Hershey backs improved US international relations ahead of global push

Hershey has spent $777,000 on lobbying so far this year, according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics. See HERE.​

Foreign Market access​

It has put some of this money towards improving foreign market access.

Jeff Beckman, head of corporate communications at Hershey told ConfectioneryNews.com: “Hershey provides various perspectives from time to time to legislators on a number of topics that are relevant to our business. For example, foreign market access is relevant as we focus on growing our business globally.”​

Hershey plans to open another factory in Asia, with China the likeliest location. It also recently formed its own Indian subsidiary after ending a joint venture with domestic firm Godrej.

Mexico and Brazil have also been identified as core growth engines for Hershey outside the US and Canada.

Free Market Sugar​

Hershey’s most frequently lobbied bill this year has been the Free Market Sugar Act​, which seeks to repeal the sugar price support program and marketing allotments for sugar.

Beckman said: “The Hershey Company has joined with the broader food and confection industries through our major trade associations – Grocery Manufacturers Association , National Confectioners Association , and the Sweetener Users Association  – to seek reforms on the U.S. sugar price support program that dates back to the U.S. Depression in the 1930s.”​

The Free Market Sugar bill is currently at Committee stage after being introduced on April last year.

Food Advertising & Marketing​

Hershey has also employed politicking tactics over obesity concerns that are impacting food advertising and marketing rules.

Asked about the changes Hershey was hoping for, Beckman said: “We have long been part of industry efforts around focusing on wellness issues.  We are a member the Children’s Advertising Review Unit of the Better Business Bureau and the Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative, which includes our commitment to not advertise to children under 12.”​

One of the two lobbyists used by Hershey this year has previously held a government job. Hershey lobbyist Eileen Harley is ex-professional staff at the House Rules Committee.