The story of Hershey Chocolate began in the late 19th century with Milton S. Hershey, a man whose name would become synonymous with chocolate. Born in 1857 in rural Pennsylvania, Hershey's early ventures into the candy business were fraught with failures. However, his persistence paid off when he found success with the Lancaster Caramel Company, producing high-quality caramels that were sold internationally.
In 1893, Hershey attended the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where he was captivated by an exhibit of German chocolate-making machinery. Seeing the potential for chocolate in America, he sold the caramel business and invested in these machines, establishing the Hershey Chocolate Company in 1894. His vision was to create a mass-market milk chocolate that was affordable for everyone, not just the wealthy.
By 1900, Hershey had perfected his milk chocolate recipe and introduced the iconic Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar. The success of this product allowed him to build a factory in his hometown of Derry Church, Pennsylvania, which was later renamed Hershey in his honor. Hershey’s innovative approach to production and his commitment to quality made his chocolate bars a household staple.
Hershey’s vision extended beyond just chocolate. He aimed to create a model community for his workers, complete with comfortable homes, schools, parks, and recreational facilities. This vision materialized in the form of Hershey, Pennsylvania, a town often referred to as "The Sweetest Place on Earth." The town embodied Hershey's belief in providing a good quality of life for his employees and their families.
One of Hershey's most significant contributions to the world of confectionery came in 1928 when H.B. Reese, a former dairy farmer and employee of Hershey’s, invented the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter was an instant hit. Hershey acquired the H.B. Reese Candy Company in 1963, and Reese’s became a flagship product under the Hershey brand. In recent years, the Reese’s brand has continued to innovate, delighting fans with new variations like the "Reese's Stuff Your Cup," where customers can customize their cups with different fillings. Getting to design my own Reese's Cup felt like stepping into Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, a magical experience that brought my childhood dreams to life as I created a personalized treat exactly to my taste.
As Hershey's chocolate products grew in popularity, so did the need for an immersive experience where fans could learn about the company’s history and witness the magic of chocolate making. This led to the creation of Hershey's Chocolate World, which opened in 1973. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Chocolate World is a sprawling visitor center that offers a variety of attractions. Visiting Chocolate World felt like entering a chocolate lover's paradise. I took a tour of a simulated chocolate factory, participated in interactive exhibits, created my own candy bars, and enjoyed an array of Hershey’s treats.
Hershey's Chocolate World has become a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers from around the globe, blending the rich history of the Hershey Company with modern, interactive experiences that celebrate the joy of chocolate. Through innovation, dedication, and a passion for quality, Milton S. Hershey's legacy continues to thrive, delighting generations of chocolate enthusiasts, including me, who will always treasure the sweet memories of Hershey's Chocolate World.