Mars vows to keep Fresh Connection crown

Mars has vowed to win back-to-back titles at the Scala Fresh Connection Supply Chain Championships.

The Fresh Connection challenge, which has been running since 2010, sees teams from FMCG companies compete to run a virtual fruit juice company. Teams play six rounds, each representing six months in the lifespan of a company. The team with the healthiest bottom line wins.

This year Mars will be up against new teams from Cadbury and Unilever. The competition launches at Foodex, the UK show for processing, packaging and logistics, which takes place at the NEC on 25-27 March.

Mars beat La Palette Rouge to win the 2011 final, but lost out to Dutch team Bavaria Brewery in the international final.

“Mars are extremely confident going into the 2012 Fresh Connection and we’re hoping to retain our winning title,” said Mars supply chain development manager Adam Lockwood.

“The competition is a lot bigger and more diverse than before, but our team aspire to reach the global finals again.”