Get ready for purple! For the first time in a decade, M&M’S is introducing a new character to the cartoons that represent the brand.
Mars introduced Purple, a new character and “spokescandy”, with her own music video on YouTube. The video, titled “I’m just gonna be me,” features the purple peanut-shaped confection singing and dancing.
In a news release announcing the addition of Purple, Mars said the added role is designed to represent acceptance and inclusivity.
“There is so much about our new spokescandy that people can relate to and appreciate, including her willingness to embrace her true self. Our new character reminds us to celebrate what makes us unique,” Jane Hwang, global vice president at Mars Wrigley, said in a statement.
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In January, M&M’S made waves when it announced a redesign of its characters, including a shift for Green, who ditched her go-go boots for a pair of sneakers. Brown’s high heels were also lowered to a shorter heel, and laces were added to Red and Yellow’s shoes.
“Purple has been in the works for a very long time, for years,” Hwang told CNN. “This was about ensuring that the entire crew, the entire cast of spokescandies, were reflecting the world that we’re living in.”
Fans looking for Purple in their bags of M&M’S may be disappointed. While the new character will be in stores, on the brand’s website and on some packaging, the color will not appear in regular bags of peanut M&M’S, CNN reported. Customers can go online to the M&M’S website to buy purple candies, an option that was already available.