Mars is putting fresh weight behind its European operations. The company said it will invest €1 billion by the end of 2026 to modernise factories, boost innovation and step up sustainability efforts.
For a company that’s been in Europe for more than 90 years, this is not just a quick move. Mars already runs 24 factories in 10 EU countries, with about 25,000 employees. Around 85% of its products sold in the EU are made locally, and Europe also serves as an export hub to more than 100 markets.
Long-Term Play
This is not the first round of money either. In the last five years Mars already invested over €1.5 billion into EU manufacturing. The new billion is an extra push, designed to keep operations competitive, resilient, and closer to consumer demand.
Claus Aagaard, CFO at Mars, said the company is taking the long view. For him, it’s not just growth, but also about making the business stronger in Europe and building long-lasting value for suppliers and communities.
What’s Changing in Factories
A good chunk of the new money is going into modernising production sites. That means better automation, higher efficiency, and space for new products.
Take Poland for example. Between 2023 and 2027, Mars is investing around €250 million in its chocolate factory in Janaszówek. That site alone will see capacity jump by 63%. New product lines are also in the mix – from EXTRA and ORBIT Refreshers gum to fresh packaging like WHISKAS recyclable pouches.
Cutting Carbon, Staying Resilient
Mars is also pushing forward on decarbonisation. Globally, since 2015, it managed to cut emissions by 16% while growing sales 69%.
In Europe, examples are starting to show up. Its ice cream factory in Steinbourg, France, home to Snickers and Twix ice creams, now runs fully on renewable electricity – the first Mars site worldwide to go fossil-fuel free. In Lithuania, a pet nutrition plant is using renewables to power its pouch line. And in farming, Mars has rolled out its Moo’ving Dairy Forward Plan, a $47 million effort tackling methane emissions across several EU states, including the Netherlands.
Local Partners Still Matter
Mars points out it won’t do this alone. In France, more than €100 million is being used to modernise and digitise local sites, which keeps jobs strong while lining up with Net Zero goals. Across the EU, the company works with suppliers, farmers, and technology partners to keep local economies tied into its plans.
Why Retailers Should Watch
For supermarket buyers and distributors, the Mars €1 billion EU investment could mean more stable supply, better packaging options and faster innovation. With more of its products made locally, it may also shield the business – and by extension retailers – from wider supply chain shocks.
