Every year, as the fall season arrives, the anticipation for Halloween spreads its magical aura. For candy makers like Mars Wrigley, this celebration represents the pinnacle of their success. In recent years, Halloween has transformed from a one-day event to an extended three-month season for candy manufacturers and the retailers who cater to the insatiable demand for treats. Mars Wrigley, along with rivals such as Hershey, Ferrero, and Mondelez, engages in meticulous planning and preparation to ensure the enchantment of Halloween never wanes.
A Season of Extravagance
Halloween has become a mesmerizing extravaganza, with the National Retail Federation predicting that consumers will spend a staggering $3.6 billion on candy this year. This impressive increase from last year’s $3.1 billion expenditure proves that even in challenging economic times, people find solace in the simple pleasures of life, like Halloween. Hershey CEO Michele Buck explained this phenomenon, stating that consumers seek enjoyment during difficult times, making Halloween an irresistible opportunity.
Within the halls of Mars Wrigley, Tim LeBel, the president of sales for 11 months of the year, assumes a different identity come October—an illustrious title bestowed upon him as the chief Halloween officer. His responsibilities encompass steering the ship through the whimsical Halloween season. While Mars Wrigley, a family-owned company, does not publicly disclose its financial results, it revealed an impressive annual revenue of nearly $45 billion in 2021. Renowned for iconic brands like M&M’s, Snickers, and Twix, the company’s reach extends beyond candies to include ice cream, chewing gum, and even pet food.
Long-Term Planning Unveiled
The significance of Halloween to Mars Wrigley cannot be overstated, which is why the company begins planning for the holiday two years in advance. Tim LeBel engages in extensive discussions with key retailers, seeking insights on emerging trends encompassing flavor profiles, packaging innovations, and sustainability imperatives. These collaborative efforts pave the way for the development and execution of new products, which eventually grace the market. The seeds sown in 2021 will come to fruition in 2023.
Reflection and Innovation
The culmination of the Halloween season sparks a period of reflection for Mars Wrigley. In the three weeks following Halloween, the company conducts a thorough evaluation of its candies’ performance alongside retailers. This post-mortem analysis delves into questions surrounding production quantities, as they assess whether they failed to meet demand or lost touch with prevailing trends. Armed with this feedback, Mars Wrigley embarks on innovating and refining its offerings, ensuring each subsequent Halloween season surpasses expectations.
Every year, Mars Wrigley presents new surprises to delight consumers. In 2022, their innovation takes form in Skittles Shriekers—a treat that conceals sour-flavored Skittles within the familiar rainbow assortment. Furthermore, Mars Wrigley recognizes the growing significance of online shopping and embraces this trend. Collaborating with the digital convenience store goPuff, Mars Wrigley ensures that everyone can access an abundance of candy for Halloween. Their website, MarsWrigleyHalloween.com, offers a lifeline to those in need, guaranteeing a prompt delivery of a backup supply of Mars candy to participating locations.
The Perennial Classics
However, amidst the constant evolution, Mars Wrigley remains steadfast in preserving the allure of the classics. Snickers bars, second in popularity only to Hershey’s Reese’s cups, continue to captivate candy enthusiasts. The company’s variety bags also claim a spot in the top 10 most sought-after assortments. Retailers’ valuable insights and observations enable Mars Wrigley to adapt its plans swiftly, accommodating the upcoming Halloween season, which commences a mere nine months later—before temperatures drop, and the aroma of pumpkin spice lattes pervades the air. Retailers recognize the unique opportunity to showcase Mars Wrigley’s portfolio from August through October, capitalizing on various consumer moments such as back-to-school shopping, spooky movie nights, and, of course, the quintessential trick-or-treating tradition.
As the Halloween season reaches its climax, a remarkable 48% of candy sales occur during the last week of October. This surge in last-minute shoppers places immense pressure on candy manufacturers and retailers alike, necessitating acute preparedness to meet this heightened demand. Mars Wrigley’s meticulous planning and strategic approach have paid off this year, as the company exceeded its production targets. With ample stock remaining in their warehouses, ready for shipment, Tim LeBel contemplates the resounding success of yet another Halloween season.
Mars Wrigley’s unwavering dedication to the art of cultivating enchantment during Halloween is truly remarkable. Their meticulous planning, collaboration with retailers, and innovative surprises ensure consumers are treated to an unforgettable experience year after year. As the sweet aroma of success lingers, Mars Wrigley looks towards the future, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that each Halloween season holds.
Leave a Reply