GERMANTOWN, Md. (August 9, 2012) ?? Mars Botanical, a scientific business unit of Mars, Incorporated and the maker of CocoaVia® daily cocoa extract supplement, announced today select items from the Cocoa Paper product line are now available for purchase at CocoaVia.com. Cocoa Paper is a line of handmade, sustainable paper products made from the bark of cocoa trees grown in Indonesia, where Mars Botanical sources its cocoa. The cocoa bark is collected when the cocoa trees are pruned. By purchasing the bark that goes into making Cocoa Paper products, the paper makers are able to provide an alternative income stream for the cocoa farmers and encourage good farm management practices.

“Mars Botanical is committed to creating a sustainable, certified source of cocoa, from pod to product,” said Alison Wang, Mars Botanical Managing Director. “We work closely with Indonesian farmers to plant, harvest and cultivate their fruit, increasing their profitability and improving quality of life for local communities. Mars Botanical will continue to support the cocoa farmers in Indonesia, as well as its commitment to cocoa sustainability by offering a selection of Cocoa Paper products.”

Cocoa Paper supports cocoa sustainability in several ways:

1. Uses sustainable inputs of approximately 60 percent cocoa bark and 40 percent recycled paper
2. Encourages the habit of pruning trees, a sustainable and eco?friendly farming practice that results in healthier and more productive trees
3. Provides additional income to artisans and cocoa farming communities where Mars Botanical sources its cocoa

Process and Results

As cocoa tree branches are pruned, farmers strip the bark from the wood and sell it to the cocoa paper manufacturer. It is then made into Cocoa Paper products. The regular pruning of cocoa trees results in higher cocoa yields for farmers and the sale of the bark generates additional revenue streams of up to 40 percent for the farming families. The Cocoa Paper products offered through CocoaVia.com include journals and notepads. For more information or to purchase an item from the product collection, visit CocoaVia.com/cocoapaper.

About CocoaVia® Cocoa Extract Supplement

The CocoaVia® product is a powdered daily cocoa extract supplement, developed by Mars Botanical, which delivers 250 mg of cocoa flavanols in every serving. CocoaVia® cocoa extract supplement comes in convenient, single?serving stick packs and is available in four delicious flavors with no added sugar, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. CocoaVia® cocoa extract supplement is made using a patented Cocoapro® process, which extracts the cocoa flavanols from the cocoa bean and protects the flavanols that are usually destroyed during normal cocoa handling and processing. For more information on the CocoaVia® supplement product line, visit CocoaVia.com.

About Mars Botanical

Mars Botanical is a scientific business unit of Mars Symbioscience and is focused on research and product development involving cocoa extract and cocoa flavanols. The mission of Mars Botanical is to improve human health by commercializing cocoa flavanol products that are backed by evidence?based science, delivering proven benefits to its consumers. Mars Botanical continues to strengthen Mars, Incorporated’s global scientific leadership as it investigates the health and biomedical potential of cocoa while establishing a sustainable, certified source of cocoa traceable from pod to product. For additional information on Mars Botanical visit www.MarsBotanical.com.

GERMANTOWN, Md. (June 19, 2012) — Mars Botanical, a scientific business unit of Mars, Incorporated and the maker of CocoaViaTM daily cocoa extract supplement, announced today that CocoaViaTM supplements are now available in Vitamin World stores nationwide. For the past year, CocoaViaTM supplements were sold exclusively online and the brand sees the addition of retail distribution as an exciting next step in the process of educating people about the benefits of cocoa flavanols in its cocoa extract. With 250 mg of cocoa flavanols in every serving, CocoaViaTM supplement is a patented cocoa extract made from 100% pure cocoa. Cocoa flavanols are the good-for-you phytonutrients found in nature and they have been shown to help support healthy circulation.

“The partnership between CocoaVia supplements and Vitamin World, a leader in the supplement industry, gives us the opportunity to extend our reach to new customers and to ensure there are both online and in-store purchase options throughout the U.S.,” said Jeff Nowinski, Sales Director at Mars Botanical. “This partnership will help increase awareness of the health benefits of cocoa flavanols, which have been scientifically proven to help support healthy circulation, as well as address increased consumer desire for convenient products to support their health. Our consumers have been asking for a retail option and we are excited to be able to provide another channel of distribution for their convenience.”

The following CocoaVia™ supplements now are available to Vitamin World customers: •    Dark Chocolate Flavored Sweetened and Unsweetened: 30 calories per serving; tastes great in coffee, milk, yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal and more. •    Cran-Raspberry Flavored: 20 calories per serving; tastes great in water, iced tea, yogurt and smoothies.

With CocoaVia™ cocoa extract supplements you can receive the benefits of 250 mg of cocoa flavanols for 30 calories or less in a single stick pack. The convenient, single-serving stick packs have no added sugar, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. For more information about CocoaViaTM supplements or to find a Vitamin World store near you, please visit www.CocoaVia.com/retail.

CocoaVia™ supplements may also be found at Vitamin Discount Center, as well as other fine health food stores nationwide. For the most current listing of participating retailers, visit www.CocoaVia.com/retail. Several high quality online retailers, including Puritan’s Pride, Swanson Health Products, and drugstore.com, also offer the full range of CocoaViaTM products for sale via their websites.

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About CocoaVia™ Cocoa Extract Supplement
The CocoaViaTM product is a powdered daily cocoa extract supplement, developed by Mars Botanical, which delivers 250 mg of cocoa flavanols in every serving. CocoaViaTM cocoa extract supplement comes in convenient, single-serving stick packs and is available in four delicious flavors with no added sugar, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. CocoaViaTM cocoa extract supplement is made using a patented Cocoapro® process, which extracts the cocoa flavanols from the cocoa bean and protects the flavanols that are usually destroyed during normal cocoa handling and processing. For more information on the CocoaViaTM supplement product line, visit www.CocoaVia.com.

About Mars Botanical
Mars Botanical is a scientific business unit of Mars Symbioscience and is focused on research and product development involving cocoa extract and cocoa flavanols. The mission of Mars Botanical is to improve human health by commercializing cocoa flavanol products that are backed by evidence-based science, delivering proven benefits to its consumers. Mars Botanical continues to strengthen Mars, Inc.’s global scientific leadership as it investigates the health and biomedical potential of cocoa while establishing a sustainable, certified source of cocoa traceable from pod to product. For additional information on Mars Botanical visit www.MarsBotanical.com.

New analytical methods improve understanding of flavanol absorption and metabolism and provide basis for meaningful in vitro studies to assess exactly how these compounds work in the body

MCLEAN, VA. (Jan. 25, 2012) --- A comprehensive investigation of flavanol absorption and metabolism has provided a critical step forward in our understanding of how cocoa flavanols work in the body to exert their circulatory and cardiovascular benefits. Through the development of improved analytical methods, this recent work provides detailed insights into the extensive metabolism of flavanols, which calls into question the reliability of in vitro studies using un-metabolized materials. This collaborative research was conducted by an international team of scientists from Mars, Incorporated, the University of California, Davis (US) and the University of Reading (UK).

Increasing scientific evidence indicates that (−)-epicatechin, the main flavanol in cocoa, can have a positive impact on the circulatory and cardiovascular systems. Absorption and metabolism, however, play a key role in determining the exact effect food constituents and nutrients such as (−)-epicatechin have in the body. Following absorption, nutrients are metabolized – transforming them into new compounds that are different from those originally present in food.  As metabolic transformation has a significant impact on how nutrients support healthy functions, investigating this process is critical to furthering our understanding of exactly how cocoa flavanols are linked to health benefits.

While the metabolism of flavanols has been established in previous studies, the development and validation of improved analytical methods in this research enabled a far more detailed assessment than previously possible. As a result, this study was able to clearly and reliably demonstrate the extensive metabolism of (−)-epicatechin following consumption of a flavanol-containing cocoa drink. As in vitro studies using un-metabolized cocoa flavanols do not take this metabolism into account, they are not able to accurately reflect what is happening in the body. For example, early findings looking at flavanols in a test tube suggested that they exerted their benefits through an antioxidant mechanism. However, this latest research adds to a growing body of evidence challenging this notion and indicating that – when examined in the body – flavanols’ cardiovascular benefits are in fact independent of any antioxidant properties.

Commenting on the impact of this work for future research in the field, Dr. Hagen Schroeter – study author and director of fundamental health and nutrition research at Mars, Incorporated – stated: “By significantly advancing our understanding of the absorption and metabolism of cocoa flavanols, this research helps to address existing disagreement in this area and sets a new standard in flavanol analytics that will improve the scientific tools available. Furthermore, this work again calls into question the validity of in vitro research that does not take into account the extensive metabolism of compounds like (−)-epicatechin.” 

“The study provides a critical step towards a more complete understanding of flavanols and their benefits and, ultimately, towards the translation of this knowledge into innovative flavanol-rich food products and concrete health recommendations,” added Dr. Schroeter.

The research has been published in the international journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine and is available for free online here: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891584911012548. It forms part of a wider body of collaborative research in this field and builds upon the findings of a previous paper examining flavanol absorption that was published in 2011.

About Mars, Incorporated

In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars’ roots as a confectionery company.  In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar.  In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of  building a business based on the philosophy of a “mutuality of benefits” for all stakeholders – this vision serves as the foundation of the Mars, Incorporated we are today.  Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion and six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks and Symbioscience.  More than 65,000 Associates worldwide are putting our Mars Principles in action every day to make a difference for people and the planet through our performance.

Science and Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated believes investment in science and technology is crucial to our success and key to addressing a wide range of social, economic, ecological and environmental challenges. We demonstrate this commitment through uncommon collaborations between academic, government, non-government and industry sectors. We are proud of our holistic approach to science and sustainability and have partnered with leading institutions on research projects such as mapping the cacao genome, understanding the role of genetics and nutrition in animal and human health, developing new approaches to complex food safety issues, and understanding the role of agroforestry in promoting biodiversity.

Flavanols are a group of natural compounds that are particularly abundant in cocoa.  A significant body of published research has shown that consumption of cocoa flavanols can help support cardiovascular health by helping maintain healthy circulation.  In collaboration with some of the world’s leading scientific institutes, Mars, Incorporated has been pursuing extensive research to advance understanding of cocoa flavanols for over 20 years. 

Mars, Incorporated’s ongoing commitment to research in the field of cocoa flavanols is represented by the publication of over 130 scientific papers and approximately 50 patents. Using this knowledge, Mars scientists have developed a proprietary, patented Cocoapro® process that helps to retain the flavanols found naturally inside the cocoa bean, which are usually destroyed during normal processing. 

For more information, please visit mars.com

Demonstration of distinct roles of flavanols and procyanidins provides a basis for improving the design and interpretation of future studies

Rockville, MD. (March 06, 2012) --- Collaborative research by Mars, Incorporated and the University of California, Davis has provided important new insights into the distinct roles of flavanols and procyanidins in the human body. Recently published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the findings significantly advance understanding of how these phytonutrients may work in the body to exert cardiovascular benefits. In ways not previously possible, the researchers were able to gain novel insights that further our understanding of the metabolic fate of procyanidins, and highlight the need for more careful discrimination between flavanols and procyanidins when examining the health benefits of foods. Taken together, these findings may enable stronger and clearer associations between health and the intake of specific food components, and a more comprehensive understanding of the cardiovascular health benefits of flavanols and procyanidins.

Flavanols and procyanidins are sub-classes of a group of natural compounds called flavonoids. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that foods rich in flavanols and procyanidins, such as cocoa, can have a positive impact on blood vessel function and cardiovascular health. To understand how the flavanols and procyanidins present in certain foods may exert their cardiovascular effects, it is crucial to assess what happens to these compounds in the body following consumption. Previous studies have demonstrated that flavanols are absorbed, enter the body, and directly mediate improvements in cardiovascular function. In contrast, procyanidins have been shown to be poorly absorbed or not at all and evidence for a direct effect of procyanidins on blood vessel function is therefore limited. Nevertheless, as flavanols are the structural building blocks of procyanidins, it has been proposed that digestive processes in the gut may cause the break-down of procyanidins into flavanols, which may subsequently be absorbed into the body. If correct, this “break-down hypothesis” would mean that procyanidins exert cardiovascular benefits by acting as precursors of flavanols. Answering this question is therefore crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the role of these phytonutrients for human health and nutrition. 

“Assessing whether or not procyanidins are absorbed or contribute to the systemic flavanol pool is more than just a technical distinction. In fact, the answers to these questions could have a significant impact on investigations into the mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular health benefits associated with the intake of flavanol- and procyanidin-containing foods,” commented Dr. Hagen Schroeter – study author and director of fundamental health and nutrition research at Mars, Incorporated. 

As flavanols and procyanidins are commonly found together in foods, such as cocoa, grapes, and apples, up until now it has not been possible to directly assess the individual contribution of procyanidins to the circulating pool of flavanols in the body. Using carefully developed, nutrient-matched cocoa-based drinks, containing flavanols and procyanidins either in combination or individually, the researchers in this study were able to confirm that procyanidins are poorly absorbed. More importantly, the study also demonstrated for the first time that procyanidins do not break-down in the gut to contribute to the flavanols present in circulation. This outcome makes it very unlikely that procyanidins affect blood vessel function, either directly or through a break-down into flavanols. Interestingly, the research also demonstrates that micro-organisms in the digestive system transform both flavanols and procyanidins into another group of compounds called gamma-valerolactones. Further research is needed to investigate if, and to what extent, these compounds formed in the gut contribute to the cardiovascular health benefits observed following the consumption of foods rich in flavanols and procyanidins. In addition, the data of this study do not rule out the possibility that procyanidins may exert biological activities in the digestive system that may be beneficial for human health. 

Dr. Schroeter further commented on the implications of these findings, “The differences between the absorption and metabolism of flavanols and procyanidins, as demonstrated by this research, may prompt changes in how scientists design and interpret epidemiological investigations and in vitro studies to more meaningfully reflect what happens in the body. Furthermore, the fact that our results mean that it is unlikely that procyanidins exert direct effects on blood vessel function, may lead researchers to focus specifically on studying the mechanisms by which flavanols – and perhaps even gamma-valerolactones – effect cardiovascular function.”

The research has been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and is available online here: http://www.ajcn.org/content/early/2012/02/28/ajcn.111.028340.abstract. It was part-funded by the European Commission under the FLAVIOLA project and forms part of a wider body of work examining the health benefits of diets rich in flavanols and procyanidins.

About Mars, Incorporated

In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars’ roots as a confectionery company.  In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar.  In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of building a business based on the philosophy of a “mutuality of benefits” for all stakeholders – this vision serves as the foundation of the Mars, Incorporated we are today. Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion and six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks and Symbioscience.  More than 65,000 Associates worldwide are putting our Mars Principles in action every day to make a difference for people and the planet through our performance.

Science and Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated believes investment in science and technology is crucial to our success and key to addressing a wide range of social, economic, ecological and environmental challenges. We demonstrate this commitment through uncommon collaborations between academic, government, non-government and industry sectors. We are proud of our holistic approach to science and sustainability and have partnered with leading institutions on research projects such as mapping the cacao genome, understanding the role of genetics and nutrition in animal and human health, developing new approaches to complex food safety issues, and understanding the role of agroforestry in promoting biodiversity.

Flavanols are a group of natural compounds that are particularly abundant in cocoa.   A significant body of published research has shown that consumption of cocoa flavanols can help support cardiovascular health by helping maintain healthy circulation.  In collaboration with some of the world’s leading scientific institutes, Mars, Incorporated has been pursuing extensive research to advance understanding of cocoa flavanols for over 20 years. 

Mars, Incorporated’s ongoing commitment to research in the field of cocoa flavanols is represented by the publication of more than 130 scientific papers and approximately 100 patents. Using this knowledge, Mars scientists have developed a proprietary, patented Cocoapro® process that helps to retain the flavanols found naturally inside the cocoa bean, which are usually destroyed during normal processing. 

Mars Symbioscience is the global health & life sciences segment of Mars, Incorporated focused on delivering evidence-based science. As a cornerstone of this approach, Mars Symbioscience drives the application of the unique biomedical properties of cocoa and cocoa flavanols. Mars Symbioscience is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, U.S.A., and through its business units, Mars Botanical, Mars Veterinary and Mars Plantcare, produces brands including WISDOM PANEL®, SERAMIS®, COCOAVIA™ and CIRKU™.

Contact:  Elizabeth Willett 

+1 301 768 9100

Elizabeth.willett@mss.effem.com 

For more information, please visit marssymbioscience.com

Germantown, MD. (April 24, 2012) --- A method for the analysis of flavanols in cocoa has been developed by a team of researchers from Mars Botanical, a scientific division of Mars, Incorporated, and recently published in the Journal of AOAC International. Drawing on the research team’s expertise in flavanol chemistry and analytics, the method identifies and quantifies the distinct stereochemical forms of flavanols found in cocoa and chocolate products. Foods rich in flavanols are increasingly recognized for their ability to exert positive effects on the cardiovascular system, but investigations have shown that the distinct chemical structure (stereochemistry) of a flavanol influences its absorption, metabolism, and consequently its ability to exert beneficial effects. This validated method could therefore have important implications for future investigations. 

“By clearly identifying the specific stereochemical forms of flavanols in cocoa, this method can help establish stronger connections between cocoa flavanols and cardiovascular health. Our goal was not only to develop a method that could be used by Mars, but instead to validate one that could be widely implemented using standard analytical equipment in order to advance research in this field,” commented Dr. Catherine Kwik-Uribe, study author and R&D Director at Mars Botanical. 

Flavanols are a group of natural compounds that can be particularly abundant in cocoa and are also found in foods such as grapes, apples, and tea. Data from epidemiological studies and dietary interventions demonstrate that flavanol-rich foods can have a positive impact on cardiovascular function and health. Importantly, however, the flavanols in foods have different stereochemical forms, specifically (–)-epicatechin and (+)-epicatechin, and (–)-catechin and (+)-catechin. Some of these forms, notably 

(–)-catechin and (+)-epicatechin, are present in foods almost exclusively as a result of food processing.

However, these stereochemical changes are more than just interesting chemical conversions. Previous research has identified (–)-epicatechin as a critical, biologically active component of cocoa that is capable of mediating improvements in cardiovascular function. A collaborative study published in January 2011 by researchers from the University of California, Davis and Mars, Incorporated went one step further and revealed the crucial importance of flavanol stereochemistry. Specifically, the 2011 study highlights that, of the stereochemical forms of epicatechin and catechin, (−)-epicatechin is the most absorbed by the body – almost six times more than (–)-catechin. This clear demonstration of the profound impact of stereochemistry on flavanol absorption reinforces the need to identify and quantify the exact flavanol forms present in foods when considering their cardiovascular health impact. The recently published Journal of AOAC International paper provides a validated method for exactly this.  

“This newly validated method addresses important gaps in our knowledge. In particular, it helps improve our understanding of the impact of food processing on the flavanol content of foods such as cocoa – a crucial step towards the development of optimized food products to support health”, commented Dr. Kwik-Uribe. “What’s more, by identifying which flavanols are actually in the foods we eat, methods such as this enable a more detailed look at epidemiological studies and intervention trials. This brings us closer to being able to provide meaningful dietary recommendations.”  

The method has been published in the Journal of AOAC International and is available online here: 

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/aoac/jaoac/2012/00000095/00000002/art00031

This research was conducted by a team of researchers from Mars Botanical, a scientific division of Mars, Incorporated, and forms part of a wider body of work examining cocoa flavanols, their chemistry and benefits to health.

About Mars, Incorporated

In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars’ roots as a confectionery company.  In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar.  In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of building a business based on the philosophy of a “mutuality of benefits” for all stakeholders – this vision serves as the foundation of the Mars, Incorporated we are today. Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion and six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks and Symbioscience.  More than 65,000 Associates worldwide are putting our Mars Principles in action every day to make a difference for people and the planet through our performance.

Science and Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated believes investment in science and technology is crucial to our success and key to addressing a wide range of social, economic, ecological and environmental challenges. We demonstrate this commitment through uncommon collaborations between academic, government, non-government and industry sectors. We are proud of our holistic approach to science and sustainability and have partnered with leading institutions on research projects such as mapping the cacao genome, understanding the role of genetics and nutrition in animal and human health, developing new approaches to complex food safety issues, and understanding the role of agroforestry in promoting biodiversity.

Flavanols are a group of natural compounds that are particularly abundant in cocoa.  A significant body of published research has shown that consumption of cocoa flavanols can help support cardiovascular health by helping maintain healthy circulation.  In collaboration with some of the world’s leading scientific institutes, Mars, Incorporated has been pursuing extensive research to advance understanding of cocoa flavanols for over 20 years. 

Mars, Incorporated’s ongoing commitment to research in the field of cocoa flavanols is represented by the publication of more than 130 scientific papers and approximately 100 patents. Using this knowledge, Mars scientists have developed a proprietary, patented Cocoapro® process that helps to retain the flavanols found naturally inside the cocoa bean, which are usually destroyed during normal processing. 

Mars Symbioscience is the global health & life sciences segment of Mars, Incorporated focused on delivering evidence-based science. As a cornerstone of this approach, Mars Symbioscience drives the application of the unique biomedical properties of cocoa and cocoa flavanols. Mars Symbioscience is headquartered in Germantown, Maryland, U.S.A., and through its business units, Mars Botanical, Mars Veterinary and Mars Plantcare, produces brands including WISDOM PANEL™, SERAMIS™, COCOAVIA™ and CIRKU™.

For more information, please visit marssymbioscience.com

Contact: Elizabeth Willett

+1 301 768 9100

Elizabeth.willett@mss.effem.com 

Mars uses the patented Cocoapro(R) process to make Cirku(TM) cocoa flavanol supplement products. For nearly two decades, Mars has been studying the process of measuring and maximizing the retention of cocoa flavanols and uncovering their related health benefits, resulting in over 100 scientific publications and a broad patent portfolio. This suit is consistent with the long-standing commitment at Mars to vigorously protect its intellectual property.

Mars Symbioscience is a global health & life sciences segment of Mars, Incorporated focused on delivering evidence-based science. An idea incubator headquartered in Rockville, Md., U.S., Mars Symbioscience works on innovative solutions that change the way we care for ourselves and the natural world. Through its business units, Mars Botanical, Mars Veterinary and Mars Plantcare, Mars Symbioscience produces brands including WISDOM PANEL(TM), CIRKU(TM), SERAMIS(R), Cocoapro(R), Cocoavia(R) and MYCOCOAPAPER.

Mars Symbioscience is a segment of Mars, Incorporated, a private, family-owned company employing more than 65,000 associates in 68 countries worldwide. Headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S., Mars, Incorporated is one of the world's largest food companies, generating global sales of more than $28 billion annually and operating in six business segments: Chocolate, Petcare, Wrigley Gum and Confections, Food, Drinks, and Symbioscience. In addition to its Symbioscience brands, other popular Mars, Incorporated brands include Chocolate -- M&M'S(R), SNICKERS(R), DOVE(R), GALAXY(R), MARS(R), MILKY WAY(R) and TWIX(R); Petcare -- PEDIGREE(R), WHISKAS(R), SHEBA(R), CESAR(R), NUTRO(R), GREENIES(R) and ROYAL CANIN(R); Wrigley -- ORBIT(R), EXTRA(R), STARBURST(R), DOUBLEMINT(R) and SKITTLES(R); Food -- UNCLE BEN'S(R), DOLMIO(R), EBLY(R), MASTERFOODS(R) and SEEDS OF CHANGE(R); Drinks -- KLIX(R) and FLAVIA(R). For more information, please visit www.mars.com.

The formulation of indicators, which is important for the sustainability of cocoa, was started in January 2010 in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Research Center for Indonesian Cocoa and Coffee, universities, international certification organizations, Mars, other stakeholders in cocoa industry and representative farmers.

The launch of national indicators for the sustainability of cocoa in Indonesia is a positive step forward to ensure the long term prosperity and sustainability of cocoa farming in Indonesia. “For these reasons, we anticipate full support from the Government and other stakeholders for the adoption of these criteria for cocoa sustainability and the national indicators for sustainable cocoa farming, which we hope will lead to wide-spread implementation by cocoa farmers. These important tools are expected to help the Indonesian cocoa industry to satisfy the growing global consumer demand for high quality products that are produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner and to ensure long term prosperity of the industry” Janetski explained. 

The national indicators have been developed with consideration toward Indonesian cultural practices and with appreciation of the current cocoa farming system applied by local farming communities. They set out the criteria to be used for certification of sustainable cocoa, enabling farmers, trainers and auditors to follow a uniform set of criteria for growing and certifying this crop. They will help cocoa sector stakeholders in Indonesia answer the demand for sustainable production using practical, clear, and responsible methods. Most importantly, adoption of certification standards for cocoa will have a positive impact on cocoa farmers, increasing their productivity and profitability.

“This announcement continues to keep farmer’s first, helping to ensure the growth and the development of the Indonesian cocoa sector starting at the farmer level, based on the basic principles of long term economic, environmental and social sustainability.” concludes Janetski.

Indonesia plays an important role in the global cocoa community, producing around 580,000 metric tonnes of cocoa per annum, ranking third among the world’s largest cocoa producers, after the Ivory Coast and Ghana. Approximately 380,000 metric tonnes of cocoa is exported annually, generating income for the country of around US $1.2 billion.  More than 1 million farmers manage approximately 1.4 million hectares of land in the production and development of cocoa farming in Indonesia. 

Mars, Incorporated, as the parent company of PT. Mars Symbioscience Indonesia, has provided support to cocoa farmers and to the development of sustainable cocoa for many years, investing funds and resources to work with cocoa farmer communities, government agencies, local and international researchers, donor organizations and numerous industry partners to drive real change in the way that cocoa farming is managed in Indonesia. “The presence of these national certification standards and indicators will help ensure sustainable cocoa production for the benefit of all stakeholders for generations to come,” added Janetski. 

Harry Hendarto from Business Watch Indonesia (BWI) expressed support for the Mars initiative. Furthermore, BWI expects the launch of certification criteria and national indicators for sustainable cocoa production will bring benefits to the cocoa farmers as stakeholders. The current market trend demands fair products, environmentally and socially friendly, while farmers as stakeholders are on the frontline position to fulfill the market demands. "These tools should increase the prosperity of cocoa farmers," Hendarto explained

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About Mars, Incorporated: 
Mars, Incorporated is a private, family-owned company founded in 1911 and employing more than 65,000 associates in 68 countries worldwide.  Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, U.S.A., Mars, Incorporated is one of the world’s largest food companies, generating global sales of more than $28 billion in 2009 and operating in six business segments: Chocolate, Petcare, Wrigley Gum and Confections, Food, Drinks, and Symbioscience.  These segments produce some of the world’s leading brands: Chocolate – M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Petcare – PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, SHEBA®, CESAR®, NUTRO®, GREENIES®, and ROYAL CANIN®; Wrigley Gum and Confections – ORBIT®, EXTRA®, STARBURST®, DOUBLEMINT® and SKITTLES®; Food – UNCLE BEN’S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS® and SEEDS OF CHANGE®; Drinks – KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience – WISDOM PANEL™, SERAMIS®, CIRKUHEALTH™ and COCOAPRO®.

For more information, please visit www.mars.com.

About PT Mars Symbioscience Indonesia 
PT. Mars Symbioscience Indonesia is a business unit of Mars Symbioscience, a global health & life sciences segment of Mars, Incorporated focused on delivering evidence-based science. It opened a cocoa processing plant in the industrial area of Makassar, South Sulawesi in 1996. The international class plant, which hires 124 employees and more than 200 seasonal workers, is the first cocoa processing plant in Sulawesi. The plant processes 17,000 tones of cocoa beans each year into cocoa butter and cocoa powder. 

About UTZ CERTIFIED Good Inside:
UTZ CERTIFIED is a market-oriented sustainability program that enhances professional farming and has positive impact on productivity, quality and efficiency. Its vision is to achieve sustainable agricultural supply chains in which farmers are professionals implementing good practices, industry takes responsibility by demanding and rewarding sustainably grown products, and consumers buy products that meet their standard for social and environmental responsibility. 

Since 2002, UTZ CERTIFIED has become the leading standard for professional coffee growing and is now developing a certification and traceability program for sustainable cocoa and tea. UTZ CERTIFIED cooperatives, estate farms and producer groups comply with the UTZ CERTIFIED Code of Conduct and are annually inspected by independent third party auditors. 

Through its Code of Conduct and unique web based traceability system, UTZ CERTIFIED is a credible instrument for farmers, cooperatives and producer groups to show their buyers that their coffee, cocoa and tea is produced in a professional way, with socially and environmentally appropriate growing practices and efficient farm management. In addition, it provides brands and retailers a tool to incorporate and credibly demonstrate responsible sourcing practices.

For more information visit: www.utzcertified.org

About the Rainforest Alliance: 
The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior.  With headquarters in  New York City and offices worldwide, the nonprofit organization works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travelers. From large multinational corporations to small, community-based cooperatives, the Rainforest Alliance involves businesses and consumers worldwide in our efforts to bring responsibly produced goods and services to a global marketplace where the demand for sustainability is growing steadily.

The Rainforest Alliance promotes standards for sustainability that conserve wildlife and wildlands and ensure the well-being of workers and their communities. Farms that meet the comprehensive criteria of the Sustainable Agriculture Network earn the right to use the Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal, and forestry enterprises that comply with the rigorous standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), can use the Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal in conjunction with the FSC logo to differentiate their products in the marketplace. The organization also works with tourism businesses, to help them succeed while leaving a small footprint on the environment and providing a boost to local economies.

For more information, please see www.rainforest-alliance.org or contact Abby Ray (aray@ra.org) in New York: 646 452 1939.  In the UK, contact Stuart Singleton-White (stuart@themessagehub.com) 44 (0) 7710 403092.

McLean, VA (April 13, 2010) – Mars, Incorporated announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against cocoa flavanol extract supplier Naturex, makers of the Cocoactiv product, and against cocoa flavanol supplement manufacturers Nutraceuticals (makers of the Solaray products) and Life Extension Foundation (makers of the Cocoa Gold products) for infringement of nine US patents owned by Mars.  The suit was filed in the US District Court in Alexandria, VA and requests that an injunction be granted to stop infringing sales and the promotion of the supplements for patented uses.

Mars is the maker of CirkuHealth™ brand cocoa flavanol supplement products. For nearly two decades, Mars has been studying the process of measuring and maximizing the retention of cocoa flavanols and uncovering their related health benefits, resulting in over 100 scientific publications and a broad patent portfolio. This suit is consistent with the long-standing commitment at Mars to vigorously enforce its patent portfolio

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About Mars, Incorporated
Mars, Incorporated is a private, family-owned company founded in 1911 and employing more than 65,000 associates at over 230 sites, including 135 factories, in 68 countries worldwide. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, U.S.A., Mars, Incorporated is one of the world’s largest food companies, generating global revenues of more than $28 billion annually and operating in six business segments: Chocolate, Petcare, Wrigley Gum and Confections, Food, Drinks, and Symbioscience.  These segments produce some of the world’s leading brands: Chocolate – M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Petcare – PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, SHEBA®, CESAR® and ROYAL CANIN®; Wrigley – ORBIT®, EXTRA®, STARBURST®, DOUBLEMINT® and SKITTLES®; Food – UNCLE BEN’S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS® and SEEDS OF CHANGE®; Drinks – KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience – WISDOM PANEL™, SERAMIS®, and CIRKUHEALTH®.  

"Chocolate: History, Culture and Heritage" by UC Davis Professor Emeritus Louis Grivetti and Howard-Yana Shapiro, global director of plant science and external research at Mars, Inc. and an adjunct professor at UC Davis, is a scholarly work that considers the history of chocolate by theme and topic throughout the centuries. Chapters explore topic such as chocolate and religion, medicinal chocolate and chocolate preparation in early North America.

The book is one of three finalists in the IACP's "culinary history" category, the group announced Thursday. The cookbook awards are "considered the gold standard for culinary publishing," according to an IACP news release. More than 500 entries were submitted this year, making it one of the most competitive ever.

"...Given the number of entrees and the rigor of the selection process, we are honored to be identified and considered along with the books of our food history colleagues," Grivetti (pictured right) wrote me in an e-mail.

Work on the book began more than 10 years ago when the chocolate history research group was founded within the Department of Nutrition at UC Davis.

Mars, Inc. funded a research project on the history of chocolate and its roles in various capacities within the Americas and the transfer of the information to Western Europe. The findings were published in professional journals and then Mars approached the group again to study the role of chocolate elsewhere in the world.

All told, more than 40 team members contributed to the book, working in more than 250 archives, libraries and museums in more than 30 countries, Grivetti said.

"Literally hundreds of interesting facts related to chocolate emerged through our combined efforts," Grivetti said. "And to assist readers, we assembled an accurate timeline of chocolate-related information as an appendix at the back of the book - an effort we made to counter-balance much of the erroneous information about chocolate that appears widely on the Web."

Shapiro described writing the book as "a dream come true."

"It was an amazing adventure to say the least and the mission to launch a field of scholarship is well evidenced in the book," he wrote in an e-mail from West Africa, where he is currently working.

For more information about the work, check out the book on Amazon.com.

Originally published at: Sacbee.com
Author: Niesha Lofing
Date: March 5, 2010

MCLEAN, VA/ZURICH, SWITZERLAND (February 15, 2010) – The unique and good-for-you cocoa flavanols – the natural compounds found in the cocoa fruit linked to important circulatory and other health benefits – will soon be easier to identify and obtain when making nutrition choices. Mars, Incorporated and Barry Callebaut AG recently signed a cross-licensing and cooperation agreement that is expected to increase the availability and uniformity of cocoa flavanol-rich chocolate products worldwide. The agreement between these global chocolate leaders is seen as the beginning of a path leading to consistent standards for beneficial cocoa flavanol products.

Decades of research suggest cocoa flavanols can have a positive impact on circulatory health and related conditions, but manufacturers have struggled with consistency, reliable measurement methods and communication of the flavanol benefits and content of foods. Mars, the world's largest retail chocolate manufacturer, selling seven of the world’s 20 best selling chocolate snacks, with its pioneering scientific know-how in flavanol analytics, preservation and health benefits, is partnering with Barry Callebaut AG, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products for the entire food industry, to progress towards creating a commonly used standard for measuring useful flavanols in foods, broadening acceptance and availability of flavanol-containing products with guaranteed flavanol content. Cocoa flavanol containing products can be a part of a healthy diet. But simply having a higher percent cacao, being a “darker” chocolate, or claiming antioxidants as the main benefit of cocoa, misses the point and demonstrates the need for a means to measure and indicate adequate levels of flavanols consistent with recent scientific studies.

“While flavanols are naturally abundant in cocoa, unless you are specifically measuring and carefully handling a product throughout the manufacturing process, there is just no guarantee the product contains meaningful levels of the flavanols,” said Mary Wagner, General Manager at Mars Botanical, a scientific unit of Mars, Incorporated dedicated to flavanol research and product development, and which recently launched CirkuHealth™ in the United States, a cocoa extract based dietary supplement. “For nearly two decades, we’ve been studying the process of measuring and maximizing the retention of cocoa flavanols and uncovering their related health benefits, resulting in over 100 scientific publications and a broad patent portfolio. Over the last five years we have also sold products like CocoaVia®, and continue to sell Dove® Rich Dark Chocolate, both high in flavanol content.  This agreement with Barry Callebaut will now guarantee reliable flavanol levels in more cocoa and chocolate products around the globe.”

Beginning February 2010, Barry Callebaut AG began licensing Mars patents and will display the Mars Cocoapro® “bean in hand” logo on its Acticoa® products in the US and other markets with an assured consistently high level of cocoa flavanol content. “Acticoa® chocolate has been on the European market for nearly five years and this new cooperation will allow us to even better serve our customers worldwide, in particular also in the US. This agreement is an important step in making chocolate alternatives with clear flavanol levels available to a much broader audience, around the world. We’re excited to embark on this journey with Mars, Incorporated” said Hans P. Vriens, Chief Innovation Officer at Barry Callebaut. “Based on years of our own clinical studies, we know cocoa flavanols offer a potentially substantial health benefit, and we know consumers are increasingly seeking healthier products that offer added value. We can all gain through a consistent method to assure consumers that we’re delivering these important compounds in our products, and through an aligned way in which we communicate these levels. ”

Both companies have agreed to cooperate in promoting flavanol rich chocolate products with a guaranteed level of flavanols inside. Over the next few months, both companies will be updating their science and marketing communications as well as their websites to reflect the implications of this new cooperation.

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MARS, INCORPORATED (www.mars.com)
Mars, Incorporated is a private, family-owned company founded in 1911 and employing over 65,000 associates at more than 230 sites, including 135 factories, in 68 countries worldwide. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, U.S.A., Mars, Incorporated is one of the world’s largest food companies, generating global revenues of more than $28billion annually and operating in six business segments: Chocolate, Petcare, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, and Symbioscience. These segments produce some of the world’s leading brands: Chocolate – M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Petcare – PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, SHEBA®, CESAR®, and ROYAL CANIN®; Wrigley – ORBIT®, EXTRA®, STARBURST®, DOUBLEMINT® and SKITTLES®; Food – UNCLE BEN’S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS® and SEEDS OF CHANGE®; Drinks – KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience – WISDOM PANEL™, SERAMIS®, CIRKUHEALTH™ and COCOAPRO™.

Barry Callebaut AG (www.barry-callebaut.com)
With annual sales of about CHF 4.9 billion for fiscal year 2008/09, Zurich-based Barry Callebaut is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate – from the cocoa bean to the finished product on the store shelf. Barry Callebaut is present in 26 countries, operates about 40 production facilities and employs about 7,500 people. The company serves the entire food industry, from food manufacturers to professional users of chocolate (such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs or bakers), to global retailers. Barry Callebaut is the global leader in cocoa and chocolate innovations and provides a comprehensive range of services in the fields of product development, processing, training and marketing. The company is actively engaged in initiatives and projects that contribute to a more sustainable cocoa supply chain.

ANAHEIM, California (June, 2009) – As the food industry strives to create the next “new” ingredient, Mars Botanical is turning to nature and an “old” staple – cocoa, nature’s unexpected super fruit. After nearly two decades of research, the company is unveiling Cirku™ – a natural cocoa extract containing flavanols, which help maintain healthy circulation.* 

While some of the oldest civilizations of the Americas were likely the first cocoa lovers, only recently have we truly begun to understand the power of this unique plant. Most are surprised to learn that cocoa is actually a fruit. In fact, it’s a “super fruit,” packed with unique active plant compounds called flavanols, linked to healthy circulation. And, healthy circulation gives your body the oxygen and nutrients where it needs them, when it needs them, so that you feel your best. 

In fact, top nutrition experts will gather at this year’s Institute of Food Technology (IFT) annual meeting and food expo to discuss the latest science, clinical implications and applications of flavanols in product development at a session on “Plant Flavanols and Health: Learning from Cocoa Flavanols.” “The body of research is impressive,” said Mary Wagner, PhD, General Manager and Chief Technical Officer at Mars Botanical. “In the world of science, it’s rare to find a food or ingredient with such widespread health potential. From clinical studies to population research, we’ve begun to understand the future impact of these powerful compounds.”

In addition to a substantial body of research on the health potential of natural cocoa compounds (including more than 100 scientific publications published or supported by Mars, Incorporated), trend experts suggest flavanols and its umbrella group, flavonoids, are a fast emerging mass market, offering a prime opportunity for mainstream health conscious shoppers. 

“We know consumers are seeking natural solutions to their health and wellness,” said Wagner. “They already know and love cocoa but the health potential of this fruit is essentially untapped. We’re helping unlock the nutritional power of an American favorite.” 

Mars Patented Technology – Cocoapro™ 
“There’s lots of talk about compounds and natural phytonutrients, but unless you are specifically measuring and carefully handling the active ingredient, there is just no guarantee the product contains meaningful levels of the important compounds,” said Wagner. “It takes time and effort to fully characterize and understand a natural ingredient and Mars is a pioneer in cocoa flavanol analysis. We’ve developed the process to accurately measure these active compounds and have been studying our cocoa for nearly two decades – making it truly an ingredient like no other.”

And this is extremely important when it comes to flavanols. Cocoa flavanols can be easily destroyed during normal chocolate processing. Building off of years of manufacturing experience, Mars, Incorporated scientists have perfected a process to reduce the cocoa bean’s exposure to high temperatures, helping protect the flavanols inside. The proprietary, patented Mars, Incorporated Cocoapro process ensures delivery of a cocoa extract ingredient guaranteed to have consistently high levels of cocoa flavanols 

Mars Botanical Cocoa Commitment 
The Mars Botanical team behind Cirku is made up of experts in the field of cocoa research – from plant biologists to product developers – and as a family-owned business, Mars Botanical’s approach has always been hands-on and holistic. The company works closely with native cocoa farmers, pursuing the best ways to plant, cultivate and harvest their fruit – ultimately increasing the profitability and improving the quality of life for local communities.

Through involvement in programs like the Cocoa Sustainability Partnership (CSP) in southeast Asia, Mars is helping deliver a cocoa revitalization program that not only educates and supports cocoa farmers, but is also planting millions of cocoa trees over the next few years in cocoa growing regions…enabling these communities to thrive. This is all part of the Mars, Incorporated global commitment to ensure their entire cocoa supply is certified as sustainably sourced by 2020.

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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About Mars Botanical
Mars Botanical, headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, was established as a scientific division of Mars, Incorporated in 2007 to focus on research and product development involving flavanols found in cocoa, tea, wine and certain fruits and vegetables. Its mission is to further develop leading edge science and technologies with the goal of creating plant-derived products aimed at improving human health. Mars Botanical will continue to build on the nearly 20-year heritage of Mars, Incorporated to continue its global scientific leadership aimed at investigating the health and biomedical potential of flavanols while establishing a sustainable, certified source of cocoa traceable from pod to product.  For more information, visit www.MarsBotanical.com.