Mars Wrigley Australia will produce M&M’S Pretzel at its chocolate factory in Ballarat, Victoria for the first time following an investment of over $300,000 in local manufacturing.
The investment has enabled an equipment upgrade at the Ballarat site, expanding manufacturing capability to create filled M&M’S and explore more Australian-made innovations.
Andrew Leakey, general manager Mars Wrigley Australia, said the latest upgrade is part of a broader AU$37 million investment commitment by Mars Wrigley Australia to future-proof and advance its local manufacturing capability.
“We are dedicated to continuing to support Australia’s manufacturing sector and invest and innovate in infrastructure, equipment and processes at our local factories to ensure they remain world class. This latest project is part of our long-term ambition to continue to drive and develop our core bitesize brands that we manufacture locally in Ballarat,” he said.
The Ballarat factory is a Regional Technical Hub for Mars Wrigley’s global brand development and innovation pipeline, and last November celebrated 40 years in operation.
Popular products such as Pods and M&M’S Honeycomb were invented in Ballarat by Australian Associates, and it is one of four Mars factories in the world that manufactures and exports Maltesers.
M&M’S Pretzel will be available at Coles supermarkets from July 13 and then at Woolworths stores from July 28.
The announcement from Mars coincides with World Chocolate Day (July 7) which sees brands worldwide celebrate their love for chocolate and introduce new creations to consumers.
Australian chocolate retailer Haigh’s Chocolates launched a limited-edition Milk Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Bar at its stores and online.
The bar, which is sold in a pack of four, features vanilla marshmallow encased in caramel flavoured milk chocolate and a second layer of milk chocolate.
The bar will be available from July 7 until sold out.
