Mars names insider to head North American food and nutrition business

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Dive Brief:

• Mars named Dave Dusangh as regional president for its North American food and nutrition business. Dusangh replaces Denis Yarotsky who is leaving after 23 years at Mars. 
• Dusangh started at Mars in 2011 and has held various positions at the company. In his new role, he will oversee brands including Ben’s Original, Seeds of Change and Tasty Bite. Mars also announced it appointed Hans Bakker as regional general manager for the Mars Food & Nutrition division in Europe. 
• The company noted that these appointments are intended to “drive ongoing growth and innovation in the vibrant food and nutrition business.”

Dive Insight:

While much of the attention at Mars is directed toward its gum and snacks division — including its recent announcement to buy Pringles maker Kellanova for $35.9 billion — the company has quietly built up a small but growing meals portfolio.

Mars, which had more than $50 billion in revenue in 2023, told Food Dive last year that while it doesn’t disclose sales figures for Mars Food & Nutrition, the categories its brands are present in are posting double-digit growth each year. With consumer interest in convenience, health and wellness, as well as global cuisines — all categories that Mars Food has a heavy presence in — the segment is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

In picking Dusangh to lead its food and nutrition business in North America, Mars gets a CPG veteran intimately familiar with the category, the company and its portfolio. He has spent 25 years in the CPG space, which included previously running Mars Food & Nutrition Canada and being a key member of the North American leadership team.

“My role [at Mars Food & Nutrition in North America] is to help lead the team to amplify our impact and market presence with our customers by innovating to meet the needs of future consumers and redefine the future of eating,” Dusangh told Food Dive in an email. 

He pointed to Ben’s Original Street Food launched this year, which takes a rice brand known for side dishes to the center of the plate. New offerings such as its Bean and Burrito bowl and Gumbo provide convenience, flavor, fiber and protein, attributes in demand with U.S. shoppers.

Similar growth opportunities are embedded in Tasty Bite, its Indian food platform. The brand not only caters to surging interest in Indian fare, but it builds off of the convenience theme by making authentic-tasting food that is easy to prepare in the microwave. 

Consumers increased the amount of time they cook at home during COVID-19. The preference has since gained further momentum as people look to save money due to inflation. Consumers are also showing a penchant for ethnic cuisines and replicating the restaurant experience at home. This should bode well for Dusangh and the products he oversees. 

“Our brands are known for delivering nutritious, delicious, and convenient options, and we see potential to expand our offerings through a continued investment in both innovation and strategic acquisitions,” he said.

Mars has been slowly expanding the segment, which is heavily dependent on rice, through M&A. The company is primarily targeting foods that are healthy, nutritious and easy to consume and prepare. Its most recent deal in food and nutrition was Kevin’s Natural Foods, a maker of chef-inspired sous-vide meals, sides and sauces using whole foods and simple ingredients.

“These types of innovations and acquisitions not only expand the Mars Food & Nutrition portfolio but also help our business stay responsive to evolving consumer demands for healthier, accessible food options that fit their lifestyle,” Dusangh said.