Mars buys Pringles: Many branded products could now become more expensive

In view of the planned takeover of the food manufacturer Kellanova, the EU Commission fears higher prices for consumers by the US food group. The background is a greater negotiating power of Mars towards retailers in the EU, the Commission said. By October 31, the authority now wants to decide whether its concern is justified and it takes further steps.

Mars is known in Germany for chocolate bars (Mars, Snickers, Bounty), chewing gums such as Airwaves and Wrigley’s extra, pet food (whiskey, chappi) as well as basic foods such as rice (Ben’s original) and pasta dishes (Mirácoli). The group, which has more than 150,000 employees, according to its own information, generated sales of the equivalent of more than 45 billion euros.

Kellanova know consumers of brands such as Pringles and Kellogg’s. According to the announcement, the company generated net sales of the equivalent of almost 11.8 billion euros in 2023, is represented in 180 countries worldwide and employs around 23,000 people.

The preliminary investigation of the Commission indicates that Mars could have a greater impact on retailers by expanding its product portfolio by the very popular brands of Kellanova. This could use Mars, for example, to enforce higher prices in negotiations, which in turn would lead to higher prices for consumers, according to the Commission.