Christopher Doering

With demand falling from its 2011 peak, Hershey, Mars Wrigley and other companies are turning to unique flavors, ingredients and formats to boost consumption.

The beer giant will no longer use a scoring system by the Human Rights Campaign or other similar rankings to set its diversity, equity and inclusion goals.

The Reese's maker said Michael Del Pozzo “brings a wealth of experience,” noting his role in transforming Gatorade from a sports drink into a fitness brand.

The new beverage line is expected to launch in the fourth quarter and be available nationwide in early 2025. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Launched in partnership with basketball star Shaquille O’Neal, the new snack taps into the growing popularity of the soft candy, particularly among younger consumers.

Still, Mark Clouse expressed confidence in the company’s existing business and said any separation of snacks from meals and beverages, if it occurred, wasn’t imminent.

Mark Clouse expressed confidence in the company’s existing business and said a potential separation of its snacks business from its meals and beverages wasn’t imminent.

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The product will compete in a segment with almost $3 billion in sales and help the CPG giant take advantage of consumer interest in shelf-stable and frozen versions of the food.

The initial tranche of products will include the sweet giant’s Bubble Yum, Jolly Rancher, Hershey's Milk Chocolate and Reese's brands.