HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Chocolates, a little product with a big future, were first introduced in 1907. While it's not known exactly how KISSES got their name, it is a popular theory that the candy was named for the sound or motion of the chocolate being deposited during the manufacturing process.
The basic concept of the present-day wrapping machines for HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Chocolates dates back to a single channel wrapper developed in August 1921. The familiar KISSES flag was added to the product at this time. Before these automated wrapping machines, KISSES were individually hand-wrapped. Today's wrapping machines can wrap up to 1,300 KISSES a minute!
Milton S. Hershey, the corporation's founder, obtained a registered trademark for the plume extending out of the wrapper in 1924.
While the shape of HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Chocolates have not changed, there were a few variations produced between 1909 and 1931. These utilized different chocolate formulas which were offered in addition to the standard HERSHEY'S milk chocolate flavor. Names familiar to some long-time chocolate lovers include: Sweethearts (1900 to 1918), Silver Tops (1909 to 1931), and Silverpoints (1918 to 1929). These products have not been produced since 1931.
The production of HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Chocolates has been interrupted only once since its inception in 1907. The bite-size chocolates were not produced from 1942 to 1949 due to the rationing of silver foil during and after World War II. During the war, the ingredient mixing units in the KISSES molding department were utilized for tempering military ration bar chocolate paste. It is estimated that paste for more than 3 billion ration units was produced during this period.
HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Chocolates were wrapped in colored foil (other than silver) for the first time in 1962. Red, green and silver KISSES were available during the Christmas season in addition to the year-round silver-wrapped ones. Today, KISSES are "dressed-up" for a number of seasonal occasions. In 1968, KISSES were introduced in pastel blue, pink and green foil for the Easter holiday. Hershey also introduced Valentine's KISSES with red and silver foil in 1986 and Fall Harvest KISSES in 1991.
A registered trademark for the configuration of HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Chocolates with their familiar foil wrap was obtained in 1976.
In September 1990, there was a major addition to the HERSHEY'S KISSES franchise when KISSES Brand Chocolates with Almonds were successfully introduced. In 1993, Hershey introduced HERSHEY'S HUGS Chocolates, HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand MINI KISSES hugged by white chocolate.
Hershey has responded to consumers' interest in variety. In 2002, the first HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Chocolates Limited Editions were offered. Limited Editions are changed every year and have included such flavors as extra creamy chocolate, double fudge and strawberry crème.
In June 2003, HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Rich Dark Chocolates were launched as a permanent addition to the family. The luscious rich dark chocolate creates a wonderful experience for dark chocolate lovers. In February 2004, the KISSES brand combined the #1 and #2 confectionery ingredients and introduced KISSES Brand Chocolate filled with Caramel to its permanent collection. The creamy caramel and smooth milk chocolate create a taste combination you'll want to experience again and again!
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