Hershey’s Kisses chocolates are distinct because of their unique shape and each one is delicately wrapped to make them perfect for sharing them with loved ones. The Hershey’s Kisses range in India is the result of intensive research and development (R&D) and consumer testing to develop the right taste profile for discerning Indian consumers who seek premium chocolate.
Commenting on the launch, Michele Buck, president and chief executive officer, The Hershey Company, said, “The Hershey Company has a rich chocolate heritage and we have built our expertise over the past 125 years. Hershey’s Kisses is one of our most iconic chocolate treats and a symbol of how our company has spread its goodness around the world.”
Also commenting on the India launch, Steven Schiller, president, international, The Hershey Company, said, “There is a lot of potential for The Hershey Company in India. This market is an important part of our international growth model. The Hershey’s brand has been leading our India growth and Hershey’s Kisses is a wonderful way to continue that growth by tapping into the growing chocolate segment.”
Speaking about the product launch and the brand’s future plans, Herjit Bhalla, managing director, Hershey India said, “We are delighted that consumers are increasingly loving the Hershey’s range of products – be it Hershey’s syrups, spreads, milkshakes or cocoa powder.”
“I am very excited about Hershey’s strategic entry into the large chocolate category with Hershey’s Kisses. We know from our intensive consumer testing and product development that Indian consumers will love Hershey’s Kisses, and I am sure Hershey’s will now spread smiles and happiness to many more homes,” he added.
Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolate will be available at an attractive price point of Rs 50 for the small pack of 36g. A larger, take-home pack will be priced at Rs 140 for 108g. During the first phase of this launch, Hershey’s Kisses will be available only in South India. It will be available in modern trade, large general trade and on e-commerce websites in South India.
The journey of the Hershey’s brand in India started a decade ago with the introduction of the Hershey’s chocolate syrup. Today, Hershey’s range of products are loved by families across the country. Hershey’s is a clear market leader in chocolate syrups and cocoa powder.
More than two years ago, Hershey’s launched delightful products in milkshakes and chocolate spreads that were immediately embraced by consumers. In 2018, Hershey’s is the number two brand in chocolate spreads and the number three brand in milkshakes only two years after launch.
Today, Hershey’s products are being enjoyed across food occasions, be it with milk, at breakfast, in the school tiffin box or as snacks, beverages or desserts. The launch of Hershey’s Kisses should further fuel the growth of the Hershey’s brand in this country.
The Hershey Company brings almost 125 years of chocolate-making experience to the launch of Hershey’s Kisses in India. Today, it is a Fortune 500 company with world-class manufacturing expertise and innovation capabilities to deliver great tasting chocolates. The company makes nearly 70 million Hershey’s Kisses every day that are sold in nearly 60 countries.
