Hershey Completes Acquisition of LesserEvil, Expanding Consumer Choice

Rhea-AI Summary

The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) completed its acquisition of LesserEvil on November 19, 2025, adding a high-growth, better-for-you snack brand to its portfolio.

LesserEvil brings organic popcorn and puffs that are USDA Organic, non-GMO, and made without artificial dyes or preservatives, plus additional manufacturing capacity. The deal is positioned to broaden Hershey's salty-snack and better-for-you offerings and complements brands like SkinnyPop and Pirate's Booty; the company's salty portfolio grew 1.5x in 2024.

LesserEvil leadership will remain in place to continue product quality, speed-to-market, and manufacturing operations; products remain available at major retailers and pricing is set by retailers.

Positive

• Adds a high-growth better-for-you snack brand
• Provides additional manufacturing capacity
• Strengthens salty-snack portfolio that grew 1.5x in 2024

Negative

• None.

Insights

Consumer Packaged Goods Strategist

Hershey closed the acquisition of LesserEvil to expand better-for-you and salty snack offerings, adding brand and capacity.

Hershey broadens its portfolio by adding LesserEvil, a USDA Organic, non-GMO snack maker known for popcorn and puffs made with premium ingredients; the deal reportedly brings incremental manufacturing capacity and complements existing salty brands like SkinnyPop and Pirate's Booty.

The main dependencies are integration of operations and preserving product quality and brand positioning; the announcement states LesserEvil leadership will remain and production will continue with the same organic ingredients, which reduces execution risk. Watch near-term measures of distribution gains at major retailers and any statements on capacity utilization or product roadmaps across the next 12–24 months, and note the cited metric that the salty portfolio grew "1.5 times faster than the previous three years" in 2024.

Acquisition Broadens Better-For-You Offerings and Salty Snacking Portfolio

HERSHEY, Pa., Nov. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hershey Company has closed its acquisition of LesserEvil, the maker of organic, delectable snacks that combine bold flavors with better-for-you ingredients. This acquisition expands the variety of snacking choices Hershey can offer consumers, adding a high-growth brand that complements the company's existing portfolio and brings additional manufacturing capacity.

"The addition of LesserEvil expands our portfolio of loved brands to meet growing consumer needs and occasions," said Kirk Tanner, President and CEO, The Hershey Company. "Through strategic investments and product innovation, we're delivering more of what consumers want in their lives—from better-for-you options to indulgent treats. Building on our 130-year legacy, we're charting the next generation of growth to lead the future of snacking."

"At LesserEvil, our mission has always been to create delicious, organic snacks that inspire mindful snacking," said Charles Cortistine, Chief Executive Officer, LesserEvil. "We're excited to join Hershey, a company aligned with our values and our commitment to quality and community. This partnership will empower us to grow our vibrant culture, expand our reach to new consumers, and make an even greater impact together."

What is LesserEvil?
LesserEvil is a cross-category snack brand known for its use of organic ingredients and interesting, bold flavors. Its product line includes organic popcorn and puffs crafted with premium ingredients, including organic, unrefined, extra virgin oils. Its snacks are categorized as USDA Organic and non-GMO and are produced without artificial dyes and preservatives.

Why is LesserEvil a strategic fit for The Hershey Company's portfolio?
LesserEvil complements Hershey's long-established confection brands like Hershey's, Reese's, and Jolly Ranchers, as well as its growing salty snack brands, including SkinnyPop, Dot'sHomestyle Pretzels, and Pirate's Booty. Specifically, the growing salty portfolio showcases the company's strategic discipline in selecting investments that offer newness and generate excitement in categories with untapped potential. In 2024, the salty portfolio grew 1.5 times faster than the previous three years.

How does this acquisition meet consumer demand?
Consumers are at the center of Hershey's portfolio strategy. Their desire for more choices, better-for-you snacking, and bold flavors continues to inform the company's growth approach.

How will the acquisition impact LesserEvil leadership and products?
The LesserEvil leadership team will remain with the company to continue to drive its innovative commercial model, speed-to-market capabilities, and manufacturing operations. The combined teams will focus on delivering category-leading growth and provide elevated category insights to deliver the right products, in the right places, and at the right time for consumers. The acquisition will also prioritize the continued production of LesserEvil products with the same high-quality organic ingredients consumers have come to love and trust.

Where can I buy LesserEvil products?
LesserEvil products are available at major retailers nationwide.

How much do LesserEvil products cost?
Pricing is at the sole discretion of the retailer. 

About The Hershey Company 
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is an industry-leading snacks company with a purpose to make more moments of goodness through its iconic brands. With more than 20,000 remarkable employees worldwide, Hershey delivers delicious, high-quality products across approximately 70 countries, generating over $11.2 billion in annual revenues. The company's portfolio includes beloved chocolate and confectionery brands such as Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Kit Kat®, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers, Shaq-a-licious alongside popular salty snacks including SkinnyPop and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels.

For more than 130 years, Hershey has been committed to operating responsibly and supporting its people and communities. The candy and snack maker's founder, Milton Hershey, created Milton Hershey School in 1909, and since then, the company has focused on helping children succeed through access to education.

To learn more visit www.thehersheycompany.com.

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SOURCE The Hershey Company

FAQ

When did Hershey (HSY) complete the acquisition of LesserEvil?

Hershey completed the acquisition on November 19, 2025.

What products and certifications does LesserEvil bring to HSY?

LesserEvil offers organic popcorn and puffs that are USDA Organic, non-GMO, and free of artificial dyes and preservatives.

How does the LesserEvil deal affect Hershey's salty-snack strategy (HSY)?

The acquisition expands Hershey's salty-snack lineup and complements brands such as SkinnyPop and Pirate's Booty; the salty portfolio grew 1.5x in 2024.

Will LesserEvil leadership stay after the HSY acquisition?

Yes. LesserEvil's leadership team will remain to continue commercial, speed-to-market, and manufacturing operations.

Were financial terms disclosed for HSY's purchase of LesserEvil?

No purchase price or financial terms were disclosed in the announcement.

Where can consumers buy LesserEvil products after the HSY acquisition?

LesserEvil products remain available at major retailers nationwide; pricing is set by retailers.