The M&M’s Candy Mascots Are Getting A Modern Makeover To Be More Inclusive
We have all grown to know and love the M&M’s candy mascots over the years. Those Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, and Brown animated candies have personalities all their own, and I’m betting you have a favorite.
For me, that crazy little yellow guy has stolen my heart.
But, those M&M’s mascots are about to change.
What?!?
Don’t be alarmed. You will totally still recognize your favorite colorful candy personalities. They are just getting a modern makeover to bring them into the here and now.
How Are The M&M’s Mascots Going To Change?
We’re not talking about huge makeovers here. They aren’t getting crazy hair and ripped up jeans.
The changes are going to be subtle, and if you aren’t paying attention, you might not even notice them.
M&M’S®, part of the Mars, Incorporated portfolio of brands, has announced a global commitment to creating a world where everyone feels they belong, and society is inclusive.
Mars Wrigley
The obvious big change is going to be in the shoes that the M&M’s Mascots wear.
Blue, Brown, and Orange have always worn shoes that just happen to fall into the company’s latest redo. So, they won’t be changing.
Green has traditionally worn high-top boots, but is now putting on a pair of low sneakers.
Red and Yellow have undergone small tweaks to their shoes, altering them to a more modern version.
All the candies’ personalities and backstories are being updated in an attempt to be more inclusive and representative of today’s society.
M&M’S has long been committed to creating colorful fun for all, and this purpose serves as a more concrete commitment to what we’ve always believed as a brand: that everyone has the right to enjoy moments of happiness, and fun is the most powerful way to help people feel that they belong.
Cathryn Sleight, Chief Growth Officer at Mars Wrigley
Per a release by the Mars company, the changes will reflect:
- A fresh, modern take on the looks of our beloved characters and more nuanced personalities to underscore the importance of self-expression and power of community through storytelling
- An enhanced focus on the brand’s iconic color palette and the use of different shapes and sizes of M&M’S lentils across all touchpoints to prove that all together, we’re more fun
- An updated tone of voice that is more inclusive, welcoming, and unifying, while remaining rooted in our signature jester wit and humor
What Else Is Changing With M&M’s Marketing?
An added emphasis on the ampersand – a distinctive element within the M&M’S logo that serves to connect the two Ms –to demonstrate how the brand aims to bring people together
Mars Wrigley
And, these changes and branding efforts are leading up to and making way for the M&M’s FUNd.
What Is The M&M FUNd?
As you might guess, this FUNd includes giving out money.
No, they aren’t just handing out cash.
The M&M FUNd will “offer resources, mentorship, opportunities and financial support in the arts and entertainment space to help ensure people have access to experiences where everyone feels they belong.”
Part of this FUNd was started last year when Mars Wrigley teamed up with Bentonville Film Festival to offer a $20,000 grant that was awarded to upcoming filmmakers.
Through a multi-year partnership with BFF, Mars Wrigley has announced a mentorship for BFF Alumni that includes a $20,000 grant, The mentorship includes a $20,000 grant, plus the opportunity to work with the M&M’S® team on a project for the iconic brand, focused on championing fun to help everyone feel included.
BFF Foundation
Pretty cool, huh!!
Stay tuned — we’ll give you more information as we learn it.
But, for now, look for those changes to take place with the M&M Mascots immediately.
You can see a video of the “new” MCM Mascots in action HERE.
