Mars

The Snickers recall has been a long marathon. Can Mars’ commercial teams fight back?

Japan, Management, relaunch / By

Snickers, the iconic confectionery brand, has global sales well in excess of $3b. Well that is until last year’s voluntary recall that saw the candy bar vanish from shelves. Here in Japan, Snickers was rare in being one of only three global confectionery brands that had almost universal distribution. Besides Kit Kat and Haribo, the …

The Snickers recall has been a long marathon. Can Mars’ commercial teams fight back? Read More »

Mars new CEO

As Mars’ CEO retires, what big bets will his successor wage?

Management, Strategy / By

Last week the FT carried an interview with John Reid, the outgoing CEO of Mars. What few metrics are published by Mars (the company is one of the world’s largest, privately owned businesses), it seems that Reid’s tenure has been an unqualified success. Global revenues now exceed $45b and have leapt dramatically under Reid’s tenure.  …

As Mars’ CEO retires, what big bets will his successor wage? Read More »

Grocery Price negotiation

First Heinz, now Whiskas face off against Tesco in price battle. The implications are global

Pricing, Retail / By

Executives across the consumer products and grocery industries globally are watching closely the emerging battle between Heinz and now Mars petcare with Tesco. On the surface the issue is just about price increases. Underneath, the issues are deeper: the profitability of doing business with large grocers who can account for over 30% revenue; brand strength …

First Heinz, now Whiskas face off against Tesco in price battle. The implications are global Read More »