The Hershey Company is arguably the best-known candy and confectionery producer in the world and has achieved the rare feat of having an entire city named after and built around the business. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Hershey produces and distributes some of the most popular brands of candy and chocolate in the world. As of 2018, six of the top ten highest-selling confectionery brands in the United States are made or distributed by Hershey, including Reese’s ($2B), Hershey’s Candy Bar ($1.6B), Kit Kat ($700M), Ice Breakers ($600M), Hershey’s Kisses ($500M) and Hershey’s Assortments ($500M). Hershey has 16 manufacturing sites and three large distribution centres around the world, employing nearly 16,000 people. In 2018, the company brought in $7.8 billion in revenue. The company’s roots trace back to the late 19th century when Milton Hershey studied candy making as a teenager. He sought to make what was then a luxurious treat only for the wealthy accessible to the masses. Today, Hershey’s chocolates are available in 61 countries worldwide. Some of the earliest Hershey’s products are still popular to this day, including the original Hershey’s bar, Hershey’s Kisses, which were introduced in 1907, and Mr. Goodbar, which was launched in 1925. Over the years, Hershey has acquired some of their main competitors, including Reese’s products in 1963 and Cadbury (American Distribution) in 1988. Hershey also has an interest in other snack items, such as Popchips.
- Family name: Hershey family
- Sector: Consumer Products & Retail
- Founded: 1894
- Founder: Milton S. Hershey
- Country: United States
- Company headquarters: Hershey, Pennsylvania
- Revenue: 7.4
- Employees: 19,885
- Website: thehersheycompany.com
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