CHICAGO -- At the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show in Chicago this week, Mars Chocolate North America demonstrates how the company helps cstore operators drive profitability, with the introduction of 15 delectable new items, a revamped seasonal line-up designed specifically for small outlets and an innovative modular display system.

"Since c-stores have smaller footprints than other retailers, every square foot must drive profitability," said Jim Murphy, vice president of Sales, Mars Chocolate North America. "Research shows that consumers want variety in their confections, so Mars is building on the success of our iconic brands by introducing 15 new flavors and size variants. Consumers will enjoy snacking on all of Mars' sweet new treats, from M&M'S® Brand Snack Mix to our relaunched DOVE® Chocolate Singles Bar in a wider size."

Seasonal Selection Expands Opportunities for C-stores
These power brands are evident in Mars' expanded 2012 seasonal line-up. Seasonal confections are gaining popularity in c-stores, as the Seasonal Chocolate Immediate Consumption segment has grown 26 percent year-to-date in sales. (IRI ending August 14, 2011) Recognizing this trend, Mars will introduce a variety of treats ideal for the c-store consumer. The company will relaunch its singles shapes portfolio, including SNICKERS® Brand Eggs, SNICKERS® Brand Peanut Butter Eggs and MILKY WAY® Brand Simply Caramel Bunnies, all 1.1 ounces.

Mars Adds New Flavors to its Iconic Brand Portfolio
In addition to seasonal confections, Mars will display these new treats at the NACS Show:

• 3 MUSKETEERS® Brand Coconut Bar features the brand's signature light and fluffy chocolate nougat with sweet coconut flavor, wrapped in rich milk chocolate. (SRP $1.09, December 2011)

• DOVE® Chocolate Singles Bars will relaunch in January with a wider size, 10 percent increased weight, eye-catching graphics and a more pleasing chocolate mould design at the same price for the two flavors of DOVE® Silky Smooth Milk Chocolate Singles and DOVE® Silky Smooth Dark Chocolate Singles. (SRP $1.09, January 2012)

• M&M'S® Brand Mint Dark Chocolate Candies feature cool, refreshing mint combined with creamy dark chocolate and coated in a crunchy candy shell. (SRP $1.09, December 2011)

• Available in three varieties, M&M'S® Brand Snack Mix satisfies consumers' desire for a creamy-crunchy-sweet-and-salty snack all in one 8-ounce resealable pouch. (SRP $3.29, May 2012)

• SNICKERS® Brand 3X Chocolate 2 to Go Bars offer layer after layer of perfection, with roasted peanuts in chewy, chocolate caramel atop a fluffy chocolate-flavored nougat and covered in creamy milk chocolate. (SRP $1.69, December 2011)

• Mars Ice Cream: DOVEBAR® Mint Swirl Ice Cream with Dark Chocolate blends rich, minty DOVE® Ice Cream with a ribbon of dark chocolate. The bar is then dipped in luscious chocolate coating made with silky smooth DOVE® Dark Chocolate. (SRP $3.99, March 2012)

• Mars Ice Cream: MILKY WAY® Brand Chocolate Ice Cream Bars feature delicious chocolate ice cream, with a layer of creamy caramel, then covered with a milk chocolate coating. It's available in three formats: single bars ($1.79/bar), 6-packs ($4.29), and 80 calorie miniature bars ($4.29/12-pack). (March 2012)

To meet the growing consumer demand for value, portability and portion control, Mars introduces five new shareable sizes for some of America's favorite confections. The 2 To Go and 4 To Go sizes, which include two or four bars in one package, feature an innovative wrapper that has memory film designed to tightly seal the remaining candy by twisting it, keeping the piece(s) clean and tightly wrapped. The new sharable sizes are:

• M&M'S® Brand Almond Chocolate Candies -- new 2.83-ounce sharing size
• M&M'S® Brand Pretzel Chocolate Candies -- new 2.83-ounce sharing size
• SNICKERS® Brand Peanut Butter Squared Bars -- now available as 4 to Go

Innovative Display System Maximizes Floor Space
Mars is offering retailers an innovative merchandising solution that adds space to provide consumers more choices. At the NACS Show, Mars will introduce a Modular Display System, which offers retailers the flexibility to stock the optimal candy and gum assortment anywhere – even using free air space above the counter. Easy to set-up in less than five minutes, the modular display is durable, lasting a minimum of five years in-store, and its flexibility allows for SKU expansion to meet future needs. Tests have shown a 10 percent lift against current displays.

Mars Exhibit Booth Features New Technology
NACS Show attendees can take a self-guided tour of the Mars exhibit booth, #4401, and obtain additional information thanks to the QR codes located throughout the booth. By scanning the QR codes, visitors can learn more about new product innovations, the company's sustainability initiatives and more. QR codes are a huge trend in the retail and food channels, and this is the first time Mars has incorporated them into a trade show exhibit.

About Mars Chocolate North America:
Mars Chocolate North America is the North American chocolate operations of Mars, Incorporated. In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars' first 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 the Mars, Incorporated we are today. Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion and six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks and Symbioscience. More than 65,000 Associates worldwide are putting our Mars Principles in action every day to make a difference for people and the planet through our performance.

Mars brands include: Chocolate – M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Petcare – PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, SHEBA®, CESAR® and ROYAL CANIN®; Wrigley – ORBIT®, EXTRA®, STARBURST®, DOUBLEMINT® and SKITTLES®; Food – UNCLE BEN'S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS® and SEEDS OF CHANGE®; Drinks – ALTERRA COFFEE ROASTERS™, THE BRIGHT TEA CO.™, KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience –SERAMIS®, CIRKU™ and COCOAVIA™.

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