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The story of Hershey’s begins in the late 19th century with a visionary man, Milton S. Hershey. Coming from a modest family, Hershey overcame numerous business failures before finding his path in the sugar industry. In 1876, he opened his first candy shop in Philadelphia, which was followed by new attempts in the region. However, it wasn’t until his fourth attempt, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, that he finally found success with the Lancaster Caramel Company. It was, however, chocolate that truly attracted him, and for which, in 1900, he sold his caramel company for a significant amount: one million dollars. At that time, chocolate was a luxury product reserved for the wealthiest. Hershey then saw a unique opportunity: to make chocolate accessible to everyone. In 1905, he opened the Hershey Chocolate Company in Derry Church, now known as Hershey, where he started mass-producing chocolates. This location, far from being chosen at random, was close to dairy farms, ensuring a constant supply of fresh milk, the key ingredient in his milk chocolate. Hershey was not only focused on his business. A philanthropist at heart, he also founded the town of Hershey around his factory to provide a better quality of life for his employees, with housing, schools, and even an amusement park. It is this humanity and forward-thinking vision that laid the foundations of the chocolate empire that Hershey’s would become.
Through his spirit of innovation and sharp business acumen, Milton S. Hershey quickly put his company on the path to success. The launch of the Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar in 1900 marked a turning point. At a time when milk chocolate was rare and expensive in the United States, Hershey managed to break through thanks to his automated production methods and his strategic choice to simplify ingredients while maintaining high quality. This allowed selling chocolate bars at competitive prices, attracting many consumers. It was World War I that truly accelerated the fame of Hershey’s. The company landed a contract with the US government to supply chocolate bars to soldiers. These bars, nicknamed ‘Ration D’, became a crucial element of military rations. The reputation of these treats was solidified by soldiers who, upon returning home, praised them, thus increasing domestic demand and establishing Hershey’s as a household name. Furthermore, Hershey did not rest on its commercial success. It undertook innovative marketing campaigns for the time, such as distributing free samples and creating advertising campaigns that depicted chocolate as a piece of accessible happiness. Emphasis was placed on consistent quality and the family nature of the company, two pillars that would continue to support its growth. These clever strategies, combined with a tasty product affordable to all budgets, allowed Hershey’s to deeply embed itself in the hearts of Americans, becoming an iconic brand and a symbol of shared moments and simple pleasures.
Hershey’s has firmly maintained its position as a central player in the chocolate industry, consolidating its presence with a diversified range of products that goes well beyond its famous chocolate bar. The company continually innovates, seeking to expand its horizons and respond to consumers’ changing tastes. Hershey’s now offers a wide selection: dark chocolates, reduced-sugar chocolates, and even organic products. Today, the brand is not just a simple chocolate producer. It is actively contributing to sustainable development initiatives, aware of the environmental impact of its operations. In collaboration with cocoa bean suppliers, Hershey’s is committed to promoting responsible agriculture. The company also invests in supporting agricultural communities, promoting a better quality of life and fairer farming practices. Hershey has also developed a tourism aspect with Hersheypark, Hershey’s Chocolate World, and other attractions that draw millions of visitors annually. These initiatives not only strengthen the brand; they create a symbiosis between entertainment and culinary heritage. Its ability to constantly renew itself, to embrace social and economic transformations, while staying true to its founding values, makes Hershey’s not only a centennial company but a timeless icon. Whether it’s supermarket aisles or childhood memories, Hershey’s continues to embody the spirit of sharing and innovation. A story of tradition and modernity that ensures it a cherished place in households worldwide.