The Sweet History of MMs: From Smarties to Space and Beyond
Introduction
When it comes to iconic candies that have stood the test of time, MMs hold a special place. But have you ever wondered which came first, the Smarties or the MMs? This article delves into the fascinating history of MMs, exploring their origins, the controversies that surrounded their conception, and their enduring popularity over the years.
The Origins of MMs
Ans: MMs came first, followed by Smarties.
The first batch of MMs (MM's) was produced in 1941, four years after the development of Smarties, a candy that was different from the Smarties we know today. Forrest Mars Sr., inspired by the Smarties he saw British soldiers consuming during World War II, secured a patent for these innovative chocolate-covered candies. He then approached Bruce Murrie, who shared similar sentiments about improving the candy industry, leading to the founding of the MMs brand.
Smarties: On the other hand, Smarties were founded in 1949 by Edward Dee, a candy-maker from London who settled in New Jersey. Dee's company initially rented a garage in Bloomfield, New Jersey, and used a repurposed pellet-making machine from World War II to produce the fruit-flavored, pressed-sugar tablets.
The Story Behind the M in MMs
Contrary to popular belief, the M in MMs doesn't stand for Mars Incorporated. It's a fascinating tale involving two prominent candy magnates, Frank C. Mars and Bruce Murrie.
Frank C. Mars: Frank founded Mars Inc. in 1911 and groomed his son, Forrest Mars Sr., to take over. Forrest traveled to Britain during his training and was inspired by the Smarties candy, leading him to create his own version of this candy.
Bruce Murrie: Like Forrest Mars, Bruce Murrie, the son of William Murrie (president of Hershey’s), disagreed with his father's business practices. He partnered with Forrest Mars to produce the MMs candy under the name Mars Murrie.
The Collaborative Journey
Together, Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie created a powerful partnership. Initially, MM's were sold exclusively to the U.S. armed forces as they were heat-resistant and travel-friendly. The candies' popularity exploded with the help of enthusiastic GI's, leading to mass production and national recognition.
The 1980s marked significant milestones for MMs, including their launch into space in 1981 with the Columbia space shuttle and their selection as the official snack for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The Aftermath of the Partnership
The collaboration behind MMs, however, was not without its downsides. As the company grew, tensions between Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie escalated. Forrest eventually left the company, leading to a buyout and a period where MMs were again under the Mars name exclusively.
Modern MMs
Today, MMs have undergone numerous changes, not just in flavor but also in brand reputation and secrecy. Despite their secrecy, rumors about the inner workings of the company continue to circulate, adding to their mystique.
The original MMs version included plain chocolate with a soft candy shell, available in several vibrant colors like brown, red, orange, yellow, green, and violet. Today, MMs offer a wider variety of flavors, from classic peanut and peanut butter to adventurous options like pretzel and birthday cake.
Conclusion
The history of MMs is rich with innovation, brand evolution, and the complex story of two candy-making dynasties. From their humble beginnings to space travel and global fame, MMs continue to captivate the hearts and taste buds of candy enthusiasts worldwide. Who knew the simple MMs themselves held such a sweet history?