Hershey’s portfolio of brands entered the 2023 Easter and spring season with a strong tailwind of momentum—thanks to a successful 2022 full-year net sales and earnings report.
In early February, the Hershey, Pennsylvania-based confectioner, delivered what it calls “one of its strongest years in history despite record inflation, continued supply chain disruptions and macroeconomic uncertainty for many consumers,” said Michele Buck, chairman and CEO at The Hershey Co.
For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, “tremendous hard work, perseverance and agility from every one of our employees and partners,” led to a net sales increase of 9.7% in the fourth quarter of 2022 (versus the same period 2021) for the brand's North America Confectionery segment, according to Buck.
Hershey’s U.S. candy, mint and gum (CMG) retail takeaway for the 12-week period ending January 1, 2023 in the multi-outlet combined plus convenience store channels (MULO+C), increased 10.7%.
“We expect to deliver another year of strong sales and earnings growth in 2023 as we invest in our amazing portfolio of brands, additional capacity and capabilities,” said Buck, who expects net sales growth of 6% to 8%—driven by net price realization as consumer demand remains steady behind higher advertising levels and increased capacity.
On the Easter 2023 new-product front, “we’ve brought back seasonal favorites such as Cadbury Royal Dark Chocolate Mini Eggs and Reese’s Peanut Butter Bunnies and introduced familiar delights like snack-sized Almond Joy in brand new festive packaging to assist in filling homes with sweetness this Easter,” said Stephen Tiemeyer, senior associate brand manager at The Hershey Co.
Click ahead for a glimpse of six Hershey’s Easter-inspired debuts this season ...
