Hershey Foods (HSY)

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Our results for the year ended December 31, 2009 demonstrated excellent progress in a difficult economic environment. We exceeded net sales targets, while implementing price increases and operational efficiency improvements necessary to offset significant increases in input and employee benefits costs. We have essentially completed the global supply chain transformation program and have achieved our objectives. We increased advertising investment in our core brands in North America and in certain of our key international markets, while also achieving strong growth in adjusted earnings per share-diluted. We generated strong cash flow from operations and our financial position remains solid.

Net sales increased 3.2%, which was within our long-term growth target. The increase was driven by price realization, as sales volumes declined at less than expected rates due to pricing elasticity. Earnings per share growth exceeded our long-term objective and our North American market share increased during the year.

Our financial results and marketplace performance for the year indicate that our consumer-driven approach to core brand investment along with necessary pricing actions enable us to continue to meet our long-term financial goals. Our efforts will remain focused toward implementing our major strategic initiatives to deliver sustainable long-term growth in the evolving marketplace.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Our results for the year ended December 31, 2008 were in line with our expectations and reflect the progress we are making toward implementing our major strategic initiatives. Net sales grew at an annual rate of 3.8%. Marketplace performance improved in response to our continued investment in our core brands. We are investing to strengthen our position in the chocolate and confectionery markets in which we compete and build on our marketplace results.

The net sales increase was driven by favorable price realization, improved U.S. marketplace performance for our products, and sales gains from our international businesses, offset somewhat by reduced sales volume in the United States. Incremental sales from the full-year results of Godrej Hershey Ltd. also contributed to the net sales increase, as results for 2007 only included the seven months subsequent to the acquisition of the business. Net income and earnings per share-diluted increased substantially compared with 2007 due to lower costs resulting from our business realignment initiatives.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

The year ended December 31, 2007 was very difficult. We experienced sharp increases in the cost of commodities, particularly costs for dairy products. These cost increases totaled approximately $100 million and reduced gross margin by approximately 240 basis points. We also experienced increased competitive activity and changing consumer trends toward premium and trade-up product segments that affected our growth and profitability. In the face of these challenges, we did not have adequate product innovation and sufficient brand support or retail execution in our core U.S. market. Additionally, we continued to invest in key international markets.

Net sales were even with the prior year as increased sales from our international businesses and incremental sales from the acquisition of the Godrej Hershey Foods and Beverages Company were substantially offset by lower sales in the United States. Net sales declined in the United States primarily as a result of increased competitive activity and reduced retail velocity. Income and earnings per share were significantly lower than 2006 primarily as a result of a lower gross margin reflecting substantially higher input costs, principally related to higher costs for dairy products and certain other raw materials, and reduced price realization resulting from increased promotional costs, partly offset by lower costs associated with our supply chain productivity improvements. Increased investment spending for advertising and expansion of our international infrastructure also contributed to the lower income in 2007.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

We concluded a difficult year in 2006. Following a strong first half, we experienced a slow-down in retail performance resulting from a shift from limited edition line extensions to more sustainable new product platforms which took longer than expected. In addition, our base business sales were negatively impacted in the second half of the year by poor merchandising activity. Results for 2006, excluding items affecting comparability as indicated below, fell short of our long-term goals and were below expectations.

Net sales were impacted by slower retail takeaway and a decline in market share during the second half of the year, primarily in our North American chocolate business. Income per share-diluted was impacted by the lower than expected sales growth, increased costs for product obsolescence associated with the shift to new product platforms and increased expenses for advertising and consumer programs during the fourth quarter to regain marketplace momentum. A product recall and temporary plant closure in Canada also negatively impacted our results for the year. We plan to accelerate growth in 2007 by focusing on increasing sales of our core confectionery products, revitalizing our iconic brands through increased advertising and increased consumer and customer support, and by expanding our innovative new product platforms based on consumer preferences.