How did Forrest Mars fight his way back into the family business and turn Mars into one of the most powerful companies in the world?

In Part Two of the Mars story, Ed Easton and Andrew Nason are joined again by Melt’s chocolate researcher, Kitty Nason to uncover the extraordinary battle for control of the Mars chocolate empire. After the death of Frank Mars, the company didn’t simply pass to his son. Instead, Forrest found himself fighting family members, executives and competing interests for control of the business that carried his name.

We follow the family power struggle that eventually pushed Forrest towards one of his most important creations: M&M’s. After approaching Hershey executive William Murrie, Forrest formed a new company, secured access to rationed chocolate during the Second World War and supplied M&M’s to the US military. The success would ultimately give him the financial power he needed to pursue control of Mars.

But taking over was only the beginning. We explore Forrest’s obsessive approach to quality, his ruthless management style, the transformation of Mars into a global operation, and the extraordinary family dynamics that continued into the next generation. Even retirement couldn’t stop him: after handing Mars over to his son, he went on to establish another successful chocolate company named after his mother, Ethel M.

From Mars Bars and M&M’s to pet food and Uncle Ben’s, this is the story of the ambition, rivalry and family conflict behind one of the most recognisable food companies on Earth.

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