Hershey releases major Pokémon series ahead of Sweets & Snacks Expo

In celebration of the global Pokémon animation and game phenomenon’s 30th anniversary, Hershey has responded with a special limited edition confectionery release, reports Neill Barston.

Fans of the Japanese-created screen show can now collect a highly-prized 151 Poké Ball foil designs featuring the company’s popular Kisses brand in addition to 10 new foils, which have taken inspiration from the television series’ favourite terrible trio, Team Rocket.

For its part, Hershey is anticipated to showcase its latest Pokémon line among a series of fresh product innovation at this year’s Sweets and Snacks Expo being staged in Las Vegas between 19-21 May. (See our exclusive video preview for the event with the National Confectioners Association below).

As Confectionery Production has previously covered, major merchandising tie-ins such as this, alongside products linked to the Marvel Universe and other key film and TV franchises have become an increasingly popular sight within the confectionery landscape, and are now a key focal point for companies including Hershey in the US and around the globe.

Carly Andrews, Associate Brand Manager at The Hershey Company, expressed optimism on its latest launch.

She said: “Pokémon brings people together in ways few brands can — and that same joy of discovery lives in Hershey’s chocolate.

“With 151 Poké Ball foils and the addition of Team Rocket foils, this year’s collection delivers our most fun, collectible Pokémon release yet.”

As the company explained, fans can follow linked developments for this latest release, which includes the challenge of collecting all 151 Hershey’s Kisses chocolates before Team Rocket does.

Notably, Team Rocket temporarily took over Hershey’s Instagram, posting in-character content about their ongoing hijinks and attempts to steal Hershey’s Kisses chocolates.

In addition, on May 12, Pokémon fans and families can scan the QR code on each pack to visit a digital collection hub — a place to track finds, follow the story and enter for a chance to win exclusive prizes.

Available in 9-oz share packs and 28-oz party bags at participating retailers nationwide, each of the Hershey’s Kisses chocolates collected becomes part of the fun, turning everyday chocolate moments into a shared experience rooted in fandom, play and discovery.

Pokémon Hershey’s Kisses are available in 9-oz share packs and 28-oz party bags at participating retailers while supplies last.

Quarterly results 
The company’s latest release follows swiftly on the heels of its first quarterly results for 2026 which emerged at the end of April. 

These found the firm reporting net sales of $3.1billion for the period, up an encouraging 10.6% after a period of notable challenges within the sector including key cocoa price volatility, as well as US tariffs and wider geopolitical conditions resulting in uncertainty across market sectors.

In addition, its reported net income for the quarter was $435 million, representing an increase of 93 percent, as it looked to rebound in light of broader trading environments.

The company reported a 2% volume decline, which it attributed to conditions in North America and global territories, with costs for administration,  marketing and selling also increasing by 3% in the latest quarter. 

As our title previously reported, the company has recently committed to reformulating a small percentage of its portfolio that had explored cocoa alternatives, moving to reassure consumers that it remained focused on delivering milk and dark chocolate ranges that were fully aligned with its original formulations.