M&M'S(R) Chocolate Candies Is Infusing Fruity Fun Into a Traditional Favorite

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ--(Marketwire - February 28, 2008) - M&M'S® Brand is serving up a wild new variety with its latest product innovation now in stores, with the introduction of limited edition M&M'S® Wildly Cherry Chocolate Candies. Delivered with M&M'S® brand of great-tasting, chocolate fun, this offering is now available on a national basis.

This year, National Cherry Month (February) will linger for cherry and chocolate lovers, who can continue to get wild about cherries with M&M'S® Wildly Cherry Chocolate Candies. This delicious new treat from M&M'S® combines a hint of cherry with the classic M&M'S® milk chocolate taste. M&M'S® Wildly Cherry Chocolate Candies are "in season" for a limited time of six weeks.

According to Michele Kessler, vice president, marketing, Mars Snackfood US, "M&M'S® is committed to developing innovative products and providing consumers with the tastes they enjoy. We are delighted to continue to grow the M&M'S® brand by introducing M&M'S® Wildly Cherry Chocolate Candies."

Get Wild!

M&M'S® Wildly Cherry Chocolate Candies represent the first time the brand has used cherry fruit-flavoring in their candies. To support this second ever national launch of fruit-flavored M&M'S® candies in stores, Mars conducted consumer research discovering that the combination of cherry and chocolate is one of the most popular chocolate and fruit pairings.

Shoppers can grab their bags of special, limited edition M&M'S® Wildly Cherry Chocolate Candies nationwide in food, mass, convenience and drug stores. M&M'S® Wildly Cherry Chocolate Candies can be found in a deep red package proclaiming "Get Wild!" and featuring Red hanging from a cherry stem.

Visit www.mms.com to learn more about M&M'S® Wildly Cherry Chocolate Candies. In addition, fans can send personalized creative "Get Wild!" e-cards. M&M'S® Wildly Cherry Chocolate Candies are offered in singles (1.5 oz), medium bags (11.8 oz) and large bags (18.6 oz.).

About M&M'S®

M&M'S® has been producing colourful chocolate fun for Americans since 1941. There are more than eight permanent varieties of M&M'S® Chocolate Candies, in addition to Seasonal Candies made for special occasions including Easter, Holiday, Halloween and Valentine's Day. Customers seem to be most passionate about the color found in each bag of M&M'S® Chocolate Candies. Existing product lines include: M&M'S® Milk Chocolate Candies, M&M'S® Dark Chocolate Candies, M&M'S® Peanut Chocolate Candies, M&M'S® Dark Chocolate Peanut Candies, M&M'S® Almond Chocolate Candies, M&M'S® Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies, M&M'S® Chocolate Mini Baking Bits, MY M&M'S® Milk Chocolate Candies and M&M'S® MINIS® Milk Chocolate Candies. Please visit mms.com

About Mars Snackfood US:

Mars Snackfood US is the United States snack operations of Mars North America. With more than $7 billion in annual sales in the U.S., Mars North America includes food, snack and pet care segments, which are a symbol of excellence for quality brands. Headquartered in Hackettstown, New Jersey, Mars North America employs more than 12,000 associates in the United States, with 54 facilities nationwide. Mars Snackfood US includes some of the world's favorite brands such as DOVE® Brand Chocolate, M&M'S® Brand, MILKY WAY® Brand, SKITTLES® Brand, SNICKERS® Brand, STARBURST® Brand, 3 MUSKETEERS® Brand, TWIX® Brand and more. Additional popular brands in the petcare and food segments for Mars North America include UNCLE BEN'S® Brand, PEDIGREE® Brand Food for Dogs, and WHISKAS® Brand Food for Cats. Please visit mars.com

To view this release online, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2008/mms_022508/index.html

Contact Information: Contacts: Ryan Bowling Mars USA (908) 850-2396 Nora Sarrawi Weber Shandwick (312) 988-2423