The Hershey (NYSE:HSY) Company, headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of chocolate and confectionery products. Best known for its flagship Hershey’s milk chocolate bars, the company’s portfolio also includes iconic brands such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey’s Kisses, Kit Kat (in the United States), Twizzlers, and Jolly Rancher. Beyond chocolate, Hershey offers a range of mint, gum, and snack products, positioning itself as a diversified snacking company.
Founded in 1894 by chocolatier Milton S. Hershey, the company grew from a small caramel business into a mass‐market chocolate producer with the opening of the Hershey Chocolate Factory in 1905. Milton Hershey’s vision included not only product innovation but also community development, leading to the creation of the model town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, and the Milton Hershey School for orphaned and disadvantaged children. Over more than a century, Hershey has expanded through organic growth and acquisitions, continually updating its manufacturing capabilities and product offerings to meet shifting consumer tastes.
Hershey sells products primarily across North America, with growing operations in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia‐Pacific region. The company’s global reach is supported by a network of manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and partnerships that help adapt its portfolio to local markets. In recent years, Hershey has invested in innovation—ranging from better-for-you snacking options to premium confections—to address changing dietary trends and consumer preferences.
Under the leadership of President and Chief Executive Officer Michele Buck, who assumed the CEO role in 2017, Hershey has focused on brand building, supply chain optimization and digital transformation. The company’s executive team also emphasizes sustainability initiatives, including responsible sourcing of cocoa and reducing environmental impact, reflecting Hershey’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
