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'It's All About the Green M&M'S(R), Sweetie'

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of the upcoming Valentine's holiday, Mars Snackfood US has released its limited-edition M&M'S(R) Brand All-Green Milk Chocolate Candies - available now through February. To highlight the romantic myths surrounding M&M'S(R) Brand All-Green Milk Chocolate Candies, Mars Snackfood US announced that Ms. Green, M&M'S(R) Brand's sassy spokescandy, will put her special powers to good use by helping one lucky couple connect with a passionate rendezvous in the city of love ...Paris.

Those looking for love can log on to www.mms.com/green and tell Ms. Green why they need her legendary touch to help put that loving feeling back in their hearts this Valentine's Day. The top reply that almost melts Ms. Green's heart will win a romantic weekend getaway for two toParis.

"Our sweet and sassy M&M'S spokescandy - Ms. Green, continues to make green the new color of love this Valentine's Day with our limited-edition availability of THE GREEN ONES(R)," said Michele Kessler, vice president, marketing, Mars Snackfood US. "This year, Ms. Green is making love connections her top priority with a contest to help one very lucky couple rekindle the flames during the season of love."

Turn Up the Heat, Mon Amour

Through Feb. 12, consumers can visit the Ms. Green Heats Up Valentine's Day Contest at www.mms.com/green and tell Ms. Green in 150 words or less why they need her help adding spark to their romance this Valentine's Day. The winner will receive a trip for two toParis, including airfare, hotel and $1,500 cash for romantic meals and sightseeing. For a list of complete rules or to enter, visit mms.com. To add more sizzle to the holiday, temptress Ms. Green will "bare it all" on the beach in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, which hits stands February 10.

Consumers Can Celebrate the International Language of Love Online

While visiting www.mms.com/green, consumers and Ms. Green fans can learn more about the green mystique and the lady behind the legend. The interactive site offers consumers the opportunity to spin a globe, select a country and learn how Ms. Green says "I love you" in the native tongue. While there, consumers can also find out the unique ways THE GREEN ONES(R) are celebrated for their special powers around the world.

What is it about THE GREEN ONES?(R) (M&M'S(R) Brand All-Green Milk Chocolate Candies). Legend has it THE GREEN ONES(R) are an aphrodisiac; rumors of their special powers have been circulating since the '70s. In fact, a certain perm-bearing early '80s rock star had it in his contract for three pounds of M&M'S(R) Brand All-Green Milk Chocolate Candies backstage for, uh, "inspiration."

The color green also has a strong place in history, long associated with love and fertility. Green is associated with energy, youth, growth, hope and new life. In the 15th century, green was the preferred color for wedding attire and the Celtic symbol of fertility was The Green Man. Today, green is considered an emotional stabilizer and pituitary stimulant.

The Lady, The Myth, The Legend...

Ms. Green joined the M&M'S(R) Brand Chocolate Candies pack in 1997 as the first (and only) female spokescandy. She instantly captivated fans of the iconic candy with her luscious lips, slightly suggestive smile and white-hot go-go boots. Famous for her sometimes intimidating, "I melt for no one" bravado, Ms. Green is turned on by simple candlelit dinners... inParis. And she certainly isn't shy about promoting her beauty and special powers.

Green with Affection

Now through Valentine's Day, to help put consumers "in the mood" for love, retail stores nationwide will display limited-edition, all-green M&M'S(R) Brand Chocolate Candies amidst a sea of traditional red and pink products. M&M'S(R) Brand All-Green Milk Chocolate Candies and M&M'S(R) Brand All-Green Peanut Chocolate Candies are available nationwide in 14-ounce packs and single 1.5-ounce packs at a suggested retail price of $2.99 and $.58, respectively. Additionally, M&M'S(R) Brand All-Green Milk Chocolate Candies featuring special love messages from Ms. Green - including Hug Me, Hey Baby, Surprise Me and XOXO - are available at major retailers nationwide in 7-ounce packs at a suggested retail price of $3.99.

About Mars Snackfood US:

Mars Snackfood US isthe United States snack operations of Mars North America. With more than $7 billion in annual sales inthe United States, Mars North America includes food, snack and pet care segments, which are a symbol of excellence for quality brands. Headquartered inMount Olive, N.J., Mars North America employs more than 12,000 associates inthe United States, with 54 facilities nationwide. Mars Snackfood US, headquartered inHackettstown, N.J., includes some of the world's favorite brands such as DOVE(R) Brand Chocolate, M&M'S(R) Brand, MILKY WAY(R) Brand, SKITTLES(R) Brand, SNICKERS(R) Brand, STARBURST(R) Brand, 3 MUSKETEERS(R) Brand, TWIX(R) Brand and more. Additional popular brands in the petcare and food segments for Mars North America include UNCLE BEN'S(R) Brand, PEDIGREE(R) Brand Food for Dogs, and WHISKAS(R) Brand Food for Cats. Please visit www.mars.com.

SOURCE Mars Snackfood US