The Hershey Company is a global confectionery leader known for making more moments of goodness through chocolate, sweets, mints, and other great tasting snacks. It is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America, a leading snack maker in the United States, and a global leader in chocolate and non chocolate confectionery. The company markets, sells, and distributes its products under more than 85 brand names in approximately 65 countries worldwide.
The company…
The Hershey Company is a global confectionery leader known for making more moments of goodness through chocolate, sweets, mints, and other great tasting snacks. It is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America, a leading snack maker in the United States, and a global leader in chocolate and non chocolate confectionery. The company markets, sells, and distributes its products under more than 85 brand names in approximately 65 countries worldwide.
The company generates revenue primarily through the sale of chocolate and non chocolate confectionery, gum and mint refreshment products, protein bars, snack items such as popcorn, pretzels, spreads, snack bites and mixes, and pantry items including baking ingredients, toppings, and beverages. These products are sold to wholesale distributors, chain grocery stores, mass merchandisers, chain drug stores, vending companies, wholesale clubs, convenience stores, dollar stores, concessionaires, and department stores.
The company operates through the following segments: North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks, International.
- North America Confectionery: This segment is responsible for the traditional chocolate and non chocolate confectionery market position in the United States and Canada, including chocolate and non chocolate confectionery, gum and refreshment products, protein bars, spreads, snack bites and mixes, pantry and food service lines, as well as retail operations such as Hershey’s Chocolate World stores and licensing of trademarks to third parties.
- North America Salty Snacks: This segment handles the salty snacking products in the United States, comprising ready to eat popcorn, baked and trans fat free snacks, pretzels, and other snack items.
- International: This segment combines all other operating segments that are not individually material, covering operations in Mexico, Brazil, India, and Malaysia for local consumers and distributing confectionery products in export markets across Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and other regions.
The Hershey Company holds a leading position in the North American confectionery market as the largest producer of quality chocolate and a top snack maker, competing with major global multinational firms, national and regional players, and private label brands. Its competitive advantages stem from strong brand equity, continuous product innovation, consistent product quality, and an extensive distribution network.
The company serves a diverse customer base that includes wholesale distributors such as McLane Company, Inc., chain grocery stores, mass merchandisers, chain drug stores, vending companies, wholesale clubs, convenience stores, dollar stores, concessionaires, and department stores, with McLane Company, Inc. accounting for approximately 27% of consolidated net sales in 2025.