Contrary to popular belief, M&M’s doesn’t stand for mystery, magic, or marketing genius (though it definitely has all three).
It stands for:
Mars and Murrie
More specifically:
Forrest E. Mars Sr. – son of Frank C. Mars, founder of the Mars confectionery company
Bruce Murrie – son of William F. Murrie, president of Hershey Chocolate Company
In 1941, these two joined forces — not as rivals, but as partners — to create a new kind of chocolate treat.
One that wouldn’t melt in your hands.
One that could survive war zones.
One that would eventually end up in lunchboxes, movie theaters, and candy dishes across America.
A Chocolate Idea Born From War:
Home
The idea didn’t come from a boardroom — it came from conflict.
During the Spanish Civil War, Forrest Mars observed British soldiers snacking on chocolate candies with a hard shell — known then as Smarties (not the American version) — designed to withstand extreme heat without melting .
He saw potential.
So he partnered with Bruce Murrie , who had both the connections and the chocolate supply (thanks to his ties with Hershey’s), and together they created the original M&M’s Plain Chocolate Candies .
Their purpose?
To provide U.S. soldiers with chocolate that could endure high temperatures
To offer a sweet comfort during bitter times
By 1948, after World War II ended, M&M’s were available to the public — and the rest is sweet, crunchy history.
The Power of Partnership
What made this collaboration even more unique?
It wasn’t just a business deal.
It was a handshake between two chocolate giants.
At the time:
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