Hershey set for $90 million investment extending Mexican production facilities
The Hershey stand at this year's Sweets & Snacks Expo. Pic: Neill Barston
US confectionery giant Hershey is set for a major Mexican production project in the region of $90 million delivering two new production lines in the border state of Nuevo Leon, writes Neill Barston.
According to local reports delivered in the region, the expansion is due to significantly increase output at the site by a total of around 25%.
Furthermore, the move is said to be creating up to 300 new roles within Mexico, adding to an existing sum of 2,500 already employed by the plant, which produces a broad portfolio of Hershey’s chocolate ranges.
For a launch event on the expansion plans, Nuevo Leon Governor Samuel Garcia enthused that the investment would ensure that the business would retain its place as one of the largest manufacturers operating within the region’s confectionery segment.
Spooky survey
In other company news, a poll commissioned for the company last month among over 2,000 adults 18 found that 60% of Americans agree that it is socially acceptable to start celebrating Halloween before October.
In response, the business said that a number of its key lines are expecting notable demand, with the season seeing a spike in demand for its KIT KAT snack size treats, which have continued to be offered a an ever-growing array of flavours.
As part of the recent survey, three-quarters of Americans (75%) agree that they start decorating the outside of their home for Halloween as early as they want to.
“We know spotting that first bag of Halloween candy, whether it’s Hershey’s, Reese’s or KIT KAT®, is a seasonal thrill for our fellow Halloween superfans,” said Alyssa Smith, Senior Manager, Halloween at The Hershey Company.
“Finding out that a majority of people want to begin their Halloween celebrations before October was not surprising for us, but it ignited a spark for us to get the party started early.”
This year, Hershey is delivering on the Halloween excitement early by giving select lucky fans the opportunity to receive a Halloween starter kit, complete with all the wicked supplies to celebrate the season. The starter kits will go to the first participants who enter the giveaway, with the starter kits containing some of the fan-favorite Halloween candy from Hershey, décor, crafts and more.
For a chance to win, starting on September 15 at 12 p.m. ET, visit @Hersheys on Instagram and Twitter and respond to the dedicated giveaway posts using #HersheyHalloweenKit and #Giveaway.