Hershey Expands Innovation Pipeline 50% as CEO Ties Longevity to Consumer Relevance

Hershey (NYSE: HSY) has expanded its innovation pipeline by more than 50% over the past year, CEO Kirk Tanner said, citing increased R&D investment and faster commercialization. The company reported that REESE'S OREO, launched 12 months ago, has generated over $188 million in retail sales. Tanner said the company consolidated confection and salty snacks under a single "ONE Hershey" sales model with a 1,200-person force covering more than 75,000 stores. North America salty snacks sales grew 23% this year, nearly four times the company's overall pace, he said. The company also launched its largest Hershey brand campaign in eight years and plans a theatrical release on founder Milton Hershey. Tanner framed the strategy around a central claim: legacy is a mandate, not a moat, and consumer relevance must be re-earned each generation.