The Hershey Company continued to manage a portfolio built through acquisitions including Dot's Pretzels, Amplify (SkinnyPop, Pirate's Booty), Lily's, and Actual Candy (Sour Strips). The company emphasized confectionery and salty snacking; M&A and brand divestitures are disclosed in SEC filings and investor materials.
Hershey continued to report on its commitment to a deforestation and conversion-free supply chain for cocoa, palm oil, pulp & paper, and direct soy. The company works with Sourcemap, Earthworm Foundation, and Starling satellite monitoring and supports biodiversity projects including Mabi-Yaya Nature Reserve and Kakum National Park.
Former Hershey employees from Robinson, Illinois, and Hazleton, Pennsylvania, dropped a lawsuit alleging wage theft and failure to pay for donning and doffing safety equipment. The case was resolved before the company answered. Claims had cited federal and state wage laws.
Former Hershey employees Cody Vaughn and Gladys Coston-Gibson dropped their collective action lawsuit alleging wage theft and failure to pay for donning and doffing safety equipment. The case was resolved with prejudice before Hershey answered; settlement terms were not disclosed.
The Hershey Company, with the National Confectioners Association, continued to lobby on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and opposed the Healthy SNAP Act, which would exclude candy from SNAP purchases. Hershey also engaged on sugar and sweetener policy affecting confectionery. Lobbying was reported in OpenSecrets and disclosure filings.
Brad Reese, grandson of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups inventor H.B. Reese, publicly criticized Hershey for replacing milk chocolate with a chocolate-flavored coating in Reese's Mini Hearts, Mini Eggs, and Reese's Pieces. His open letter to Hershey went viral; he argued the company was "rewriting" the brand's identity and undermining consumer trust. Hershey stated that classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are still made with milk chocolate but confirmed that some seasonal and shaped products use a coating that cannot be labeled as milk chocolate under FDA rules.
Hershey settled with three of four former employees who sued after being fired for refusing COVID-19 vaccines on religious grounds. The plaintiffs had claimed religious discrimination; Hershey had denied accommodation requests and designated departures as voluntary resignation. Settlement terms were not disclosed.
Hershey continued to integrate recent acquisitions (Dot's Pretzels, Lily's, Actual Candy) and to prioritize confectionery and salty snacking. The company disclosed M&A and portfolio strategy in SEC filings and investor presentations; no major new acquisition or divestiture was announced in the period.
A federal appeals court rejected a proposed class action by eight Malian citizens against Hershey, Nestlé, and other cocoa companies. The court found no causal connection between the plaintiffs' forced labor and the defendants' cocoa sourcing. The case was part of long-running litigation over child and forced labor in West African cocoa.
The donning-and-doffing class action (Hollifield v. The Hershey Company) continued in federal court. Workers alleged Hershey did not pay for time spent putting on and taking off protective gear and performing pre- and post-shift tasks required by FDA rules. Law360 and other legal outlets covered procedural developments.
Hershey committed to achieving a deforestation and conversion-free supply chain for cocoa, palm oil, pulp & paper packaging, and direct soy by December 31, 2025. The company advanced traceability, supplier assessments, and satellite monitoring in West Africa and other sourcing regions.
Hershey settled claims by workers who alleged they were not paid for time spent donning and doffing protective gear and pre- and post-shift tasks. The claims involved Fair Labor Standards Act requirements. Settlements were reported for facilities in Illinois and Pennsylvania.
A man sued The Hershey Company in Pennsylvania state court, alleging the company failed to pay him for overtime work. The suit sought unpaid wages and related relief. The case was later resolved; terms were not disclosed.
Hershey participated in confectionery-industry lobbying on sugar policy and trade, including deals between candymakers and sugar interests. The company’s PAC and lobbying spending were reported to the FEC and OpenSecrets; Hershey supported pro-business candidates and policies affecting chocolate and candy manufacturing.
Hershey announced updated science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. Goals include 50% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 (from 2018 baseline) and 25% in Scope 3; the company reported 43% and 15% progress respectively. Renewable and zero-emission electricity reached about 80% in 2023.
The NLRB received a charge against Hershey's Ice Cream at Palafox (Sweet Cone Alabama), alleging retaliation for protected concerted activity. Hershey's Ice Cream is a licensed brand; the charge highlighted labor relations in the Hershey-associated supply chain.
The Hershey Company disclosed federal lobbying spending of $240,000 in Q4 and $150,000 in Q3 2024 on cocoa supply chain, food labeling and nutrition, SNAP, and trade and tariff issues. The company opposed restrictions on candy in SNAP and engaged on labeling and ingredient regulations. Disclosures were reported in Senate LDA and OpenSecrets.
Totally Cool, Inc., a contract manufacturer, recalled more than 60 ice cream products from multiple brands, including Hershey's, due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. FDA sampling detected Listeria; no illnesses were reported. Products were distributed nationwide. Hershey's branded ice cream was among those recalled.
Hershey completed the acquisition of Actual Candy LLC, maker of Sour Strips candy, for $75.5 million in initial cash consideration. The deal included potential contingent consideration if certain targets are met over a multi-year period. Actual Candy expanded Hershey's better-for-you and experiential candy portfolio.
A federal court granted in part Hershey's motion to dismiss in Grausz v. The Hershey Company, a putative class action alleging Hershey's and Lily's dark chocolate products contained unsafe levels of lead and cadmium. The court dismissed most claims, citing Hershey's Proposition 65 consent judgment and finding the products did not create an unreasonable safety hazard under those levels.
Hershey reported eliminating more than 1.7 million pounds of packaging in 2023 and 15.4 million pounds cumulatively toward a 2030 target of 25 million. The company qualified non-PVC alternatives for 100% of PVC in packaging and aimed to eliminate PVC globally by end of 2024. Progress toward 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable plastic packaging reached 32%.
Additional former Hershey employees sued in Pennsylvania federal court, claiming the company denied religious exemptions from its COVID-19 vaccine mandate and fired them. Plaintiffs included Benjamin Stoffel, Cheryl Malovic, and Jennifer Gurdock; they alleged religious discrimination. Hershey had applied the mandate to corporate employees while manufacturing workers voted against one.
Mighty Earth's Chocolate Scorecard 2023 assessed major chocolate companies on deforestation and climate in cocoa supply chains. Hershey participated; the scorecard noted that monitoring systems and collaboration (e.g. Cocoa & Forests Initiative) are widespread but urged stronger satellite monitoring and consistent deforestation cut-off dates. EU Deforestation Regulation enforcement was cited as a driver.
Hershey operated unionized plants in Pennsylvania and elsewhere with the BCTGM and other unions. Contract negotiations and workplace issues were reported in labor and local press.
A Hershey employee sued after being terminated for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds. The suit alleged religious discrimination; Hershey had denied accommodation requests. The company later ended its vaccine mandate in May 2023.
The Hershey Company Political Action Committee raised about $22,000 from employees and disbursed about $42,000 to federal candidates and committees, splitting roughly evenly between Democrats and Republicans. The PAC supported members representing Hershey facilities and key committees. FEC and OpenSecrets tracked disbursements.
By December 31, 2022, Hershey had qualified alternatives for 100% of PVC in its packaging supply chain and was nearing full global conversion. The company increased use of post-consumer recycled material and set a 2030 goal for 100% plastic packaging to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable.
A class action (Hollifield v. The Hershey Company) was filed in Illinois federal court, alleging Hershey failed to pay workers for time spent putting on and taking off protective equipment and performing other pre- and post-shift tasks required by FDA Good Manufacturing Practices. The suit sought overtime under the FLSA.
The Hershey Company reported federal lobbying on trade policy, tariffs affecting cocoa and ingredients, and supply chain resilience. The company sources cocoa and other inputs globally and engaged on customs, trade agreements, and logistics. Lobbying was disclosed in OpenSecrets and Senate disclosure databases.
Hershey focused on integrating Dot's Pretzels, Pretzels Inc., and Lily's into its portfolio and supply chain. The company reported on snacking growth and brand performance in earnings and SEC filings; the Amplify (SkinnyPop, Pirate's Booty) platform remained a key snacking pillar.
Mighty Earth's Chocolate Scorecard rated Hershey among companies whose cocoa is overwhelmingly certified. Hershey provided supply chain data for Mighty Earth's Cocoa Accountability Map, enabling traceability of cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. The scorecard urged greater use of satellite monitoring and deforestation-free commitments.
More than 1,000 workers at Hershey's Stuarts Draft, Virginia, plant voted on unionization with the BCTGM. The company opposed the effort, hiring the Labor Relations Institute and creating an anti-union website. The union filed NLRB charges alleging interrogation, suspensions, surveillance, and threats. Workers cited pay and conditions despite company profits.
Confectionery recalls and undeclared allergen alerts were posted to the FDA recall database. Hershey products remained under routine FDA and CFIA oversight. No major Hershey recall was reported in 2022.
Hershey completed the acquisition of Dot's Pretzels LLC and Pretzels Inc. for a combined purchase price of approximately $1.2 billion (about $1 billion net of expected tax benefits). Dot's Homestyle Pretzels was the fastest-growing scale U.S. pretzel brand; Pretzels Inc. added in-house pretzel manufacturing. The deal closed in November 2021.
Hershey completed the acquisition of the Lily's brand for $425 million. Lily's is a maker of low-sugar, better-for-you confectionery (chocolate and candy) that had launched in 2012. The deal expanded Hershey's better-for-you confection portfolio in North America.
Hershey advanced its multi-year goal to eliminate 25 million pounds of packaging by 2030. The company reported cumulative packaging elimination and design changes to reduce secondary and transport packaging, supporting Scope 3 emissions reduction.
Hershey designated food manufacturing as essential during the pandemic and implemented CDC and local health guidance at plants. Workers raised concerns about masking, distancing, and quarantine. The company said it had strengthened safety measures.
The Hershey Company lobbied on child nutrition reauthorization and school meal programs, which affect demand for packaged snacks and candy in schools. The company and trade groups advocated for policies that support school feeding and flexible nutrition standards. Disclosures were reported in OpenSecrets and congressional records.
The Hershey Company voluntarily recalled Hershey's Chocolate Shell Topping (7.25 oz bottles, lot code 25JSAS1) because approximately 1,700 bottles were incorrectly filled with Heath Shell Topping, which contains almonds. The recall was issued for consumers with almond allergy; the FDA listed it as Class II. No illnesses were reported; the error occurred at a contract manufacturing facility.
Hershey announced the divestiture of Krave (jerky), Scharffen Berger, and Dagoba (artisan and organic chocolate). CEO Michele Buck said these brands required a different go-to-market model; the sale allowed Hershey to prioritize salty snacks and nutrition bars. Krave had been acquired in 2015 but faced increased competition in meat snacks. The divestiture was completed in May 2020.
Hershey achieved its goal to source 100% of global cocoa as certified and sustainable. The company had joined the Cocoa & Forests Initiative in 2017 and implemented geospatial and farm mapping with a no-deforestation cut-off; it aimed for 100% farm mapping in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana by 2025.
The Hershey Company lobbied on pandemic-related food policy, essential workforce designation for food manufacturing, and federal relief affecting confectionery producers. The company sought regulatory flexibility and supply chain support. Lobbying was reported in OpenSecrets and congressional disclosure databases.
The FDA and Health Canada maintained food recall and allergen alert systems. Chocolate and confectionery are subject to allergen labeling and recall requirements. No major Hershey recall was reported in 2020.
Hershey continued to operate unionized chocolate and confectionery plants under contracts with the BCTGM and other unions. Wage, benefit, and staffing issues were negotiated at various locations.
Building on its 2018 commitment, Hershey enforced no new deforestation in its global cocoa supply chain and expanded shade-grown agroforestry and tree-planting. The company worked with Sourcemap and partners to map cocoa farms and monitor deforestation against a 2018 cut-off in key origins.
The Hershey Company, with the National Confectioners Association, opposed state and local proposals to tax candy, sugary drinks, or snacks. The company argued such taxes were regressive and ineffective. Campaigns were reported in state disclosure filings and news; some jurisdictions adopted taxes despite industry opposition.
The FDA released results of sampling of dairy-free dark chocolate products for milk allergen. Confectionery manufacturers, including those producing chocolate, are subject to FDA recall and allergen rules. No major Hershey recall was reported in 2019.
Hershey announced zero deforestation in its global cocoa supply chain and released its Shared Goodness Promise sustainability strategy (Shared Futures, Shared Communities, Shared Business, Shared Planet). The company committed to no new deforestation effective immediately and implemented shade-grown agroforestry and tree-planting programs. Kakum National Park biodiversity monitoring began.
The National Confectioners Association, representing Hershey and other candymakers, submitted comments to the FDA on front-of-package labeling, calorie labeling for vending machines, and compliance deadlines for nutrition labeling. Hershey had an interest in consistent, workable rules for candy and snacks. FDA dockets and OpenSecrets reflected industry engagement.
The FDA and CFIA posted food recalls and safety alerts including confectionery. Hershey products are subject to both U.S. and Canadian recall oversight. No major Hershey recall was reported in 2018.
Hershey completed the acquisition of Pirate Brands from B&G Foods for $420 million (approximately $360 million net of tax benefits). The deal included Pirate's Booty, Smart Puffs, and Original Tings—better-for-you cheese puffs and snacks. Pirate Brands was integrated with Amplify (acquired in 2017) in Austin, Texas.
Hershey acquired Amplify Snack Brands in a deal valued at $1.6 billion, then its largest acquisition. Amplify owned SkinnyPop popcorn, Oatmega, and other better-for-you snacks. The deal expanded Hershey's presence in salty and better-for-you snacking and established a snacking hub in Austin, Texas.
Hershey partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to restore forest habitat in the U.S., later planting more than one million trees and restoring over 2,300 acres. The collaboration extended to Mexico with 10,000 trees along the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve to counter logging and protect monarch nesting sites.
Hershey joined the Cocoa & Forests Initiative as a founding signatory at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP23), alongside the governments of Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana and other chocolate and cocoa companies. CFI aims to end and reverse deforestation in cocoa; Hershey committed to forest protection, reforestation, and agroforestry. The company had distributed millions of cocoa and shade trees in West Africa since 2013.
Hershey and the BCTGM negotiated contracts covering workers at Pennsylvania and other U.S. plants. Issues included wages, healthcare, and job security. Agreements were reached without work stoppages.
The EEOC sued The Hershey Company for disability discrimination after the company refused a reasonable accommodation for Kristina Williams, a retail sales merchandiser with herniated discs and spinal stenosis. Williams requested dividing her daily break into smaller portions; Hershey refused and terminated her in August 2015. The EEOC sought damages and injunctive relief under the ADA.
The FDA’s updated Nutrition Facts label, including “added sugars,” took effect for large manufacturers in 2018. Hershey and other confectionery companies engaged on implementation and on alternative sweeteners as they reformulated products. Lobbying was reported in connection with FDA rulemaking and OpenSecrets.
The FDA maintained enforcement reports and recall listings for food products. Chocolate and candy are covered by FDA food safety and recall procedures. No major Hershey recall was reported in 2017.
Hershey and union representatives negotiated contracts at Hershey's U.S. confectionery plants. Wage increases, healthcare costs, and staffing levels were among the topics. Labor and local press reported on outcomes.
A California federal court dismissed consumer class actions against Hershey and Nestlé alleging the companies failed to disclose that their chocolate was produced using child and forced labor in West Africa. The court ruled it was "sound policy" not to require manufacturers to disclose such information on packaging. A similar claim against Mars had been dismissed the previous month.
Hershey and other candymakers increased lobbying and PAC disbursements during the 2016 election cycle. The confectionery industry supported candidates on key committees and in states with manufacturing. OpenSecrets reported candy industry contributions and lobbying outlays for the cycle.
FDA and Health Canada continued to post food recalls and allergen alerts. Confectionery manufacturers operate under FDA and CFIA oversight. No major Hershey recall was reported in 2016.
Hershey acquired Ripple Brand Collective, LLC, owner of BarkTHINS snacking chocolate, for an undisclosed sum. BarkTHINS is premium dark chocolate with nuts and other ingredients; the brand had expected annual net sales of $65–75 million. The acquisition expanded Hershey's mass premium and better-for-you chocolate snacking.
Hershey met its 2016 target of sourcing 50% of cocoa from certified sustainable farms and set a 75% goal for 2017. Through CocoaAction and Learn to Grow, the company provided technical assistance to tens of thousands of farmers and distributed disease-resistant cocoa seedlings across West African communities.
Hershey agreed to acquire Krave Pure Foods, Inc., a maker of artisanal beef, turkey, and pork jerky. The deal was reported at $200–300 million; Krave had about $35 million in net sales. The acquisition marked Hershey's entry into the meat snacks category. Krave was divested in 2020 after failing to meet expectations.
Hershey's Corporate Social Responsibility Report highlighted responsible cocoa sourcing in West Africa. The company supported CocoaAction and Learn to Grow, providing technical assistance to over 45,000 farmers and distributing more than one million disease-resistant cocoa seedlings across nearly 100 communities. Goals included 50% certified cocoa by 2016.
Hershey Canada Inc. recalled certain Glosette brand Raisins (50 g packages) due to undeclared peanut. The affected product had a best-before date of September 2016 and specific lot codes. The recall was issued for consumers with peanut allergy. The CFIA posted the recall; no illnesses were reported.
Hagens Berman filed class-action lawsuits against Hershey, Nestlé, and Mars on behalf of consumers, alleging the companies failed to disclose that chocolate products—including Reese's, Kit Kat, and M&Ms—were produced using child labor in Ivory Coast cocoa. The suits alleged trafficked and forced child labor; the cases were later dismissed.
The Hershey Company lobbied on implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and preventive controls affecting chocolate and confectionery manufacturing. The company sought workable compliance timelines and consistency between FDA rules and supply chain requirements. Lobbying was disclosed in OpenSecrets and FDA-related records.
Jesse Ortiz, a press operator at Hershey's Tennessee plant since 2001, had appealed a district court decision in his employment discrimination case against Hershey. The Sixth Circuit affirmed. Ortiz had alleged discrimination in employment terms and conditions and termination.
The Hershey Company reported lobbying on trade agreements and tariffs affecting cocoa and sugar imports. The company sources significant cocoa from West Africa and other regions and engaged on customs, trade preferences, and supply chain transparency. Disclosures were reported in OpenSecrets and USTR-related records.
Hershey operated its expanded West Hershey facility and other plants with union and non-union workforce. Safety programs and injury reporting were in place; labor press reported on staffing and any OSHA developments.
U.S. and Canadian agencies maintained food recall and safety alert systems covering chocolate and confectionery. No major Hershey recall was reported in 2014.
After the 2010 closure of East Chocolate Avenue, Hershey's unionized workforce at West Hershey and other facilities worked under multiyear contracts. Negotiations focused on wages, benefits, and job security.
FDA and CFIA posted food recalls and allergy alerts. Hershey sells products in both the U.S. and Canada and is subject to both agencies' recall procedures. No major Hershey recall was reported in 2013.
Hershey acquired Shanghai Golden Monkey Food Co., Ltd., a Chinese confectionery and snack company. The deal expanded Hershey's presence in China and added local brands and distribution. Terms were not fully disclosed; the acquisition supported Hershey's international growth strategy.
During the 2013 Farm Bill debate, Hershey and other food manufacturers lobbied on SNAP funding and eligibility. SNAP supports grocery spending by low-income households; confectionery makers often oppose excluding candy from SNAP. Lobbying was disclosed in OpenSecrets and congressional agriculture and nutrition records.
Hershey acquired Tri-Us Inc. in February 2012. The acquisition supported Hershey's North American operations or supply chain; financial terms were not disclosed.
OSHA cited Exel Inc., operator of Hershey's Eastern Distribution Center III in Palmyra, Pennsylvania, for nine violations and proposed a $283,000 penalty. Violations included six willful: failing to record more than 40 serious injuries on logs and failing to implement a hearing conservation program. J-1 visa students had walked off in 2011 over conditions.
OpenSecrets highlighted candy industry lobbying and PAC activity ahead of Halloween, with Hershey among the major confectionery companies reporting federal lobbying. The company engaged on food safety, labeling, and trade. Disclosure data was summarized in OpenSecrets and FEC filings.
Hershey continued to report on environmental performance in CSR and sustainability disclosures, including energy use, packaging, and responsible sourcing. The company operated manufacturing facilities subject to environmental permits and pursued efficiency and waste reduction goals.
In re Chocolate Confectionary Antitrust Litigation remained active in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Plaintiffs continued to pursue claims that Hershey, Mars, Nestlé, and Cadbury conspired to fix chocolate candy prices. Defendants filed or opposed motions on class certification, discovery, and summary judgment.
The FDA's Enforcement Report database listed food recalls. Chocolate and confectionery are subject to FDA food safety and recall requirements. No major Hershey recall was reported in 2012.
FDA and Health Canada maintained recall and safety alert systems for food products. No major Hershey recall was reported in 2011.
Hershey agreed to acquire Canadian confectionery company Brookside Foods Ltd. for an undisclosed sum. Brookside had annual net sales of approximately C$85 million and made chocolate-covered fruit juice pieces (e.g. acai, pomegranate) and chocolate-covered nuts and dried fruit. The deal closed in December 2011.
Foreign students on J-1 visas, placed at Hershey's Palmyra distribution center through staffing agencies, walked off to protest working conditions: hazardous heavy lifting, excessive line speed, and pay relative to housing deductions. The action led to OSHA and DOL investigations.
The Hershey Company lobbied on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and federal nutrition recommendations affecting packaged foods and snacks. The company advocated for science-based guidelines and voluntary industry efforts. Lobbying was reported in connection with USDA and HHS advisory processes and OpenSecrets.
Hershey disclosed environmental initiatives and cocoa sourcing programs in its corporate responsibility reporting. The company faced growing stakeholder focus on deforestation and climate in cocoa supply chains; later in the decade it would adopt certified cocoa targets and join the Cocoa & Forests Initiative.
BCTGM Local 464 voted 1,317 to 95 to approve a seven-year contract that closed the historic East Chocolate Avenue plant in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and shifted production to West Hershey. About 450 jobs were cut; roughly 1,100 union positions remained. The deal included wage increases and severance. Hershey had threatened to move expansion to Virginia or Mexico if the union rejected the deal.
Hershey continued to defend the consolidated chocolate price-fixing litigation and faced various employment and commercial suits. The company disclosed material legal proceedings in SEC filings.
The Hershey Company lobbied on the Farm Bill and agricultural programs affecting commodity and specialty crop policy. The company had an interest in dairy, sugar, and cocoa-related programs and in trade provisions. Lobbying was disclosed in OpenSecrets and USDA-related congressional records.
FDA and CFIA oversaw food recalls and allergen alerts in the U.S. and Canada. No major Hershey recall was reported in 2010.
Hershey acquired Van Houten (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., strengthening its presence in Asia-Pacific. The deal supported Hershey's international confectionery and cocoa ingredients business. Terms were not disclosed.
After the 2007 restructuring that eliminated 1,500 jobs and expanded production in Mexico, Hershey operated its remaining U.S. and Canadian plants. Unionized workers at West Hershey and elsewhere worked under existing contracts ahead of the 2010 East Chocolate Avenue closure.
In In re Chocolate Confectionary Antitrust Litigation (M.D. Pa.), the court issued key decisions on motions to dismiss. Plaintiffs alleged Hershey, Mars, Nestlé, and Cadbury conspired to fix chocolate candy prices from December 2002 through April 2007. Hershey supplied more than 40% of U.S. chocolate candy; the litigation continued for years.
SNAP benefits were expanded in the 2009 stimulus to support families and boost food spending. The Hershey Company lobbied on economic stimulus legislation and nutrition program funding. The company had an interest in programs that support consumer purchasing power. Lobbying was disclosed in OpenSecrets and Senate databases.
Hershey continued to implement the 2007 restructuring (job cuts and Mexico expansion) while operating unionized plants under existing contracts. The BCTGM and other unions represented workers at Hershey facilities.
Class-action lawsuits were filed in federal court in Pennsylvania and New Jersey alleging Hershey, Mars, Nestlé, and Cadbury fixed prices of chocolate candy in the United States. The cases were consolidated as In re Chocolate Confectionary Antitrust Litigation. Plaintiffs alleged three synchronized price increases in the early to mid-2000s.
The Hershey Company reported federal lobbying on agricultural appropriations, trade policy, and food labeling. The company engaged with Congress and federal agencies on issues affecting chocolate and confectionery manufacturing. Disclosure records were summarized in OpenSecrets and similar databases.
Following the 2006–2007 Hershey Canada salmonella recalls, FDA and CFIA continued to monitor chocolate and confectionery. No major new Hershey recall was reported in 2008.
Hershey acquired Hershey India Pvt. Ltd. (or related India operations), expanding its presence in the Indian market. The move was part of Hershey's strategy to grow confectionery and snacks in emerging markets.
Hershey announced a restructuring eliminating about 1,500 jobs (roughly 12% of workforce) over three years, closing more than one-third of assembly lines and building a new plant in Monterrey, Mexico. The company projected $170–190 million in annual savings by 2010. About 80% of production would remain in the U.S. and Canada, down from 90%.
The Hershey Company reported federal lobbying on food safety, agriculture, and trade issues affecting confectionery. The company had long-standing engagement with Congress and federal agencies on chocolate and candy manufacturing. Lobbying was disclosed in OpenSecrets and Senate LDA filings.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued an expanded consumer advisory cautioning consumers and distributors to check Hershey chocolate products for possible recalled codes related to the 2006 salmonella recall. Chocolate-coated almonds were added to the recall. Consumers were advised to check date codes and discard or return affected product.
Hershey Canada voluntarily recalled more than 25 chocolate products due to possible salmonella contamination at its Smiths Falls, Ontario, plant. Contamination was traced to soy lecithin from an outside supplier. Affected products included Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Oh Henry! bars, chocolate chips, and others (date codes 6417–6455). No illnesses were reported.
Hershey acquired Dagoba Organic Chocolate, an organic and premium chocolate brand. Dagoba was later divested along with Scharffen Berger in 2020 as Hershey refocused on core confectionery and salty snacks.
Canadian authorities and Hershey Canada issued a health hazard alert and voluntary recall of Hershey chocolate products due to salmonella concerns at the Smiths Falls facility. The Globe and Mail and other outlets reported the recall; products were pulled from shelves. The plant closed during the investigation.
Hershey acquired artisan chocolate maker Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker and Joseph Schmidt Confections on August 15, 2005. The deals expanded Hershey's premium and artisan chocolate offerings. Scharffen Berger was later divested in 2020.
Hershey's U.S. and international manufacturing sites operated under environmental permits for air, water, and waste. The company reported on energy and water use and waste reduction in internal and voluntary reporting. Cocoa sourcing sustainability would become a major focus in the following decade.
Hershey cut about 5% of its salaried workforce as part of cost-saving measures under CEO Richard Lenny. The move preceded the larger 2007 restructuring that would eliminate 1,500 jobs and shift production to Mexico.
Hershey faced employment and commercial litigation in various jurisdictions. In the following years, the company would be named in chocolate price-fixing suits and cocoa supply chain litigation.
FDA and Canadian authorities maintained food recall and safety systems. The following year, Hershey Canada would issue a major salmonella-related recall. No major Hershey recall was reported in 2005.
Hershey continued to focus on core confectionery in North America and selective international markets. In the following years the company would acquire Scharffen Berger, Joseph Schmidt, Dagoba, and build a broader premium and international M&A strategy.
Hershey maintained environmental compliance at its Hershey, Pa., and other manufacturing facilities under Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act permits. The company sourced cocoa from West Africa and elsewhere; deforestation and sustainable cocoa would later become central to its sustainability strategy.
Hershey reported legal proceedings and regulatory matters in annual and periodic SEC filings. The company would later be named in chocolate antitrust suits relating to conduct in the early 2000s.
Roughly 2,700–2,800 BCTGM Local 464 members struck Hershey Foods for 44 days—the longest work stoppage in company history. The strike began in April; the main issue was management's push to raise health insurance cost-sharing from 6% to 10%. Workers voted about 9-to-1 to ratify a four-year deal that kept premiums at 6%, added a $525 signing bonus, and included wage increases.
The Hershey Company disclosed routine legal and regulatory matters in SEC filings. Chocolate confectionery antitrust litigation filed in 2008 would later allege price-fixing conduct during this period.
Hershey operated its chocolate and confectionery plants in Pennsylvania and elsewhere with a unionized workforce represented by the BCTGM and other unions. Contract negotiations focused on wages, benefits, and job security. The 2002 strike would later underscore tensions over healthcare cost-sharing.
The Hershey Company disclosed legal proceedings and regulatory matters in SEC filings and annual reports. The company would later become a defendant in antitrust, employment, and cocoa supply chain litigation.
FDA and Health Canada maintained food recall and allergen alert programs. Chocolate and confectionery manufacturers, including Hershey, are subject to agency oversight. No major Hershey recall was reported in 2000.
The Hershey Company operated as a leading U.S. chocolate and confectionery manufacturer. In the 2000s it would begin acquiring premium and artisan chocolate brands and later expand into salty snacks and better-for-you categories through significant M&A.
The Hershey Company operated chocolate and confectionery manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, subject to federal and state environmental regulations. Environmental and sustainability reporting would expand in the 2000s and 2010s with a focus on cocoa sourcing, deforestation, and climate.