Mars Chocolate has a ball with latest campaign

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate last week announced the introduction of the M-Ball, a peanut M&M's-shaped twist on the traditional soccer ball. The vibrant ball started making the rounds in the United States on April 15, and it comes at a time when soccer fandom is reaching an all-time high, the company said.



"The arrival of M-Ball continues the momentum of our 'Year of Peanut' campaign and puts a peanutty spin on one of the world's favorite sports," said Seth Klugherz, senior director of M&M's Brand Chocolate Candies. "The special qualities of M-Ball make it one of a kind, which is a great reflection of our brand since only 1-in-100 peanuts is lucky enough to be an M&M's Peanut."

Fans have two different ways to get their hands on an M-Ball:

• In-Store: Retailers across the country will feature "Win an M-Ball" displays with instant-win snap tags. Fans can use their smartphones to can the tag for the chance to score a ball; and


• Online: Fans can visit the M&M's USA Facebook page at Facebook.com/MMs to enter the Instant Win game.

The festive M-Ball is the latest installment in the brand's "Year of Peanut" marketing campaign, which is a yearlong effort to showcase the M&M's Peanut candy.