Topic
5 facts from 2 episodes, in date order. These are what speakers said on the shows, each linked to the moment it was said. They aren't independently verified.
1939
Forrest Mars and Hershey president William Murray agreed to a joint venture, later M&M Limited, owned 80% by Forrest and 20% by Murray's son Bruce.
“Forrest and William Murray work out a deal to start a new joint venture candy company that will be 80% owned by Forrest and 20% owned by Murray's son, Bruce.”
1941
Forrest Mars and Bruce Murray formed M&M Limited in 1940, built a factory in Newark, New Jersey, and began production in 1941.
“in the spring of 1940, Forrest and Bruce Murray, the son, set up M&M Limited as a partnership. They build a factory in Newark, New Jersey, and they start production in 1941.”
1949
In 1949 Forrest Mars bought out Bruce Murray's 20% stake in M&M's for $1 million, valuing the business at $5 million.
“They settle on $1 million for the 20% stake. So, they're valuing the M&M's business at $5 million”
1956
By 1956, after the 'melts in your mouth, not in your hand' campaign, M&M's were reportedly the best-selling candy in America.
“By 1956, so they start this campaign and call it 50-51, so five years later, M&Ms have become the biggest selling candy in all of America.”
2026
The Candy Store's list ranks M&Ms as the top Halloween candy this year, with Sour Patch Kids second, according to Kim Severson.
“they have MMs as their number one Halloween candy this year, and fascinating Sour Patch Kids coming in at number two.”
Episodes