We are writing to follow up on our previous correspondence with Mars...regarding potential inconsistencies between Mars’ obligations, as articulated in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights...and the company’s ongoing business operations and relationships in Russia that may contribute to, or be linked with, human rights harms...We are writing once again to formally notify Mars on the serious and increasing risks the company faces by continuing its operations in Russia that may amount to complicity in human rights abuses committed by Russia...

On March 10, 2022, Mars stated that it “decided to scale back [its] business and will refocus [its] efforts in Russia on [its] essential role in feeding the Russian people and pets.” Considering a large portion of Mars’ portfolio is consistent of candy, sweets, and chocolate, such as Mars, Snickers, Milky Way, and Skittles, we would like to ask Mars to define which products the company’s considers essential in feeding the local population...

Despite Mars’ promise to scale back its operations and suspend all advertising activities in Russia, the company’s career page lists over 90 open positions in the country...

Mars is one of the largest foreign companies still operating in Russia. In 2022, the company’s annual revenue in Russia hit $2.6bn, which constitutes a 20% growth compared to Mars’ revenue in 2021. According to recent data, Mars is reportedly one of the largest profit tax payers in Russia in 2022, paying almost $100 million to the state coffers last year...