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Hershey

Hershey refers most commonly to The Hershey Company, an American food manufacturer best known for chocolate and sugar-based confectionery.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hershey refers most commonly to The Hershey Company, an American food manufacturer best known for chocolate and sugar-based confectionery. Founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1894, the company is headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and has expanded from chocolate bars into a broader snacking portfolio.

History

Hershey was founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1894 as the Hershey Chocolate Company. The company later became associated with the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, which developed around its operations.

Products

The company is best known for chocolate and sugar-based confections, including Hershey’s Milk Chocolate. Over time, it expanded into a broader portfolio of snack brands and products.

Corporate profile

The Hershey Company is an American manufacturer in the food products sector. It remains headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and is widely recognized as a major confectionery brand in the United States.

Cultural significance

Hershey is closely tied to American candy history and to the development of Hershey, Pennsylvania. Milton S. Hershey is also remembered for his philanthropic role in the community associated with the company.

Key facts

  • The company began in 1894 as the Hershey Chocolate Company.
  • Milton S. Hershey founded the business after earlier work in caramel production.
  • Hershey’s headquarters are in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
  • The company is primarily known for chocolate products, especially Hershey’s Milk Chocolate.
  • Its product portfolio has expanded beyond chocolate bars into a wider snacking business.
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Canadian context

Hershey products are widely recognized in Canada as part of North American confectionery culture, and the company is relevant to Canadian consumers through cross-border brand availability and competition in the chocolate and snack market.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hershey?
Hershey usually refers to The Hershey Company, an American manufacturer of chocolate and other confectionery products.
Who founded Hershey?
Milton S. Hershey founded the company in 1894.
Where is Hershey headquartered?
The company is headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States.
What was Hershey’s original name?
It began as the Hershey Chocolate Company.
What is Hershey best known for?
It is best known for Hershey’s chocolate products, especially Hershey’s Milk Chocolate.
Has Hershey expanded beyond chocolate?
Yes. The company’s portfolio has expanded beyond its classic chocolate bar business into a broader snack lineup.

References

  1. The Hershey Company — https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/home/about-us/the-company/history.html
    Supports: Founded in 1894; company history; expansion beyond the original chocolate bar business.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/money/Hershey-Chocolate-Corporation
    Supports: Company description, headquarters in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and status as an American manufacturer of chocolate and sugar-based confections.
  3. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/business-and-management/hershey-company
    Supports: Founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1894 and development into a broader snack company.
  4. Hershey, PA tourism/history page — https://www.hersheypa.com/about-hershey/history/
    Supports: Connection between Milton S. Hershey, the company, and the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania.
  5. The Hershey Company — https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/home/newsroom/blog/celebrating-125-years-of-hersheyand-countless-moments-of-goodness.html
    Supports: Company purpose and milestone anniversary context.