March 16 (Reuters) – Hershey said on Monday it would unify its U.S. businesses, bringing its sweet, salty and protein portfolios under a single roof, as the chocolate maker looks to simplify operations.
Other major packaged‑food makers, including Nestle and Campbell’s, have also recently pursued similar streamlining efforts across their businesses.
* It is the first time the maker of Reese’s and SkinnyPophas consolidated brand marketing, category strategy and consumerinsights across its U.S. businesses. * Hershey has been navigating higher costs, linked to cocoaand sugar, by selectively raising prices, altering packaging,even as it battles sluggish consumer spending on indulgentconfectionary products. * The company said the new model aims to scale thecommercial strengths of its confectionery brands at par with itssalty and protein offerings. * Effective immediately, Hershey U.S. President AndrewArchambault will take on an expanded role, overseeing the entiredomestic portfolio, including commercial planning, customerrelationships and retail execution; Nitin Jain will join aschief strategy and transformation officer and report directly tothe CEO. * In August last year, former Wendy’s chief Kirk Tanner tookthe helm at Hershey, replacing Michele Buck, who was the CEO foreight years.
(Reporting by Savyata Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
About the Author
