When you unwrap a Hershey’s Kiss or drop a S’more into the campfire, you are participating in a tradition that stretches back more than a century. The question of when was Hershey made is not just about a date on a calendar, but the story of how a single vision to bring affordable sweetness to the masses created an enduring American icon.
The Birth of a Chocolate Empire
To understand the timeline, one must look to the man behind the name: Milton S. Hershey. After previous ventures in the candy business, Hershey established the Lancaster Caramel Company in the late 1880s. Recognizing the potential of chocolate, he sold the caramel company in 1900 for approximately $1 million to focus exclusively on chocolate production.
The Move to Pennsylvania
Hershey chose a plot of land in Derry Township, Pennsylvania, to build his new factory. This rural area offered access to dairy farms and transportation via the newly built Pennsylvania Railroad. Construction began shortly after the sale of his caramel company, marking the physical genesis of what would become a massive industrial operation dedicated to producing chocolate.
Key Dates in the Timeline
The specific milestones in the company’s history help answer the "when" with precision. The following table outlines the critical years in the early development of the company:
The First Products and Production
Production officially began in the mid-1900s, with the factory refining its processes to mass-produce milk chocolate. Unlike European manufacturers who primarily produced dark chocolate, Hershey’s focused on making chocolate accessible. This meant developing a unique "sweet" formula that used more sugar and milk, creating a distinct taste profile that appealed to the American palate.
Innovation and the Birth of the Kiss
While the factory was running, the specific product that defines the brand emerged in 1907. The Hershey’s Kiss was born, named for the sound the machine made as the chocolate was deposited onto the conveyor. The automatic wrapping machine, introduced a few years later, ensured that the candy remained fresh and hygienic, revolutionizing how chocolate was sold.
Growth Through the Modern Era
The company we recognize today solidified its presence throughout the 20th century. During World War II, the bars were included in soldiers' rations because they provided quick energy and a taste of home. This period cemented Hershey’s status not just as a candy maker, but as a vital part of the American experience, ensuring that the answer to when was Hershey made is rooted in the early 1900s with a legacy that continues to this day.
