HERSHEY, Pa., Jan. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) announced it is launchingHershey's™ Spreads, a new line of chocolate spreads. Inspired byHershey's®pure chocolate flavor, the creamy, rich spreads will be available in three varieties: Chocolate, Chocolate with Almond and Chocolate with Hazelnut.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140115/DC46659-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140115/DC46659-b)

Dating back to 1894, The Hershey Company has a legacy of creating chocolate experiences, from the iconicHershey's®Milk Chocolate Bar toHershey's®Syrup andHershey's®Cocoa.Hershey'sSpreads will continue this legacy with the introduction of chocolate spreads that can turn any food into a unique chocolate snacking experience.Hershey'sSpreads deliver genuineHershey's® chocolate flavor to any food, anytime, anywhere.

"The average American snacks more than two times a day and what better way to transform everyday snacks into delicious treats, than with the genuine chocolate flavor that only Hershey can deliver," said Anna Lingeris, spokesperson, The Hershey Company. "We have been delivering genuine chocolate experiences in a variety of forms for 120 years and our legacy as the leader in chocolate continues withHershey'sSpreads."

Hershey'sSpreads will make everything delicious through seemingly endless pairing possibilities. Whether pairing with traditional selections such as graham crackers, strawberries or bananas, or more adventurous pairings like celery, pineapple or pickles,Hershey'sSpreads is the ultimate snack enhancer.

Hershey'sSpreads are now available nationwide at food, mass, drug and convenience stores and will be offered in 13oz jars that retail for $3.79. The new product will be supported by a robust integrated marketing campaign that began in the fourth quarter of 2013 and will continue through 2014.

For more information, including pairing ideas and recipes, please visit http://www.hersheys.com/Spreads. and join the conversation using #SpreadPossibilities.

About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and approximately 14,000 employees.

With revenues of more than $6.6 billion, Hershey offers confectionery products under more than 80 brand names, including such iconic brands asHershey's,Reese's,Hershey's Kisses,Hershey's Bliss,Hershey's Special Dark,Kit Kat,Twizzlers,Jolly RancherandIce Breakers. The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets such as China, Mexico and Brazil while continuing to build its competitive advantage in the United States and Canada.

For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live, work and do business. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of the company's global business strategy, which includes goals and priorities focused on fair and ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship, fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively impacting society and local communities. Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and funded by a trust administered by Hershey Trust Company, provides a quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.

SOURCE The Hershey Company

distributed by