7 Things You Didn't Know About Hershey's (2024)

7 Things You Didn't Know About Hershey's (1)

7 Things You Didn't Know About Hershey's (2)

Hershey’s chocolates have always been a big hit in the United States. In fact, it is one of the biggest chocolate manufacturers in the world, working with over 60 countries!

With over 13,000 employees, Hershey’s manufactures food products that are eaten by just about every person in America.

Some of their most well-known products include Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Almond Joy, and Twizzlers – just to name a few.

But besides being one of the biggest names drops you can make, there are some surprising facts about Hershey.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Hershey

  1. Milton Hershey, founder of Hershey’s, launched two confectionary businesses – both of which were unsuccessful – before he had his first business success. He sold his first business for $1 million in 1900, the equivalent of about $28 million today!What was his success? Making caramels! He sold Lancaster Caramel Company just 14 years after its launch because he felt that caramel was just a fad, but that chocolate was forever.
  2. Milton and his wife were supposed to be on the Titanic. Fortunately for them – and for all of those dedicated Hershey’s fans out there – pressing business matters came up last minute that forced them to cancel their first-class cabin trip on what turned out to be one of the most famous ill-fated voyages in history.
  3. The Hershey’s process is still kept a trade secret. Even after Milton’s death, his method for keeping milk from spoiling before it is incorporated into the chocolate is still a heavily guarded trade secret. While experts have a general idea of what goes on in the Hershey Process, nobody knows the exact details.
  4. Milton created a Utopia for his initial employees, including a stadium, park, hotel, hospital and museum. Hersheypark is a famous creation left behind by Milton Hershey. His legendary park was created for his company’s employees for them to enjoy during their leisure time.
  5. One of the M’s in M&Ms stands for Bruce Murrie, the son of Hershey’s president – William Murrie. Hershey had full control over rationed chocolate during World War II, which meant that when Forrest Mars set out to create M&Ms, he needed to partner with someone from Hershey. In exchange for chocolate, Hershey would receive 20 percent stake in M&M Limited (which was named after Mars & Murrie). Mars eventually bought out Murrie’s interest, but by then the name had already stuck.
  6. Hershey’s Kisses and M&Ms fight for the top spot as America’s top-selling candy. To meet with the demand, over 80 million Hershey’s kisses are produced daily! Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups hold their own in the number three position.
  7. Starting in 2008, Hershey’s opened up a submission form where you can submit new ideas to be considered and used by The Hershey Company – including both confectionary creations and technology advances to meet consumer needs. You can submit your ideas here.
7 Things You Didn't Know About Hershey's (3)
7 Things You Didn't Know About Hershey's (2024)

FAQs

7 Things You Didn't Know About Hershey's? ›

With two failed businesses behind him, he was an unlikely candidate for success. Yet Mr. Hershey, a man with steadfast convictions and an insatiable curiosity, turned his story from rags to riches by persevering, eventually selling his caramel company for $1 million to devote all his energies to making chocolate.

What are some fun facts about Hersheypark? ›

Check out 30 secrets and fun facts you may not know.
  • Hersheypark was originally a picnic area. ...
  • The first roller coaster launched in 1923. ...
  • The train cars have names. ...
  • Hersheypark leads in annual attendance. ...
  • Hundreds of gallons of ice cream were used in 2016. ...
  • A "Hamilton" star was a costume character at Hersheypark.
Apr 6, 2019

How many times did Hershey fail? ›

With two failed businesses behind him, he was an unlikely candidate for success. Yet Mr. Hershey, a man with steadfast convictions and an insatiable curiosity, turned his story from rags to riches by persevering, eventually selling his caramel company for $1 million to devote all his energies to making chocolate.

What were Hershey Kisses originally called? ›

Before then, the word “kiss” had been a common confectionery term used for a variety of candies. 1931 – While the shape of a Hershey's Kiss has not changed since its birth, three different milk chocolate formulations were offered until this date: Sweethearts (1907-18), Silver Tops (1909-31) and Silverpoints (1918-29).

How many kisses does Hershey make a day? ›

We are not exactly sure how many KISSES Chocolates are eaten each year, but we make 70 million of them each day!

What is unique about Hershey? ›

Hershey's has a delicious, unique taste because of the farm fresh milk that is used! HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate is one of the only milk chocolate brands in the world that still uses fresh milk in its production, giving it a distinctive taste.

Did you know facts about Hershey? ›

1. Milton Hershey, who founded the Hershey Chocolate Company, was a Pennsylvania Dutch Mennonite who quit school at 13 years of age. He began an apprenticeship at age 15 with a master confectioner in nearby Lancaster, PA. Four years later, Hershey borrowed $150 from his aunt to start his own candy shop in Philadelphia.

How old was Hershey when he died? ›

The Milton S. Hershey Testamentary Trust makes an annual contribution to the Derry Township School District, the local public school district. Since his death in 1945 at age 88, Milton Hershey's legacy has thrived with a constantly changing world.

Why did Hershey drop out of school? ›

As soon as he started his schooling at seven years old, Hershey appeared headed for a rough education. He changed schools often, attending seven different ones as his family moved throughout the region. The lack of constancy led him to finally drop out at 14 and pursue an apprenticeship instead.

What was Hershey's first candy? ›

In 1894, when he formally incorporated the Lancaster Caramel Company, he established the Hershey Chocolate Company as a subsidiary. Prior to Hershey's Milk Chocolate bars, the company produced “vanilla sweet chocolate” as a confectionery item.

What is the oldest candy bar? ›

Fry & Sons and currently manufactured by Cadbury. Launched in 1866—nineteen years after Fry's created the first moulded, solid chocolate eating bar (in 1847)— Fry's Chocolate Cream is the first mass-produced chocolate bar and is the world's oldest chocolate bar brand.

Did Hershey invent the kiss? ›

As one of the Hershey Company's first products, the classic bite-sized candies have had a long evolution from simple chocolate to Valentine's Day titan — and, it turns out, chocolate isn't the only ingredient in its rise to fame. The Kiss was introduced in 1907.

Why is Hershey's called Hershey's? ›

For many Americans, the name "Hershey" means chocolate. The man who started it all, Milton S. Hershey, was a great humanitarian and philanthropist. In 1905, Milton Hershey built his famous chocolate company in the town known today as Hershey.

What does M&M stand for? ›

M&M stands for Mars and Murrie - named after Forrest E. Mars Sr. – the founder of Mars – and Bruce Murrie, the son of Hershey Chocolate's president William F. R. Murrie. The story behind how M&Ms came to be, begins after Mars had a fall-out with his father and travelled to Europe.

When did Hershey stop using foil? ›

In 2003, to enhance product freshness, Hershey discontinued its traditional foil innerwrap and paper wrapper and began wrapping its milk chocolate bars with a single fin-seal film wrapper. Additionally, Hershey Foods Corporation officially changes its name to The Hershey Company in 2005.

Why do Hershey Kisses have flags? ›

According to Hersheyland, the logo-bearing flag, known professionally as the "plume," was implemented into the packaging of Hershey's Kisses in 1921 to help the sweet stand out from its competitors.

What is the funnest ride at Hersheypark? ›

Candymonium® is the tallest, fastest, longest, and sweetest coaster in Hersheypark. From the distinctive Hershey's candy theme to the memorable thrills around every turn, we've masterfully assembled the finest ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind Bolliger & Mabillard hyper coaster.

Why is Hersheypark so fun? ›

Hersheypark is a sweet summertime destination. Enjoy 121 acres of outdoor attractions surrounded by shady trees, ample green spaces, and fresh Pennsylvania air. Guests of all ages can enjoy thrilling coasters, classic family rides, water park fun, and sweet memories in a beautiful environment.

What is Hershey best known for? ›

For many Americans, the name "Hershey" means chocolate. The man who started it all, Milton S. Hershey, was a great humanitarian and philanthropist. In 1905, Milton Hershey built his famous chocolate company in the town known today as Hershey.

What is the oldest roller coaster at Hersheypark? ›

The Wild Cat purchased by founder Milton S. Hershey was the very first coaster at Hersheypark® in 1923. Exactly 100 years later, Wildcat's Revenge reclaims the name and adds an all-new steel track with unique elements to the wooden framework for a one-of-a-kind thrilling ride experience found only at Hersheypark.

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