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Nov 10 (Reuters) – M&M’s and Snickers maker Mars on Tuesday announced plans to invest about $1.4 billion in US manufacturing ​in 2027 to accelerate growth and ‌innovation across its portfolio of snacks and food brands.

The packaged food industry has been contending with sluggish consumer spending and a shift toward healthier diets, ‌which ​has weighed on demand ⁠for chocolates and snacks.

Here ⁠are more details:

• Virginia-based Mars said these investments would be used to modernize manufacturing at facilities, strengthening its supply chain ​and enhancing operations

• Mars manufactures about 94% of the products it sells in the ⁠US domestically, according to ⁠CFO Claus Aagaard. The company said ​its commitment builds on more than $9 billion invested ​in its US operations since 2017

• Following ‌the $36 billion Kellanova acquisition last year, Mars added 15 new factories and said it plans further investments to modernize its US ⁠manufacturing network

• Some of Mars’ recent US investments went toward expanding the production of Trü Frü, the ⁠premium fruit-based ‌snacks brand it acquired in 2023. ⁠Others were for improving efficiency ​and ‌energy performance at its manufacturing sites ​and ⁠modernizing its pet food operations with advanced processing

• Mars said it employs 80,000 associates across its US manufacturing, office and veterinary operations

(Reporting by Anuja Bharat Mistry in Bengaluru; Editing by ​Jonathan Ananda)

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