HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., Dec. 6, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- M&M'S® have a colorful history that dates back more than 70 years. But never before have fans been given the opportunity to choose the specific color combination for mass produced packages of M&M'S – until now. Mars Chocolate North America announced today that a new limited-edition 8 oz. mix of M&M'S Milk Chocolate and Peanut pouches will hit stores later this month, featuring a never-before-seen blend of colors selected exclusively by fans.  

From December 2011 through January 2012, M&M'S Brand asked their community of more than 2.5 million Facebook fans to decide which combination of chocolate shell colors should be featured together in their new 8oz packages for a limited time. When the votes were tallied, the winning colors included three existing fan favorites – blue, red and green – as well as three new colors – purple, aqua and dark pink. The vibrant new M&M'S color mix will be featured in 8 oz. M&M'S Milk Chocolate and Peanut pouches, available in select stores later this month and nationwide next month.

"M&M'S fans have always been very passionate about the colors of our delicious chocolate candies," said Roy Benin, Chief Consumer Officer, Mars Chocolate North America.  "This election year was the perfect opportunity to allow our fans to express their opinions about their favorite colors – and we are excited to create this new M&M'S color mix based on their response.  While the outcome provided an even split between traditional favorites and bold new options, we're sure fans will have fun debating the choices with every bite."

M&M'S are a perfect addition to any party or get-together!  For more information on the new color mix of M&M'S chocolate candies, visit www.facebook.com/mms or www.mms.com. 

About Mars Chocolate North America

In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars' roots as a confectionery company.  In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar. In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of  building a business based on the philosophy of a "mutuality of benefits" for all stakeholders – this vision serves as the foundation of Mars, Incorporated today. Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion, six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, Symbioscience, and approximately 70,000 Associates worldwide that are putting its Principles into action to make a difference for people and the planet through its performance.

Mars brands include: Petcare – PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, KITEKAT®, BANFIELD® Pet Hospital and NUTRO®; Chocolate – M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Wrigley – DOUBLEMINT®, EXTRA®, ORBIT® and 5™ chewing gums, SKITTLES® and STARBURST® candies, and ALTOIDS® AND LIFESAVERS® mints.  Food – UNCLE BEN'S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS®, SEEDS OF CHANGE® and ROYCO®; Drinks – ALTERRA COFFEE ROASTERS™, THE BRIGHT TEA COMPANY™, KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience – COCOAVIA™, WISDOM PANEL™ and SERAMIS®. 

For more information, please visit www.mars.com. 

SOURCE Mars Chocolate North America