Mars Snacking is creating 600 new jobs as it expands its global headquarters in Chicago, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced. The expansion will add the company's North America Region, Accelerator Division and Global Functions to its Chicago operations. The confectionery company, which produces M&Ms, Snickers, Twix, Starburst and Skittles, will open a new North America regional office hub in Chicago's Fulton Market district with capacity for over 1,000 associates. The Accelerator division will establish a global office hub in downtown Chicago at the former Kellanova headquarters. Under an Economic Development for a Growing Economy agreement, Mars Snacking has committed to a $100 million investment. The company currently supports more than 4,000 jobs in the Chicago region and operates its Global Innovation Center there.

Mars, Incorporated has appointed Lauren Larsen as Chief Customer Officer for Mars Food & Nutrition, North America. Larsen brings 18 years of consumer packaged goods experience from companies including Procter & Gamble and Glanbia. In her new role, Larsen will lead sales strategies for Mars' rice and ready meal categories in the US, overseeing brands including Ben's Original, Seeds of Change and Tasty Bite. She will focus on driving growth and market penetration across retail channels. Dave Dusangh, Regional President of Mars Food & Nutrition North America, said Larsen's experience building sales organisations and driving commercial excellence will help accelerate portfolio growth and strengthen customer partnerships. Mars is a $65 billion family-owned business with brands spanning pet care, snacking and food products.

Mars has committed to invest $20 million in sustainable rice sourcing programmes by 2030 to help farmers adopt climate-smart agriculture practices. The investment comes as climate change threatens global rice yields, which the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects will decline by 10-15% by 2050. The company, which owns Ben's Original rice brand, will work directly with farmers to implement regenerative practices like Alternate Wetting and Drying and the System of Rice Intensification. These methods reduce water usage and greenhouse gas emissions whilst improving crop resilience. One Arkansas farm using these techniques has reduced water usage by 60% and achieved up to 60% lower emissions compared to regional averages. Mars is also a founding member of the Sustainable Rice Platform, a global alliance promoting sustainable rice farming.