Hershey Company

The Hershey Company

Type	Public
Key people	Michele Buck (Chairperson, President & CEO)
Industry	Confectionery
Products	Chocolate, sugar confections, snack foods, and beverages

The Hershey Company, commonly known as Hershey's, is an American multinational company and one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world. It also manufactures baked products, like cookies, cakes, milk shake, drinks and many more. The company was founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1894 as the Hershey Chocolate Company, a subsidiary of his Lancaster Caramel Company. Hershey's products are sold in over sixty countries worldwide.

History

The Hershey Company was established as a subsidiary of the Lancaster Caramel Company, which was owned by Milton S. Hershey, in 1894. Hershey began to build his chocolate empire after he was fascinated by a demonstration of chocolate-making at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. He sold his caramel company for $1 million in 1900 and focused entirely on chocolate-making, which led to the founding of the company in the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, a community that was built for the workers of Hershey's chocolate factory.

Products

Hershey's product line includes some of the best-known chocolate bars such as Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar, Hershey's Kisses, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and the Kit Kat bar (which Hershey licenses from Nestlé for manufacture and sale in the U.S.). The company also produces a variety of other products, including Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher, and Ice Breakers.

Corporate affairs

Headquarters

The Hershey Company's headquarters are located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, which is also home to Hersheypark, a chocolate-themed amusement park; the Hershey Story Museum; and a large arena and stadium for concerts and sports events.

Philanthropy

The Hershey Company has a long history of philanthropy, with significant contributions to education and child welfare. Milton Hershey established the Milton Hershey School in 1909, a private boarding school for children in financial need. The school is funded by the Hershey Trust Company.

Controversies

The Hershey Company has faced criticism and legal challenges related to labor practices in its supply chain, particularly concerning the use of child labor in cocoa farms in West Africa. The company has taken steps to address these issues by committing to sourcing 100% certified and sustainable cocoa for its chocolate products.

See also

• List of bean-to-bar chocolate manufacturers
• Economy of Pennsylvania