The Hershey Company
American multinational chocolate and confectionery company producing Hershey's chocolate bars, Kisses, and other candy brands.
Company Type
public
Founded
1894
Headquarters
Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
Stock
NYSE: HSY
About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company operates as one of North America's largest chocolate manufacturers with a growing international presence. The company's business is organized into three segments: North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks, and International.
The company's strategy focuses on strengthening its core chocolate brands while expanding into adjacent categories including salty snacks and better-for-you options. Hershey has invested in product innovation, marketing, and e-commerce capabilities.
Hershey has committed to sustainability initiatives including sustainable cocoa sourcing through the Cocoa For Good program, responsible packaging, and community development. The company operates manufacturing facilities across North America and maintains global distribution networks.
History of The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company was founded by Milton Hershey in 1894. Hershey had previously founded the Lancaster Caramel Company and became fascinated with chocolate-making equipment at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
In 1894, Hershey established the Hershey Chocolate Company as a subsidiary of his caramel business. He sold the caramel company in 1900 for $1 million and focused entirely on chocolate production. Hershey built his first chocolate factory in Derry Church, Pennsylvania, which later became Hershey, Pennsylvania.
The company introduced the iconic Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar in 1900 and Hershey's Kisses in 1907. Milton Hershey's innovative approach to mass production made chocolate affordable for ordinary Americans.
The company expanded throughout the 20th century, introducing Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (acquired 1963), Kit Kat (license in the United States), and numerous other candy brands. Hershey also built the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, including schools, housing, and recreational facilities for employees.
Brands Owned by The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company owns 1 brand in our database.
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Stock Information
The Hershey Company Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Strong portfolio of iconic chocolate and candy brands
- +Dominant market position in North American confectionery
- +Established manufacturing and distribution infrastructure
- +Brand loyalty and consumer recognition across generations
- +Significant marketing and advertising capabilities
Considerations
- -Competition from international chocolate companies like Mars and Nestlé
- -Commodity price volatility affecting cocoa and sugar costs
- -Health and wellness trends affecting candy consumption
- -Regulatory pressures regarding food labeling and marketing
- -Need for innovation in better-for-you snack categories
Frequently Asked Questions About The Hershey Company
Is The Hershey Company owned by another company?
No, The Hershey Company is an independent, publicly traded company with no parent organization. The company has been independent since its founding by Milton Hershey.
Is The Hershey Company publicly traded?
Yes, The Hershey Company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol HSY. The company has been publicly traded since its initial public offering in 1927.
Who founded The Hershey Company?
The Hershey Company was founded by Milton Hershey in 1894. Hershey was a visionary entrepreneur who built not just a company but an entire town around his chocolate factory.
What is Hershey's most famous product?
The Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar is the company's most famous and iconic product, followed closely by Hershey's Kisses and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
Does Hershey only make chocolate?
While chocolate is the primary focus, Hershey produces a wide range of candy including Jolly Rancher hard candies, Twizzlers licorice, and has expanded into salty snacks through acquisitions like SkinnyPop.
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