Mars, Incorporated to Offer Healthier Snack Choices for U.S. Schools.

One of Five Leading Food Companies to Partner with President Bill Clinton Initiative

NEW YORK -- In a move that demonstrates its commitment to health and nutrition, the U.S. business of Mars, Incorporated yesterday announced its partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation (the Alliance) to offer healthier snack choices for sale in U.S. schools. Created by The Clinton Foundation, the American Heart Association and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and led by former President Bill Clinton and Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR), the Alliance and food industry leaders such as Mars have agreed to support specific guidelines for competitive foods offered in schools. The U.S. business of Mars, Incorporated is one of only five food companies that are part of this important school initiative.

In order to help schools adopt these guidelines while still providing delicious treats for children, the U.S. business of Mars, Incorporated will launch a new line of snacks to specifically meet the Alliance's strict guidelines for calories, sugar, fat, saturated fat and nutrients for children in elementary and secondary schools.

"Mars is proud to be a leader in this initiative and do the right thing for our children," said James Mattikow, President, Mars Nutrition for Health & Well-Being. "Mars has the sound science expertise to make nutritious products that deliver the great taste that consumers have come to expect from us. Our U.S. health and nutrition division has been active in developing nutrition-oriented foods over the last few years."

"At Mars, we take pride in all of our products which can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle, but given the unique environment of schools, we are proud to support the initiative and develop products that meet the guidelines," Mattikow continued.

As one of the world's leading food manufacturers and a leader in snackfoods, Mars has spent decades and substantial resources on nutrition research, including sports nutrition, cardiovascular health, and overall health and wellness. Mars has worked with premier research facilities and organizations around the world. By basing product development on sound scientific principles, Mars' new products demonstrate innovation and a commitment to providing consumers with an ever-expanding array of products from which to choose.

In 2005, Mars officially created its Nutrition for Health & Well-Being business unit to establish an all-new portfolio of health-focused brands to serve emerging needs among consumers. While some of the most recent products developed through years of collaborative research efforts have focused on adults, these new products will be specifically designed as healthier snacks for children.

A privately-held company, Mars, Incorporated produces some of the world's leading confectionery, food, pet food products, and operates in more than 65 countries. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Mars, Incorporated employs more than 40,000 associates worldwide with 100 manufacturing facilities globally. The company sells some of the world's favorite products including those sold under the M&M'S[R] Brand, SNICKERS[R] Brand, UNCLE BEN'S[R] Brand, PEDIGREE[R] Brand Food For Dogs, WHISKAS[R] Brand Food For Cats. The company's global sales exceed $18 billion annually.