Manufacturing is the next big step in coming closer to having a piece of chocolate. Once the cocoa beans have reached the Hershey’s Company, they are ready to be made into cocoa butter and chocolate.
The first steps are testing, cleaning and roasting. The cocoa beans are tested for any defects like insects and mold. After they have done this, they make the cocoa beans into chocolate liquor. This is so the company can test the flavor and the smell. Once the Hershey’s company decides they like the liquor, the factory will clean the beans to remove any gross substances and bacteria (“ecolechocolat”).
After they clean them, they’ll be put into a huge roaster for about 35 minutes where the shell of the cocoa bean separates from the bean kernel. This is called the fanning process. Once they are roasted, they’ll do the next step which is winnowing. This process involves the beans being placed into a current of air so that excess nibs are removed from the bean (“ecolechocolat”).
Then, these nibs are then crushed to make a liquid cocoa butter. They are crushed between large, heavy steel discs that melt the fat inside the cocoa butter to create the actual chocolate liquor. One of the last steps to finally get to the molding process is conching. This process is where the sweet, chocolatey flavor develops. The conch machine rotates the chocolate liquor (with the other ingredients) for maybe hours or days until that bitter taste is gone (“ecolechocolat”).
Finally the last part, molding the chocolate. The chocolate liquor is tempered and cooled until it’s molded however the Hershey’s company wants or it might go through another process to get any added caramel or peanut butter inside(“ecolechocolat”).
Although it may seem like manufacturing chocolate might have harmful disadvantages to the environment, Hershey’s is actually a very eco-safe company.According to the article, “Hershey Converts Two More Plants to Zero Waste to Landfill,” Hershey had stated that 11 factories in North America no longer routine dispose waste in to landfills (“The Hershey Company, 2014”). In 1937, Milton Hershey started the companies first recycling center in PA. To further their efforts in keeping the environment safe, 4 of the 8 factories in North America added biogas-capturing equipment (“Hershey Converts Two More Plants to Zero Waste to Landfill, 2013”). Hershey is also adding things like more energy efficient lighting and they have recently reduced the weight of their packaging by 0.05 grams. This weight change equals about 271,800 pounds of wrappers that are saved in a year. They have also stated that cutting their paper usage, will save1,957 trees. With all this energy saving and environmental friendly equipment, Hershey’s goal is to achieve 100% sustainable cocoa in all their chocolate(“The Hershey Company”, 35). All these contributions will make other companies want to follow the more sustainable route and hopefully become as successful and as loved as the Hershey company.
FAQs
Yes! Our history in the town goes back more than 100 years, and we are committed to continue making the world's best chocolate products right here in Hershey, Pennsylvania. In fact, the company has created one of the world's largest, most advanced chocolate facilities in Hershey.
Does the Hershey family still own Hershey? ›
The Hershey Company was founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1894 as the Hershey Chocolate Company, originally established as a subsidiary of his Lancaster Caramel Company. The Hershey Trust Company owns a minority stake but retains a majority of the voting power within the company.
How much of Hershey chocolate is made in Mexico? ›
While Hershey does indeed own plants in Mexico the vast majority of their products are American made. The main line such as Hershey Bars and Kisses are still made in Chocolate Town. In fact they just built a new factory a few years ago. Also all Resses products are made in a separate plant on 322.
What is the secret ingredient in Hershey's chocolate? ›
Butyric Acid gives Hershey's chocolate its unique flavour. Soured milk. Milton Hershey liked the taste of the soured milk when he was having chemist come up with a recipe for milk chocolate for him. It was an accident, but he liked it, and thus most of US chocolate taste like sour milk.
Does Hershey own M&M? ›
M&M's are the flagship product of the Mars Wrigley Confectionery division of Mars, Incorporated.
Why is Hershey Chocolate World closing? ›
HERSHEY, Pa. (WHTM) — A beloved film and a Chocolate World staple is closing on Labor Day to make room for a new experience for the attraction's 50th anniversary. According to a release, the 4D Chocolate Movie will be closing on Labor Day to make room for a bigger experience in 2023.
Why are there so many chocolate factories in Pennsylvania? ›
Chocolate making became dominant in Central Pennsylvania because of its thriving dairy industry noted for its sweet-tasting milk (which Milton Hershey discovered turned bitter-tasting pure chocolate into the tasty milk chocolate that is universally enjoyed today).
Does Hershey own Reese's? ›
REESE'S Candy is made by The Hershey Company. In 1956, H.B. Reese's six sons took over the family business and later sold it to The Hershey Company in 1963. Which REESE'S Candies are vegan? REESE'S Plant Based Oat Chocolate Confection & Peanut Butter Candy Bars are vegan.
Who owns most of Hershey? ›
Approximately 62.90% of the company's stock is owned by Institutional Investors, 2.74% is owned by Insiders and 34.36% is owned by Public Companies and Individual Investors. The ownership structure of The Hershey Company (HSY) stock is a mix of institutional, retail and individual investors.
Who inherited Hershey's fortune? ›
1918. Following Catherine's death, Milton gifted the Hershey School Trust with his entire fortune. The School Trust provides for the well-being of Milton's community.
The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) is the most popular brand in America for chocolate confectionery, having more than 33% share of the entire chocolate market in the country.
Are any Hershey products made in the USA? ›
In addition to our corporate offices, two manufacturing plants are located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. West Hershey plant opened in 2012 and produces more than 70 million Hershey's Kisses Milk Chocolates a day!
Why is Hershey's chocolate so expensive? ›
The main reason for the spike — extreme weather. Torrential rains in the West African countries where most of the world's cocoa is grown have resulted in a production shortfall going on its third straight year.
How is Hershey chocolate harvested? ›
It takes 45 beans to make one HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Bar. When harvested, the cacao fruit, or pod, is cut open to reveal the seeds and pulp. The seeds dry and ferment for about a week and a half to become cacao beans. The rich chocolate flavor only emerges after the beans have been fermented and roasted.
Why does Hershey's chocolate taste different? ›
In the case of Hershey's chocolate, butyric acid is added as a flavouring agent to create the distinctive taste and aroma that many people associate with the brand. Butyric acid is one of the key ingredients in the milk chocolate flavouring used by Hershey's, along with other natural and artificial flavours.
Where does Hershey get their raw materials? ›
Our sugar cane supply is mainly sourced from the U.S., Mexico and Brazil, although we source from other countries as well such as Belize and India.
