The Hershey Company

Kirk Tanner, the former chief executive of PepsiCo Beverages North America, is returning to the CPG industry as president and CEO of The Hershey Company, effective Aug.18.

The Hershey Company posted a 13.8% year-over-year net sales decrease to $2.8 billion during the first quarter in its earnings release this morning, though the decline was softer-than-expected thanks to growth in its North America Salty Snacks segment.

Hershey is acquiring organic popcorn and healthy snack brand LesserEvil for reportedly $750 million, adding to the Pennsylvania food maker’s growing portfolio of salty snacks.

History has repeated itself as Hershey’s controlling owner yesterday rejected a preliminary takeover offer from candy and snacking rival Mondelēz International, according to a Bloomberg News report citing people familiar with the matter.The Hershey Trust – which holds approximately 80% of the voting power at the company – labeled the offer as too low.

Mondelēz International is exploring a possible acquisition of candy and snack rival Hershey, according to a Bloomberg News report citing private sources familiar with the matter. The combination would bring together such brands as Oreo, Ritz, Reese’s and SkinnyPop and generate annual sales of almost $50 billion.

Hershey’s expansion of its snacking business continues with today’s announcement of a new line of chocolate-dipped cranberry bites created in partnership with new Ocean Spray.

The Hershey Company set a positive tone for 2023, raising its full year financial outlook after outperforming expectations in its Q1 earnings report today. According to the company, consolidated net sales were up just over 12% in Q1 to $2.9 billion (organic net sales grew 12.2%) while reported net income increased 10.9% to $587.2 million.

Both organic and conventional chocolate makers came under fire when a Consumer Reports study found potentially hazardous levels of lead and cadmium in 28 dark chocolate products. The issue became more complex when Trader Joe’s and Hershey’s, were served with class action lawsuits.

The plant-based trend isn’t limited to nuggets and burgers, as over the past year confectionary brands have turned their eyes towards consumers’ rising interest in animal-free products.

The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) today unveiled its new 53-foot, expandable Mobile Customer Insights Center (MCIC) tractor trailer during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Hershey’s headquarters.

During the company’s annual Analyst Event last week, Hershey executives showed attendees why they think the company is positioning itself to become a leader in the e-commerce space — and what other brands can learn from its transformation to a digital-first operation.

The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) today announced that Patricia A. Little, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, intends to retire from the company in the spring of 2019.