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Hershey Strategizes on Expanding Better-For-You Chocolate Offerings

Specialty Food Association

The Hershey Co. has set key strategies to expand and grow its better-for-you chocolate category with new and differentiated capabilities. Building from its strength in portion-controlled choices, Hershey will expand its future portfolio to deliver more reduced sugar, organic, and plant-based alternatives while also continuing to build its classic offering of products.

Long term strategies include continuing to offer portion-controlled treats in a variety of packtypes, extending core brands to better-for-you offerings and renovating existing products to extend choices, and focusing internal and external efforts to develop future sugar reduction capabilities. In addition, Hershey’s also plans to team up with top better-for-you brand partners to co-develop and launch new offerings, as well as evaluate a pipeline of acquisition opportunities to deliver incremental occasions and access for consumers that Hershey core brands don't reach today.

"We are the leader in U.S. confection, and our consumers rely on us to understand their needs for everyday moments, seasons, and special occasions, offering high-quality and great tasting candy that's accessible for everyone," said Kristen Riggs, chief growth officer at Hershey, in a statement. "Expanding our expertise, building new capabilities, and delivering more choices in better-for-you confection is the next big category opportunity for us to lead."

"We are setting the foundation for long-term sustainable growth in the better-for-you category at Hershey," said Chuck Raup, president of Hershey U.S. , in a statement. "Everything we do is led by our consumers and our commitment to deliver only the most delicious snacks. We are driven to provide more choices to ensure they enjoy our brands and products in ways that are right for them."

Related: Specialty Food Live! Products Debut: Better-For-You SnacksSpecialty SKU Cutbacks Seen Easing in 2021.

Image: The Hershey Co.

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