The US chocolate leader, which generates over $7.5bn in annual revenues, hopes to enable “continued growth” for KitKat’s existing and new products.
111 new jobs
“[KitKat] is poised to be the Hershey Company’s next $1bn brand. This significant capital investment will create more than 100 new, good-paying manufacturing jobs,” Hershey said.
Reese’s is currently a $1bn brand, according to Hershey’s director of corporate communications, Jeff Beckman.
Beckman told ConfectioneryNews the company is looking to hire 111 people including production and maintenance workers. Those jobs represent a more than 25% increase in positions at the current facility.
Product innovations
Hershey pointed out KitKat, which saw an 8% compound annual growth rate over the past six years, is one of its “most complex bars” to produce.
“We’re always looking to offer new innovations within the KitKat portfolio that are relevant to US consumers,” said Beckman.
“For example, in Q4 last year, we re-released KitKat dark bars, offering fans of dark chocolate a way to enjoy a KitKat bar with a richer taste,” he added.
“This summer, we plan to introduce a new chocolate covered strawberry KitKat, incorporating the ‘bright, fruity’ flavor of strawberry with the creamy milk-chocolate and crunchy texture of a KitKat bar.
“We continue to listen to consumers and will bring new products that resonate with them,” said Beckman.