How to Invest in Mars Inc. in 2026: A Realistic Guide
No, Mars Inc. is not publicly traded. Retail investors can’t buy Mars stock directly, so the realistic options are waiting for a rare IPO, using accredited-only private secondary markets, or looking at public peers like Mondelez and Hershey.
Mars is one of the biggest names in global food, candy, and pet care, which is exactly why investors keep asking how to buy it. The company has been expanding its footprint, including the Kellanova acquisition, while also leaning into manufacturing, cocoa sourcing, and pet-health services.
That mix of scale, brand power, and private ownership makes Mars a natural target for retail curiosity. Here’s the straight answer on whether Mars stock exists, what would have to happen for an IPO, and the closest public-market alternatives investors actually can buy.
What is Mars Inc.?
Mars, Incorporated is a global consumer company built around pet care, food, and snacking, plus veterinary and animal-health services. Its portfolio includes brands such as Royal Canin, M&M’S, SNICKERS, Ben’s Original, PEDIGREE, and SHEBA, and after the Kellanova deal it also added Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Rice Krispies Treats, RXBAR, and Kellanova’s international cereal brands.
The company was founded in 1911 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. Mars says it employs more than 170,000 associates worldwide, including 70,000 in the U.S., across 33 factories, 2,000 veterinary hospitals, and 17 offices and retail stores. It has also said more than 95% of what it sells in the U.S. is manufactured in the U.S., and it has publicly referenced more than $47 billion in annual sales in 2022.
