Milton Hershey was the first American to develop a formula for manufacturing milk chocolate, introducing the molded milk chocolate bar we know today in 1900. It was affordable, tasted good and remained fresh for a long time. No wonder it was an immediate sensation!

Applying the concepts of mass production so successful in other industries, Hershey limited his production to only a few items in order to keep the cost of producing each as low as possible. In 1907, the company added HERSHEY’S KISSES Chocolates to its product line and followed up a year later with Hershey’s milk chocolate bar with almonds. Hershey packaged his candy to sell in grocery stores, newsstands and vending machines.