Company Profile For The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company is a manufacturer of chocolate and sugar confectionery products. The Company’s principal product groups include chocolate and confectionery products; food and beverage enhancers, such as baking ingredients, toppings and beverages, and gum and mint refreshment products. The Company manufactures, markets, sells and distributes various package types of chocolate and confectionery products, food and beverage enhancers, and gum and mint refreshment products under more than 80 brand names. The Company’s five operating segments comprise geographic regions, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and other international locations, such as India, the Philippines, Korea, Japan, and China. The Company’s customer, McLane Company, Inc., accounted for approximately 26% of its total net sales during the year ended December 31, 2008. In March 2009, Barry Callebaut AG sold 100% of its consumer company in Asia, Van Houten Singapore, to the Company.

BRIEF: For the nine months ended 4 October 2009, The Hershey Company's revenues increased 4% to $3.89B. Net income increased 35% to $309.2M. Revenues reflect an increase in sales due higher international businesses. Net income also reflects an increase in operating margins and lower interest expenses net. The Hershey Company engages in manufacturing, marketing, selling, and distributing various food and refreshment products.