The Hershey Company has announced a major update to its sustainability strategy, its first big change in several years. The move comes as the company adjusts to changing food trends, stricter regulations, and growing consumer awareness about environmental issues.
Known for brands like Reese’s, Hershey is now focusing not just on chocolates but also on its expanding snacks business. This includes products like Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels, SkinnyPop, and LesserEvil.
According to sustainability head Whitney Mayer, the new plan supports Hershey’s goal of becoming a leader in the future of snacking while staying environmentally responsible.
The updated strategy focuses on three main areas: responsible sourcing of ingredients, eco-friendly manufacturing, and improving products and packaging for consumers.
While cocoa remains important, Hershey is now also paying more attention to other ingredients like peanuts. The company is expanding efforts that began with its $40 million farmer support program launched in 2023, which has already helped over 20,000 cocoa farmers.
Hershey is also working with Texan By Nature to support water conservation for peanut farming. In addition, it plans to use sustainable farming practices across 2.5 million acres of land by 2035.
These changes come as governments introduce stricter environmental rules and consumers demand more transparency. Studies show many people now consider sustainability when buying food and expect companies to take responsibility.
Hershey has set clear environmental goals, including cutting its direct emissions by 50% by 2030 and switching fully to renewable or zero-emission electricity. It also plans to reduce packaging waste by 25 million pounds and make more of its packaging recyclable.
The company admits balancing sustainability with business costs is not easy, but says it is committed to making progress.