
Image Source: The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company recently announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire LesserEvil, maker of organic, delectable snacks that combine bold flavors with better-for-you ingredients. The addition of LesserEvil will further expand Hershey’s snacking portfolio across its long-established confection brands like Hershey’s, Reese’s, and Jolly Ranchers and emerging salty snack brands including SkinnyPop, Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels and Pirate’s Booty.
“Investing in LesserEvil brings a multi-category, better-for-you snacks platform to extend our offerings into new categories and forms, reaching new consumers in more eating occasions,” said Michele Buck, The Hershey Company President and Chief Executive Officer, in a recent press release. “This high-growth brand not only complements our beloved confection and salty snack brands but also brings additional manufacturing capabilities and capacity to meet growing consumer and retailer needs.”
LesserEvil is growing as a cross-category snack brand for those who desire interesting and bold flavors with organic ingredients. Its leadership team will continue with the company to lead its innovative commercial model, speed-to-market capabilities and manufacturing operations. Working together, the team aims to deliver category-leading growth and elevated category insights to offer the right products, in the right places and at the right time for consumers.
“LesserEvil has always been built on a foundation of clear purpose, constant innovation, and a deep commitment to our people—fostering a vibrant culture rooted in mindfulness and better-for-you snacking using organic ingredients,” remarked Charles Coristine, Chief Executive Officer, LesserEvil. “Joining a company that shares our passion for responsible business, giving to a cause greater than oneself, and long-term vision makes this an incredible opportunity for our brand and our team. Hershey’s century-long legacy of excellence creates not just strategic alignment but a true cultural home where we can continue to grow and make an impact.”
The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval with anticipated closing later this year.
About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is an industry-leading snacks company with a purpose to make more moments of goodness through its iconic brands. With more than 20,000 remarkable employees worldwide, Hershey delivers delicious, high-quality products across approximately 70 countries, generating over $11.2 billion in annual revenues. The company’s portfolio includes beloved chocolate and confectionery brands such as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Kisses, Kit Kat®, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers, Shaq-a-licious alongside popular salty snacks including SkinnyPop and Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels. For more than 130 years, Hershey has been committed to operating responsibly and supporting its people and communities. The candy and snack maker’s founder, Milton Hershey, created Milton Hershey School in 1909, and since then, the company has focused on helping children succeed through access to education. To learn more, visit thehersheycompany.com.