A History of Goodness
2020’s
2023: #3 on DiversityInc
The Hershey Company recognized as #3 on DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity.
2023: Acquisition of two manufacturing facilities
Acquisition of two manufacturing facilities from Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing to strengthen internal supply chain capabilities.
2023: U.S. business Certified™ by Great Place to Work
Joining operations in Canada, Brazil, India, Mexico and Malaysia in earning this certification honor.
2022: #6 on DiversityInc
The Hershey Company recognized as #6 on DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity.
2021: Acquisition of Lily’s Sweets
Hershey announces acquisition of Lily’s Sweets, the high-growth, better-for-you confectionery brand.
2021: Recognized to The Civic 50 for the Ninth Consecutive Year
The Hershey Company recognized to The Civic 50 for the ninth consecutive year as one of America’s most community-minded companies.
2021: #10 on DiversityInc
The Hershey Company recognized as #10 on DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity.
2021: Named the World’s #1 Top Female Friendly Company by Forbes
The Hershey Company ranked #1 on Forbes' list of the "World's Top Female Friendly Companies” among a roster of 300 honorees.
2021: Acquisition of Dot's Pretzels
Acquisition of Dot's Pretzels, the owner of Dot's Homestyle Pretzels, and Pretzels Inc., a leading manufacturer of pretzels in the United States.
2021: Achieved 1:1 Aggregate POC Pay Equity
Hershey achieved 1:1 aggregate POC pay equity for salaried employees in the U.S.
2020: #21 on DiversityInc
The Hershey Company recognized as #21 on DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity.
2020: Achieved 1:1 Aggregate Gender Pay Equity
Hershey achieved 1:1 aggregate gender pay equity for salaried employees in the U.S.
2010’s
2019: Named to Dow Jones Sustainability World Index
Hershey named to Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for seventh consecutive year.
2019: #35 on DiversityInc
The Hershey Company recognized as #35 on DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity.
2017: CEO Michele Buck introduces Innovative Snacking Powerhouse
CEO Michele Buck introduces Innovative Snacking Powerhouse vision that leads to purchase of Amplify Snack Brands and Pirate Brands.
2017: Michele Buck becomes CEO
Michele Buck becomes the company’s first female CEO.
2016: Hershey's Chocolate World 100th millionth visitor
Hershey's Chocolate World welcomes its 100th millionth visitor.
2016: Simply 5 Syrup and Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cups
Launch of Hershey's Simply 5 Syrup and Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cups.
2014: New Corporate Logo
The Hershey Company introduces a new corporate logo.
2012-2016: International Expansion
International expansion to China, India, Brazil and further growth in Canada and Mexico.
2012: The Hershey Company named to The Civic 50
The Hershey Company named to The Civic 50 as one of America’s most community-minded companies
2012: Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.
The Hershey Company named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.
2000’s
2008: $5 billion in sales
Hershey reaches $5 billion in sales.
2007: 100th anniversary of Hershey's Kisses.
100th anniversary of Hershey's Kisses.
2003: Sugar free Hershey's and Reese's Candy
Launch of sugar free versions of Hershey's chocolate candy and Reese's peanut butter cups.
2000: World Cocoa Foundation
Hershey is a founding member of the World Cocoa Foundation and begins investment in West Africa to support cocoa farmers and improve cacao agriculture.
1990’s
1996: Acquisition of LEAF, Inc.
Acquisition of LEAF, Inc. Products adds 40 new brands to the portfolio including Jolly Rancher, Whoppers, Milk Duds, Good & Plenty, Pay Day, Heath, Rainblo and Super Bubble.
1980’s
1988: Re-launch of "5th Avenue"
National re-launch of "5th Avenue" candy bar.
1970’s
1979: $1 Billion Achieved
Hershey achieves $1 billion in annual sales.
1977: Hershey acquires Twizzlers
Hershey acquires Y&S Licorice, including the Twizzlers line of products
1975: York Peppermint Patties
National distribution of York Peppermint Patties begins.
1973: Hershey's Chocolate World
Hershey's Chocolate World, the first retail center, opens.
1971: Hershey's Tropical Bar
Hershey's Tropical Bar sent to the moon with Apollo 15 Astronauts.
1960’s
1963: H.B. Reese Candy Company
Hershey acquires H.B. Reese Candy Company.
1940’s
1930-1945: The Great Works Project
1930’s
1939: Hershey's Miniatures
Launch of Hershey's Miniatures. Miniatures were originally used by sales as sample bars.
1920’s
1927: NYSE
Hershey is traded on the NYSE.
1925: Mr. Goodbar
Launch of Mr. Goodbar
1921: Trademarked Plume
Factory begins using mechanical kiss wrapping machine. Kisses are now wrapped with trademarked Plume.
1910’s
1918: Milton Hershey School Trust Fund
1900’s
1909: Deed of Trust
Milton and Catherine Hershey signed the Deed of Trust for The Hershey Industrial School which would become the Milton Hershey School.
1907: Hershey's Chocolate Kisses
Hershey begins manufacturing Hershey's Chocolate Kisses.
1900: Milton Hershey sells LCC
Milton Hershey sells LCC and retains Hershey Chocolate Company to continue focus on chocolate. Introduction of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate. Transforming a luxury item into an affordable and accessible treat.
1900: Milk Chocolate bars
Launch of Hershey's Milk Chocolate bars.
1890’s
1894: Lancaster Caramel Company
Milton Hershey incorporates the Lancaster Caramel Company and establishes Hershey Chocolate Company as a subsidiary.