Mars Vs Hershey Chocolate: The Differences That Matter
Chocolate is undoubtedly one of the most beloved indulgences in the world, with Mars and Hershey Chocolate being two of the biggest players in the industry. Mars, Inc. and The Hershey Company have been producing delicious chocolates for over a century, but which one is better?
In this article, we will compare the two companies in terms of their product line, ingredients, and market share. We will also weigh the pros and cons of each brand and address some frequently asked questions about them.
Mars and Hershey Chocolate: A Brief Overview:
Mars, Inc. is an American multinational company that produces a wide range of consumer goods, including chocolate bars, candy, pet food, and more. The company was founded in 1911 by Frank Mars and has since become a global leader in the chocolate industry. Some of Mars’ popular chocolate brands include Snickers, Twix, M&M’s, Milky Way, and Dove Chocolate.
The Hershey Company, on the other hand, is an American chocolate company that was founded in 1894 by Milton Hershey. Hershey Chocolate is famous for its iconic Hershey’s chocolate bar, which has been a staple in American households for over a century. The company produces a wide range of chocolate bars, including Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey’s Kisses, and Kit Kat bars.
Comparison of Mars and Hershey Chocolate:
| Mars Chocolate | Hershey Chocolate | |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Mars, Incorporated | The Hershey Company |
| Founding Year | 1911 | 1894 |
| Headquarters | McLean, Virginia, United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Popular Brands | Snickers, M&M’s, Milky Way, Twix, Mars Bars, Dove Chocolate | Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Reese’s, Kit Kat (under license), Kisses, Twizzlers |
| Global Reach | Widely distributed globally | Widely distributed globally |
| Product Variety | Offers a wide range of chocolate bars, candies, and confectionery products | Offers a wide range of chocolate bars, candies, and confectionery products |
| Signature Product | Mars Bars, Snickers | Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups |
| Market Presence | Strong presence in various markets worldwide | Strong presence in the United States and international markets |
| Market Share | One of the largest confectionery companies globally | One of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the United States |
| Specialties | Known for its combination of caramel, nougat, and peanuts in products like Snickers | Known for its smooth milk chocolate and iconic Hershey’s Kisses |
| Manufacturing Facilities | Operates manufacturing facilities in multiple countries | Operates manufacturing facilities primarily in the United States |
| Corporate Social Responsibility | Engaged in sustainability initiatives, responsible sourcing, and community involvement | Engaged in sustainability efforts, cocoa sourcing programs, and community initiatives |
| Cultural Impact | M&M’s and Snickers are recognized and popular worldwide | Hershey’s chocolate has become an American cultural icon |
| Marketing Strategies | Utilizes catchy advertising campaigns and sponsorships, such as Mars sponsorship of major sporting events | Known for its memorable jingles and commercials, with a focus on nostalgic and family-oriented themes |
| Recent Innovations | Introduced new variations and flavors of M&M’s, such as caramel and hazelnut spread | Introduced new products like Hershey’s Gold (caramelized creme with peanuts and pretzels) and Reese’s Thins |
Both Mars and Hershey are prominent players in the chocolate industry, with a rich history and a wide range of popular chocolate brands. While Mars has a more global reach and offers a diverse portfolio of confectionery products, Hershey is particularly known for its smooth milk chocolate and iconic brands like Hershey’s Kisses and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Product Line:
Both Mars and Hershey Chocolate offer a wide range of chocolate products that vary in taste, texture, and size. Mars, Inc. has a broader product line, including chocolate bars, candy, ice cream, and beverages. Some of their most popular products include Snickers, M&M’s, Milky Way, and Twix. Hershey Chocolate, on the other hand, focuses more on chocolate bars, kisses, and peanut butter cups.
Ingredients and Manufacturing Processes:
Cocoa Beans Sourcing:
Mars and Hershey Chocolate both use cocoa beans sourced from various countries around the world. However, Mars has been working on improving the sustainability of their cocoa supply chain, and they have started using certified sustainable cocoa in some of their products. Hershey Chocolate also sources some of their cocoa sustainably but has faced criticism in the past for not doing enough to ensure ethical sourcing.
Quality Control Standards:
Both Mars and Hershey Chocolate have high-quality control standards in place to ensure that their products are safe and consistent in taste and texture. Mars has a more comprehensive quality control system, with a focus on sustainability and ethical practices. Hershey Chocolate also has quality control standards but may not be as stringent as Mars.
Ethical Practices:
Mars and Hershey Chocolate have both committed to ethical practices in their cocoa sourcing, including working to eliminate child labor and improve farmer livelihoods. However, Mars has been more proactive in this area, partnering with organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance to improve sustainability and social responsibility in their supply chain.
Market Share and Global Reach:
Sales and Revenue:
Mars is the larger of the two companies, with a revenue of over $40 billion in 2021 compared to Hershey Chocolate’s revenue of around $8 billion in the same year. Mars has a more diversified product line and a larger global presence, contributing to their higher sales revenue.
Global Distribution:
Mars has a more extensive global distribution network, with their products sold in over 80 countries worldwide. Hershey Chocolate is more focused on the American market, with a limited presence in other parts of the world.
Mars vs Hershey Chocolate: Pros and Cons
Mars Chocolate:
Pros:
Mars uses high-quality ingredients in their chocolates, with a focus on sustainability and ethical practices. They offer a wide range of flavors and innovative products, such as the new “M&M’s Mix” featuring different flavored M&M’s in one bag.
Cons:
Mars products tend to be more expensive than Hershey Chocolate, which may limit their appeal to budget-conscious consumers. Mars products may also have limited distribution in some regions, making them harder to find.
Hershey Chocolate:
Pros:
Hershey Chocolate is more affordable than Mars, making it more accessible to a broader range of consumers. The Hershey’s brand is iconic and has a loyal following. Hershey’s chocolate bars and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are popular and beloved by many.
Cons:
Hershey Chocolate may use lower quality ingredients in their chocolates than Mars, and they have a limited variety of products compared to Mars. They may also lack innovation in their product line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Which brand is more popular?
Mars is the larger of the two companies and has a more extensive global reach, but Hershey Chocolate is more focused on the American market and has a loyal following.
Q: What are the differences in the ingredients used in Mars and Hershey chocolate?
Mars tends to use higher quality and sustainably sourced ingredients than Hershey Chocolate, which may use lower quality ingredients.
Q: Which brand is healthier?
Both Mars and Hershey Chocolate are indulgences and should be enjoyed in moderation. However, Mars has a stronger commitment to sustainability and ethical practices in their supply chain, which may appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Q: Are Mars and Hershey Chocolate ethically produced?
Both Mars and Hershey Chocolate have committed to ethical practices in their cocoa sourcing, including eliminating child labor and improving farmer livelihoods. Mars has been more proactive in this area, partnering with organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance to improve sustainability and social responsibility in their supply chain.
Q: Where are Mars and Hershey Chocolate sold globally?
Mars products are sold in over 80 countries worldwide, while Hershey Chocolate is more focused on the American market, with a limited presence in other parts of the world.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between Mars and Hershey Chocolate, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both companies offer high-quality chocolate products, but Mars has a more comprehensive commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
If you’re looking for a wider variety of products and a more innovative product line, Mars may be the better choice for you. However, if you’re on a budget or a fan of classic chocolate bars like Hershey’s, Hershey Chocolate may be the way to go.
Ultimately, both Mars and Hershey Chocolate are indulgences and should be enjoyed in moderation. Whether you prefer the iconic Hershey’s chocolate bars or the wide variety of flavors offered by Mars, there’s no denying that both companies have a place in the world of chocolate.