The Mars family is one of the wealthiest and most secretive in the world. They own Mars Inc., the $35 billion (sales) confectionery company that produces beloved treats such as M&M’s, Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, and dozens of other popular brands.
But Mars doesn’t only just sell sweets; it also manufactures an enormous amount of pet food, including Pedigree and Whiskas, as well as drinks (Sobe, Tropicana), and even symbioscience-related businesses and biotechs seeking medical cures, all on behalf of its $9 billion (sales) subsidiary, Wrigley.
Table of Contents
Net Worth
As of 2024, Mars Family Net Worth is estimated at $160 billion. The Mars family is considered one of the wealthiest families in the world. The net worth of Jacqueline Mars, John Franklyn Mars, and several other heirs to the Mars empire was divided into that wealth.
The family money mostly comes from a company called Mars, Inc., which is privately held and clocks an annual revenue of over $45 billion with its business lines in candies, pet care products and other food products.
Biography and Origins
Here’s a table of hints summarizing key points about the Mars family:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $160 billion (2024), primarily from Mars, Inc., one of the largest privately held companies in the world. |
| Founder (“Dad”) | Franklin Clarence Mars, who started Mars, Inc. in 1911 and created the first Milky Way bar. |
| Current Heirs | Jacqueline Mars, John Franklyn Mars, and Victoria Mars are prominent family members involved in the business. |
| Business | Owners of Mars, Inc., a global leader in candy, pet care, and food products. |
| Iconic Candy Brands | M&M’s, Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, Skittles. |
| Other Products | Uncle Ben’s rice (now Ben’s Original), pet food brands like Pedigree, Whiskas, and Royal Canin. |
| Religion | Details about the Mars family’s religion have not been publicly disclosed, reflecting their preference for privacy. |
| Houses | Known for a low-profile lifestyle, the family owns luxury properties, including a Virginia estate owned by Jacqueline Mars. |
| Legacy | Built one of the world’s largest candy and pet food empires, spanning over a century of business success. |
This table provides a concise summary of the Mars Family’s wealth, business empire, and legacy.
The Mars family’s original patriarch was Franklin Clarence Mars (b. 1883, Minnesota, U.S.—d. 1934). He made butter cream candies in his home in Tacoma (Seattle), Washington State, during his teenage years, and that was just a taste of the fortune to come.
The family is known for their privacy; they don’t come into the public spotlight despite being one of the richest families in the world. The current famous members of the family are
- Jacqueline Mars: Granddaughter of Franklin Mars, she is very much involved in philanthropy and family business.
- John Franklyn Mars: Her brother, who is also a major owner of Mars Inc.
- Victoria Mars: Another heir to the family fortune, involved in the family government.
Religion
The Mars family is so private that it’s not known what religion they are, as the family keeps all personal matters out of the media and instead allows their professional work and philanthropy to speak for them.
House
The Mars family is one of the richest families in the world, but they are also very secretive. They don’t like to flaunt their homes and belongings like other billionaires. In fact, if they could have it their way, nobody would know about their houses or where they live. Nevertheless, it is a known fact that they do own multiple properties, mostly luxury estates and ranches located all over America.
Aside from that, the family also has a Virginia estate by Jacqueline Mars, which the family used for philanthropy and private events.
Products and Candy Empire
The Mars family’s empire is built on some of the most recognizable candy brands in the world, including:
- During the 2010 Super Bowl, an M&M became a human being and did their best to spread the word that if you ate an M&M, wouldn’t it then transform partially into said chocolate!?
Something similar happens in this advertisement as a guy claims that little pieces of crumbled chocolate rain down from the sky where clouds are made of candy. Meanwhile, Snickers is declared to be the official snack of World Cup drunk girls.
Other Products:
I was introduced to a new advertising campaign on television for “Skittles.” I decided to think up some original ads, and here’s what I got.
Not just candy, Mars, Inc. ventured into pet care as well with the likes of Pedigree, Whiskas and Royal Canin. They also produce other food products, including Uncle Ben’s rice (rebranded Ben’s Original) and even drinks. With continuous innovation and diversification of product offerings over the years, this has helped the company grow and become one of the world’s largest privately owned companies.
Dad of the Empire: Franklin Clarence Mars
The Mars family empire began with Franklin Clarence Mars, often touted as the “father” or “creator” of this candy dynasty, who founded the company in 1911 and introduced his first creation, the Milky Way bar, in 1923.
His son, Forrest Mars Sr., joined the company and introduced M&M’s during WWII so that soldiers could eat chocolate without it melting in their hands. Forrest also led Mars into new frontiers, including pet care.
FAQs
What is the net worth of the Mars family?
The Mars family is worth around $89.7 billion, according to Bloomberg.
