Mars Food & Nutrition, a segment of Mars, Incorporated, is making waves in the food industry with the launch of new ready meal ranges under its Ben's Original brand. This expansion marks a significant step in the company's mission to provide consumers with healthy, convenient, and flavorful meal options that cater to modern lifestyles.
In the United States and Canada, Mars Food & Nutrition has introduced Ben's Original Street Food, a line of entrées featuring bold flavors from around the world. These meals are designed to meet the growing demand for quick, satisfying dishes that don't compromise on taste or nutrition. The range includes options like bean and rice burrito bowls, packed with fiber and protein to keep busy consumers fueled throughout their day.
Across the Atlantic, the UK market is welcoming Ben's Original Lunch Bowls and Favourites. These new products are initially launching in Tesco stores, with plans for wider distribution later in the year. The Lunch Bowls offer a variety of grain and vegetable combinations that are high in protein and fiber, while the Favourites range presents ready-to-eat, rice-based dishes inspired by popular global cuisines. Both lines are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, aligning with Mars Food & Nutrition's commitment to providing healthier options.
The development of these new products was a meticulous process that involved consumer input, chef creativity, and AI-powered insights. Mars Food & Nutrition's team focused on creating meals that not only taste great but also meet strict nutritional criteria based on recommendations from the World Health Organization and other leading public health authorities. This approach ensures that the new ranges contribute to the company's five-year Health & Wellbeing commitments.
Shaid Shah, Global President at Mars Food & Nutrition, emphasized the company's response to changing consumer preferences. We know Gen Z and Millennial shoppers are prioritizing three things when it comes to mealtimes: convenience, nutrition, and tasty, globally-inspired flavors, Shah stated. The new product lines are a direct answer to these demands, leveraging Mars Food & Nutrition's expertise in culinary innovation and manufacturing technologies.
This expansion into the ready meals sector is part of a broader strategy by Mars Food & Nutrition to redefine the future of food. The company has been actively innovating across its portfolio, with recent launches including Dolmio Intensify pasta sauces, Ben's Original Plant Powered, and Ben's Original One Pan Creations. Additionally, Mars Food & Nutrition has been growing through strategic acquisitions, such as Kevin's Natural Foods, a nutritious meal company that saw a 50% growth in sales in 2023.
The launch of these new ready meal ranges reflects Mars Food & Nutrition's commitment to meeting evolving consumer needs while maintaining a focus on health and sustainability. As part of the larger Mars, Incorporated family, which includes well-known brands in pet care, snacking, and food products, Mars Food & Nutrition is leveraging its global reach and resources to bring innovative, nutritious options to consumers worldwide. With these new offerings, the company is not just responding to current trends but actively shaping the future of convenient, healthy eating.
