The Chicago-based confectioner reported a nominal increase in sales for the quarter – ending October 22, just before Halloween – and a slightly higher boost for the 2019 aggregate.
Reese’s and Cookie Layer Crunch will be major investment focuses when Hershey’s next CEO Michele Buck takes office in March, 2017, according to the company’s Q4 earnings conference call.
Hershey has posted a 2% rise in third quarter sales, driven by innovations in North America, such as Reese’s Pieces Cups, Big Kat and birthday-themed Kisses.
Hershey has posted a 5.6% net sales decline in its first quarter (Q1), but one analyst believes its acquisition of chocolate business barkTHINS offers hope in a troubled US confectionery market.
Hershey has lowered its full year guidance after a slowdown in Brazil and Mexico and a gross profit margin decline due to higher dairy and cocoa costs.
The Hershey Company has announced improved sales and gross profit in its fourth quarter (Q4) and end of year results as sales in emerging markets soared.
US confectionery manufacturer Hershey claims its growth levels are on pace to achieve $1bn international net sales - outside of North America – by 2015.