As consumers, it’s often challenging to wade through the marketing hype and know if a company sincerely reflects our values. Whether ensuring ethical business practices, fair labor and safe workplaces, or sustainability initiatives, it’s heartening to find out that many organizations are truly committed to a better world.
That’s the promise made by Mars, best known for its M&Ms and Snickers candies. “I believe in the power of business to have a positive impact in society,” says new CEO Poul Weihrauch. “Profit and purpose should go hand-in-hand.”
One issue the company is facing — and innovating on — is the chocolate shortage. Currently, 70% of global cocoa is grown in West Africa, but periods of drought, aging trees and disease have led to poor crop yields. In response, Mars has partnered with gene-editing company Pairwise to accelerate cacao research and development, tackle agricultural challenges, and increase crop production.
Pairwise’s gene-editing platform is designed to accelerate the development of impactful crop traits, such as faster growth cycles, compared to traditional breeding methods. The partnership has already had a 72% success rate in targeted crop improvements, easing strain on supply chains and lowering chocolate prices.
Cacao isn’t the only crop challenging candy companies. Mint is also a key ingredient; unfortunately, fluctuating weather patterns, soil health and disease have negatively affected crops across the globe. To that end, Mars launched Shubh Mint, an initiative focused on improving plant science. This includes “developing plant strains capable of resisting diseases, adapting to climate changes, boosting yields and optimizing water use,” Supply Chain Digital reports.
To help small farmers with the supply chain issues specific to their regions, Mars is also investing in training them in new methods of planting, irrigation and soil health. Growers are even taught how to collaborate more effectively with suppliers, improving relationships and deepening understanding of their livelihoods.
In India, where 80% of mint is currently grown, Mars is also committed to reducing gender disparities. By partnering with international nonprofit Tanager, the company is supporting women farmers with training, loans and general education. Through these cooperative efforts, Tanager has boosted mint farm income by 156%, benefiting 25,000 growers.
At the same time, Mars is making a major move toward supply chain decarbonization by partnering with clean energy providers. As part of its Renewable Acceleration Program, the company aims to speed its transition to sustainable electricity by sourcing clean energy for its entire value chain. This ambitious strategy is intended to cut approximately 3 million tons of carbon emissions, amounting to an estimated 10% of the company's footprint.
Growing supply chain resilience
Beyond its environmental benefits, sustainable supply chain management also improves employee engagement and retention. Resarch from ASCM and Gartner reveals why companies with rigorous sustainability mandates report such positive employee metrics. Download the report to learn how prioritizing sustainability can lead to better talent outcomes. Then, use our free Supply Chain Maturity Assessment to uncover gaps; benchmark against SCOR standards; and receive expert insights to build a more resilient, optimized supply chain. Get started elevating your performance today.
