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam in highlighting the local coffee industry at regional and global levels,' he added.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store