HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. -- Visions of chocolate will dance in their heads when Mars Chocolate North America??s new Christmas line-up hits store shelves. The 2013 Mars Christmas portfolio is brimming with new items and returning favorites to satisfy all the gifting, baking, decorating and snacking occasions that the season brings.

Chocolate is a key player in family traditions, and Mars Chocolate brands have been holiday favorites for generations. Items like red and green M&M??s Brand Milk Chocolate Candies always add festive, colorful fun.

Based on last year??s Chocolate Category growth, retailers will benefit from the gift of increased holiday sales. In 2012, the Chocolate Gifting segment and Decorating/Snacking segment each grew by 6.4% over the prior year.

To meet these trends, Mars is introducing several options, from M&M??s Brand Minis Milk Chocolate Candies for holiday baking to gifts like a collectible M&M??s Brand Recipe Box Tin ?" complete with red and green candies, recipes and a cookie cutter ?" and a 16-ounce Snickers Brand Slice n' Share Bar, ideal to share at a holiday party.

By combining Mars Chocolate??s iconic leading brands, strategic shopper insights and a 360-degree holiday marketing campaign, retailers will enjoy sweet success in seasonal sales.