Hersheys Chocolate
The Chocolate Connoisseur July 31st, 2007
The Hershey chocolate company as known today was founded in 1894. The founder was Milton Hershey, an already known candy manufacturer. Mr. Hershey started his business making caramel candies and then decided to coat the caramels with chocolate. In approximately 1900, the idea and inspiration for creating other chocolate treats was born and the company was located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. As the business grew, Mr. Hershey moved his business to a large facility located in southern Pennsylvania, which is now known today as Hershey, Pennsylvania.
One of the best-known products from the Hershey line of chocolates is the Hershey Kisses. The recognizable foil-wrapped Kiss became a trademark product in 1924. Other products were introduced throughout the years. In 1925 Mr. Goodbar was created; in 1926 Hershey’s chocolate syrup was produced; the idea of chocolate chips for baking was bought to the consumer’s attention in 1928; followed in 1938 by the introduction of the Krackel bar. The Hershey Company provided chocolate to another company then known as the H.B. Reese Company. This company made peanut butter cups, which were coated with chocolate. At that time they were called Penny Cups. The Reese Peanut Butter Cup has been enjoyed for more than 75 years and after the death of Mr. Reese in 1956 Mr. Hershey purchased the company. From 1968 onwards, The Hershey Company has acquired many other companies including Delmonico Foods, Roundtree Mackintosh, Y and S Company, responsible for providing Twizzler’s licorice, and Ronzoni’s Foods, to name but a few.
At the time of his death in 1945, Milton Hershey’s company and the town that bears his name were very busy and viable and have continued to flourish. The town that was named after Mr. Hershey offers many activities that attract an endless supply of tourists. There are year-round attractions including a theme park complete with thrill seeking rides, a zoo, a spa and, of course, the chocolate factory. Hershey’s chocolate factory provides a hands-on approach to learn the background of making chocolate.
Besides the well-known Hershey’s chocolate store in Pennsylvania, there are other stores located throughout the Untied States. Times Square in New York provides a chocolate experience in the heart of the city. Chicago and Oakdale California also offer Hershey’s chocolate stores. There is also a store in Ontario, Canada.
New products are constantly being introduced by the company but the old favorites seem to top the sales as preferred choices. Hershey’s Chocolates today is a huge empire of chocolate production. Hershey’s Chocolate is enjoyed all over the world. There are approximately 90 countries that import the products, which over 13,500 employees help produce. With a net worth of an estimated 4 million dollars, Hershey’s Chocolate Company is one business that has had continued success.
