Hershey's Kisses reach $100M in sales in China

Headnote

Candy becomes first Hershey Co. brand to hit $100M in annual sales outside of North America; achievement reflects company's international growth strategy.

Hershey's Kisses chocolates have surpassed $100 million in annual sales in China, making it the first Hershey Co. brand to reach this milestone in a country outside of the United States.

Moreover, Hershey's Kisses chocolates is the company's fastest growing brand globally, with more than 40 percent of sales now coming from outside the United States.

"Kisses chocolates have become an iconic product for Chinese consumers. What started as 'little Hershey's Kisses with a big chocolate taste' has evolved into a favorite product to share and for gifts for the most important occasions, such as weddings and special holidays," says Max Rangel, senior v.p. of the Chocolate Strategic Business Unit at Hershey.

Consumers seem to connect with the brand on an emotional level.

"Even with strong growth in recent years, hundreds of millions of Chinese consumers...