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The History of Hershey’s Chocolate

  • Milton S. Hershey is born

    Milton S. Hershey is born
    Milton S. Hershey is born. His love for confection began at a very young age and has flourished ever since.
  • Lancaster Caramel Company is established

    Lancaster Caramel Company is established
    Milton Hershey establishes the Lancaster Caramel Company and incorporated Hershey Chocolate Company as a subsidiary. He then began his experimentation in the world of chocolate.
  • Milton Hershey sells the Lancaster Caramel Company

    Milton Hershey sells the Lancaster Caramel Company to a competitor to focus on chocolate and the introduction of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate. He launches the transformation of chocolate into an affordable and accessible treat.
  • Milk Chocolate Bars

    Milk Chocolate Bars
    Through lots of trial and error, Milton launches “Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars”. He re-created the recipe for milk chocolate, which at this time was guarded by the Swiss, who used milk powder.
  • Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses

    Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses
    Hershey begins manufacturing Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses. It was a smaller chocolate alternative for people who did not want a whole Milk Chocolate Bar. Today, 70 million chocolate kisses are made daily.
  • Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almonds

    Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almonds
    Hershey’s introduces Milk Chocolate Bars with whole almonds inside. Every almond in each chocolate bar is precisely and individually selected for great quality.
  • The Milton Hershey School

    Milton and his wife, Catherine, sign a Deed of Trust with the Hershey Trust Company for the upkeep of a school for underprivileged children. This institution eventually became known as the Milton Hershey School.
  • Mr. GoodBar and Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup

    Hershey releases the Mr. Goodbar, a milk chocolate bar with peanuts inside. Hershey also releases Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup, which was the first, convenient form of bottled chocolate syrup.
  • NYSE

    Hershey is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
  • Krackel Bar

    Hershey’s launches the Krackel Bar, a chocolate bar with crisped rice inside.
  • Hershey’s Miniatures

    Hershey’s Miniatures
    Hershey introduces Hershey’s Miniatures, a packaged assortment of miniature versions of chocolate candy bars that include the Hershey's Chocolate Bar, Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bar, Krackel Chocolate Bar, and Mr. Goodbar.
  • The Great Works Project

    The Great Works Project
    The Great Works Project created many job opportunities during the Depression, building the most iconic landmarks of Hershey’s, including Hershey Park, Hershey Hotel, and the Hershey Theatre.
  • Reese’s

    Reese’s
    The classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup is introduced. Reese’s were actually invented by a former Hershey’s employee, Harry Burnett Reese. Hershey acquired the H.B. Reese Candy Company.
  • KitKat & Rolo

    KitKats and Rolos are introduced. KitKats were referred to as chocolate wafer bars, and Rolos were creamy caramels coated in delicious Hershey’s Milk Chocolate.
  • Hershey’s Chocolate World

    Hershey’s Chocolate World
    Hershey’s Chocolate World opens in Hershey Park, the first retail center for Hershey’s Milk Chocolate.
  • Hershey’s Cookie & Creme Bar

    Hershey’s Cookie & Creme Bar
    Hershey’s Cookies & Crème Bar is released, a combination of crunchy chocolate cookie bits and smooth white creme.