Mars Inc., parent company of Mars Petcare, announced it has received Menopause Friendly Accreditation in the United Kingdom, a certification established by Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace in 2020 that recognizes organizations creating supportive environments for employees experiencing menopause.
The company provided evidence of its effectiveness across five areas -- culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and working environment -- which an independent panel assessed to grant the accreditation.
"Half the world's population will personally experience menopause," said Deborah Garlick, CEO of Menopause Friendly by Henpicked. "With 1 in 4 considering quitting work due to menopause symptoms, the Menopause Friendly Accreditation is so much more than a tick box. It's about ensuring we're fostering spaces where menopause is understood, respected and supported."
Mars' menopause and perimenopause support for employees in the UK includes more inclusive uniforms to support women experiencing symptoms, line manager training, menopause champions, a dedicated menopause hub with educational materials, and discussions led by its Generations Associate Resource Group.
"We're proud to be Menopause Friendly Accredited, a recognition that highlights the value we place on inclusion, well being, and our commitment to supporting Associates through every stage of life," said Tracy Robinson, people and organization director at Mars UK, Ireland and Nordics. "This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of our 'Generations' Associate Resource Group - a cross-generational network that champions age inclusivity and drives meaningful conversations around life-stage issues in the workplace. Their advocacy helped spark essential dialogue, around Menopause in the workplace and inspired many of the meaningful changes we implemented across the business."
Nick Foster, general manager of Mars Pet Nutrition UK, Ireland and Nordics and leadership sponsor of the Generations Associate Resource Group at Mars, said, "I'm incredibly proud that our business has been formally recognized as a Menopause Friendly workplace. We know that fostering an inclusive culture isn't just the right thing to do - it also drives stronger engagement, retention and performance across our organization.
"With an estimated 6 million people employed in the UK experiencing menopause, it's essential that we create environments where individuals feel confident to speak up, ask for the support they need, and continue to thrive in their careers," Foster added. "This accreditation marks an important step forward in ensuring all our Associates feel seen, heard and valued - at every stage."
The accreditation follows other recognitions including being named the UK's most family friendly company in the 2025 Flexa100 list, inclusion in TIME's World's Best Companies 2025, and recognition as most menopause friendly working environment at the 2025 Menopause and Menstruation friendly Employer event.
According to Petfood Industry's Top Pet Food Companies, Mars Petcare produces Royal Canin, PEDIGREE and SHEBA pet brands. The privately-held, family-owned US$55 billion company offers a diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services to support pets all around the world.
