Picture yourself on an M&M

Personalization has been named one of most significant consumer trends of 2008, according to Trendwatching.com. So Mars Direct Inc., a division of Mars Snackfood US, Hackettstown, N.J., is taking advantage with the launch of My M&M’s Faces.

Available exclusively online, consumers can upload photo portraits of loved ones and combine these images with two to three custom messages on M&M’s Chocolate Candies to create a powerful and personalized story-telling experience for birthdays, birth announcements, weddings and other occasions. They are also a great way to market your brand.

To order, visit mymms.com or call (888) 696-6788, choose up to three of 22 M&M’s colors, upload your photo, then type in your personalized message and select from a variety of packaging options. An online cropping tool allows you to zoom in on photos to select the faces you wish to print on M&M’s. A preview displays what each face will look like on the chocolate candies. Once ordered, My M&M’s Faces will be delivered to your doorstep. It’s a fun way to share your story in a new way, and you won’t believe the reaction you’ll get from recipients.

“With the launch of My M&M’s Faces, we’re taking the personalization trend a step further and making an even more meaningful connection with customers,” says Jim Cass, vice president and general manager of Mars Direct. “My M&M’s Faces, together with customized messages, give consumers the opportunity to create truly unique, highly personable moments.”

It’s notable that printing personalized messages on M&M's started as a small R&D project in late 2004. After only six months of selling the personalized candy online, orders grew to a point where Mars had to add more manufacturing capacity dedicated to making My M&M's. More than one million bags have been sold.

Suggested retail price is $14.95 for a seven-ounce bag (minimum order three bags), $162.50 for a five-pound bulk box, $312.50 for a 10-pound bulk box, or a variety of 1.6- to 1.75-ounce party favors (minimum order: 20 bags), priced at $4.99-6.19 per bag, based on variety.