• April 5, 2007

The Hershey Company, North America's leading chocolate and confectionery manufacturer, yesterday announced an increase in the wholesale prices of its domestic confectionery line.

An increase of approximately 4-5% on the company's standard bar, king-size bar, six-pack and vending lines is effective immediately and represents a bout a third of Hershey's portfolio. The company said the increase would help offset production costs. "Our primary business objective is to win in the market place. As we implement this pricing action we will work with our customers to create programs which will drive retail takeaway," said Christopher J. Baldwin, SVP/President, North American Commercial Group, in a statement. "Given the mid-year timing of this pricing action and our commitment to planned consumer and customer promotions and merchandising events, we expect minimal financial impact from the pricing in 2007."