Mars Aims to Transform Supply Chain With New Accelerator Partnership
Mars Inc., is looking to tap into a network of startup companies that are poised to transform the food system, helping to progress sustainability within the company's snacking division.
The ultimate goal of the three-year partnership with Unreasonable Group — a Colorado-based, international fellowship provider for growth-stage entrepreneurs — is to bring forward companies that can fast-track regenerative, inclusive, equitable, and sustainable food processes at Mars.
The Mars Net Zero Roadmap
Mars’ open-source action plan has a new target to cut carbon in half by 2030 across its full value chain — or by about 15 million metric tons — the equivalent to taking nearly 3 million cars off American roads and highways.
The partnership, focused on four pillars — Shaping the Future of Food, Improving Farmer Livelihood, Transforming Food Supply Chains, and Reimagining Sustainable Packaging — will support the company’s net zero roadmap and sustainability goals.
Over three years, the companies plan to build a portfolio of about 40 solutions from a network of investment funds, pipeline partners, and growth-stage entrepreneurs to tackle Mars Snacking’s sustainability challenges, with the first cohort being announced this spring.
Selected companies will participate in a week-long program that includes mentorship from Mars Snacking's global leadership team; the company aims to marry brand power with global communities to meaningfully impact the food supply chain.
"Mars has the experience, the energy, and the footprint to shape the food future. Doing nothing is not an option," noted Amanda Davies, global VP of R&D, sustainability, and commercial at Mars Snacking, in a statement.
