chocolate candies required access to ingredients, manufacturing resources, and a reliable supply chain.
Bruce Murrie’s connection to Hershey was valuable because the company was an established chocolate manufacturer.
Hershey supplied chocolate for the early production of M&M’s, helping the new venture obtain an important ingredient during a period of uncertainty.
The partnership therefore brought together different strengths. Forrest Mars contributed the product vision and business direction, while Bruce Murrie’s involvement helped establish the commercial venture.
The two surnames eventually became the name recognized by millions of candy lovers.
