Mars Wrigley: Champions of Innovation and Startup Partnerships

TechNexus Founder Fred Hoch sat down with Mars Wrigley Chief R&D Officer Amanda Davies during Chicago's Future-of-Food Week to explore how one of the world's largest snacking companies champions innovation through startup partnerships. A look inside Mars Wrigley's approach to staying ahead.

Mars Wrigley's dedication to sustainability and innovation is on display during Chicago’s Future-of-Food Week by World Business Chicago [May 20-24, 2024]. In front of a room full of entrepreneurs, executives, and investors, TechNexus Venture Collaborative Founder and General Partner, Fred Hoch , sat down with Amanda Davies , Mars Wrigley Chief R&D, Procurement, and Sustainability Officer, to talk tactically about her organization’s zealous Sustainability & Innovation Playbook and why collaborating with ventures is the key to growth and success. Bottom line: Mars Wrigley is on a mission to be THE partner of choice for startups. This ‘no-holds-barred’ attitude and commitment to external partnerships is a testament to how established corporations, like Mars Wrigley, and ventures can work together to drive meaningful progress in the industry and beyond. By fostering an environment of learning, respect, and strategic collaboration, Mars Wrigley and its partners are paving the way for a sustainable and innovative future . Driving Innovation and Sustainability During their conversation, Amanda emphasized the importance of continuous learning from external partners, like early-stage ventures, as a means to accelerate the company’s goals and objectives. One of the key themes in the Mars Wrigley strategy is integrating sustainability into its innovation processes. As an innovator, the focus is not just on creating products for today but also ensuring that these innovations benefit future generations. Sustainability is at the core of Mars Wrigley's operation. The company is dedicated to addressing climate change and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. For instance, their work in the dairy sector includes innovative practices like feeding cows seaweed to reduce methane emissions. This approach exemplifies how Mars Wrigley combines sustainability with innovation to develop products that are not only delicious but also environmentally friendly. Leveraging Global Innovato

By Madelyn Rutter at TechNexus Venture Collaborative