Few brands are as deeply embedded in American culture as Hershey. The Hershey Company, best known for its chocolate bars and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, has grown from a modest confectionery in rural Pennsylvania into a global giant in the snacks and sweets industry. What makes Hershey so interesting is not just the chocolate—but the story behind the brand, its innovations, and the way it’s woven together business, social responsibility, and consumer loyalty for over a century.
A Sweet Beginning
The Hershey story begins with Milton S. Hershey, a man whose life reads like a lesson in persistence. After several failed ventures, he found success in the caramel business in the late 1800s. But it was chocolate that truly captured his imagination—and his fortune.
In 1900, Milton Hershey sold his Lancaster Caramel Company for $1 million (an astronomical sum at the time) and turned his focus entirely to making milk chocolate, which had previously been a luxury item available only to the wealthy. Hershey’s dream was to make chocolate affordable for the masses, and he succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations.
The Hershey Chocolate Company became the first American company to mass-produce chocolate, introducing the iconic Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar in 1900. By making chocolate accessible and affordable, Hershey revolutionized the way Americans thought about sweets.
More Than Just Chocolate: The Town of Hershey
What truly sets Hershey apart from other companies is the town it built. Milton Hershey didn’t just start a company—he created a community. In 1903, he began building a model town around his factory in Derry Township, Pennsylvania. It was designed to be a pleasant, clean, and modern place for his employees to live.
Hershey provided housing, schools, parks, public transportation, and cultural venues. This paternalistic model of corporate welfare was unusual for its time, and while it had its critics, many saw it as a revolutionary form of employer-employee relations.
Today, Hershey, Pennsylvania, also known as “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” is a thriving tourist destination. It’s home to Hersheypark, a popular amusement park; Hershey’s Chocolate World, an interactive chocolate experience; and the Hershey Museum. The town itself remains a testament to Milton Hershey’s unique vision.
Innovation in Sweets
Hershey is more than just a chocolate bar. Over the decades, it has grown into a powerhouse of innovation in the snacks and confectionery space. The company owns a diverse portfolio of brands, including:
Reese’s – One of the best-selling candy brands in the U.S., known for its perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate.
Kit Kat (U.S. rights) – A crunchy, wafer-based candy beloved by millions.
Twizzlers – A popular licorice treat with a long-standing fan base.
Ice Breakers, York Peppermint Patties, and more.
What’s particularly interesting is how Hershey constantly reinvents its products while staying true to its heritage. Limited-edition flavors, partnerships with other brands, and seasonal packaging help keep its core products relevant across generations.
More recently, Hershey has made a significant push into better-for-you snacks and non-chocolate categories. Through acquisitions of companies like SkinnyPop, Pirate’s Booty, and ONE Brands (protein bars), Hershey is responding to changing consumer tastes while maintaining its leadership in traditional confectionery.
A Pioneer in Branding and Marketing
Hershey has long understood the power of brand. Its advertising has consistently emphasized nostalgia, happiness, and moments of joy—positioning its products not just as candy, but as experiences.
In the mid-20th century, Hershey’s slogan “The Great American Chocolate Bar” became a symbol of national pride. In recent decades, the company has embraced digital marketing, influencer campaigns, and experiential marketing events to stay connected with younger consumers.
Its branding strategy goes beyond marketing—Hershey’s commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainability has become a key part of its identity. Consumers increasingly want to know where their food comes from, and Hershey has invested in transparent supply chains and ethical cocoa sourcing through programs like Cocoa For Good.
Commitment to Social Impact
Perhaps the most compelling part of the Hershey legacy is its commitment to social good. Milton Hershey and his wife Catherine, unable to have children of their own, founded the Hershey Industrial School (now called the Milton Hershey School) in 1909. The school was created to provide a home and education for orphaned boys—and later expanded to serve children from underprivileged backgrounds regardless of gender.
Even more astonishing: Milton Hershey left nearly all of his wealth to a trust that still funds the Milton Hershey School today. The Hershey Trust Company remains a major shareholder in The Hershey Company, ensuring that profits support education and social programs rather than just shareholders.
This model—using a for-profit business to fund a non-profit school—is one of the most unusual and enduring philanthropic structures in corporate America.
Global Reach and Challenges
Despite its American roots, Hershey is a global brand. It exports to over 70 countries and has manufacturing operations in multiple locations outside the U.S. However, global expansion has had its challenges. Hershey has had to adapt to local tastes, different competitive landscapes, and complex international logistics.
In markets where local chocolate traditions are strong (like Europe), Hershey’s sweet, milky chocolate faces stiff competition. But in regions like Asia and Latin America, the company has found success by offering innovative flavors and snack formats tailored to local preferences.
The Hershey Company today is more diversified than ever before. It’s not just about chocolate—it’s about snacking, wellness, and creating moments of happiness across multiple categories. Its investments in digital transformation, data-driven marketing, and sustainable practices show a company that honors its history while actively preparing for the future.
From its humble beginnings to its status as a global snack leader, Hershey remains an enduring example of American entrepreneurship, innovation, and corporate responsibility. It’s not just a candy company—it’s a symbol of how business can be done differently, with a heart as rich as its chocolate.
More Information & Contact
- Business name: The Hershey Company.
- Website: www.thehersheycompany.com/
- Phone number: 1-800-468-1714
- Email: Use chat and/or form on homepage
- Address: 19 East Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA 17033, USA