The Natural Products Expo West Show is upon us, and The Hershey Company is set to blow attendees away in Anaheim, California. Visitors will be greeted with Hershey’s broad portfolio of better-for-you (BFY) snack products, which includes the nationwide launch of Hershey’s Plant Based and the new addition of Reese’s Plant Based.
“We have a vision to become a Leading Snacking Powerhouse,” said Jeff Lilla, Vice President of Sales, Hershey Salty Snacks. “To achieve this goal, we are continually evolving our sweet and salty portfolio to offer consumers more choices for more occasions, and we hope to reach a broader audience as the demand for better-for-you products increases.”
According to research conducted by Hershey’s consumers insights team, 71 percent of its consumers say that living a healthy lifestyle is important, 70 percent of consumers are trying to reduce their sugar intake, and 62 percent (2021 IFIC report) are looking to add protein in their diet.
Hershey will be highlighting its salty snacks, protein, no-sugar-added, zero-sugar, and plant-based products at the Anaheim Convention Center. The company will also be announcing the nationwide launch of its new Plant Based line. The new Reese’s Plant Based is a “melt-in-your-mouth” experience made with dairy alternatives and are available this month, and Hershey’s Plant Based Extra Creamy with Almonds and Sea Salt is available in April.
Hershey notes its growth was driven by the acquisition of Lily’s, the Zero Sugar platform, and the Brookside and barkTHINS business. The company has steadily gained its share of BFY over the past six years—currently at a 19 percent share within the BFY candy, gum, and mint space. Hershey also stated it acquired Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels, boosting its hold in the space.
For consumers who are looking to reduce sugar, Hershey relaunched its sugar-free line in 2021 with new branding and pack types, tripling Zero Sugar sales. The company also launched ONE PLANT® bars, available in Banana Nut Bread, Churro, and Chocolate Cookie Dough.
Not one to sit on innovation, the company also launched Pirate’s Booty Crunch Attack! Great-White Cheddar earlier this year.
For more information about Hershey and its growing portfolio of better-for-you brands, check out the release here and stop by booth #4916 and the ONE™ Brands and FULFIL Bars at booth #5021 during Natural Products Expo West.
Keep an eye out for DMN for more updates in the industry.
