The Hershey Company is a global confectionery leader, producing chocolate, sweets, mints, and other snacks. It is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a leading snack maker in the United States. The company markets, sells, and distributes its products under more than 90 brand names in approximately 80 countries.

• Employees: 20,505 (as of December 31, 2023)
• Geographic Footprint: Approximately 80 countries worldwide
• Headquarters: Hershey, PA
• Founded: 1894
• Revenue: $11.165 billion (FY2023)
• Key Subsidiaries/Brands: Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers, SkinnyPop, Dot's Pretzels, and Lily's

• CEO: Michele G. Buck
• CFO: Steven E. Voskuil
• Chief Technology Officer: Deepak Bhatia
• Other Key Executives: Jennifer L. McCalman (Chief Accounting Officer), Charles R. Raup (President, U.S. Confection), Jason R. Reiman (Chief Supply Chain Officer), Kristen J. Riggs (President, Salty Snacks), Christopher M. Scalia (Chief Human Resources Officer), James Turoff (General Counsel and Secretary)

Most of the executive officers were promoted from within the organization.

• Annual Revenue: $11.165 billion (FY2023)
• Net Income: $1.862 billion (FY2023)
• Total Assets: $11.903 billion (as of December 31, 2023)
• Employees: 20,505 (as of December 31, 2023)
• Key Financial Highlights: Net sales increased by 7.2% and net income increased by 13.2% compared to the previous year.

The company's product offerings include:

• Chocolate and Non-Chocolate Confectionery: Products marketed under brands like Hershey's, Reese's, and Kisses.
• Gum and Mint Refreshment Products: Including Ice Breakers and Breath Savers.
• Protein Bars: Including ONE Bar.
• Snack Items: Such as popcorn, pretzels, spreads, snack bites and mixes.
• Pantry Items: Such as baking ingredients, toppings and beverages.

The company operates through three segments:

• North America Confectionery: Responsible for traditional chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery in the U.S. and Canada.
• North America Salty Snacks: Responsible for salty snacking products in the United States.
• International: A combination of all other operating segments outside of North America.

In FY2023, North America Confectionery accounted for 81.7% of net sales, North America Salty Snacks accounted for 9.8%, and International accounted for 8.5%.

The company's strategy focuses on:

• Driving core confection business and broadening participation in snacking.
• Delivering profitable international growth.
• Expanding competitive advantage through differentiated capabilities.
• Responsibly managing operations to ensure long-term sustainability.

Key strategic initiatives include expanding into new snack categories through acquisitions and leveraging data analytics to improve consumer insights and operational efficiency. The company is also focused on sustainability and social impact.

The company operates in highly competitive markets with many global, multinational, national, regional, and local firms. Competition is based on product innovation, quality, price, brand recognition, and marketing effectiveness. The company also faces increased competition from other snack items.

• Market Position: The company is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a leading snack maker in the United States.
• Key Competitors: The company competes with many other global and national firms, as well as large retailers.
• Industry Trends: The company is impacted by trends such as changes in consumer preferences, health and wellness concerns, and the growth of digital commerce.

• Reputational Risks: Issues relating to product quality, safety, human rights, or environmental practices could negatively impact the company's brand image and operating results.
• Supply Chain Risks: Disruptions to manufacturing operations or the supply chain, including natural disasters, pandemics, or climate change, could impair the ability to produce and deliver finished products.
• Talent Risks: The company's ability to hire, engage, and retain talented personnel is critical to its growth strategies.
• Climate Change Risks: Climate change and related environmental impacts could negatively affect the business and operations.
• Regulatory Risks: Changes in governmental laws and regulations could increase costs and liabilities or impact demand for products.