Personalised packaging? How candy it’s…

at Mars’ M&M Candies www.mymms.com website.

My search for personalized packaging (see Packaging when it gets personal) led me
to check into the Mars’ MY M&M’s (www.mymms.com) website where I found that the personalized candies were
accompanied by packaging personalized to the customers’ specifications as of
September. I also learned that MY M&M’S, which allows consumers to create
their own blend of M&M’S online and including personalized messages, were
introduced in 2005. Originally they were created for the holidays, but they
proved to be so popular that they remained available year-round following the
launch.
 

Lauren Nodzak, spokesperson for Mars Chocolate North
America, provided answers to a my questions related to the products and the
packaging.
 

What is included in
MY M&M’S Personalized Packaging options?

Consumers can choose from 11 personalized packaging options.
 

We offer personalized Party Packs that can be customized
with individual messages, as well as themed clip art images. These packs are
available in White Packs (0.5 oz., 1 oz.), Birthday Packs, a Wedding Pack,
Congratulations Pack, Holiday Pack and Christmas Pack.
 

In addition to the Party Packs, consumers can also
personalize additional items with their own message, clip art image or even
personal image: round Silver Tins (available in groups of 20) that are great to
use for favors, an Old-Fashioned Candy Dispenser that’s a unique gift idea and
a Glass Bowl which is ideal for gifting needs as well as setting out as a home
or office décor item.
 

What has the consumer
response been to these packaging options?

The Personalized Packaging option has been very popular with
our consumers. While it’s only been available for a few months, we’re excited
to continue developing additional personalized packaging options for the
future. Our personalized 0.75-ounce party packs have been our most popular
personalized packaging item to date. Our consumers have shared positive
feedback about personalized packaging, such as the ease in ordering, large
variety and options available and their love of them for party favors.
 
 

What has the overall
consumer response been to www.mymms.com?

MY M&M’S have helped consumers bring a little extra
something special to their events, occasions and celebrations. We offer a
unique way to add a layer of personalization that helps turn any gift into
something extraordinary and we look forward to continuing that in the future.
Our consumers have shared that they love the ability to customize such a
classic treat and how popular the M&M’S have been at their occasions.
 

What changes and innovations
have the products undergone?

MY M&M’S has seen some great innovations since the
product originally debuted. Beginning in 2008, consumers were able to upload a
photo portrait to be included on their customized MY M&M’S blend, along
with their personalized message and clip art images. You can now also
personalize our NFL and MLB Team Blends with messages and Faces. And now, of
course, we have our Personalized Packaging.