Mars: Boosting Europe with €1bn to Strengthen Supply Chains
Mars is setting out a new €1bn (US$1.18bn) investment plan for its operations across the European Union, with a focus on building supply chain resilience, upgrading manufacturing sites and cutting emissions.
The investment runs through to the end of 2026 and targets both operational strength and sustainability across the company's EU network.
Mars already maintains a strong footprint across the region, operating 24 factories in 10 EU member states and employing around 25,000 people.
The latest investment builds on €1.5bn (US$1.76bn) already committed over the last five years to grow production capacity, modernise sites and meet decarbonisation goals.
Claus Aagaard, Chief Financial Officer at Mars, makes the company’s intent clear: “We take a long-term view – we believe in Europe and we would like to see more growth for the benefit of consumers in the EU economies.
"Our investments are designed to keep our operations world-class, competitive and aligned with the EU’s long-term priorities.”
Claus adds: “For Mars, this is about more than just growth. It’s also about building a stronger, more resilient business in Europe – one that delivers more innovation to consumers, delivers value for thousands of our European suppliers and creates lasting, positive impacts in the communities where we operate.”
Factory upgrades and a shift in packaging
Much of the new funding targets technology upgrades and production efficiencies across Mars' manufacturing network. The strategy aims to roll out new product formats and packaging designs while meeting sustainability and compliance targets.
In practical terms, this includes the development of recyclable packaging for WHISKAS, one of Mars’ pet care brands, and the launch of updated formats for gum brands EXTRA and ORBIT. These changes support growing regulatory pressure across the EU around packaging waste, while also aligning with shifting consumer expectations.
In Poland, around €250m (US$293.7m) is allocated to the Janaszówek chocolate factory. The investment spans a four-year period through to 2027 and introduces advanced automation.
The site’s output will rise by 63% as a result. Now entering its 30th year, the factory plays a central role in Mars’ regional supply chain, contributing to product development and logistics across the bloc.
These upgrades go hand-in-hand with EU regulations that favour circular economies and reduced landfill waste. As the bloc raises the bar for recyclability and material usage, Mars adjusts its supply chain to match these expectations at production level.
Cutting emissions and supporting cleaner energy
The company’s strategy also centres on cutting emissions and adopting renewable energy across operations.
Mars reports a 16% global reduction in Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 2015. This achievement stands out as the business continues to grow – up 69% globally over the same period.
To explain: Scope 1 covers emissions from Mars' owned facilities, Scope 2 tracks indirect emissions from electricity use and Scope 3 refers to emissions across its wider value chain, including suppliers and logistics.
Mars is transitioning key EU facilities to renewable energy. In France, its Steinbourg site, which produces Snickers, Twix and Bounty, is the first to operate fully without fossil fuels. The company’s pet nutrition factory in Lithuania also runs a pouch production line using only renewable electricity.
Tackling agriculture emissions, Mars is launching the Moo’ving Dairy Forward Plan – a US$47m initiative targeting methane reductions at the farm level.
The programme focuses on dairy suppliers in countries like the Netherlands, where dairy production plays a central economic and environmental role.
Strengthening supplier links and local economies
Beyond the factories and packaging lines, Mars strengthens long-term links with suppliers, farms and communities.
Its supply chain strategy looks at local sourcing, agricultural partnerships and employment support. These relationships anchor Mars’ manufacturing footprint and help buffer against external shocks.
In France, the company previously committed more than €100m (US$117.4m) to digital transformation and upgrades at its industrial facilities. That funding supports job retention, innovation and energy efficiency, while feeding into wider carbon reduction goals.
Across the EU, Mars states that 85% of the products it sells are manufactured within the bloc. These facilities not only meet local demand but also act as export centres for over 100 global markets. That structure helps Mars maintain a flexible and efficient supply chain, even in volatile conditions.
By reinforcing its EU base, Mars aligns itself with local environmental goals, economic priorities and evolving market conditions. The approach integrates modernisation with sustainability and ensures its European operations remain competitive and resilient.
The investment confirms Mars' long-term commitment to manufacturing in the region. Through updated factories, greener supply chains and strong community links, the company locks in both capacity and capability for the future.
