M&Ms introduces first new character in additional than a decade: Purple

Mars has launched its first new M&M character in additional than a decade. The new purple “spokescandy” is a peanut M&M designed to symbolize acceptance and inclusivity, the model’s mother or father firm Mars mentioned in a press release. 

Purple joins the corporate’s different characters, Red, Yellow, Green, Brown, Orange and Blue, who just lately acquired up to date appears and new personalities earlier this yr. 

The character’s “allure and quirky nature” come from her “eager self-awareness, authenticity and confidence,” Mars mentioned.

When Mars redesigned its M&M characters in January, Green’s transformation stood out – she now not had her authentic white heeled go-go boots, however as an alternative “cool, laid-back sneakers to mirror her easy confidence.” 

The change got here after Mars acquired criticism for Green’s horny characterization and mentioned she would now symbolize “confidence and empowerment, as a robust feminine, and identified for rather more than her boots.” 

The firm additionally modified the backstory to Green and Brown, the 2 ladies M&Ms. They now have a extra pleasant relationship, showcasing a “power supporting ladies.”

Mars initially added purple M&Ms to the batch 20 years in the past, after a ballot discovered followers most popular purple to different potential M&M colours, in accordance with the Associated Press. Purple took house 41%, beating out aqua and pink. Purple was out there from August 2022 via the top of the yr, however the firm in the end determined to not embody it completely. 

The blue M&M was launched the identical means in 1995 – however that shade caught, the AP stories.

It appears like Purple has discovered her means into hearts – and sweet baggage – once more. “There is a lot about our new spokescandy that folks can relate to and admire, together with her willingness to embrace her true self – our new character reminds us to have a good time what makes us distinctive,” mentioned Mars Wrigley Global Vice President Jane Hwang in a press release. “Our objective story is simply getting began and the introduction of our latest M&M’S spokescandy is the following chapter, because the model continues to thrill followers with enjoyable in a means solely M&M’S can.”   

In saying Purple, Mars put out an advert with the character singing an authentic music, “I’m Just Gonna Be Me.” The music options 4 real-life artists: saxophonist Grace Kelly, dancers and choreographers Devin Santiago and Colo Cag, and opera singer Anthony Roth Costanzo.

Mars additionally launched M&M’S FUNd, with a mission of accelerating a way of belonging for 10 million individuals by 2025. One greenback from each stream of “I’m Just Gonna Be Me” might be donated to Sing for Hope, a nonprofit that makes use of arts “to carry hope, connection and objective to tens of millions of individuals all over the world via music,” Mars mentioned.