Hershey rejects Mondelēz’s acquisition bid
The Hershey Trust has rejected Mondelēz International’s second attempt to acquire confectionery giant Hershey, citing the offer as too low.
Hershey
Mondelēz explores Hershey acquisition
The Oreo and Ritz brand owner is reportedly eyeing a gamechanging acquisition of The Hershey Company
GLP-1 drugs affect chocolate giant
Hershey says weight management medications, GLP-1 drugs, have had a ‘mild year-on-year impact’ on its business.
Hershey leans into value, flavor with Kit Kat, Reese's, Jolly Ranchers
The multinational candy maker aligns with shoppers’ interest in value-oriented products reflected through its Reese’s and Kit Kat brands, while Jolly Ranchers' brand refresh features new textures and formats.
What’s hot in confectionery? New Product Development from Hershey to Chupa Chups
From a super-king sized Kit Kat to an advent calendar first for Perfetti Van Melle meet the latest confectionery launches disrupting the industry
Thinking beyond the bar: Hershey enters the hot cocoa market
In its latest brand extension, Hershey is hoping some consumers like it hot. Here's what's behind the move
Four ways confectionery brands are customizing the consumer experience
Confectionery brands are now offering custom experiences that go beyond taste, making every bite uniquely memorable. Here we examine four game-changing trends
New product development
What’s hot in confectionery? New product development from Hershey and Liquorice Flyers
From an unexpected Coca-Cola x Mondelēz mash-up to Halloween fever at Hershey, meet the latest confectionery launches disrupting the industry
Hershey says it’s not satisfied with efforts to support cocoa farmers
As the CPG reports on its income accelerator program, we dive into the detail of its initiative.
How manufacturers can cure chocolate’s heat resistance
A new study suggests four top tips for chocolate creators
Sustainability in confectionery: Six ways to drive a greener future
In recent years, consumer demand and evolving government regulations have led to significant advancements in sustainability within the confectionery sector.
Consumers go nuts for protein-packed product innovation
With Reese’s collaborating with One to launch a high protein iteration of the iconic peanut butter cup, should other manufacturers be looking at this functional ingredient too?
How Hershey became one of the world’s most ethical companies
Employing veterans, building schools and slashing packaging and emissions are just some of the ways the chocolate firm has earned its ESG credentials
What's hot in confectionery? New product development from Skittles to Reese's
From Skittles supporting Pride to a supersized Reese’s Cup, these are the latest products launching around the globe
Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024
Hershey pioneers new innovation in retail AR at 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo
Hershey arrived in Indianapolis for this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo with a raft of new products – and latest innovations in augmented reality (AR) as part of its retail capabilities and merchandising strategies.
The top five sustainability trends in confectionery
As consumers’ ethical values become ever more baked into their confectionery choices, from Hershey to Mondelez and Nestle, we explore the ways brands are pivoting to more sustainable practises
Finanical results
Hershey records profit rise in Q1 as domestic market holds steady
The Hershey company reported an uptick in sales, income, and earnings per share when it announced net sales and earnings for the first quarter ended 31 March, 2024.
World Cocoa Conference 2024
Oxfam slams large chocolate companies at World Cocoa Conference
Against a backdrop of cocoa topping $11,000 per metric ton on the futures market for the first time last week, Oxfam says its experts will be highlighting the discrepancies in farmgate price at this week’s World Cocoa Conference (WCC) in Brussels (21-24...
Easter 2024
Hershey provides a mini twist on Easter favourite
Hershey is hitting Easter with its Reese's Peanut Butter Mini Eggs Unwrapped, a poppable sensation that adds a touch of innovation to the cherished seasonal traditions.
International Women's Day
Hershey's limited-edition SHE bar returns for fourth year
Hershey has announced it is marking International Women's Day (Friday, 8 March) and Women's History Month with limited-edition Hershey's SHE bars highlighting the impact of women and girls from all walks of life.
Hershey’s strategy for sweet success focuses on gummies, celebrities and Reese
The Hershey Company may be best known for its eponymous chocolate bars, but the company is betting big on gummies this year with significantly increased production capacity to support innovation and a new partnership model, including a collaboration with...
Amsterdam Cocoa Week
Are we entering an age of ‘responsible procurement’ in the cocoa sector?
Procurement came under the spotlight at Chocoa’s recent Amsterdam Sustainable Cocoa Conference when it convened a panel of specialists to discuss why the practice is not just about buying beans - transactions should go a lot deeper in the value chain and...
Financial results
US acquisition and organic growth boost Ferrero’s turnover
The Ferrero Group said it is continuing its growth trajectory with a 21% increase in turnover to €17 billion ($18.25bn) and a 14% rise in its global workforce to 47,212 employees, following the recent successful strategic acquisition of North of ice...
WCF Partnership Meeting 2024
EXCLUSIVE: Hershey’s Tricia Brannigan on cocoa sustainability, responsible procurement and why the WCF is making an impact
Tricia Brannigan, chief procurement officer and VP of Global Procurement at The Hershey Company, was in Amsterdam for WCF’s recent annual Partnership Meeting. She spoke exclusively to Confectionery News on the WCF’s fresh strategy and Hershey’s role in...
Commodities
Eye-watering cocoa prices put a damper on Valentine’s Day chocolate
Love may be in the air this Valentine's Day – but so is the eye-watering price of cocoa on the market, making the cost of the key ingredient in chocolate more expensive than ever, according to analysts.
Hershey explores cost-savings, price hikes & packaging changes to offset high cocoa, sugar costs
Hershey is launching a multi-year cost-savings strategy that will lean heavily on enhanced automation and a more efficient operating model, which could result in job cuts, to help offset historically high cocoa prices and elevated sugar costs that are...
Marketing
Hershey announces Super Bowl ad for Reese’s
The Hershey Company has teased a ‘Big Game’ commercial for its Reese's brand during this year’s mega sporting event.
Financial results
Rising candy prices keep Hershey on track to deliver full-year financial commitments
Higher prices to combat slower demand pushed Hershey’s shares up approximately 3% on Wall Street before trading opened on Thursday (26) as the market reacted to higher-than-expected quarterly sales and profit in its third-quarter 2023 Financial Results.
Special report
Chocolate companies respond to latest claims of excessive cadmium in cocoa
Consumer Reports (CR), a US independent, non-profit member organisation, has doubled down on its campaign against lead and cadmium in chocolate and urges changes after a new survey finds a third of products contain ‘concerning’ levels of heavy metals.
Hershey, Warner Bros. launch limited edition candies featuring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling’s beloved series branched out into movies, theme park rides, retail and virtual reality experience for a value of $15 billion—and now is expanding its foothold in confections by adding limited edition Harry Potter-themed Hershey's Milk...
Financial results
Hershey raises earnings outlook as consumer demand for confectionery remains resilient
The Hershey Company has announced an increase of 5.0% in consolidated net sales and an organic, constant currency net sales also of 5.0%. In its Second-Quarter 2023 Financial Results, it also updated its full-year reported earnings outlook to reflect...
Chocolate for breakfast? Kellogg’s + Hershey’s collab takes cereal to new heights in India
The breakfast cereal giant has joined forces with one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world to launch Kellogg’s Hershey’s Chocos on the Indian market.
Sweets & Snacks Expo 2023
Hershey gears up for the summer season with a raft of new launches at Sweets & Snacks
Hershey continues to innovate its popular Kit Kat brand by unleashing a limited edition churro flavour at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, just in time for summer.
Sustainability
‘Big Chocolate’ failing Ghanaian cocoa farmers over living incomes, says Oxfam
Charity calls for ‘Big Chocolate’ to pay more to Ghana’s cocoa farmers after it revealed that their net incomes have fallen on average by 16% since 2020, with women’s incomes falling by nearly 22%.
Hershey's net sales grow as it expands commercial capabilities amidst rising commodity and logistics costs
Hershey's net sales increased 12.1% to $2.98bn thanks to price and volume gains across both confectionery and salty snack segments, driven heavily by consumer demand and media investments.
Marketing
Hershey to continue with NCAA partnership
The Hershey Company is set to remain the ‘Official Confectionery Partner’ of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) after a six-year extension was agreed upon with Paramount-owned CBS and Warner Bros Discovery, which oversee the NCAA’s...
Hershey expands US confection lead with ‘occasion-based’ innovation, personalized marketing
Hershey is gaining market share in the US confection market while its top competitors fall farther back by replacing its old playbook of innovating and marketing to masses with a more targeted “occasion-based” approach to product development and “mass...
Seasonal
Crash the cat wins this year’s coveted Cadbury Bunny ears accolade
After receiving an impressive number of votes from animal lovers across the country, Crash the Cat from Boise, Idaho, has been crowned the winner of Hershey’s fifth-annual Cadbury Bunny Tryouts, 'Rescue Pets Edition', the company has announced.
Hershey reimagines manufacturing to navigate lingering supply chain challenges
Hershey is making more of the sweets and snacks consumers want with less and overcoming extreme supply chain challenges by replacing and repurposing underutilized manufacturing capacity, ditching conventional lines in favor of more efficient modular...
NPD
Hershey launches plant-based milk chocolate into mainstream
The Hershey Company has released dairy-free alternatives for two of its most iconic brands with Reese’s plant-based peanut butter cups going on sale this month, making it the first vegan chocolates sold nationally, followed by Hershey’s plant-based extra...
Social
Hershey’s limited-edition SHE bars back to honour women and girls
Hershey is celebrating Women's History Month and International Women's Day by bringing back its empowering, limited-edition Hershey's SHE bars for a third year to honour the influential women and girls.
Easter 2023
Hershey puts a call-out for a rescue pet to be the next Cadbury Bunny
Rescue pet owners are being put on standby by Hershey as the Cadbury Bunny Tryouts are back for a fifth year and to celebrate the milestone it is looking to make one special rescue pet the star of its annual ad.
Financial results
Strong Fourth Quarter sets up Hershey for 2023 sales growth
Hershey Co has exceeded analysts' estimates on full-year net sales and profit after a strong ending to the fourth quarter with consolidated net sales of $2,652.3 million, an increase of 14.0%.
Seasonal
Hershey rolls out its seasonal confectionery for Valentine's Day and Easter
Hershey is launching its 2023 celebrations in a sweet way with a lineup of new treats and returning favourites timed for Valentine's Day and Easter.
Health
Dark chocolate producers urged to act on ‘harmful’ levels of cadmium
Consumer Reports, the independent, non-profit member organisation that allegedly tested and discovered harmful levels of cadmium and other harmful heavy metals in some chocolate products, has urged the producers to commit by Valentine's Day to reduce the...
Frozen
Reese’s moves into ice cream with seven new candy combos
Reese’s has announced it is debuting seven new chocolate and peanut combos this month as frozen treats for the North American market in a partnership with Unilever.
Regulation
Hershey sued for cadmium levels in its premium chocolate bars
Confectionary giant allegedly failed to disclose that some of its chocolates ‘contain unsafe levels of lead and cadmium’, according to legal documents
Seasonal
Hershey covers all candy bases with Christmas heat map for consumers
American candy lovers can now discover what Christmas tradition is most popular in their state with Hershey’s holiday tradition heat map and then use the candy pairing guide to make sure they’re stocking up on the right iconic sweets to help make holiday...
Production
Hershey set for home-town expansion with new chocolate processing plant
Hershey said it is starting work on a new 250,000-sq-ft manufacturing plant near its headquarters in Pennsylvania as part of an ongoing $1 billion investment programme to improve the firm’s supply chain and fuel future growth.
Seasonal
Hershey renews partnership with The Grinch to bring festive joy this season
Hershey has announced its holiday lineup for winter 2022 with classic festive favourites including Grinch-themed Hershey’s KISSES and Reese’s Peanut Butter Trees returning once again, and brand-new treats such as Hershey’s Hot Chocolate Bombs.