Mars has launched its first new M&M character in additional than a decade. The brand new purple "spokescandy" is a peanut M&M designed to symbolize acceptance and inclusivity, the model's father or mother firm Mars mentioned in a press launch.
Purple joins the corporate's different characters, Pink, Yellow, Inexperienced, Brown, Orange and Blue, who not too long ago obtained up to date appears to be like and new personalities earlier this yr.
The character's "appeal and quirky nature" come from her "eager self-awareness, authenticity and confidence," Mars mentioned.
When Mars redesigned its M&M characters in January, Inexperienced's transformation stood out – she not had her authentic white heeled go-go boots, however as an alternative "cool, laid-back sneakers to replicate her easy confidence."
The change got here after Mars obtained criticism for Inexperienced's attractive characterization and mentioned she would now symbolize "confidence and empowerment, as a robust feminine, and recognized for way more than her boots."
The corporate additionally modified the backstory to Inexperienced and Brown, the 2 girls M&Ms. They now have a extra pleasant relationship, showcasing a "power supporting girls."
Mars initially added purple M&Ms to the batch 20 years in the past, after a ballot discovered followers most popular purple to different potential M&M colours, based on the Related Press. Purple took dwelling 41%, beating out aqua and pink. Purple was out there from August 2022 by the tip of the yr, however the firm finally determined to not embody it completely.
The blue M&M was launched the identical method in 1995 – however that coloration caught, the AP reviews.
It appears to be like like Purple has discovered her method into hearts – and sweet luggage – once more. "There's a lot about our new spokescandy that folks can relate to and admire, together with her willingness to embrace her true self – our new character reminds us to rejoice what makes us distinctive," mentioned Mars Wrigley International Vice President Jane Hwang in an announcement. "Our goal story is simply getting began and the introduction of our latest M&M'S spokescandy is the subsequent chapter, because the model continues to thrill followers with enjoyable in a method solely M&M'S can."
In saying Purple, Mars put out an advert with the character singing an authentic track, "I am Simply Gonna Be Me." The track options 4 real-life artists: saxophonist Grace Kelly, dancers and choreographers Devin Santiago and Colo Cag, and opera singer Anthony Roth Costanzo.
Mars additionally launched M&M'S FUNd, with a mission of accelerating a way of belonging for 10 million folks by 2025. One greenback from each stream of "I am Simply Gonna Be Me" shall be donated to Sing for Hope, a nonprofit that makes use of arts "to deliver hope, connection and goal to thousands and thousands of individuals world wide by music," Mars mentioned.