Mars plans to expand npd team

US food giant Mars is understood to be beefing up its product development arm in an attempt to repair its reputation for being sluggish in launching new products.

Industry sources say Mars is planning a number of appointments this area. The company refuses to comment, other than to say it is always looking at new areas of development.

Mars put together a new product development team last year to work across Europe. It was headed by former European franchise director Ton van Elst, who became special assignment, innovation projects director.

Van Elst remained in the job for five months. He is understood to have resigned during a presentation to part of the Mars management board in March.

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