For the first time in 10 years, M&M’s has welcomed a new character to its colorful array of fellow spokescandies.
Purple – who is described as “quirky, confident, and authentic” — officially joined the lineup after 10 million fans voted to add the color to the candy pieces back in May. She is meant to “represent acceptance and inclusivity,” according to the company’s press release.
She beat out aqua and pink to join the iconic crew.
On Tuesday, purple even debuted her singing chops in a promotional song and music video titled “I’m Just Gonna Be Me.”
Red, yellow, orange, green, blue and brown also joined her in her production. Each of these characters got a makeover in January. Most notably, green swapped out her go-go boots for sneakers.
The candymaker has promised to donate $1 from each stream of the song to the music nonprofit Sing for Hope, up to $500,000.
“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 VP at Mars Wrigley, said in the release.
When it comes to the name of the candy, many people believe it was inspired by the “mmm” sound made when you eat the chocolate. However, there’s a more historical explanation.
The two “M”s in the name actually represent Forrest E. Mars Sr. — the founder of Mars — and Bruce Murrie, the son of Hershey Chocolate’s president William F. R. Murrie.