# Mint Supply Chain Expansions Mars Incorporated Strengthens the Mint Supply Chain in Europe By Kalin Ned | Published 2026-07-29 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mint-supply-chain References: [mars](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/mars-strengthens-european-mint-supply-chain-shubh-mint)  [Mars Incorporated](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mars-incorporated) has announced the integration of menthol sourced through its Shubh Mint programme into the mint supply chain of its [European chewing gum manufacturing operations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plastic-free-gum). This move will specifically serve factories in the United Kingdom and Poland. The announcement represents a significant step in the company's long-term strategy to secure its [natural mint supply chain](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mars-and-pairwise), as Mars Incorporated moves beyond a pilot phase to systematically incorporate this sourced ingredient across its iconic brand portfolio in Europe. The programme was initially established in response to the considerable business risk posed by a highly concentrated supply chain, as roughly 80% of the world's natural menthol originates from a single region in India. This makes the crop vulnerable to climate change, declining yields, and rising production costs. Image Credit: Mars Incorporated ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 43% | Freshness: 85% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [New Ventures](https://www.trendhunter.com/newventures) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Resilient Ingredient Sourcing:** Food and confectionery brands are reducing exposure to concentrated agricultural supply chains through diversified, traceable sourcing models that improve continuity under climate and cost pressures. - **Sustainable Crop Partnerships:** Long-term farmer programmes are becoming strategic infrastructure for global manufacturers seeking steadier access to natural ingredients while supporting yield improvement and environmental resilience. - **Regionalized Manufacturing Inputs:** European production networks are gaining flexibility as companies integrate secured ingredient streams directly into local factories, creating room for faster reformulation and portfolio scaling. ### Where This Applies - **Confectionery:** Chewing gum and candy producers face new competitive potential in supply-secure natural flavor systems that protect product consistency across large brand portfolios. - **Agriculture:** Mint growers and crop development partners are positioned for innovation around climate-adaptive cultivation, quality traceability, and higher-value buyer relationships. - **Food Manufacturing:** Ingredient-dependent manufacturers can benefit from more transparent procurement ecosystems that connect farm-level programmes with factory-level reliability and risk management. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Functional Benefit Chewing Gums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/extra-plus-gum.md) - [Summery Gummy Candy Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mondelz-international-candies.md) - [Chemically Recycled Wrappers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chemically-recycled-content.md) - [Summertime Fruit Gum Flavors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mentos-pure-fresh-strawberry.md) - [Hybrid Biscuit Bar Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcvities-digestives-club-mint.md) - [Boldly Flavored Mint Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nestl-polo-mints.md) - [Chocolate-Branded Bakery Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instore-bakery-treats.md) - [Minty Festive Chocolate Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terrys-chocolate-mint.md) - [Size-Inclusive Shapewear Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shapewear-brand.md)