Peanut School - Part 1

Peanut School - Part 1

Since the late 1990s, Mars Snacking has been running an enduring program known as the “Peanut School.” This program, which has been attended by members of the Mars family, underscores the importance of peanuts, a crucial ingredient in Mars products such as M&M’s and Snickers.

Last week, a diverse team of 30 Mars associates from various functions including R&D, Commercial, Engineering, factory teams, and Corporate Affairs, and Global Food Safety Center gathered in Albany, Georgia—the heartland of peanut cultivation—for an intensive three-day workshop. The workshop was designed to offer a thorough understanding of the peanut supply chain, delve into the science behind it, and explore the sustainability aspects of peanut cultivation. The format was engaging and dynamic, combining classroom learning with field trips and visits to industry and research facilities.

On the first day of the workshop, James Ohland presented Mars Snacking’s peanut strategy, which was followed by a historical and agronomic overview of peanuts by Peggy Tsatsos . Professor Scott Tubbs from the University of Georgia (UGA) shared insights into the peanut-growing regions in the US and led us on a tour of the peanut fields. His expertise in both research and extension services provided valuable information on plant diseases and their control measures. This field trip enriched our associates’ understanding of the peanut plant. Did you know that a single peanut plant can produce up to 473 kernels? The day concluded with a visit to the buying point and shelling plant, where large quantity of peanuts are shelled. High Oleic Acid Peanuts (HOAP) varieties are widely grown in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

Thank you Peggy Tsatsos and Anne-Marie DeLorenzo for your great preparation.

#TomorrowStartToday #ProudlyMars #ScienceAtMars #ScienceForTomorrow #Sustainability

Bethany Bernier Rebecca J. Robbins, Ph.D. Eric Dowd Janet Dawson David Morando, Jr. Tracy Mui @Jessica Kaminskyj Anne-Marie DeLorenzo , Xue Zhang