Mars Food & Nutrition, a key division of Mars, Incorporated, has unveiled a significant expansion in the ready meals sector. The company is introducing new products under its Ben’s Original™ brand, including the Ben’s Original™ Street Food range in the U.S. and Canada, and the Ben’s Original™ Lunch Bowls and Favourites in the U.K.
Responding to Consumer Demands
This move marks an exciting development for Mars Food & Nutrition as it aims to cater to evolving consumer preferences for convenience, health, and global flavours. Recent research indicates that 48% of Americans spend fewer than 15 minutes daily preparing meals, underscoring a growing demand for quick, easy, and nutritious food options. Concurrently, two-thirds of global consumers are interested in exploring new world flavours, while half across all age groups prioritise healthy eating.
In response, Mars Food & Nutrition is rolling out ready meals that combine healthiness, taste, and convenience. The company has leveraged consumer feedback, culinary creativity, and AI-powered insights to create these new offerings, ensuring they meet both nutritional standards and consumer expectations for speed and flavour.
New Product Offerings
In the U.S. and Canada, the Ben’s Original™ Street Food range will feature four bold, flavourful entrées, including a bean and rice burrito bowl. These meals are designed to be fibre-rich and protein-packed, catering to busy lifestyles without compromising on nutrition or taste.
For the U.K. market, Ben’s Original™ Lunch Bowls and Favourites will soon be available in Tesco, with a broader rollout planned for later in the year. The Lunch Bowls offer a selection of grain and vegetable bowls free from artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, while the Favourites range includes ready-to-eat rice-based dishes featuring popular global flavours. Both product lines are aligned with Mars Food & Nutrition’s stringent nutritional criteria, adhering to recommendations from the World Health Organization and other health authorities.
Strategic Investment and Innovation
Shaid Shah, Global President of Mars Food & Nutrition, emphasised the company’s commitment to meeting the needs of Gen Z and Millennial consumers, who seek convenience, nutritional value, and diverse flavours. “Our mission is to make healthier and more flavourful eating a seamless part of consumers’ daily lives,” Shah said. He highlighted the importance of Mars’s expertise in culinary innovation and manufacturing, alongside its retail partnerships, in bringing these new products to market.
The launch builds on Mars Food & Nutrition’s recent innovations, including the award-winning Dolmio® Intensify pasta sauces, Ben’s Original™ Plant Powered meals, and Ben’s Original™ One Pan Creations. Additionally, the company has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions, such as Kevin’s Natural Foods. This nutritious meal company, which saw a 50% increase in sales in 2023, recently introduced a line of frozen products and appointed Roxanne Bernstein as Chief Executive Officer to drive further growth.
Looking Ahead
Mars Food & Nutrition’s latest product launches reflect its strategic focus on addressing shifting consumer needs and preferences. By blending convenience with high-quality nutrition and global flavours, the company aims to continue its leadership in the ready meals market while enhancing the dining experience for consumers across North America and the U.K.
As Mars Food & Nutrition continues to innovate and adapt, it remains committed to redefining the future of food with products that meet the demands of modern lifestyles while promoting health and sustainability.
