The Hershey Company Named to the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index

HERSHEY, Pa., October 18, 2012 /3BL Media/ - The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced that it has been selected to the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI). Hershey is one of seven North American companies from the Food & Beverage category in this year’s index and one of only 17 companies added in 2012. This is Hershey’s first appearance in the prestigious DJSI Index.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) are determined by SAM (Sustainable Asset Management), in partnership with the S&P and Dow Jones Indices. They are the first global sustainability benchmarks that track the financial performance and sustainable business practices of the world's leading companies using economic, environmental and social criteria. DJSI North America launched in September 2005 and represents the top 20 percent of the 600 largest companies in the North America Dow Jones Global Total Stock Market. More information on the DJSI is available at: http://www.sustainability-indexes.com/.

“Hershey has a rich heritage of ‘doing well by doing good’ that traces back to our founder, Milton Hershey,” said Terence O’Day, Senior Vice President, Global Operations at The Hershey Company.  “Our commitment to operating our business in a socially responsible manner while bringing goodness to the world is yielding tangible results and helps support and advance our growing global business.” 

Hershey’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as well as its long-standing positive business practices contributed to its addition to Dow Jones’ list of best-in-class sustainable companies. The company’s heritage of engaging with consumers and communities began with the company’s founding more than 100 years ago. Milton Hershey established essential principles for the conduct of business which are relevant today and form the basis of the company’s values: quality products, fairness, giving back to communities, and being a good steward of the land and its resources. 

Today, the company executes a range of meaningful CSR programs and initiatives based on a four pillar framework: Environment, Marketplace, Workplace and Community.  

About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and approximately 14,000 employees. With revenues of more than $6 billion, Hershey offers confectionery products under more than 80 brand names, including such iconic brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Hershey's Bliss, Hershey's Special Dark, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers.  Hershey also offers premium and artisan chocolate products under such brands as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba through the Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary.  The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets such as China and Mexico while continuing to build its competitive advantage in the United States and Canada.

For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live, work and do business. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of the company’s global business strategy, which includes goals and priorities focused on fair and ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship, fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively impacting society and local communities. Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and administered by Hershey Trust Company, provides a quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.

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