How to Invest in Mars Inc. in 2026: A Practical Guide
No, Mars Inc. is not publicly traded. Retail investors can’t buy Mars stock directly, so the realistic paths are waiting for an IPO that doesn’t appear imminent, or using public peers like Mondelez, Hershey, and Nestlé as proxies.
Mars is one of the biggest names in consumer staples, but it remains off-limits to most retail investors because it’s still privately held. That makes it a natural target for people who want exposure to candy, pet care, and veterinary services — especially with Mars still expanding, adding jobs, and pushing major acquisitions.
The company’s scale is hard to ignore: more than 170,000 associates worldwide, more than $50 billion in annual sales, and brands that show up in grocery aisles, pet clinics, and homes around the world. Here’s what Mars does, whether you can buy it, and the closest ways to get similar exposure.
What is Mars Inc.?
Mars, Incorporated was founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars in Tacoma, Washington, and is now headquartered in McLean, Virginia. It operates across pet care, snacking, and food, with a portfolio that includes M&M’s, SNICKERS, TWIX, DOVE, EXTRA, SKITTLES, BEN’S ORIGINAL, PEDIGREE, ROYAL CANIN, WHISKAS, VCA, BANFIELD, BLUEPEARL, and ANTECH.
It’s a huge private consumer business with more than 170,000 associates worldwide and over 80,000 in the U.S. alone. Mars also says it operates 53 factories, research labs and offices in the U.S., plus more than 2,000 veterinary clinics and hospitals, which makes it more than just a candy company — pet care and veterinary services are a major part of the business.
