Hershey’s Global Expansion: How It Became a Chocolate Giant

The Hershey's name is synonymous with chocolate worldwide. From the simple milk chocolate bars that made the company famous to an expansive portfolio of confections enjoyed across the globe, Hershey’s has grown from a small-town chocolate factory into an industry giant. But how did this happen? What made Hershey’s stand out in a highly competitive market? And most importantly, what lessons can retailers and businesses learn from its growth?

For candy retailers in Canada looking to maximize profits, Hershey’s success story serves as both inspiration and insight. As one of the largest wholesale candy suppliers in Canada, Candyville provides access to premium brands like Hershey’s, ensuring that retailers can stock up on the best wholesale candy Canada has to offer.

Let’s take a look at the inspirational story of Hershey’s and how it built a chocolatey empire.

The Early Days

It all started with Milton S. Hershey, a man with a vision. Born in 1857 in rural Pennsylvania, Hershey had little formal education and failed in multiple business ventures before finally achieving success. His first breakthrough came in the caramel industry, but he saw a bigger opportunity—chocolate.

Hershey attended the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where he discovered German chocolate-making equipment. Amazed by the process, he purchased the machinery and began experimenting with milk chocolate, something that had been difficult to produce on a large scale. While Swiss chocolatiers had already perfected the craft, Hershey was determined to make milk chocolate accessible to the average American consumer.

In 1900, Hershey’s released its first mass-produced milk chocolate bar, setting the foundation for what would become a chocolate empire.

Hershey Built A Town on Chocolate

Unlike many industrialists of his time, Milton Hershey wasn’t just building a business—he was building a community. In 1903, he broke ground on what would become Hershey, Pennsylvania, a town entirely centred around his chocolate factory.

The Hershey factory was a marvel of its time, using innovative production techniques to churn out chocolate at an unprecedented scale. But what truly set Hershey apart was his commitment to his workers. He built homes, schools, and public spaces for employees, creating a thriving community. This approach ensured a loyal workforce and a company culture that valued long-term growth.

Today, Hershey’s legacy lives on, not just in the products but in the town itself. Hershey, Pennsylvania, remains a hub for chocolate lovers and tourists, home to Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hersheypark.

Hershey’s Global Takeover Beyond the U.S

As Hershey’s dominated the American market, the company set its sights on international expansion. The first step was entering Canada, a neighbouring market with a growing appetite for chocolate. By the mid-20th century, Hershey’s had established a strong presence in the country, working with local candy distributors in Canada trusted to supply retailers with their best-selling products.

Hershey’s global strategy revolved around several key principles:

1. Localization of Products – While the Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar remained a staple, the company made its offerings to suit different tastes worldwide. For example, in Japan, Hershey’s introduced green tea-flavoured chocolates, while in India, it focused on creamier, sweeter varieties.

2. Strategic Partnerships – Instead of always building factories from scratch, Hershey’s collaborated with local manufacturers and wholesale candy suppliers Canada, Europe, and Asia had already established.

3. Aggressive Marketing – Hershey’s capitalized on global holidays and celebrations so that its products were tied to festivities like Easter, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day.

Retailers working with Candyville can take similar approaches—leveraging well-known brands, adjusting inventory based on local demand, and capitalizing on seasonal sales opportunities.

The Hershey’s Journey to Market Dominance

One of the most remarkable aspects of Hershey’s rise is its ability to balance mass production with brand loyalty. It wasn’t just about selling chocolate—it was about creating a lasting relationship with consumers.

During World War II, Hershey’s was asked to create a chocolate bar that could withstand high temperatures and provide essential calories to soldiers in the field. So, they introduced the Hershey’s D Ration bar, a high-energy chocolate designed for military use. This not only strengthened Hershey’s patriotic reputation but also exposed millions of soldiers to its chocolate so that they remained customers even after the war ended.

Another key moment came in the 1970s when Hershey’s made a calculated move into snack foods, acquiring brands like Reese’s. The Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup quickly became one of the best-selling chocolates in North America, thanks to its perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate.

By the 1990s, Hershey’s had become more than just a chocolate company—it was a household name. From commercial hits to the iconic Hershey’s Kisses that became a symbol of love and celebration, the brand made its mark in everyday life.

Today, Hershey’s dominates store shelves across Canada, thanks to candy distributors in Canada rely on to keep up with demand. Retailers working with wholesale candy suppliers in Canada such as Candyville, can benefit from Hershey’s well-established reputation.

The Role of Wholesale Candy in Hershey’s Success

One major driver of Hershey’s growth has been its ability to work with large-scale candy distributors. Wholesale chocolate suppliers in Canada and the U.S. played a huge role in getting Hershey’s products into stores, supermarkets, and convenience shops across the world.

For businesses looking to stock Hershey’s products, working with reliable wholesale candy Canada suppliers is crucial. Buying in bulk allows retailers to maximize profits by lowering per-unit costs while ensuring they always have the most popular chocolates in stock.

Candyville provides businesses with easy access to Hershey’s products at competitive wholesale rates. Whether it’s classic Hershey’s bars, Reese’s, or other favourites, Candyville ensures that retailers can offer their customers the best selection.

What Should Retailers Learn from Hershey’s

Hershey’s journey from a small-town chocolate maker to a global brand carries valuable lessons for retailers:

1. Brand Loyalty Matters – Customers return to brands they trust. Stocking recognizable names like Hershey’s means repeat business.

2. Leverage Seasonal Trends – Hershey’s capitalized on holidays like Easter and Halloween to drive sales. Retailers can do the same by planning inventory around seasonal demand.

3. Work with Reliable Distributors – Just as Hershey’s worked with major distributors, retailers should partner with wholesale candy suppliers in Canada to ensure consistent supply and competitive pricing.
   

Hershey’s global expansion is a testament to the power of quality, branding, and strategic growth. As a retailer, you can tap into this success by stocking Hershey’s products from reliable candy distributors Canada depends on.

Candyville offers a wide selection of Hershey’s chocolates at wholesale prices so that your business remains competitive in the market. Whether you’re looking to stock up for seasonal rushes or simply offer year-round favourites, Candyville has you covered.

By learning from Hershey’s success and working with the right suppliers, retailers can maximize their profits and build a thriving candy business. After all, great chocolate sells itself—especially when it carries the Hershey’s name.