M&M Branding Case Study

When it comes to iconic brands, few can match the popularity and recognition of M&M’s. Since the brand’s inception in 1941, M&M’s has become one of the most recognizable candy brands in the world. From their classic milk chocolate flavor to their brightly colored candy-coated shells, M&M’s has been a favorite treat for generations. In this article, we will explore the history of the M&M brand, their creative branding strategy, and the impact of their marketing efforts on their success.

M&M, short for Mars & Murrie, is one of the most recognizable candy brands in the world. It was first introduced in 1941 and has since become a household name, with its iconic slogan "Melts in your mouth, not in your hands" still resonating with consumers today. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the M&M branding case study and analyzing how the brand has managed to maintain its popularity over the years.

The History of M&M Branding

M&M started as a solution to a problem. During World War II, soldiers needed a chocolate that wouldn't melt easily in the heat. The Mars family, who had been making candy since the 1920s, came up with the idea of coating chocolate in a hard candy shell. The candy proved to be so popular that it was eventually released to the general public in 1941.

The brand's signature colors of red, yellow, and brown were also chosen for practical reasons. The red dye was the cheapest, while the yellow and brown dyes were the only ones that wouldn't leave a bad taste in the mouth. Today, the M&M brand is known for its colorful packaging and playful marketing campaigns.

M&M's Iconic Slogan

"M&Ms melt in your mouth, not in your hands" is one of the most memorable advertising slogans in history. It was first introduced in 1954 and has been used in various marketing campaigns ever since. The slogan is a testament to the quality of the candy and its unique candy shell that prevents it from melting too quickly.

The slogan has also been used in various pop culture references, such as in the movie "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." The brand's tagline has become so well-known that it is often referenced in popular culture without any direct connection to the candy itself.

M&M Branding and Product Placement

Product placement has been a key part of the M&M brand's marketing strategy. The brand has been featured in movies, TV shows, and even video games. The M&M characters have become so well-known that they are often used in pop culture references.

In 2012, M&M's appeared in the movie "The Avengers," where the candy played a prominent role in a fight scene. The brand has also been featured in other Marvel movies, such as "Spider-Man: Far From Home." The product placement has helped to keep the brand relevant and increase its exposure to new audiences.

M&M Branding and Social Media

Social media has become an important part of the M&M branding strategy. The brand has an active presence on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. M&M has also collaborated with social media influencers to promote its products.

In 2016, M&M launched a social media campaign called "Celebrate with M," which encouraged consumers to share their M&M moments on social media using the hashtag #CelebrateWithM. The campaign was a success, with consumers sharing over 50,000 photos on Instagram alone.

M&M Branding and Personalization

Personalization has become an important aspect of modern branding, and M&M has embraced this trend with its "My M&M's" program. This program allows customers to create personalized M&M's with custom colors, text, and images.

The program has been a hit with customers, especially for special occasions such as weddings and birthdays. Personalized M&M's have become popular party favors and gifts, adding a unique and personal touch to special events.

M&M Branding and Sustainability

In recent years, sustainability has become a growing concern for consumers, and brands are expected to take action to reduce their environmental impact. M&M has responded to this trend by implementing sustainability measures in its operations.

The brand has committed to using 100% sustainably sourced cocoa by 2025 and has also set targets to reduce water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste in its production processes. M&M has also introduced eco-friendly packaging, such as paper-based wrappers and biodegradable candy bags.

M&M Branding and Partnerships

M&M has partnered with various organizations and brands to increase its visibility and appeal to new audiences. In 2019, M&M partnered with the popular fashion brand, Moschino, to create a limited edition collection of clothing and accessories featuring the M&M characters.

The brand has also partnered with sports teams such as the NFL's New York Giants and the NBA's New York Knicks to create special edition M&M packaging and products. These partnerships have helped M&M to reach new audiences and increase brand awareness.

Conclusion

M&M has managed to maintain its popularity over the years through effective branding strategies such as product placement, social media campaigns, personalization, sustainability, and partnerships. The brand's iconic slogan, "Melts in your mouth, not in your hands," has become ingrained in popular culture, while its colorful packaging and playful marketing campaigns continue to appeal to consumers of all ages. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, M&M will remain a beloved brand for many years.