Who Owns Hershey's?

Cocoa For Good Program: The Hershey Company operates its Cocoa For Good program, which focuses on sustainable cocoa sourcing, farmer livelihoods, and community development in cocoa-producing regions. The company has committed to sourcing 100% certified and sustainable cocoa. Hershey participates in the Cocoa & Forests Initiative, a partnership between cocoa companies and the governments of Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana to end deforestation in cocoa supply chains.

Child Labor in Cocoa Supply Chain: The cocoa industry, including Hershey, has faced sustained criticism regarding child labor practices in West African cocoa farming. Reports from organizations including the International Labour Organization and university researchers have documented child labor in cocoa supply chains in Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana. Hershey has implemented monitoring and remediation programs, but progress has been criticized as slow by advocacy groups.

Packaging and Waste Reduction: The Hershey Company has set goals for recyclable packaging and has reduced packaging weight across product lines. The company has introduced recycled content in packaging materials. However, confectionery packaging remains a source of environmental concern due to the use of mixed materials that are difficult to recycle.

Milton Hershey School: The Milton Hershey School, founded by Milton and Catherine Hershey in 1909, is a private boarding school in Hershey, Pennsylvania, serving children from low-income families. The school is funded by the Milton Hershey School Trust, which holds approximately 80% of The Hershey Company's voting stock. The trust's assets are approximately $17 billion, making it one of the largest private educational endowments in the United States.

Climate Targets: The Hershey Company has set science-based targets for carbon reduction and committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company has invested in renewable energy and energy efficiency at its manufacturing facilities. Hershey's sustainability disclosures are included in The Hershey Company's annual ESG report, available on the company's investor relations website.

Consumers seeking verified sustainability data should consult The Hershey Company's annual ESG report and the Cocoa & Forests Initiative progress reports.

• Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For: The Hershey Company has been named to Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For list in multiple years, reflecting employee satisfaction and workplace culture.
• 125+ Year Heritage: Hershey's has operated continuously since 1900, making it one of the oldest American chocolate brands still in production.
• Milton Hershey School: The school's endowment, funded by Hershey Trust Company's controlling stake in The Hershey Company, is one of the largest private educational endowments in the United States.
• WWII Ration Bars: Hershey produced over 3 billion Field Ration D bars for the U.S. military during World War II, a significant contribution to the war effort.

Cocoa Sourcing and Child Labor: Hershey and other major chocolate companies have faced sustained criticism regarding child labor in West African cocoa supply chains. Reports by organizations including the International Labour Organization, NORC at the University of Chicago, and advocacy groups have documented child labor in cocoa farming in Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana. Hershey has implemented monitoring and remediation programs through its Cocoa For Good initiative, but advocacy groups including Mighty Earth and Green America have criticized the pace of progress.

Cocoa Price Volatility (2024): Cocoa futures reached record highs in 2024 due to crop disease, weather events, and aging cocoa trees in West Africa. The price increases affected the entire chocolate industry. Hershey raised prices to offset higher costs, which drew some consumer criticism. The company also faced margin pressure as it balanced price increases against potential volume declines.

Sugar Content and Health Concerns: Hershey's products have been criticized by health organizations including the American Heart Association for high sugar content. The brand has been cited in discussions about childhood obesity and excessive sugar consumption. Hershey has introduced reduced-sugar products and portion-controlled packaging in response to these concerns.

Labeling and Ingredient Transparency: Hershey has faced questions about labeling transparency, particularly regarding the use of artificial flavors and preservatives in some products. Consumer advocacy groups have called for clearer labeling and more natural ingredient formulations.

Cocoa and Forests Initiative Progress: While Hershey participates in the Cocoa & Forests Initiative, environmental groups have criticized all participating companies for insufficient progress in ending deforestation in cocoa supply chains. Satellite imagery analysis has shown continued forest loss in cocoa-producing regions.