From Cocoa to Climate: Weather at Mars, Inc. episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 5, 2025 · 33 MIN

From Cocoa to Climate: Weather at Mars, Inc.

from Weather Geeks

Guest: Alex TomoffWhen you think of weather and meteorology, you probably picture storm chasers, satellites, or your local forecast. But what about chocolate? At Mars, Inc. — the company behind favorites like M&M’s and Snickers — weather isn’t just background noise, it’s a critical part of the business. From the cocoa fields that depend on rainfall, to the sugar supply impacted by drought, to the logistics of getting chocolate safely from factory to shelf, weather touches every step. And standing at that intersection is today’s guest: Alex Tomoff, the meteorologist of Mars, Inc. We’ll find out how forecasting shapes the future of candy, agriculture, and sustainability — and yes, even your sweet tooth.Chapters00:00 The Intersection of Weather and Chocolate01:46 Alex Tomoff's Journey to Meteorology04:38 Day-to-Day as a Meteorologist at Mars, Inc.07:44 Understanding Key Ingredients: Cocoa, Sugar, and Peanuts10:50 Break 110:52 Climate Change and Its Impact on Cocoa Production13:40 Logistics and Supply Chain Challenges16:29 Weather Risk Communication in the Private Sector20:25 Break 220:27 Sustainability Initiatives at Mars, Inc.22:35 Innovations in Agriculture and Climate Resilience25:24 The Role of Technology in Weather Forecasting28:27 Advice for Aspiring MeteorologistsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Weather Geeks Podcast, Dr. Marshall Shepherd speaks with Alex Tomoff, the lead meteorologist and commodity manager at Mars, Inc. They explore the critical role of weather in the chocolate industry, discussing how climate impacts cocoa, sugar, and peanut production. Alex shares his unique journey into meteorology, the challenges posed by climate change, and the importance of effective communication in weather risk management. The conversation also touches on sustainability initiatives at Mars, the use of technology in forecasting, and advice for aspiring meteorologists.

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From Cocoa to Climate: Weather at Mars, Inc.

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This episode was published on November 5, 2025.

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Guest: Alex TomoffWhen you think of weather and meteorology, you probably picture storm chasers, satellites, or your local forecast. But what about chocolate? At Mars, Inc. — the company behind favorites like M&M’s and Snickers — weather isn’t just...

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