Hershey born soccer star Christian Pulisic celebrated with special edition World Cup bars

With this year’s FIFA World Cup just weeks away, Hershey is celebrating one of its home town heroes, Christian Pulisic, with a special limited edition chocolate bar and giveaway campaign, reports Neill Barston.

The US soccer ace, who plays for AC Milan, has been officially named in his country’s 26-man squad participating in next month’s huge global tournament that is set to descend on his home nation.

For its part, the confectionery major player, which last week delivered a key appearance at the Sweets & Snacks Expo in Las Vegas (see our show video review below), is honouring its local star, who was born and raised in Hershey Pennsylvania with a limited run of named chocolate bars.

As for Pulisic’s playing ability, he is widely regarded as one of the country’s most successful football players ever, with considerable expectations on his shoulders at this summer’s World Cup finals.

To celebrate his heritage, Hershey’s is launching limited-edition Pulisic’s Milk Chocolate Bars, featuring custom wrappers with his printed signature. As part of this, on Saturday,, June 6, fans can get their hands on this collector’s item while supplies last:

The first 5,000 guests at Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pa. at 9 a.m. will receive a free bar. The first 3,000 guests at Times Square in New York, N.Y., at 10 a.m. will also receive one.

“At Hershey’s, we know your ‘happy place’ is about the people and places that stay with you, and Hershey is that for Christian. The town that raised him and never stopped cheering,” said Katrina Vatter, Hershey’s Senior Brand Manager. “Fans everywhere can share in that hometown pride this summer, whether they’re picking up a Pulisic’s Bar in person on June 6, as a sweet keepsake, or following along throughout the season.”

As part of its campaign, Hershey has delivered a key campaign video featuring a chocolatier explaining his momentous career and reflecting on Pulisic’s journey from local lad to hometown hero.

There will also be linked activities from the company including a multi-day pop-up activation in Philadelphia, Pa., from June 25-27, 2026, transporting the sights, scents and tastes of Hershey into the heart of the city.

Fans will enjoy family-friendly activities, interactive gameplay moments and exclusive giveaways, including custom-wrapped Pulisic Bars, celebrating its star player ahead of the greatest footballing arena on earth.

Commenting on his special edition bar, the football star noted: “No matter where soccer has taken me, my story started in Hershey,” said Christian Pulisic. “Growing up there shaped who I am and knowing that support is always behind me gives me a sense of comfort and confidence wherever I play. Being able to celebrate that connection with Hershey’s means a lot to me.”

Supply chain officer named
In other major company news, the business has just announced Mitchell Arends has been named Chief Supply Chain Officer, effective next month.

He will reportedly hold key management responsibilities, and succeeds Jason Reiman, who is retiring after a 30-year career with the company, but will will remain through April 2027 to ensure a thorough and structured leadership transition.

Arends brings more than 25 years of end-to-end supply chain leadership in consumer-packaged goods. He joins Hershey from UTZ Brands, where he served as Executive Vice President, Principal Operating Officer, and Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer, with full operational accountability for a $1.5 billion business spanning supply chain, R&D, transformation and direct store delivery (DSD) operations. Prior to UTZ, Arends served as Chief Supply Chain Officer of North America at Kraft Heinz, responsible for a $22 billion supply chain across manufacturing, logistics, planning, and procurement.

“Mitch is a proven transformational leader with the end-to-end mindset, track record, and people-first approach that will continue to drive Hershey’s supply chain forward,” said Kirk Tanner, President and CEO, The Hershey Company. “His experience across complex operations in the CPG industry makes him well-suited to build on the foundation Jason has established. At the same time, we are deeply grateful to Jason. His 30-year journey from intern to Chief Supply Chain Officer reflects the commitment and character that define this company. He leaves a supply chain that is stronger, more capable, and better positioned than ever.”