Mars Inc. Collaborates With UC Davis On New Research Facility

Source: Sacramento Business Journal, Sam Boykin
Photo: David Mackill, director of cocoa genetics and breeding at Mars, will oversee a new research center scheduled to open this summer in downtown Davis. (KING FILMER)

Mars Inc., the global maker of Snickers bars, M&Ms and dozens of other food products, will open a new research facility in downtown Davis to develop better strains of cacao.

The facility will be at 430 G St., in a building that also houses offices for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the city of Davis announced Monday.

The team that will be based in Mars’ 5,406-square-foot Davis research facility will be part of Mars Wrigley Confectionery Cocoa Research, said David Mackill, director of cocoa genetics and breeding at Mars. About six scientists will work at the research center when it opens this summer. Mars plans to eventually have about 15 plant scientists and contractors there, Mackill said.

In a separate project, the University of California Davis is working with Mars to build a large greenhouse complex on the university campus that will allow UC Davis and Mars scientists to maintain a collection of cacao clones that reflect the diversity of the species and to breed new clones with higher productivity, resistance to diseases and pests, and that can be used to make high-quality chocolate.

“We’re pleased to welcome this project growing out of the long-standing collaboration between scientists at Mars and UC Davis,” said Prasant Mohapatra, vice chancellor for research at UC Davis, in a news release. “Working together, we can expand our plant science research while boosting the productivity and quality of cacao and improving the lives of cacao farmers around the world – as well as creating jobs here in Davis.”

Nahz Anvary and Jim Gray with brokerage firm Kidder Mathews represented Mars in the real estate deal for the new research facility. Gregg Herrington with Davis-based Yackzan Group Inc. represented the landlord. Construction management company Sunseri Associates Inc. is renovating the space and installing office and laboratory equipment.

McLean, Virginia-based Mars says it has more than $35 billion in annual sales and operates in more than 80 countries. Along with candy brands that include Twix, Juicy Fruit gum and Life Savers, the company makes food products such as Uncle Ben’s rice and pet food brands including Iams, Pedigree, Crave and Whiskas.

Mars launched its Cocoa for Generations strategy in 2018 to develop more productive, resilient and profitable cocoa that improves the livelihoods of farmers and reduces negative impacts on the environment.

“The Mars Cocoa for Generations strategy is a good example of a private enterprise partnering with UC Davis, a leading research institution, to establish more sustainable practices in agriculture. This is a perfect fit for the City of Davis and we’re proud to welcome them here,” said Davis Mayor Brett Lee, in a news release.

https://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/news/2019/03/19/mars-inc-collaborates-with-uc-davis-on-new