Mars Snacking Australia has launched a new Mars Bar Slice product following a $3 million investment in its Ballarat chocolate production and manufacturing facility, which the company says has expanded the site’s product development capabilities.
The investment has upgraded the facility’s filled-bar production line with new equipment, providing greater flexibility for manufacturing products across Mars Snacking’s chocolate portfolio, including Mars, Milky Way and Snickers.
Mars Snacking Australia Bars Portfolio Marketing Director Bianca Werkmeister said the launch marked a milestone for the Ballarat facility.
“ Mars Bar Slice represents an exciting milestone for our Ballarat facility as the first textural innovation launch to come off the bar line,” Werkmeister said.
According to Mars Snacking Australia, the upgraded production line has enabled the company to develop products with new textures and formats. Mars Bar Slice combines the company’s existing nougat and caramel components with rice crispies and milk chocolate.
Werkmeister said the investment was intended to support product development and allow the company to respond to changing consumer preferences.
“The investment has unlocked new opportunities for product development allowing us to accelerate innovation and respond more effectively to evolving consumer preferences and trends – such as textural inclusions,” she said.
The company said the new product was inspired by the Australian Mars Bar Slice dessert and developed in response to consumer interest in nostalgic treats and everyday indulgence.
Research commissioned by Mars Snacking found that 42% of Australians surveyed selected sweet treats as their preferred reward for celebrating small wins, while 74% considered Mars Bar Slice an iconic Australian treat.
Mars Snacking said the Ballarat facility remains an important part of its Australian manufacturing network, with the investment supporting local production and manufacturing capability.
“Mars Bar Slice is an example of how local manufacturing investments can help diversify our existing portfolio to bring consumers new ways to experience our iconic brands, while supporting Australian production,” Werkmeister said.
