No, Hershey does not own M&M's.
M&M's are a flagship product of the Mars Wrigley Confectionery division, which is part of Mars, Incorporated. The Hershey Company and Mars, Incorporated are two distinct and competing entities in the global confectionery market.
Who Owns M&M's?
M&M's, the popular chocolate candies, are proudly owned and produced by Mars, Incorporated. This global company is one of the world's largest food manufacturers, known for a wide array of confectionery, pet care products, and other food items.
- Owner: Mars, Incorporated
- Division: Mars Wrigley Confectionery
- Key Products: Besides M&M's, Mars, Incorporated also produces other well-known candy brands such as:
- Snickers
- Twix
- Skittles
- Milky Way
- Dove
The Hershey Company: A Separate Confectionery Giant
The Hershey Company, on the other hand, is a leading American chocolate manufacturer. While it is a major player in the sweets industry, its brand portfolio is entirely separate from Mars.
Key products owned by The Hershey Company include:
- Hershey's Kisses
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
- Hershey's Chocolate Bars
- Kit Kat (manufactured under license in the United States, while Nestlé produces it elsewhere)
- Twizzlers
- Jolly Rancher
Distinguishing Major Confectionery Brands
To further clarify the distinction between these two confectionery powerhouses, consider the following table:
Company | Primary Ownership | Notable Confectionery Brands |
---|---|---|
Mars, Incorporated | Private (Mars Family) | M&M's, Snickers, Twix, Skittles, Milky Way, Dove, Starburst |
The Hershey Company | Publicly Traded (NYSE: HSY) | Hershey's Kisses, Reese's, Hershey's Bars, Kit Kat (US), Twizzlers |
In summary, M&M's are a core product of Mars, Incorporated, a direct competitor to The Hershey Company in the global candy market.